T&A, December 2009

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December 2009

The magazine for the tyre and wheel industries

Tyres & Accessories December 2009 www.conti-online.co.uk

When you really need to stop.

Full stop.

www.tyrepress.com

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EDITORIAL

Bigger is Dumber n a recent speech given to the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), legendary tyre retail mogul Sir Tom Farmer warned would-be entrepreneurs against having simplistic, size orientated goals for their businesses. The Kwik-Fit Founder may have sold a 700-branch strong tyre retail chain to Ford for £1 billion in 2001, but for him size isn’t everything. He might not be Warren Buffet yet, but Scotland’s own oracle of Edinburgh had this sage advice: “bigger is dumber.”

PCG is apparently the biggest organisation representing freelancers in Europe, so it sounds like Sir Tom was preaching to the choir with his message of the importance of building businesses on a core group of key employees, and then outsourcing the rest. However, as virtually all the global tyre manufacturers are now demonstrating in their collective quest to make an increasing amount of high-performance tyres in low-cost countries with less human intervention, full-time employees are expensive and an inevitably long-term investment. And, as most national tyre retail chains will concede, running large networks such as theirs is a similarly complicated business.

Sir Tom’s words have a particular resonance for the tyre industry at large, and the UK business specifically, which is still built on a high proportion of family and independently run businesses. In fact, this issue of Tyres & Accessories highlights a few examples of this in this very issue. Take Sheffield-based Hawley’s Tyres, for example, the company may currently only have five branches at locations in the 50 miles around its hometown, but it does a tidy retail and inter-branch wholesale business and next year will celebrate its centenary (see UK section for more). Then there are the rapid advances of Bridgestone (in the last five years) and Hankook (particularly this year) in the truck tyre business, both running business models which centre on partnerships with independent truck tyre businesses (see UK and Review of the Year sections respectively for more). But with many local, national and international businesses wanting to aim for the stars – something for which they should be applauded considering the straightened times we live in – what’s the answer? Rightsizing, rationalisation, common sense, whatever you call it.

Sir Tom Farmer’s comments come from experience, by the time he sold Kwik-Fit, the business had become one of the world's largest automotive service companies with more than 12,500 people working in around 2,300 outlets across Europe. "Even in the large organisation we became, there was no way that we could justify having every talent we required 52 weeks a year day in and day out," he explains, adding that he initially resisted taking help from freelancers and consultants: "I always thought how can they do a job for me? After all, nobody knows the job better than I know it…We found out we weren't as experienced as we thought we were in certain areas of our business, including financial controls and, fortunately, we were not afraid to admit we didn't have the talent or the ability or the training or the skills or the experience to run a business the size that it had become.”

Nowadays Sir Tom advocates building a strong team of central players, who know when to call in outside support. However, there are limits: “Customer service, the human relationship that is such a vital part of any business, I would never have outsourced.” Which brings us back to square one. Finding the right people.

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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December 2009

Contents

40 Features

News • Editorial Bigger is Dumber

3

• News in Brief

6

• NTDA News

12

Dunlop Signs Safety Charter UK Motorists - Amongst the Worst Bridgstone Posts Loss

50 51 52

• International Tyre Market

• UK Tyre Market Hawleys is the Uk’s Oldest Tyre Dealer 14 Successful Debut For Question Time 19 Michelin Backs Eco-friendly Engine 24

• Company News Goodyear Reports Q3 Improvement 49

63

Hankook Now ’Number 6 in Europe’ 40 In From the Cold 45

• Compounds & Rubber

Guangong Greatoo Increases Presence 62 Pirelli Announces Further Investment 63 Australia Sets Out Recycling Framework64 US Tyre Shipments to Drop 13% 68

Goodyear Delivers BioIsoprene Tyre Lanxess Plans for Growth in Asia

88 89 70

70

54 56

• Garage Consumables Wegmann Grows in Down Market Snap-On Releases F1 Toolbox

• Product Information Goodyear UrbanMax Pirelli Diablo Rossa Corsa Pirelli Returns to its Roots

• Looking Back, Looking Forward

72 78

• Wheel Balancers Pro-Align Explains SmartWeight Benefits82

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92 Web Directory – 95 Classifieds – 98 Advertisers’ Index – 99 Preview – 99 Impressum

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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NEXEN TYRE

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEXEN RANGE CALL

0870 60 54321 www.stapletons-tyres.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ex-Conti CEO Neumann Takes on VW Role On December 1 Karl-Thomas Neumann, former chief executive of Continental AG, will start in a new role with Volkswagen. Neumann will take on the newly created role of group chief officer for electric traction, and in this position will report directly to VW CEO Martin Winterkorn.

This is not the first time that Neumann, who left Conti in August, has worked with the carmaker – he held various positions within the Volkswagen’s electronics operation between 1999 and 2004. sg

Pirelli Plans to Shut UK FinalSalary Pensions: Reports Reports from multiple news sources suggest that Pirelli is planning to shut its final-salary pension scheme in order to protect the company’s future. The closure would, according to the BBC, affect 743 staff members, all of whom would be eligible to join the defined contribution scheme open to new recruits to the manufacturer since 2001. Consultations with staff have begun, with a view to cancelling the scheme at the end of 2009.

The company has suggested that the “increasing age longevity of the pension population” has led to the need to protect companies from the cost implications of final-salary schemes. Morrisons, Barclays, IBM and Fujitsu are among the other large companies in the UK who have made similar adjustments to their pension schemes. akb

Toyo Proxes OE for Audi S6 Audi has chosen Toyo’s Proxes T1-AO as an original equipment fitment on its latest model S6. The tyre is supplied to the 5.2 litre V10 four wheel drive Audi in size 265/35 ZR 19 98Y in European, US and Asian markets. sg

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ATS Euromaster Offers Free Battery Checks ATS Euromaster are urging motorist to have their batteries checked (free of charge) at their local ATS centre, in readiness for the onset of late autumn and winter. According to the company, the fact that the clocks go back on Sunday 25 October normally heralds the start of car and van batteries being put under increased strain, owing to drivers requiring extended use of their headlights and heating system, whilst the colder temperatures at this time of year reduce battery performance.

Chris Hufflett, group operations director of ATS Euromaster, explained: “A good battery which has been well looked after should last at least five years, with batteries over seven years old being the most common cause of cars failing to start during the winter months.

In 2008 the Department for Transport claimed that the average age of a car in Great Britain was seven years, compared with 6.8 years in 2007 and 6.6 in 2003. With the decline in new car sales during the last 12 months, we expect the average age will have increased further, meaning a greater number of batteries are at risk of failing this winter.”

ATS Euromaster’s free battery checks are available at any of its fast-fit centres across England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and take around five minutes. cja

“Waste Crime Problem Increasing”: Peter Taylor The BBC has followed up its investigation into tyre dumping scams in North Wales on the Radio 4 consumer affairs programme, You and Yours including a statement from the secretary general of the Tyre Recovery Association, Peter Taylor. The segment was broadcast on 23 September and can be heard here on Auntie’s splendid iPlayer.

Responding to reports that “thousands of car tyres are being dumped in Wales” as part of a scam in which faux collectors undercut dealer disposal prices, Taylor said that “the problem is increasing in scale… It’s becoming more sophisticated.” While the UK reuses or reprocesses over 500,000 tonnes of tyres yearly, the vast majority of which is done by TRA members, some garages have been paying what appear to be genuine dealers to take away waste tyres. Taylor says that the “dealers” are “doing it rather cleverly” by pitching their prices “just below the market level.” It is, he concluded, “becoming rather a profitable ploy for them.”

In response, Liz Parks from the Environment Agency stated that a National Environmental Crime team had been set up to deal with problems such as those described by the report, and that it had yielded a “number of successful prosecutions recently. However, this was of small comfort to Maria Burt, who has been left with 20,000 illegally-stored waste tyres, after the scammers renting land from her escaped to Majorca. No solution was suggested for Burt, who is currently responsible for footing the Environment Agency’s £20,000 bill to remove the tyres. akb

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

NEWS IN BRIEF

Alcoa Wheels on Green Coca-Cola Truck Renault Trucks is making a test hybrid propulsion system vehicle for CocaCola Enterprises Belgium (CCEB). The

Renault’s new hybrid Coke truck will run on Alcoa wheels vehicle which will come fitted with Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels will “speed up development of the Renault Premium Distribution Hybrys Tech by having it used under actual operating conditions,” according to the company. Alcoa points out that its wheels are not only lighter and stronger than steel, but also easy to clean thanks to the Dura-Bright surface treatment. cja

Blackcircles.com Adds Online Car Servicing Blackcircles.com has gone the route of bricks and mortar retailers before it, by adding car servicing options to its online tyre portfolio. The move, made in conjunction with Unipart will allow motorists to book and pay for car servicing online to be carried out at its network of 1,200 independent garages.

According to Blackcircles.com the service will be up to 60 per cent cheaper than franchised dealerships.

Mike Welch, founder and managing director of Blackcircles.com, said: “We are moving into the vehicle servicing sector with the same innovative business model that has allowed Blackcircles.com to capture around £13 million of the UK tyre market.” cja

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Get Going With Falken Tire Falken Tire has launched a new slogan it says ‘personifies’ its mission – We get you going. This phrase, explains Falken in a press release, holds multiple meanings and purposes for the tyre maker: “Over the years, the company has made every effort to capture the essence of a valued product in a highly competitive market. Falken has consistently taken a leaps-forward approach in how it designs, produces, markets and sells its tyres.

The new slogan is intended to capture the company’s From the sophisticated tread and dynamic, competitive and ‘in-your-face’ flavour carcass designs, engineered in Japan, to the most important facet of sales: Customer Service.

“We get you going is what Falken stands for,” the release continues. “A dynamic, competitive, ‘in-your-face’ company that is ready to compete with any and all comers.” According to the company, this new slogan will quickly appear on all its literature, print advertising, corporate website and national commercials. sg

Federal Sends Mascot Around World for 2010 Calendar Feddi, the cheerful corporate mascot of Taiwanese tyre manufacturer Federal, has been preparing for the new year by readying himself for a variety of excursions to top tourist destinations depicted in the new 2010 Federal Calendar. The full-colour calendar highlights the World’s most visited attractions on a monthly basis. Feddi clearly wishes to fit in, since his outfits for circumnavigating the globe include several national costumes, showing – in his inimitable style – Federal’s desire to continue to strengthen its brand name worldwide.

Federal released a statement for the press on the occasion of the promotional gift’s launch: “Being the official mascot for Federal Tires, [Feddi’s] contagious smile and affability serve him well as Federal’s “Goodwill Tourism Ambassador” to venture into new horizons, guiding audiences to explore the world's most fascinating travel destinations in various views and landscapes. We’ve compiled a number of handpicked city icons across 12 countries alphabetically from places include Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, UK, and USA.” In addition to the glamorous shot of each location, Federal has inset a picture of one of its products, promoting its catalogue alongside the Feddi-led branding. The calendar will be allocated to Federal international distributors on a limited basis. akb

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

NEWS IN BRIEF

Cooper Offers Cash Back on New Tyres Cooper Tires has launched a ‘cashback’ promotion for the final two months of 2009, offering customers up to £50 when they buy two or four qualifying tyres. The offer applies to the Cooper Zeon 2XS and Cooper Zeon CS6 performance car tyres, as well as the new Cooper Zeon 4XS, Cooper Zeon XST and Cooper Zeon XST-A range of 4x4 tyres.

Consumers can Products in the Discoverer STT and Discoverer S/T 4x4 line-ups are also pocket up to £50 included. from the cashThe promotion, running from November 1 to December 31, will be back programme supported by national press advertising, point of sale materials and the website www.coopercashback.co.uk. Consumers then receive a cheque from Cooper Tire by sending in their completed claim form and a valid purchase receipt. Claim forms may be obtained from a Cooper dealer when tyres are purchased or downloaded Tyre diameter Set of 4 tyres Pair of tyres from the website. The amount of cash a customer receives back depends 16” £25.00 £10.00 upon the size and quantity of tyres 17” £40.00 £15.00 purchased: 18” – 24” £50.00 £20.00 In addition, a £5 voucher will be included for cashback recipients to give to friends and family towards the purchase of Cooper tyres for their vehicle.

“We’ve had really positive feedback from both our dealers and consumers on the ‘Take the Money and Drive’ programme in the US, and we’re happy to give consumers the opportunity to take advantage of savings on a wide range of Cooper tyres in the UK,” said Cooper Tire Europe managing director, Julian Baldwin. sg

Avon Tyres Names National Tyre Staff ‘Best of British’ Winners ational Tyre’s staff members Ted Midgley and Dan Taylor have been named as the winners of Avon Tyres’ Best of British promotional campaign. Dealers from across the UK were encouraged to display posters featuring the Aston Martin DBRS9 racing car from the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, and invited to enter a draw for the prizes. National Tyres’ Harrogate branch got the nod, and Midgley and Taylor presented with exclusive watches.

The campaign posters were designed to put British firms’ work in the spotlight – the DBRS9 racing car that competes in Avon’s flagship motor racing series was joined by a Triumph Thruxton motorcycle shod with the latest Avon Roadrider rubber. Other versions featured Morgan’s Aeromax model and the iconic Caterham Superlight R500, both of which are supplied on Avon tyres.

At the prize presentation, made by Avon Tyres’ UK National Accounts Manager James Steventon, winner Ted Midgley said, “We were exceptionally pleased to support the sale of Avon Tyres. They provide excellent value and are just what customers want.”

Steventon said, “The Best of British promotion has been a great success; we are really pleased with all the feedback Best of British winner, Dan Taylor of National Tyre shows off his we have received from all our dealers and people who took exclusive prize part.” akb

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Britannia Tyres Unveils Coventry Centre Makeover Britannia Tyres, part of Bridgestone’s First Stop tyre service network, has refurbished the reception of its Coventry Centre.

Following significant investment, the company says that the reception Don Anobile, Bridgestone key area gives custoaccount manager and Nick mers a modern, Evans, Britannia Tyres, comfortable enviCoventry centre manager ronment.

The group’s Nuneaton, Hinckley and Derby centres have just taken the top three places in First Stop’s Elite Business Development Programme, designed to help First Stop dealers deliver the highest possible levels of service. Centres are rated by mystery shoppers, monthly mystery phone calls and a detailed audit from a Business Development Manager.

Mike Rogocki, owner of Britannia’s Tyres said: “We have so many customers and we want to offer them all a premier service at every level. Not just when it comes to the expert attention we give their tyres, but also to the way they feel when they walk through the door. Our refurbished reception area shows that we care as much about them as their car.”

As a reward for their outstanding scores, Rogoki and Nuneaton depot manager Andrew Fairley were taken to Italy for a Ferrari factory tour. Two other members of the team were given high street vouchers and a Palmer Sport driving experience. Dan Woodward, retail marketing analyst for First Stop, described how rewarding the bestperforming teams strengthens the network as a whole: “Ultimately, when the centres have something to aim for, it can only lead to happier, more loyal customers. When we give our network a reason to go above and beyond in every aspect of their service, people will drive away from their local First Stop centre feeling that they’ve taken their car to a trusted team of professionals.” akb

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

Tyres p39:Tyres Aug 09 10/08/2009 14:14 Page 1

The exciting new world of Beissbarth

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All the news, views and product details are on the web-site www.Beissbarth.co.uk

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A BOSCH GROUP COMPANY

• WHEEL ALIGNERS • TYRE CHANGERS • WHEEL BALANCERS • BRAKE BLEEDERS • • AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE • TEST LANES •

NTDA NEWS New Honorary Life Members appointed

Caption left to right: Richard Edy, Hugh Pitcher, Charles Hespin, Derek Evans, Peter Gaster

Restructuring Underway

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As part of the review the Rules of the Association are also being revised and another working group has been formed by Council, led by Chairman Elect David White of Kwik-fit. The group will consider industry standards and especially the Association’s code of practice.

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Commented National Chairman Peter Gaster: “I am delighted with the way the restructuring is moving forward. One of my main objectives as Chairman was to initiate a complete review of the way the Association operates and the plans which are being considered will be of major benefit to all members in the longer term.”

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Another working group has been formed to go into greater details with the idea of putting recommendations before Council prior to any changes being laid before the National AGM in March next year.

Plans are now well advanced for the publication of the 2010 Directory of the UK Tyre Industry which will be sent to all members’ head offices and depots next month.

UK Tyre Industry Directory

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The plans, which include a complete overhaul of the regional structure and the way regional representatives are chosen, were discussed alongside major changes in the role of supplier members within the central structure of the Association.

Directory 2010 on the way...

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The first step towards a major restructuring of the Association were taken at last month’s meeting of the Executive Council which considered recommendations drawn up by a small working group in the summer.

Honorary life memberships were presented to three staunch supporters of the Association at last month’s meeting of the NTDA Executive Council.

Derek Evans, a member of the Council for the past three decades, Charles Hespin, President of the NTDA in 1987/88 and Hugh Pitcher President in 1995/96 were all presented with their honorary life membership certificates by National Chairman Peter Gaster.

Commented Richard Edy, “Honorary life membership is bestowed on those members who have supported the Association for many years and our three incumbents have taken various senior positions and supported our Council over the past twenty years.”

The Association now has 15 Honorary Life Members who receive regular updates on the work of the Association and are also invited, as guests of the Association, to our Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner.”

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The Directory, which is the NTDA’s flagship publication, will again be edited by Peter Gardner the ex-editor of Tyres and Accessories and will include major detailed features on all aspects of the tyre and retail trade.

The editorial content will be varied and informative making the Directory a valuable reference tool for tyre centres over the next twelve months.

www.ntda.co.uk

NTDA NEWS

Fatal Accident Raises Tyre Fitment Issue

Caption left to right: Peter Gaster National Chairman NTDA, Philip White Northern Ireland Chairman NTDA, Brian Leitch, Col Culhane, Dasos Michaelides and Derek Hill.

Northern Ireland TAFF Awards presented at Loch Erne Dinner The Northern Ireland Tyre and Fast Fit (TAFF) Awards for 2009 were presented at the regional Awards Dinner held at the Lough Erne Golf Resort Hotel last month attended by nearly 100 members and guests.

The event was sponsored by Apollo Tyres.

• The ‘Manufacturer of the Year 2009’ Award went to Pirelli and was presented to Dasos Michaelides, Ireland Manager - Pirelli • The ‘Best Wholesaler 2009’ Award was won by Tyrecall Ltd and was presented to Derek Hill, Sales Manager Tyrecall • ‘Best Non-Tyre Supplier 2009’ Award went to Apaseal (NI) Ltd and the Award was accepted jointly by Apaseal Ireland’s Managing Director Con Culhane and Apaseal NI Sales Director, Lawrence Reavy (and former NTDA NI Chairman) • The ‘Des Fullam Memorial Award’ was presented to Brian Leitch of Philip White Tyres. Brian has actively supported NTDA NI for many years.

The golf prize winners from earlier on Saturday on the Nick Faldo designed course were: Winner - Mrs Lynne Anderson (Roundabout Tyres), 2nd - Mr George Fegan (George Fegan Tyres) and 3rd - Mr Brian Bradley (George Fegan Tyres).

NTDA National Chairman Peter Gaster paid tribute to the work of the Regional Chairman Philip White.

Mencap received a cheque for £800 from the proceeds of a raffle organised during the evening.

The thorny subject of whether to fit new tyres to the front or rear was raised in a coroners court in East Anglia last month in the case of a fatal accident involving a Maserati and was the main subject in the NTDA’s December Service Bulletin published this week.

This debate was rekindled in an article in the 4th November edition of the East Anglian Daily Times, which reported on the tragic death of a motorist under the headline “Speed and tyres ‘led to fatal accident’.”

The NTDA Members Service Bulletin looks in detail at a response from the BTMA and comes to the conclusion that unless the tread depth is extremely low, the potential perils of any difference in tread depths on the front and rear axles are far outweighed by factors such as driving too fast and in particular, driving too fast in adverse weather conditions. Having said that, the research at MIRA referred to in the bulletin indicates the advisability of having a depth of tread greater than 3mm – especially when conditions are wet.

With the weather we have been experiencing recently and rainfall in November breaking all previous records, it might be worthwhile pointing this out to your customers.

Copies of the Bulletin are available from head office and on our all new website: www.ntda.co.uk

Council elects new Vice Chairman Donald Carmichael, the Managing Director of McConechys and a member of the Executive Council since 2005 was appointed Vice Chairman at last month’s Council meeting.

The meeting approved the officer structure for 2010 and, following the Honorary Treasurer John Thurston’s announced retirement from the position he has held since 2002, Council agreed that Peter Gaster’s name should go forward to the AGM for election as Honorary Treasurer. He was Treasurer between 1996 and 2001 and, according to Peter at the meeting “this appointment will allow me to continue in the mainstream of the Association’s administration whilst changes relating to the restructuring programme are moved forward”.

UK TYRE MARKET

Hawleys is the UK’s Oldest Tyre Dealer Its official, Hawleys Tyres Ltd Company is the oldest independent tyre dealer in the UK. And in recognition of the company’s prestigious position as the nation’s longest established tyre dealership, last month Tyres & Accessories awarded Martin Hawley and directors Tim and Simon

Hawley with a certificate marking the achievement and a case of wine. The prize was presented by Pirelli Tyre UK managing director Dominic Sandivasci who presented the 12 bottles of prestigious Pirelli P Zero red wine to the Hawleys.

Pirelli Tyre UK managing director, Dominic Sandivasci, presents Martin Hawley with a case of Pirelli P Zero wine, while the next generation of Hawleys (Tim and Simon) look on

he presentation follows a national search for the tyre business’ oldest dealer through Tyres & Accessories/tyrepress.com, which was initially prompted by Pirelli’s interest in the subject. Originally it was thought that long-established BMTR was the oldest dealer in the country, but at 90 years old this year, the company is nearly a decade younger than Hawleys which celebrates its centenary next year. Upon closer inspection an exchange of letters between the companies, written the best part of two decades ago, clearly shows that Hawleys is the elder of the two.

What’s the secret the company’s success, you may be asking. Looking through Tyres & Accessories’ archives of over 17,000 news stories (available online at tyrepress.com), Hawley’s reputation for customer service appears to be a key factor.

In 2006 the company received a fourstar award from Bridgestone in relation to its First Stop retail network, which was followed by a Standing Ovation award for

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outstanding business practice from business advisers and chartered accountants “goodband viner taylor.” This accolade (presented in March 2006) was awarded in association with the Sheffield Telegraph, with judges selecting Hawley’s as a winner after an article on the dealership’s success in the First Stop Stars awards appeared in the paper.

At the time, Mark Goodband, managing partner of gvt and chairman of the Standing Ovation judges, said: “Standing Ovation awards are presented to individuals and organisations that achieve in business and set an example for the rest to follow. Really good businesses put customer care right at the top of their list of priorities and Hawley’s Tyre Services is in this category. We were impressed with the company’s ‘honesty and hard work’ philosophy.”

Hawleys Tyres to celebrate centenary in 2010 Hawleys Tyres Ltd Company was formed by Ernest Hawley, a taxi driver who established

the business by selling tyres to other taxi drivers in the area in 1910. The business grew gradually as vehicle take-up increased, before Ernest’s son Reg Hawley took over during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

During this period more depots were opened before Reg's sons David and Martin expanded the business in the 1970s. The company is now managed by Martin Hawley, his son Simon and David’s son Tim. The business employs 50 people at five branches in and around Sheffield.

According to company literature, Ernest always had an interest in motorcars, and was one of the few who pioneered motoring in its earliest days. A foreman engineer at Oughtibridge Silica Works by profession, his links with the tyre trade began when he started a motor taxi service from outside a shop that the family owned in Wadsley Lane, in the Owlerton district of Sheffield.

The taxi side of the business thrived and Hawley became known for doing a lot of his own repairs. This includes the mending of punctures, which were numerous in the early days, and the fitting of new tyres he obtained. The tyre business began when car owners came to him for help with punctures and even brought tyres bought elsewhere to him for fitting.

This business grew and suitable premises were eventually opened in Gibraltar Street, near the centre of Sheffield.

As trade increased, the company took on agencies for a variety of tyre brands, later opening depots in Lincoln, Grimsby and the Isle of Wight.

Uncertainty caused by the depression and general strike caused trade to slump and brought Mr Hawley close to bankruptcy. However he managed to keep hold of the Sheffield premises and concentrated his efforts there. During this period he was joined by his son Reginald Hawley, who managed the shop in Lincoln, before joining his father in the Sheffield branch.

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

UK TYRE MARKET

The effect of this episode in the business’ history appears to have repercussions today, with the present management continuing the frugal wisdom of its forefathers. As a result of the “more branches, more trouble” philosophy, the company is, unlike many tyre companies, completely debt-free. Any future growth in the number of branches is therefore likely to take place at a controlled and measured pace.

Necessity is the mother of invention In addition to being one of the first generation of motoring enthusiasts and a pioneer of UK tyre distribution, Ernest Hawley was also something of an inventor, taking out numerous patents and becoming a member of the Institute of Patentees.

Among his patents were a method of glazing photographs (which almost became another business), and a patent for an inflatable life-buoy, which featured a patented, non-return inflation valve. This was marketed as a swimming aid under the name of the Hawley Buoy. The Hawley Buoy consisted of an inflated tube, which fitted around the body, above the waist, and was held in place by two rubber shoulder straps. The product was made for Hawleys by North British Rubber Co. of Edinburgh, and was said t o

With 99 year’s of tyre trading under its belt, Hawley’s is Britain’s oldest independent tyre dealership

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

David Hawley Dies Aged 75 On 20 October Hawleys Tyre Services Ltd announced the death of its chairman David Hawley who passed away aged 75. According to grandson Tim Hawley, he died suddenly at his home in Norfolk. David Hawley was well known in the tyre trade having worked in the family business for 45 years before retiring in 1992. A memorial service was held at Hillsborough Trinity Methodist Church on 23 October 2009.

David Hawley began his involvement in the tyre business in 1950 when he joined his father Reginald Hawley (the son of company founder Ernest Hawley) at the business’ Sylvester Street premises. These served as the company’s centre point until new premises were purchased in Bridge Street (where the company’s headquarters remain today). At around this time the operation became known as Hawleys (Tyre Services) Limited Reginald Hawley as managing director and David Hawley and Les Black as fellow directors. David Hawley became managing director in 1974 following Reginald Hawley’s retirement.

After almost sixty years involved and associated with the tyre business, including responsibility for running the oldest tyre dealership in the land, and with the family continuing to successfully run the business, David Hawley would no-doubt have been proud to learn that the company’s achievement’s have this month been publically recognised. cja

have been “quite successful.”

During this period the company was known as the Sheffield Tyre Depot and traded from various addresses in Sheffield until the Second World War. At this time, the company became heavily involved in the tyre reclamation side of the war effort and operated several worn tyre stores. Here tyres were sorted into useable, remouldable, regroovable, or scrap and were s e n t

elsewhere for processing. With petrol in short supply, the war almost brought the tyre retail business to a standstill. A few second-hand tyres were sold to keep that side of the business going, but things didn't start to go forward until several years after the war when new tyres began to become available for sale to the general public.

The present managing director Martin Hawley joined the company in 1967 and became company secretary, running the office side of the firm, whilst the late David Hawley concentrated on the sales and service side of the business. Reginald Hawley retired in 1974, with David Hawley taking over as managing director. Martin and David’s sons Simon and Tim Hawley joined the firm in 1984 and 1989 respectively and are now fellow directors. Following its initial tyre specialism, the company gradually took on other aspects of the retail side, such as exhausts.

However, the company reports that the main expansion of its business has been in the wholesale supply of tyres to other tyre companies in the 50 miles around Sheffield. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

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UK TYRE MARKET

Truck Point Sales Triple 2005 Levels as Bridgestone Looks Forward to Next Decade Bridgestone recently completed its 2009 series of Truck Point Roadshows, presenting to 240 people at five venues across the UK. The roadshows are a vehicle for Bridgestone to communicate with its network of servicing dealers and present the latest news regarding fleets, products and busi-

n the last four years Bridgestone’s UK truck tyre fleet business has evolved from an influential player into a market leader. This includes major fleet gains such as SITA waste, ARR Craib, TRL, Rotala and Shearings in 2009 alone. When you consider that fleet sales through from Bridgestone’s Truck Point network of independent dealers have tripled in the same period, it is clear that Truck Point has and will play a key part in the company’s future development. If the title of this year’s Truck Point roadshow (Into the Next Decade) is anything to go by, Bridgestone is banking on the continued and long-term prosperity of this key distribution channel. To this end Bridgestone also gave details of how the Bandag integration is progressing and news of a new product launch scheduled for 2010.

Currently Truck Point’s 122 dealers run 317 outlets and service 60 national customers and a total of 90,000 tyres. Of these 75,000 casings are fed back into the company’s Bulldog factory in Bourne, Lincolnshire for retreading - and all this with a less than 1 per cent complaint rate. Quality of service remains high on Truck Point’s 2010 agenda with expansion of Bridgestone’s LRQA external audit programme scheduled throughout the year. So far 92 dealers have received this accreditation (46 in 2007, 26 in 2008 and 20 this year), with the first phase of re-sampling set to begin at the end of this year, running through the first two quarters of 2010. During Truck Point’s Crewe roadshow, Tyres & Accessories witnessed four more dealers receiving their LRQA accreditations before the invited audience. These were: Barry Wilkinson Tyres (Bolton and Wythenshawe); Lodge Tyre (Leicester); TyreCraft (Bootle) and Tyremiles (Ashbourne).

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ness growth. The main messages from these roadshows were the growth of the business, and how to improve further on the service to their fleet customers, through IT tools and tyre husbandry.

Bridgestone to launch Ecopia truck tyre in 2010 Company representatives also previewed Bridgestone’s response to European legislative machine’s continuing fixation with rolling resistance and tyre noise. Next year, the company will release a brand new

Ecopia truck tyre, which is designed to already be compliant with current and future legal requirements. It will also give Bridgestone and Truck Point an extra argument when it comes to negotiating fleet deals. The release is scheduled for the second half of 2010 when further details will no doubt be made available.

Bridgestone UK commercial sales director, Greg Ward congratulated a number of Truck Point partners on gaining LRQA Expert Dealer status

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Bandag products now ‘fully integrated’ into Bridgestone Speaking at Bridgestone Truck Point roadshow, Bridgestone UK retread sales manager Les Lawrence and Bandag UK sales manager Ross Medlyn explained the latest developments in the continuing process of integrating Bandag into Bridgestone. While everyone agrees that the process of integration remains an ongoing project, Ross Medlyn specifically described the two operations’ current status as “fully integrated.” What this means is that Bridgestone and Bandag products are already being sold side-by-side, with the two ranges evolving to reflect the influence of the merger.

In pure business terms, the first significant fruit of the newly integrated businesses is the transfer of 8000 DSV trailers from Bandag Eurofleet to Bridgestone’s Truck Point network. However, looking at newly printed promotion literature shows the progress made in the company’s marketing strategy since Bridgestone and Bandag’s merger was officially completed on 1 June 2007 as well. Across all five of Bridgestone’s commercial vehicle segments (long haul, regional, on/off road, bus and light truck) customers are now presented with Qualitread, Bandag and Bulldog options to complement Bridgestone and Firestonebranded new tyres. The retread department has also resolved to consolidate its retread offering and integrate some of its lesser known brands (namely its Truck Point and budget retread ranges) into the Bulldog line up over the coming months. The first phase of this means that in 2010 the current Qualitread, Bandag, Bulldog, Truck Point and budget lines will become just Qualitread, Bandag and Bulldog. The Kingsway retread brand has reportedly already been phased out between 2008 and 2009.

Another example of Bandag’s integration into Bridgestone can be seen in the range of treads that are now and will in future be on offer. A number of Bandag and Bulldog patterns that were previously based on competitive patterns will now be replaced altogether by a newly designed application specific range of treads and compounds designed by Bandag.

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Bridgestone and Bandag are now said to be fully integrated There are also clear implications for the manufacturing side of the business. Prior to the integration, Bridgestone’s Qualitread treads were produced at the company’s manufacturing plant in Spain, together with some off-take from Marangoni in Italy.

Moving forward, all Bridgestone’s pre-cured treads will now be produced at Bandag’s Lanklaar, Belgium plant. In addition Bulldog Remoulds, which was bought by Bridgestone in April 2005, last year became a Bandag franchisee bringing the number of Bandag franchisees in the UK to 9 (Republic of Ireland is home to three more). There was even the suggestion that, despite widespread consolidation in the UK retread manufacturing sector, Bandag’s UK network might actually expand.

As a result of the Bulldog purchase and the subsequent Bandag acquisition, Bridgestone’s retread market share has grown markedly. Taking the UK market as an example, in 2006 Bridgestone products occupied roughly 3 per cent of the million strong retread market. This year, sales will have increased six-fold, which is particularly impressive when you consider that, due to the recession, the UK retread market as a whole was down some 20 per cent at around 800,000 units at the beginning of 2009. However, despite this increase in market share, the next target is a further 40 per cent increase in sales by 2014. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

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TyreSafe Achieves International Recognition with Road Safety Award yreSafe has been internationally recognised for its ongoing contribution to motoring security. Friday’s steering committee meeting was punctuated by the lunchtime presentation of the Prince Michael International Safety Award: Recognising achievement and innovations which will improve road safety. Vredestein managing director and chairman of TyreSafe, Stuart Jackson declared himself, on behalf of the whole organisation, “ecstatic about the award”, saying that it represents an “accreditation of what we believe in”, as an organisation that cuts across company divisions.

Members of TyreSafe include representatives from across the tyre business, encompassing everyone from manufacturers to retailers, a fact that Jackson emphatically declared gives TyreSafe “immense expertise and experience”, alongside openness to ideas and commitment to the cause that transcends competition – all factors that he believes have led to the organisation’s international recognition.

TyreSafe has experienced a particularly impressive year in terms of coverage, with October’s Tyre Safety Month generating support from the BBC and prominent motoring journalist Quentin Willson, and requests for information materials up to 165,000 from 40,000 in 2008.

These requests came from organisations as prominent as five different regional councils, the Ministry of Defence, the Fire Service and, perhaps most significantly, seven different driving schools. Jackson told Tyres & Accessories that the pervasiveness of the message was of paramount importance and, in the case of the latter, educating new drivers with

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The TyreSafe steering committee receives the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award the TyreSafe message could only help foster tyre safety-conscious habits.

While the public is prone to a temporal philosophy, Jackson stated, TyreSafe aims to create a valuable expanding and continual message, impressing on drivers the responsibility they carry.

With this in mind, Tyres & Accessories asked how TyreSafe was planning to continue expanding its agenda in the New Year. Jackson replied that the tyre safety message must continue to reach drivers with disparate driving habits. With that in mind, projects such as Bike Tyre Safety Month will be developed using the expertise of appropriate TyreSafe members. He also restated the organisation’s aim to raise the tyre safety consciousness of everyone that drives, including both HGV drivers – who are generally easy to persuade about the value of checking their tyres’ safety, given the time they spend in their vehicle – and fleet drivers – some of whom may be less attached to their vehicle and as a result are less likely to be in the habit of checking their tyres. It is this disparity that motivates the continued spreading of the TyreSafe message.

Despite the satisfaction receiving the award evidently gave Jackson, he was therefore cautious about playing up TyreSafe’s success, stating that the award “shows that we are on the right track; not that we have achieved”. The tyre safety message is one that needs to be continual and continually extended, avoiding the public’s habit for faddishness when it comes to safety measures. akb

Kumho Pleased with Frankfurt Motor Show Outing Jenkins stated: “Mass production umho took the opportunity of the tread patterns can be a compromise Frankfurt Motor Show to affirm – part functional and part aesthetic. what the company calls its “increasing In the future, Kumho plans to design role in the European motor industry” its treads in two stages. The funcwith a prominently placed stand in a tional requirement, free of compromajor hall of the recent Frankfurt mise, will be moulded in the normal Motor Show. The stand’s exhibits way. Any additional attributes or comprised a broad selection of the design features will then be etched company’s products, from preview onto the surface as required. examples of the ultra high perform“The new laser technology will ance ECSTA LE Sport KU39 and ecoallow us far more freedom at the friendly Ecowing KH19 road tyres design stage and the ability to being introduced in 2010 to the Road experiment with any number of Venture KL71 (extreme mud terrain) patterns and surface finishes. In the and S700 (Formula 3) competition future, the process could also tyres. The company also displayed the Kumho was keen to impress at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October provide production tyres with a Farbio GTS350 sports car, making its first public showing in Germany courtesy of Kumho, while of tech- variety of short-term gains – such as special surfaces for use in motornical interest was an example of Kumho’s new laser-etching process sport or driving on low friction surfaces et cetera.”

Kumho revealed that its stand received an excellent throughput that Birmingham-based European Technical Centre managing director Roger Jenkins believes is set to revolutionise the way the of trade and consumer visitors throughout the duration of the exhibition and a high number of serious enquiries were processed. akb company designs its tread patterns.

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Successful Debut For Question Time An innovation on the day of the NTDA's recent Annual Dinner was a "Question Time"style seminar, in which a panel drawn from all sectors of the tyre industry answered questions from the floor. Here’s our synopsis of questions, answers and comments from the delegates. he event was sponsored by the Tyre Industry Federation and it attracted an audience of more than 30. TIF Chairman Peter Gaster chaired the panel and the other members were: Alan Baldwin, Micheldever Tyre Services; Mark Brickhill, Goodyear Dunlop Tyres; Derek McMartin, Maxxis UK; Patrick O'Connell, Bandvulc Group; Noel Pope, Merityre Specialists and Tim Stott, Sapphire Energy Recovery. Thus, between them, the panel covered all segments of the tyre business, from manufacturing and importing tyres, to wholesaling, retailing, retreading and scrap tyre disposal.

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Question: Recently, the Americans imposed a 35% levy on Chineseproduced tyres imported into the USA. What impact is this likely to have on the UK market?

Panel answer: The effects are already noticeable as we have seen a serious decline in budget tyre prices. The UK has and will continue to be a dumping ground for the cheapest tyres.

In the USA, wholesalers have been aware of the possibility of a tariff for some time and have been stocking up before the tap was turned off. The tyres that were going to America will have to go somewhere, although some tyres produced for the US market may not be suitable for Europe.

US tyre manufacturers have been fairly neutral about the subject. Manufacturers tend to think that tariffs do not help and this legislation has been largely driven by US trade unions.

Supplementary question from the floor: What will be the effect on mid range and premium brands?

Panel answer: Prices of mid range and premium brand tyres will be dragged down also as the premium manufacturers will have to defend their markets. A drop in budget

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prices will be disastrous for all of us.

There will be an adverse effect on product quality and the quality of some products already being sold in the UK is the worst in Europe, if not the world.

There could also be a potentially harmful effect on retreading, as an increase in sales of Chinese tyres will lead to more Chinese casings on the market, which could be a problem, both in sizes and quality.

Question: The current economic downturn has seen an increase in sales of budget and mid-range tyres. When the recession ends, is this trend likely to continue?

Panel answer: Leading on from the previous question, there is a lot of tyre manufacturing capacity in China. As the world comes out of recession, this will include China and a growing Chinese economy might absorb many more of these tyres, reducing the numbers for export.

Supplementary question from the floor: What proportion of the US market is accounted for by Chinese-made tyres?

Answer from the floor: Estimates are that somewhere between 40 and 50 million Chinese-made tyres are due to be supplied to the US this year.

Supplementary question from the floor: Is it likely that the EU would impose a similar tariff on tyres from China?

Panel answer: This would be very unlikely to happen.

Going back to the original question, the answers so far have applied mainly to car tyres, but truck tyre sales in the UK are down as fleets economise.

If you sell premium truck tyres, you have

a n advantage as fleets tend to choose premium brands as first fitment.

Fleets are also good for retreaders, as they concentrate on PPK over the life of the tyre, rather than looking for short-term gains.

Retailers are experiencing a shift from mid-range to budget tyres. Budget sales are doing well and premium sales are generally holding up; it's the mid-range sector that is being squeezed.

Supplementary question from the floor: Is there a shift towards mid-range brands being fitted as OE on cars?

Panel answer: Hankook is probably the best example of this and what is their share of the OE market? 5% perhaps?

Supplementary question from the floor: Is the car retread market doomed?

This question led to a straw poll among the retailers present in the audience and the most common answer was "we don't sell any car retreads nowadays". Many said that they do not bother to stock car retreads any longer.

Question: Do you envisage further environmental moves from Government to encourage recycling and retreading?

For example a carbon tax on new tyres would make retreads more attractive.

Panel answer: Retreads need to be significantly cheaper than new tyres if they are to sell. The number of companies manufacturing car retreads has declined and a lot of equipment has moved overseas.

Supplementary question from the floor: Why doesn't the Government abolish VAT on retreads?

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Panel answer: The Government tends to let market forces determine the value of products and there is little appetite from Government (or tyre manufacturers) to follow the regulations on retreads route.

Were something like this to be proposed, the manufacturers would lobby against it.

In the US, Government vehicles (trucks) have to have a certain percentage of retreads fitted, but nothing like this exists in the UK. When it comes to environmental matters, the emphasis is now on low rolling resistance and low noise. Labelling will be required on all tyres, enabling the consumer to make an informed choice on product.

Chinese manufacturers want to move their products "up the ladder" and to do this will make them more expensive and this could let retreads back into the market.

Question: Regarding the proposed Smarking legislation, are retailers and wholesalers aware of the regulations and what level of abuse (i.e. ignoring them) can we expect?

Clarification from the floor: The regulations mean that, when the rule is enacted, if you have non S-marked tyres in stock, then you cannot legally sell them on the replacement market. The rules are expected to come into force sometime in the first quarter of 2010 – possibly January.

Panel answer: Look at the precedent: people have consistently sold non E-marked tyres in the UK and nobody has ever been prosecuted for it. Why should we expect anything different for S-marking?

Supplementary question from the floor: Do part-worn tyres have to be S-marked?

Panel answer: No, only new tyres.

As sellers of tyres, we would like to think that our suppliers were aware of the law and supplied tyres that complied.

People will probably ignore the law unless and until an example is made of an offender.

Supplementary question from the floor: What would you consider a reasonable course of action to take if you found someone was selling tyres that do not comply with the law?

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Panel answer: Manufacturers and other sectors have had meetings with ministers to discuss forthcoming technological requirements. Some of the things they want will only come at a considerable cost, so perhaps we as an industry should police the situation.

Supplementary panel answer: Surely it is not up to the industry to police the situation – the Government should introduce legislation which it can, and will, support. Perhaps this is something that the TIF should be looking at?

Clarification from the panel: There are many, diverse interests in the TIF; we need to find a common view that we can all get behind and support. The discussion subsequently broadened out from S-marking of tyres to legislation and enforcement, particularly of sales of part worn tyres and motorists driving on tyres below the minimum legal tread depth.

Comments from the panel: The threat to the industry from S-marking is not as bad as that from part worns and nothing much was done to enforce those regulations. Last year, around 60% of the tyres we removed were significantly below the 1.6mm level; when it comes to enforcement, there has been a total abdication of responsibility on behalf of the police. Perhaps what is needed is a truly concerted, industry-wide campaign to better inform motorists?

Supplementary question from the floor: Is it not possible to make tyres that, when worn, become so noisy that they have to be replaced?

Supplementary comment from the floor: We once looked at having tyres that changed colour when worn, but the feeling was that no-one would buy these, unless it was made compulsory for all manufacturers.

Supplementary question from the floor: In these days of TPMS, could there not be something that provides an in-car indication when the tread depth is getting low?

Panel answer: If there were to be legislation introduced, then manufacturers would do it.

Supplementary question from the floor: Why do tyre retailers not put a knife through tyres that are removed with, say, 2mm of tread so that they cannot be resold?

Panel answer: By scrapping them prematurely, this could lead to environmental problems.

Comment from the floor: People drive on illegal tyres because they know they won't be prosecuted. We should be pushing for current legislation to be properly enforced, rather than for an increase in minimum tread depth.

Panel answer: Absolutely – not only would this improve safety but would be good for sales.

Comment from the floor: Could we not lobby insurance companies?

Panel answer: It would be good if insurance companies said "drive on bald tyres and your insurance is invalid." However, would they want to lose business by driving customers towards other companies who do not have such a clause?

Comment from the panel: The following story illustrates how weak the Government is when it comes to enforcement and safety: we had an NTDA campaign about the age of tyres. VOSA contacted us to ask if we thought 10-year-old tyres were dangerous and we asked whether or not it would be a good idea to check the age of a tyre during an MOT test and the motorist informed? This idea was passed to the Dept. of Transport, who rejected it out of hand.

Comment from the floor: In the rest of Western Europe the problem of tyres with tread below the legal minimum is not as bad as here in the UK. Could it be because most of them fit cold weather tyres?

Panel answer: We come back to lack of enforcement; tyres do not get checked when cars are stopped by the police. The emphasis is all on speed cameras and drink driving.

Question: Going back to S-mark testing, this will be self-certified by manufactu-

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Stapleton’s Launches Primewell Key Dealer Programme The Primewell range of tyres is manufactured by GITI Tire, one of the world’s top ten largest tyre makers. The Chinese manufacturer produces a complete and modern range that is exported to over 100 countries. In the UK Primewell is exclusive brand of Stapleton’s Tyre Services, and the distributor has recently launched its Primewell Key Dealer Programme. he Primewell Key Dealer Programme is a loyalty scheme aimed at rewarding loyal customers and includes many benefits to those registered on the programme.

According to Stapleton’s, members will

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benefit from preferential purchasing prices, personalised rebate scheme and in-store support such as point-of-sale material, leaflets, banners, posters and branded clothing and merchandise.

“The Primewell range is one of the best quality brands on the market and we are very pleased to have added it to our list of successful and popular key dealer programmes,” said Steve Parker, Stapleton’s trading director. “The dealer programme is our way of rewarding and supporting those customers who consistThe Primewell line-up offers products for both performance and comfort oriented drivers

ently support the Primewell brand. By offering their commitment to purchasing from Stapleton’s, we will provide a range of benefits to support their business.”

Three patterns are currently available in the Primewell range, the PZ900, PS830 and PS850. The PZ900 is a UHP tyre made with a silica tread compound and is available in 41 sizes between 15 and 20 inches. It has a W speed rating and its benefits include wide shoulder blocks to improve steering control by reducing tyre distortion and increase road contact while cornering. The UHP PS830 has three circumferential tread grooves to provide excellent handling and wet performance. It is available in 39 sizes between 13 and 17 inches and in speed ratings T, H and V. The PS850 is a comfort range tyre and is available in 16 sizes between 13 and 15 inches, with speed ratings of S and T. Features include lateral groove and multiple sipe arrangement for efficient water evacuation and superior traction.

Stapleton’s invites interested parties to find out how they can benefit from joining the Primewell Key Dealer Programme by phoning the company’s sales office or by visiting the www.stapletons-tyres.co.uk website. sg

Former Kwik-Fit Employee Fined for “Stupid” Theft olverhampton’s Express & Star newspaper has brought us agreed, as the former Kwik-Fit employee left the court with a £120 news on one former Kwik-Fit sales manager’s criminal activi- fine. He has also been ordered to pay £390 in compensation to Kwikties. Deepak Uppal, who used to be employed at the fast fit chain’s Fit, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15. sg West Bromwich branch, has pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation following his arrest for tyre theft.

In June the 25-year old, who left the company several months before, used his inside knowledge of Kwik-Fit’s delivery system to commit his tyre related misdeed. Posing as a current employee, he telephoned the company responsible for regular deliveries and requested a driver shipping tyres between two outlets to be redirected. Instead of sending two tyres from West Bromwich to KwikFit’s Smethwick outlet, Uppal instructed the driver to deliver two tyres, valued at £390, to him directly. He latter sold these for £50 a piece.

At his appearance at the West Uppal preferred a five-finger discount Bromwich Magistrates Court, Uppal to the 15 per cent reduction on two stated “I’m sorry, I know it was a stupid tyres offered in this advertisement thing to do.” The magistrates evidently

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Michelin Backs ‘Eco-friendly Engine’ ichelin has leant financial support to the development of a green engine, which reportedly has the capacity to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 20 per cent. The fuel-lean Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine (HCCI) has a flameless, low temperature combustion which enables it to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, combining the emissions benefits of a gasoline engine with the low fuel consumption of a diesel engine. The HCCI technology has been developed by Dundee based Oxy-Gen Combustion Ltd, with much of the research and development undertaken by the company's managing director David Tonery, who invented the enabling HCCI technology while a mechanical engineering undergraduate at the University of Dundee.

The road to concept and pre-production stage has been helped with the backing of the Michelin Development loans fund – the business development arm of Michelin UK – with up to £30,000 loaned to Oxy-Gen to enable the green engine dream to become a reality. The HCCI technology has already

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attracted widespread interest from across the automotive industry and only last year was awarded the Shell Springboard Award for Low Carbon Technology and more recently the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership Challenge – which opens the door to Oxy-Gen Combustion Ltd to discuss further the concept with leading manufacturers in the automotive industry.

David Tonery, managing director of OxyGen said: “The financial assistance and advice from Michelin Development has played an integral role in the development of this project and helped to get us to the stage we are at. We have developed an engine that has the capacity to revolutionise the automotive industry. The HCCI concept has been around for 30 years but no one has been able to control and sustain the auto ignition process. The Oxy-Gen Combustion has been able to develop a concept that can achieve sustained HCCI operation, paving the way for widespread commercialisation.”

Physical testing of the Oxy-Gen Combustion concept has been conducted at the National Engineering Laboratories Energy

Technology Centre in Kilbride and initial test results have revealed the mixture of air and fuel in this system to be so lean that fuel consumption and CO2 can be reduced by a fifth.

David Tonery added: “It's anticipated that HCCI will be present in at least 40 per cent of all HGV vehicles by 2020 if the technology can be fully developed and we believe similar numbers can be expected in passenger vehicles. The HCCI engine will eventually replace both the spark ignition and compression ignition engines as the single common combustion process for all fuels, either fossil or bio-fuels.”

Mike Cole, Michelin Development UK Director, said: “In providing the loan capital to help get the Oxy-Gen Combustion concept off the ground, we are investing in a technology that could revolutionise motoring and make driving cleaner and greener for generations to come. With such potentially huge benefits to the automotive industry and the environment we are very pleased to support and be involved in this project.” cja

European Recycling, Recovery Rates Still Growing, Claims ETRMA igures released by the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association show end of life tyre recycling and recovery rates last year to have exceeded 95 per cent. The 2008 statistics released by the ETRMA show a continuation in the pattern seen over the last 15 years or so, a period during which the disposal of end of life tyres in landfill has decreased from more than 60 per cent in 1994 to around five per cent today. The number of old tyres receiving ecological treatment, the ETRMA notes, has increased by an average of four per cent yearly.

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EU Management of End of Life Tyres

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These results, states the ETRMA, demonstrates the efficiency of the strategy deployed by its European tyre manufacturer members in anticipating the regulatory, environmental and economic challenges imposed by the EU landfill ban. In 2008, up to 60 per cent of the 3.3 million tonnes of end of life tyres in the European market were collected and treated under Producer Responsibility obligations. While energy recovery continues to account for around 35 per cent of these tyres, material recycling is the market to have most benefited from falling landfill usage. Between 1994 and 2008, the recycling rate has grown to 40 per cent, showing that the recycling applications market is being sustainably consolidated.

According to the ETRMA, the aim of European tyre manufacturers’ is to “further reinforce the healthy and gradually maturing end of life tyre recycling market with solid product and process standards based on scientific and economic evidence.” These standards are being developed within national and European bodies. sg

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Mytyres.co.uk Warns Against Buying Part-worn Tyres

Illegal Storage Penalties High for Yorkshire Man

Mytyres.co.uk – the UK part of Europe’s largest online tyre retailing group Delticom AG – is warning the increasing number of motorists considering part worn tyres that this is an example of false economy and a potentially dangerous decision. Whilst it is difficult to establish the number of part-worn tyres on sale in the UK, research suggests that the number of tyre retailers looking to supply this type of tyre because of the current economic climate is increasing. Tyres & Accessories’ best estimate for the size of this market puts the figure at up to 2 million units.

UK legislation means part-worn tyres must be thoroughly examined by retailers and have a minimum of 2mm of tread, mytyres’ statement suggests it is increasingly the case that they offer very bad value for money. According to Lincolnshire County Council Trading Standards Service, upwards of 30 per cent may have dangerous and unseen faults.

Mytyres.co.uk says that there has never been a better time to buy new car tyres with competition keener than ever and web-based retailers offering a wide variety of car tyres at competitive prices. Furthermore in order to celebrate of eight years in business this month, mytyres is offering an 8 per cent discount to anyone ordering tyres up to the 25 November. cja

UK Tyre Derived Rubber Materials Protocol Released he final version of the Environmental Agency and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) quality protocol has been released after approval by the European Commission. The 'Quality Protocol for Tyre-derived Rubber Materials', made public on November 3, finally provides a separate classification for rubber materials manufactured from waste tyres; classification as a product as opposed to a waste, as was previously the case, removes such items from waste regulation.

“Uncertainty over the point at which waste has been fully recovered and ceases to be waste within the meaning of Article 1(1)(a) of the EU Waste Framework Directive (2006/12/EC) has inhibited the development and marketing of materials produced from waste which could be used beneficially without damaging human health and the environment,” explains the protocol in its foreword. “In some cases, this uncertainty has also The aim of the protocol is to make a inhibited the recovery and recycling of waste and its distinction between waste and diversion from landfill. product WRAP and the Environmental Agency report that the protocol has four main purposes: to clarify the point at which tyre-derived rubber materials cease to be waste and waste management controls are no longer required; to provide users with confidence that the tyre-derived rubber materials they purchase conform to an approved material standard; to provide users with confidence that the tyre-derived rubber materials are suitable for use in designated applications including by conforming with engineering standards where required; and to protect human health and the environment (including soil).

The protocol can be downloaded in pdf form from the Environmental Agency website http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/39025.aspx. sg

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The Huddersfield Daily Examiner has reported that an area man has been given an ultimatum by the courts; remove 5,500 illegally stored used tyres from his Honley dumping ground or go to prison. A crown court judge ordered Kyriacos Kyrianou to remove the tyres in April, having been fined £5,000 in November 2007 for storing up to 15,000 tyres on the same site. While Krianou defended himself, saying that previous fines and legal costs have left him unable to afford to remove all the tyres, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC was unwilling to cut him any slack yesterday at Bradford Crown Court, bluntly stating: “Get rid of the tyres and I will consider an alternative to sending you to prison.

If you don’t remove the tyres you will back me into a corner. If they are gone, job done, if not you are taking the Mickey, to put it bluntly, and I will send you to prison.” akb

OM Recycling Investigated following Residents’ Concerns over Tyre Storage OM Recycling’s tyre recycling depot in Mayobridge, County Down, Northern Ireland is facing an investigation by the Environmental Crime Unit following residents’ complaints. OM Recycling has around 400,000 tyres stockpiled at the facility, some of which are stored outside the company’s licensed area, say BBC news reports. The Environment minister Edwin Poots told Auntie of the “significant risk to human health and the environment” posed by the tyre pile, while SDLP councillor Josephine O’Hare said she was aghast at the quantities of tyres, though “nobody wants to stop anybody doing their business”. OM Recycling responded that it is co-operating with the Environment Agency and that it is committed to resolving issues at its “secure” site. akb

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Kwik-Fit Signs for 3 More Years of DriveRight Data wik-Fit has renewed its contract with data suppliers DriveRight for a further three years. The deal sees Kwik-Fit continue the customer focus of its online store front, with facilities that allow clients to shop for tyres and alloy wheels that fit their car by entering the vehicle details or registration number. According to a company statement, Kwik-Fit has worked successfully with DriveRight to make their online tyre and alloy sales process a “huge success.”

Kwik-Fit’s website uses DriveRight’s Tyrefit product, a database of 27,000 OE vehicle wheel and tyre fitments, which is also used a number of other big players in the tyre industry. DriveRight reportedly worked closely with Kwik-Fit to establish its website, providing the important step in the selection process making it easy for customers to find the correct fitment for their vehicle.

Kwik-Fit marketing director Chris Bosworth summed up the relationship: “DriveRight are an important part of our e-commerce. They offer flexible, tailored solutions. DriveRight’s ability to work with other providers mean that they are adaptable, responsive and provide good value for money.”

Kwik-Fit approached DriveRight in 2006 when the company was looking to expand its range of services to take advantage of the rapidly emerging online tyre sales market. The objective was to develop the Kwik-Fit website to allow customers to look up what tyres or alloy wheel options were available for their vehicle and view images of the product before proceeding to an online quotation and sales facility, backed by the Kwik-Fit price promise. From there buyers could book a fitting in-store or with one of Kwik-Fit’s mobile team.

DriveRight have been updating fitment data since 1995. The company’s database is deployed globally and is being queried over 4.5 million times a month. cja

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MacSams Launches UK Tyre Portal onsumer choice for online tyre purchases has been broadened through the launch of a new website by Edinburgh based company MacSams. The macsamstyres.co.uk portal enables motorists to purchase new tyres online and have them fitted by a local garage, and MacSams Tyres says buying through its website offers savings of up to 45 per cent on the rates found at traditional fast fit centres.

Indeed, the MacSams Tyres says it can offer savings of up to 45% compared with company expresses confifast fit prices dence it can offer “the cheapest online destination for tyres in the MOT discount website, Garages4You allows customers to compare the cost of MOTs in UK.” “We decided to launch our new tyre their local area with exclusively negotiated service in response to the feedback from our deals for Garages4You.com users.

"Getting started wasn’t easy," reflected existing customers,” commented MacSams founder Greg Allison. “They were so Allison, "as some people in the industry did impressed with our business not want to see us bring MacSams Tyres to Garages4You.com that they wanted to see market due to concerns over our low pricing us offer additional services like tyres. We policy. Fortunately for the consumer we looked at the tyre market and felt most exist- managed to overcome these obstacles and ing online retailers were fairly dull, so we now offer a much cheaper alternative for believed that we could really make a differ- motorists.

“We understand better than any of our ence by offering customers a much better competitors that most people do not enjoy service and price.”

Allison was mentored by Kwik-fit founder having to purchase new tyres so we develSir Tom Farmer, thus MacSams Tyres says the oped a quicker and easier buying process man at its helm is no stranger to the needs which has won praise from our customers,” of motorists when it comes to tyre fittings he added. “We have already shaken things and sales. The focus on quick service and ‘no up in the market and we are sure that our hidden extras’, the company adds, demon- competitors will soon follow our lead. That strates a business model that is “completely will be a massive compliment to what we have achieved so far with MacSams Tyres tuned to the needs of UK drivers.”

Prior to launching MacSams Tyres, Greg and we will just have to innovate our busiAllison focused much of his attention on his ness further which can only be good news first business venture, Garages4You.com. A for the customer.” sg

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www.tyrepress.com www.tyrepress.com www.tyrepress.com www.tyrepress.com www.tyrepress.com www.tyrepress.com Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

UK TYRE MARKET

Grouptyre Announces Federal Promotion Red Letter Winners rouptyre has announced the winners of its Red Letter Day promotion, a national initiative set up in conjunction with value brand Federal, for which it is the exclusive UK distributor. First prize of a £500 Red Letter Day goes to RIKFIT Tyres in Kings Norton, Birmingham, which is supplied by Grouptyre member Car Tyrestore. ETB customer Tyrecare of Kings Heath and Top Tread of Rotherham, supplied by NE Wholesale, each won runner up prizes of a Red Letter Day experience to the value of £250.

“This year we have focused our marketing on national promotions designed to cement relationships with existing independent tyre dealers and develop new business opportunities,” says Grouptyre marketing manager Lucie Dalton. “This is our first incentive in association with Federal, which is one of our exclusive value brands, and it has

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really captured the trade’s imagination.

We’re delighted with the response and are encouraging dealers to sign up for the second phase of the promotion.”

Federal has established itself as a key player in the UK’s value brand market. Cooperation with major tyre companies has enabled Federal to enhance its credentials for quality and advance its technological development and its current range includes high performance, light truck, 4x4 and SUV tyres.

Winners are chosen at random from retailers who sign up to take part in the promotion on Grouptyre’s website. There are two phases to the initiative and each Federal tyre that registered retailers purchased between 1 September and 31 October gave them one entry into the first prize draw. The retailers will be able to choose their prize

from the wide range of activities offered by Red Letter Day. The second phase of the Grouptyre/Federal Red Letter Day promotion runs from 1 November to 31 December, giving retailers the opportunity to sign up and win. The more Federal tyres that participating retailers purchase from their local Grouptyre supplier during this promotion period, the more entries they will be allocated in the prize draw, increasing their chances of enjoying an exciting Red Letter Day experience. akb

Focsa Cleans Up Tyre Policy With Michelin aste and environmental management specialist Focsa Services UK has selected an all Michelin policy, and the tyre maker reports this move away from budget brands is increasing tyre life amongst Focsa fleet vehicles and reducing tyre related breakdowns.

The Focsa agreement covers it mixed fleet of vehicles, which ranges from vans and road sweepers through to 32 tonne refuse collection vehicles. All are being switched to Michelin tyres following trials at a number of the company’s operating centres.

“The main reason for appointing Michelin is that all of our contracts are in the public sector providing waste management and environmental services, so we have to ensure we deliver a reliable service and meet all legal requirements,” commented Focsa national fleet manager Alan Sherlock.

“Our relationship with Michelin not only gives us the reassurance that our fleet is being well served, but also that all tyres are correctly fitted and maintained to the highest possible standard.”

The deal sees a mixture of Michelin new and Remix tyres fitted at five of Focsa’s locations across the UK, with heavy goods vehicles following the company’s complete Four Lives tyre policy to ensure maximum mileage performance. Tyre fitment and maintenance is provided by ATS Euromaster, whose regular fleet inspections include tyre pressure inspections and adjustments to Michelin recommended levels so that longevity is

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maximised and fuel economy maximised.

“We were impressed with Michelin’s web-based reporting which gives us total cost and budget transparency across the contract, allowing us to observe tyre usage for each vehicle and location, enabling trends to be monitored and any issues which arise to be dealt with quickly,” Sherlock added. “The Michelin policy fits well with our operation and ensures that every asset is running as efficiently and effectively as possible. We expect the new tyres to deliver a range of savings for the business in the coming years.” sg

Focsa has binned budget brands in favour of an all Michelin policy

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For Foj, the main benefit of Cooper's Discoverer STT is the versatility it offers

Cooper Backs Toyota Dakar Rally Squad ooper Tire Europe will compete in next year’s Dakar Rally after sealing an agreement with Dakar veteran, Spaniard Xavier Foj. Along with co-driver, Argentine Pablo Jaton, Foj will compete in a Toyota Cooper Tire team Land Cruiser KXR built by Jaton’s brother. The rubber of choice for the arduous 9000 kilometre event is to Cooper’s rugged Discoverer STT. The 2010 event will be Foj’s second year driving the Dakar on Cooper’s STT. Last year the Spanish driver finished second in the T2 class for production vehicles, with no punctures or tyre problems. And Cooper notes the driver is confident in the Discoverer STT tyres’ ability to deliver a repeat of his 1999 Dakar class victory.

“With a little shaving off of the height of the lugs, we will prevent the wheel track from scraping the surface of the dunes a little less and we shall optimise the engine power a little more but nevertheless, the main quality of these tyres is their tremendous versatility,” said Foj. “I can lower the pressure to 0.6 bar without fear of the tyre coming off its rim and can even cover the odd section of track or link to another area of sand without the need to inflate again.

“They are outstanding due to their reliability and great capacity for adapting to any type of terrain, which is fundamental in

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a rally such as the Dakar where, in one single special stage, you can drive on very different surfaces,” he added. “Last year, they definitely played an essential part in the

second place obtained in the T2 group and I hope that this year, with the small improvements we have made, they will help us go even higher.”

The Toyota Cooper Tires team will fit the STT in sizes 255/75R15 and 245/75R15 to the Land Cruiser for the event in order to tackle the soft sandy dunes and tough, rocky terrain that will be encountered along the route. This year’s Dakar Rally, held between January 1 and 17, 2010, will be the second running of the Dakar in South America. The course will take competitors across the Atacama Desert and is believed by some to be one of the toughest in history.

“Obviously, small modifications have been made to both car and tyres to improve their behaviour in high-level competition,” commented Cooper Tire Europe’s sales and marketing director, Jorge Crespo. “However, we are fully convinced that the Discoverer STTs will again demonstrate their quality for all-terrain driving as well as their enormous versatility and strength.” sg

Yokohama Tyres and Wheels on TV in New Modding TV Show brand-new TV Series on MTV channel Viva, Slips, sees Yokohama tyres selected as part of a tuning package where modified car owners race to win each others' car. Yokohama tyres and a range of aftermarket alloy wheels from the UK distributor, Yokohama HPT Ltd feature in many of the episodes, hosted by Fun Lovin' Criminals front-man Huey Morgan.

The premise of Slips is simple; two car owners choose a range of modifications to their everyday cars with the aim of beating the other round a specially-designed racetrack. The winner takes both cars home while the loser walks.

There are three options open to the owners; a straight power upgrade for improved speed and acceleration, extensive chassis modifications for much better braking and cornering or a lower-specification combination of both, giving all-round improved performance.

Yokohama states that its tyres have been chosen exclusively for the Slips modified cars.

Products from several of the Japanese marque's ranges have been selected, including the S.drive, Parada and the ultimate road/track tyre, the ADVAN A048. Indeed, the A048 was instrumental in two of the quickest times around the circuit that became the target for all others to beat, both fitted to Honda Civics as part of the second episode of the program.

In addition to Yokohama tyres, several ranges of replacement alloy wheels distributed

by Yokohama HPT have also been used in the series. Examples from TSW, MAK, Advanti and TSR have all featured, ranging in size from 15” TSW Tarumas on one of the Civics to 19” TSW Pace rims, used on a Nissan Primera. Commenting on the news, Yokohama HPT Ltd Managing Director David Seward said, “I'm delighted that Yokohama products have been selected

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UK TYRE MARKET

by the producers of Slips as the exclusive performance tyres. The various ranges available mean that there is something for everyone, whether they are looking for the ultimate in grip from the A048 or a combination of factors, as you'd find in the S.drive.

“We are also very pleased that the program has selected several of our alloy wheel options to accompany the tyres.

Not only do they offer greatly improved looks to the cars, they also offer enhanced performance thanks to lower weight. Once again, this is another endorsement of the quality of the product and the reputation of not only Yokohama, TSW, TSR, MAK and Advanti products themselves but also the service provided by the YHPT dealer network that includes RTEC, the company which prepares the cars for Slips.”

Slips can be seen at 10pm on Thursday evenings on Viva, the replacement for MTV's TMF channel. Viva is available on Sky channel 338, Freeview channel 21 and Virgin channel 313. akb

19” TSW Pace rims, used on a Nissan Primera

Maxxis Babes Website Launched he Maxxis Babes have been cheering on Maxxis-sponsored teams, drivers and riders at the British Superbike Championship and Maxxis British Motocross Championship, drift events and tuning, styling and performance shows this season to the acclaim of motorsport enthusiasts up and down the country. Now they have their own website. “The Maxxis Babes have attracted a lot of attention over the past couple of seasons and are such a popular feature of our promotional activities now that we decided to elevate their profile to help us develop our presence in the styling, performance and tuning market,” says Maxxis International UK’s managing director Derek McMartin.

Maxxis has launched www.maxxisbabes.com to promote further the association between the Babes and Maxxis tyres and give fans the opportunity to catch up with the exploits of Candice – who was voted grid girl of the year for 2009 by British Superbikes fans – and the girls in 2010. The

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website features an event planner to indicate where fans will be able to meet up with the Maxxis Babes next season. Events will include the Isle of Man TT Races, the Maxxis British Motocross Championship, the British

Superbikes Championship and a series of national tuning/performance shows which Maxxis is planning to attend in conjunction with Max Power magazine.

Itineraries and further details will be uploaded to the site as soon as they become available and the events section will be updated after each round/show, along with the girls’ blogs. The Maxxis Babes will be blogging about the events they attend during the year as well as answering enthusiasts’ questions. The website will also feature videos and downloads, including a free screensaver and free wallpapers for PCs, plus a series of image galleries showing the individual Babes and photographs of the girls at various motorsport events. There will be opportunities for enthusiasts to have a photograph taken with the girls at the events they attend and these shots will also be uploaded to the site. Fans will be encouraged to sign up to Maxxisbabes.com, which is free to join, to enjoy full access to the Babes’ photo galleries and all the available downloads.

“We look forward to using the Maxxisbabes.com site to promote the Maxxis brand – targeting the quality, performance and value message to motorsport enthusiasts and highlighting our sponsorship interests – and plan to develop the site during the coming year by adding more interactive features,” McMartin concluded. akb

The Babes have been omnipresent at Maxxis-supported motorsport events over the past few years – now they will court fans’ attention online

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UK TYRE MARKET

Dunlop to Supply Formula Ford in 2010 The organisers of the Formula Ford series have announced Dunlop’s selection as tyre supplier and title sponsor at next season’s Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain. New slick and wet weather Formula Ford radials are currently under development by Dunlop and will be adopted in Britain in 2010.

"Formula Ford teams will soon start the new-tyre testing programme," said Sam Roach, of Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship promoter RacingLine. "And we expect that they and their drivers will be very pleased with the results of Dunlop's hard work. We are sorry to be separating from Avon, whose products have served Formula Ford superbly for many seasons, and we are pleased that Avon will maintain a connection through its continued supply of tyres for the Kent-engined 'classic' Formula Fords.”

The tyre maker has supplied tyres to many series during Formula Ford's 43-year history. For many years, starting in the 1970s, it sponsored a Star of Tomorrow championship, among whose winners were Perry McCarthy, Paul Warwick and David Coulthard. "Dunlop is thrilled to renew its association with Formula Ford," said Dunlop motorsport manager, Michael Butler. "The championship has a long history of producing top-level drivers and we look forward to working with the stars of the future once again. We have developed a new tyre that uses our latest construction and compound technology and we aim for this to be a major enhancement to a massively popular formula."

"We are looking forward immensely to working with Dunlop in 2010, and are sure that the product and service will be exemplary," added Mike Norton, Ford of Europe motorsport manager. "We can confirm that the championship will once again be supporting the British Formula 3 and British GT Championships next season, and that we see this alignment of championships as being a natural fit for Formula Ford for the foreseeable future." sg

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At present Pirelli’s commitment to WRC tyre supply after 2010 remains up in the air

Pirelli Casts Doubt on Future WRC Support Bridgestone has announced its discontinuation of Formula One tyre supply, and it appears Pirelli is less than certain about its future with the World Rally Championship. According to the autosport.com website, Pirelli’s director of motorsport Paul Hembery has admitted there are no guarantees company will bid for a second term as WRC control tyre supplier following the current deal’s expiry at the end of 2010.

Hembery says, according to the website, that while the Italian firm will “consider” the FIA’s tender document for the 2011 to 2013 seasons, it is unlikely to sign up to a deal akin to the current contract. "We'll sit down and look at the document," said Hembery, "but the world has changed significantly since the last time we made our proposal to the FIA…Don't forget, we've had to close factories, lay people off and sometimes the sport has to come second. This is purely a financial thing."

Pirelli's eleven million euro investment in the current three-year contract has covered schemes such as the Pirelli Star Driver programme, which takes up and coming drivers from the African, Asia-Pacific, European and Middle-East FIA Regional Championships and puts them in Group N cars for six rounds of the WRC. This year's programme helped uncover Finnish driver Jarkko Nikara.

Autoport.com comments that Michelin is expected to tender for the WRC contract via its BFGoodrich brand, which is currently supplying teams in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. sg

RiDE and MCN Readers Rate Avon Tyres Motor Cycle News readers voted the Avon Storm ST third in their choice of tyre in the popular sports touring sector. The tyre also scored the third highest average number of miles before replacement and showed a big saving on the tyres in first and second place. The votes were from MCN readers – with more than 12,000 taking part and making it Britain’s biggest biking survey and the most comprehensive review of kit and accessories in the UK. Meanwhile, in RiDE’s annual 2009 RiDER Power Survey issue, the Avon Storm ST came third, above the likes of Michelin’s Pilot Power 2CT, Dunlop’s RoadSmart and Bridgestone fitments: BT-021, 016, 020 and 014. Also, in the category for longevity for front tyres the Storm ST came in third place, ably backed up by the Azaro ST in fifth place and the Avon Viper Sport in sixth. For rear tyres the Azaro ST took fourth place with the Storm ST in fifth, making it another successful RiDER Power for Avon Tyres. cja

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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Michelin Seeking to Boost UK Motorcycle Motorsport at Grass Root Level in 2010 Michelin will look to “re-establish” its two-wheel motorsport involvement in the UK in 2010, with the manufacturer introducing The Michelin Power Cup having already achieved notable success in France, Italy and Spain with similar race series. The series offers motorcycle racers a welcome Power Pack valued at £700, plus unprecedented amounts of track time and prizes including cash and products. Commenting on the new series, Olivier Gros, head of Michelin’s UK motorcycle department says: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to re-establish Michelin at the grass-roots of motorcycle racing in the UK. We want the Power Cup to stand out as offering the best value for money for racers both in terms of track time and prizes, and based on the calibre of sponsors we are confident that this will be the case.

There will be six rounds throughout the season with three 12-15 lap sprint races for 600cc and 1000cc classes at each round. The season will run from April to October with provisional venues being Snetterton (2/3 April), Cadwell Park (8/9/May and 30/31 October), Mallory Park (5/6 June), Anglesey (28/29 August) and Pembrey (18/19 September). “Not only will there be great prizes but we also want to create a fun atmosphere with regular get-togethers on the Saturday night at each meeting. These will include free refreshments and will give riders the chance to swap stories about their heroic racing exploits,” Gros concludes.

Sponsors for the series include Alpinestars, Arai, Putoline Oil and Race Products so the welcome Power Pack and prizes for each meeting and for the series winners will be of the highest quality. Overall series prizes for each class winner will include an Alpinestars leather race suit and Supertech R boots, and a top-ofthe-range Arai RX-7 GP helmet. In addition, the top three riders in each class will get the opportunity to represent the UK at one of the other European series rounds.

Michelin has launched a dedicated website to help promote the series, www.michelinpowercup.co.uk. It will include race reports, a photo gallery and an area where riders will have their profiles online and will be able to follow their progress in the championship. The maximum grid in each class will be 36 riders and representatives from Michelin and the organisers, Hottrax Motorsport, will be on stand F67 in Hall 1 at the NEC Motorcycle Show where riders can get more information and sign-up for the series. akb

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Dunlop Unveils New Motorcycle GP Racer Tyre: D211 aving shod the winners of the 2009 Isle of Man TT, Dunlop will no doubt be a name to spark interest among racing bikers, especially given the news released today that the brand is to launch the latest addition to its high performance Sportmax range at the National Motorcycle Show, staged at the NEC, on 26 November. Dunlop states that it has used technology derived from its race tyres to produce the GP Racer D211, specifically the technology from Dunlop’s D211 GP race tyre which helped to provide 165 podium finishes, 25 rider championships in top-class Superstock/Supersport and hundreds of club level race wins.

The GP Racer D211 will, says Dunlop, satisfy the needs of the most hardcore track day enthusiast as well as the pure sports road rider without compromising on any of the performance requirements found in a road going tyre, such as mileage and wet road grip. Featuring Dunlop’s 7000 series Multi-Tread compound, the rear tyre has seven zones of compound which maximises side grip, drive traction and rapid warm-up as well as handling response, tread stability and tyre life. The front tyre features three compound zones focusing on secure cornering and braking stability.

The latest technology to be used in this new tyre is called NTEC. Developed at Dunlop Motorsport for the parent race tyre, the technology allows the rear tyre to run very low pressures (down to 17psi) on track. The tyre will also be available as a slick that will offer the same technology and features but with even more dry grip, adding to a track day experience.

“By introducing the GP Racer D211 to the fast road as well as track day market we are opening riders up to a whole new on road experience. The tyre will enable smooth, responsive transitions between maximum lean angles as well as remaining stable with more grip than you will ever need” said Lisa Faulkner, Dunlop Motorcycle Manager. “We set out to create an unbeatable race tyre which exceeded expectations. From this we have enabled ourselves to offer this outstanding tyre for use on the road. The tyre will be officially launched into the UK market in January 2010 but to give riders a little teaser of what they can expect, we decided to unveil the tyre at the prestigious Motorcycle Show” commented Lisa.

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The tyres will be available in the following sizes from January 2010: Front (Soft, Medium and Endurance compounds): 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) TL 120/70 R17 TL NHS (Slick) Rear (Soft, Medium and Endurance compounds): 180/70 ZR17 M/C (73W) TL 190/70 ZR17 M/C (75W) TL 200/70 ZR17 M/C (78W) TL 180/55 R17 TL NHS (Slick) 190/55 R17 TL NHS (Slick) 200/55 R17 TL NHS (Slick) akb

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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UK TYRE MARKET

THIS?

REMEMBER

He’s Ross Smallcombe, and he’s Seb Cnossen, and together, they are Team Mighty Wight, pictured with their trusty Avon CR322-shod Suzuki Swift

Stories from the past 20 years of T&A

December 1989 A month of investments in the USA: Cooper planned to invest $11m in its Findlay plant, while Yokohama said it would put $100m into its Mohawk factory in Salem.

Continental increased its shareholding in Kwik-Fit from 10 to 13.13 per cent.

December 1994 Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal opened Avon Tyres' new low profile truck tyre production facility at Melksham.

Oliver Rubber announced the closure of its European subsidiary, Oliver Europa, at Grantham.

December 1999 The decline in car retread sales forced the Technic Group to call in the Official Receiver.

Stapelton's acquired Simply Tyres & Exhausts of Bicester to bring its total of retail centres to 50.

December 2004 'Detailed discussions' were underway between Amtel of Russia and Vredestein regarding the acquisition of the Dutch manufacturer.

Shanghai tyre & Rubber Company approved two separate investments, totalling the equivalent of £17.2m, in a subsidiary and in its current joint venture with Michelin.

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Mighty Wight Duo Completes Mongolian Rally on Avon Tyres A pair of Isle of Wight adventurers have crossed a third of the world – from the UK to Mongolia – on a single set of Avon Tyres. Ross Smallcombe and Seb Cnossen, whom together are Team Mighty Wight, travelled 8,230 miles on the Mongolian Rally on Avon’s ultra-durable CR322 rubber, taking in some of the world’s toughest terrains, including potholed, unmade roads, waterways and off-road areas. mallcombe voiced his delight with the performance of his Avon rubber: “They’re amazing tyres. I had used them before when I worked for a racing suspension company and loved them, then I was recommended to use them for this trip and they have done me proud. So many tyres were supposedly better suited to the terrain but by the end of the trip everyone wanted Avon tyres.

“Teams paid hundreds of pounds for specialist tyres, rally tyres, desert tyres and offroad tyres. People couldn't believe we didn't even get a puncture, when their tyres were getting ripped to shreds. We travelled over mountains with no roads, deserts in 50C heat, crossed rivers that were as deep as our bonnet, and even jumped ditches when necessary. The tyres barely looked worn when we crossed the finish line.”

The Mongolian Rally consists of 500 teams travelling from the UK to Mongolia in a 1.0 litre car with no assistance, for charitable causes. As well as testing Team Mighty Wight’s endurance, and that of their Suzuki

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Swift and its tyres, the aim of the expedition is to provide education, awareness and donations for the Christina Nobel Foundation charity.

Leaving on 19 July, Mighty Wight joined the other teams at the ‘Check Out’ party in Prague, Czech Republic. They then headed south through Eastern Europe to Turkey.

The trek to Mongolia continued through Iran into Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia and finally into the finish line in Mongolia from the north west.

The Suzuki Swift will now be auctioned for charity to add to the money already raised by the trip, which currently stands at £2,000. Smallcombe and Cnossen are hoping to continue to add to the success of the Mongol Rally by starting a charitable youth scheme to encourage further education and alternative outlets for learning.

Team Mighty Wight then hopes to embark on an adventure mentoring children as they travel the world. akb

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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COMPANY NEWS

Career Tracks

Tony Cowell Dies ony Cowell, the former managing director of Manchester-based rubber machinery maker Francis Shaw, passed away on 16 November 2009 after fighting illness for the past three years. After leaving Francis Shaw, Cowell became joint managing director of Pelmar Engineering (UK) Ltd., on 6 July, 2001. In a statement issued

by Pelmar Engineering, the company said Cowell will be “sadly missed by all his many friends and colleagues in the tyre and rubber industry.” In addition to his business achievements Cowell also served as the general secretary of the International Tyre, Rubber & Plastics Federation (ITRPF) until 2005. cja

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Snap-on Diagnositics Appoint Sarah Philpott Acting Marketing Manager nap-on has appointed Sarah Philpott as acting marketing manager. Philpott, who holds several qualifications in business management and administration (including an MBA from the University of East Anglia in Norwich) joined Snap-on Diagnostics in 2002.

In addition to her new position, she also remains responsible for her primary role as sales support manager.

“We are pleased to have Sarah take on this important role,” says Phil Nassau, UK Sales Director of Snap-on Diagnostics. “In these tough times good marketing is important, not just to the success of existing products but to the launch of new products that Snap-on-on Diagnostics will be adding to its range in the coming months. Sarah has already proved that she has the drive and enthusiasm to succeed and I am confident that Sarah will build on the good work of Helen Taylor in helping us to maintain our brand leadership position”.

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Recognition For Car Parts Entrepreneur Wembley-based motor industry entrepreneur, Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia of Euro Car Parts, has been nominated for the Business & Commerce Award at the forthcoming Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards, taking place on Saturday 7th November at London Hilton, Park Lane. tarting as a teenager in a "one-man business", Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia has built Euro Car Parts Ltd into the UK's largest independent distributor of replacement car parts. Early in this career, he identified that the UK's 30,000 independent car garages needed immediate access to a wide range of car parts for the huge array of vehicles on the road, allowing repairs to be completed the same day, sometimes even while the car owner waited.

As a result Euro Car Parts was born and since then Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia has built a formidable international supply chain distribution and 70-branch marketing operation which meets all of these needs.

Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia and his family own 100 per cent of ECP and have overtaken many long-established players without the requirement for bank or external finance. 2009 has seen the fastest growth yet with sales increasing by £45M in a year.

Now in its seventh year, the awards will honour the achievements of the most talented individuals within the public and private sectors among the Asian community in the south of UK. Judges of the Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards includes entrepreneur and star of TV's Dragon's Den James Caan.

Said Kamel Hothi, Asian markets director, Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets: "The calibre of nominations we have received is testament to the ongoing success story of the Asian community. It's been a tough task to whittle these down to a shortlist but Sukhpal's commitment to the Business & Commerce sector stood out. In his role, he provides inspiration and support for the next generation and through our sponsorship of the Jewel Awards, Lloyds TSB wants to recognise the outstanding contribution made by individuals like Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia." pg

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Ex Conti CEO Wennemer Quits Opel Trust Board ormer Continental AG CEO Manfred Wennemer’s tenure as one of five Opel Trust board members ended on November 7 following his resignation in protest against political interference over the planned sale of vehicle manufacturer Opel. According to Reuters, while Wennemer’s act of protest against the “constant interference” from German politicians in potentially embarrassing to Berlin, his resignation is however “essentially symbolic” following General Motor’s recent change of mind regarding its European subsidiary.

Although appointed to the board to represent the German government’s interests, Wennemer voted against Magna’s acquisition of Opel, a deal strongly backed by German chancellor Angela Merkel, just days prior to the country’s national election. sg

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Sarah Philpott is pictured (left) with Helen Taylor, marketing manager at Snap-on Diagnostics, who is currently on maternity leave and to whom she reports.

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

Ashcroft Appointed Conti UK & Ireland Truck OE Manager ontinental Tyre Group has appointed Steve Ashcroft to the role of OE manager for its UK & Ireland truck tyre business. In his new position, Ashcroft will liaise directly with both manufacturers and fleets on all OE truck and trailer activities. Commenting on his appointment, Ashcroft commented: “It’s an interesting time to be taking on the OE Manager role, but my years of experience as well as the insight gained from working in both the manufacturing and supplier side of the business, I’m convinced will be of great benefit.”

Ashcroft’s time in the commercial vehicle industry began when he left school, and now has over 33 years in the business. He started his career with Leyland Trucks, where he worked closely with the research and development team on military business with the MoD. Ashcroft then moved into a sales role with DAF Ashcroft can draw upon more than three decades of experience in his new role International, covering business in South America and the Caribbean, before joining Continental in 1991 as commercial sales manager. Since then, he has held a number of regional and fleet sales manager roles, and in 2002 joined the OE business unit as development manager for the OEM and Vehicle Dealerships. sg

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Toyo Taps Hagan to Head Sales

Ex-Conti CEO Neumann Takes on VW Role n December 1 Karl-Thomas Neumann, former chief executive of Continental AG, will start in a new role with Volkswagen.

Neumann will take on the newly created role of group chief officer for electric traction, and in this position will report directly to VW CEO Martin Winterkorn.

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This is not the first time that Neumann, who left Conti in August, has worked with the carmaker – he held various positions within the Volkswagen’s electronics operation between 1999 and 2004. sg

Industry veteran John Hagan has been named senior director of sales operations for Toyo Tire USA Corp.

Replacing Armand Allaire, who left Toyo for a similar post with Kumho Tire USA Inc., Hagan will be responsible for all of Toyo’s sales operations and will report directly to president and CEO Yasushi Takagi.

Hagan’s past experience serving as vice president of OE sales for Pirelli Tire North America, and as vice president of sales and marketing for companies in the chemical and import/export industries. (Tire Review)

Infinity Appoints New GM for Australia and New Zealand nfinity Tyres continues its worldwide brand expansion with the announcement of the appointment of Tim Sanders as general manager for Infinity Australia and New Zealand. Following the appointments of Martin West and Martin Lumb in Europe, the latest recruitment action continues the strengthening of the global Infinity management team and demonstrates the commitment and investment now being placed behind the Infinity brand.

Sanders started as an Earthmover engineer at Bridgestone UK where he stayed for thirteen years, eventually heading its UK Earthmover and Passenger division. He joined General Tire in 1989 and was made responsible for the UK and African markets, spending nine years in Singapore opening up distribution channels for all Continental Tyre brands throughout South East Asia. For the last seven years he has spent the majority of his time developing the

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New Infinity Australia and New Zealand general manager, Tim Sanders

Tyres & Accessories 09/2009

Australian and New Zealand markets for the Continental and Sime brands in conjunction with local distribution partners.

Sanders commented: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to join a fresh pragmatic International organisation and welcome the challenge to establish local partners for the Infinity portfolio in Australasia.”

Infinity tyres are exclusively distributed throughout the world by the Al Dobowi Group, which states that the brand offers quality engineering combined with maximum levels of comfort and longevity.

Harjeev Kandhari, executive director of the Al Dobowi Group, welcomed Sanders to Infinity: “We are delighted to have someone so highly respected and experienced in our team – we have great products, excellent distribution channels and we are now building a high quality worldwide management team to implement our objectives.” akb

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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

Hankook Now ‘Number 6 in Europe’ Company aims to continue rapid growth, factory expansion in 2010 Hankook is now the sixth largest tyre manufacturer in Europe, according to company figures. Speaking during a tour of the South Korean-based tyre manufacturer’s Racalmas, Hungary tyre production plant in November, European PR manager, Felix Kinzer, announced that the company now calculates it is the seventh largest tyre maker in the world in terms of units sales; and not far from sixth.

Tyres & Accessories' own data, which calculates the rankings based on the value of sales using the euro as the control currency, puts the company in eighth place. Algebraical differences aside, the point is that Hankook is gaining ground on its competitors, something that is even

clearer when you look at Hankook's take on the current European leaderboard. The company’s calculation puts Hankook in sixth place in the European passenger car tyre market with a 7 per cent market share, snapping at the heels of fifth-placed Pirelli with 8 per cent. Things are even better in the truck and bus tyre business, where the company’s market share has reportedly grown to nine per cent, putting the company in fifth place after Bridgestone (13 per cent), this time ahead of Pirelli (5 per cent). When you consider the rapid growth rates Hankook' sales are currently experiencing, the company's arguably ambitious calculations deserve further attention.

With executives talking about phase two and even phase three expansion, this aerial image illustrates just how much space Hankook has to make this happen

ake a closer look at the UK tyre market and you can see that Hankook is experiencing the same growth trend here too; only faster.

Speaking conservatively, Hankook UK representatives told T&A that passenger car sales shot up more than 10 per cent this year, despite the well-reported state of the market as a whole.

Future OE pull-through is likely to support continued sales in the UK, through two routes – well known European brands such as the Audi A3 and A6 arefitments Hankook recently won; and an increasing share of Korean carmakers such as Hyundai and Kia, which thanks to the scrappage scheme are

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becoming relatively popular in the UK. As far as Hankook’s Korean OE position is concerned, the company is said to have benefited from recent production troubles at its main competitor, leaving it in a stronger position than before. In addition there is the company’s recently announced fitment on the 2010 Vauxhall Astra, under which Hankook tyres will be fitted to UK-bound vehicles finished at Ellesmere Port, provided there are no further unpleasant surprises in the ongoing GM saga.

Performance in the UK truck and bus tyre business is no different, in fact it is better still.

When the 2009 domestic truck tyre market

was estimated to be down 20 per cent, Hankook was experiencing sales growth of 20 per cent. Such rapid growth in a shrunken market can only mean that the company’s market share has grown exponentially, resulting in Hankook finding itself in a surprisingly influential position – the company must be knocking on the door of third place in the market. The introduction of the company’s eCube energy, economy and environmentfocused product in October gives the company the opportunity to up its game still further and sell to still bigger, more energy conscious fleets. However, as these products are currently only being produced in South Korea, and short delivery time is key to establishing a bigger foothold in the UK and European markets, it begs the question – will Hankook add truck tyre production on the empty land adjacent to its Hungary plant?

Manufacturer drops plans for run-flat line at Hungary plant Another area of rapid expansion is at Hankook’s European manufacturing centre in Racalmas, Hungary where the previously reported passenger car tyre capacity expansion plans are now well underway. The current second phase of construction at the company’s Racalmas site, which started production in 2007, will see the company double capacity from 5 to 10 million passenger car tyres annually over the next 18 month’s at a cost of around 230 million euros.

During a recent tour of the facility, Tyres &

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

However, in a move that demonstrates the company’s focus on meeting largescale demand, Hankook has cancelled plans to include run-flat production in the current phase of expansion at the company's Racalmas, Hungary tyre manufacturing plant. Despite announcing that the company would include run-flat tyre production in this round of expansion as recently as 9 September, Jin-Wook Choi told Tyres & Accessories that the company is now prioritising standard tyre production due to demand continuing to outstrip supply in Europe, particularly in terms of UHP sizes. Hankook Tire Europe managers conceded that the decision will result in cost savings and that this was a consideration in the discussions leading up to the decision, however they also pointed out that the company is on course to invest as much as 10 per cent more than the 500 million euros initially earmarked for the total expansion project.

In addition, new European subsidiaries and Hankook and EU/South Korea Free Trade Agreement branch offices are said to be “coming soon.” The first One factor all the analysts and observers have overlooked step will seek Hankook in their assessment of Hankook (and the other South Korean upgrade its current tyre makers) is the impact of the forthcoming EU/South Russian branch office into Korea Free Trade Agreement. Scheduled for completion in a fully-fledged subsidiary.

2010, this free trade agreement will see the end of both As well as making this automotive and tyre duties between the two countries. With office a more permanent this in mind, Tyres & Accessories asked Hankook represenfixture, it has certain buretatives how they think the free trade agreement will affect aucratic benefits such as commercial vehicle and passenger car tyre sales between the ability to directly import the two countries. products in the Russian In answer to a series of written questions on the matter, market.

Hankook representatives said they expected that “tyre sales

Accessories spoke with executive vice-president and COO of Hankook Tire, Jin-Wook Choi and found out more about what the company plans to do next.

Following the completion of the phase two expansion in around 18 months time, Jin-Wook Choi confirmed that the company is already planning a third phase. Hankook's huge plot at its ultra-modern Racalmas site certainly has room for further expansion, with land roughly the size of the company's current phase one and two production currently lying vacant. What the company will do with this space in the third phase of expansion is less clear. Bearing in mind the strong demand for its products Hankook is currently reporting, the most likely options at this stage appear to be for the company to add further passenger tyre or truck and bus tyre production capacity. However, there was also talk of building a test track adjacent to the production plant.

volume between South Korean and the EU is going to be increased” and that there would be wider positive implications related to the car sales: “Since not only the duties of tyres but also the duties of vehicles are going to be removed gradually, the synergy effect of tyre sales between South Korea and the EU is expected.”

Asked if the company’s strong relationships with Korean OEM will play a role, the official line is: “Hankook Tire will profit from its strong and market leading position in the Korean tyre market. As more Korean vehicles with Hankook tyres are sold in the EU, consequently the brand awareness of Hankook will increase. Also replacement tyre sales will be increased in accordance with the increase of OE supply.”

However, the free-trade agreement is a two-way street with South Korea abolishing import duties on imported European cars: “Additionally, it is a good chance to supply more Hankook tyres to European car makers.” cja

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

Analysts: Hankook shares ‘top pick’ of Korean tyremakers Financial analysts are recommending buying shares in Korean tyremakers (particularly Nexen and Hankook, which Deutsche Bank named as their “top pick” of the three companies), following their initiation of stock coverage at the end of November. Their view is that internal structural and strategic fundamentals

Hankook Tire executive vice-president and COO, Jin-Wook Choi and external conditions are now favouring Korean tyre makers: “The top three global tyre makers continue to lose market share, having lost 10 percentage points in the past 10 years. On the other hand, we expect the global market share of Korea’s three tyre makers to rise to 7.2 per cent by 2010 from 5.5 per cent in 2008 (by revenue),” Deutsche Bank wrote in an investors report dated 21 November.

The analysts see them as long-term global players “thanks to their early entry into the fast-growing Chinese tyre market.”

According to Deutsche Bank, Hankook and Kumho have pole position with 15 per cent and 16 per cent of the total passenger car replacement tyre market, respectively (Hankook representatives say it is actually nearer a quarter of the market at 26 per cent).

Furthermore, according to the analysts, “nearly 50 per cent of production from lowcost Chinese plants is exported, enabling them to control costs and capitalise on their improving brand name in export markets.”

Deutsche Bank’s analysis singled out Hankook as having market leadership in China and being “within reach of tier two.”

While Hankook representatives would say the company is already in tier two and now aiming for premium status, the fact that the company’s progression is becoming so widely accepted (and publicised) must come as welcome news. It is also evidence that, whether you agree with Hankook’s assessment of it being in sixth place or not, the company is one to watch in 2010. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

Has Pirelli Lost Fifth Place in European TBR Market to Hankook?

Market share data released by Hankook shows that Michelin remains the undisputed leader in both the car and truck tyre segments. However, the previously exclusive stable of top five tyre manufacturers has gained a new member in 2009. Hankook’s decision to publish its projections of how the land lies, following one of the most tumultuous periods in the market’s history, may only have happened because

it was a good year for the South Korean tyre manufacturer, however the fact remains the unusual combination of events experienced in the last 12 months means there are signs that the status quo has been disrupted. Looking forward the question is: will the company be able to sustain this position in the years to come?

8 per cent. And here’s where things get interesting. Hankook are in sixth place with a 7 per cent market share, snapping at the heels of fifth-placed Pirelli who are only one percentage point ahead with 8 per cent.

Michelin is again said to dominate the truck tyre market, with a 32 per cent share of business. Goodyear Dunlop are European Market Share LCV Tyres (2009) second with 18 per Other cent, followed by Pirelli Continental (16 per 6% 6% Michelin cent). Bridgestone Hankook 32% are said to hold a 9% solid fourth position in Europe with (13 per cent). As far as 13% Bridgestone Hankook are concerned, the 18% 16% company’s standing in the TBR segment is Goodyear even better than in Continental PCR, with company data putting it in fifth Source: Hankook Tire Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

ere’s Hankook’s calculation of how the European car tyre market will look at the end of 2009. Michelin remains market leader with a 20 per cent market share, followed

by Goodyear Dunlop (18 per cent). Bridgestone are next on the list with a 12 per cent share of the market, followed by Pirelli with

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European PCR/LCV Tyre Market Share (2009) Other

Regional Distribution of Hankook Tire Turnover (2008)

Michelin 18%

place ahead of Pirelli (5 per cent).

Of course due to the fact that the figures were published in November they can only be estimates, however the fact that (on its passenger car tyre market chart) Hankook calculates “others” as representing 18 per cent suggests that the company is basing its estimates on a whole market scenario. It can’t simply be a survey of ERMC Europool members because that would mean Cooper Tire Europe and Trelleborg (not known for their car tyres) would have swelled to nearly a fifth of the market between them. With this mind, and when you consider that the truck and bus tyre chart allots an even smaller six per cent of the pie to “others”, there are those that would say this doesn’t fairly represent the sales of Cooper, Kumho, GTRadial, Nexen, Nokian, Toyo Yokohama – to name but a few. Expand their share and you inevitably dilute the rest. Either way Hankook’s 2009 estimates make timely reading nonentheless. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

Asia-Pacific

Middle East Central/South America 7%

20%

6% 3%

25%

Korea

Hankook 7% China 8% Pirelli

16%

18% Goodyear

12%

23% 20%

17%

Europe

Bridgestone Continental Source: Hankook Tire

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

North America Source: Hankook Tire

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

EU Parliament Approves Tyre Labelling Regulation Labelling will “encourage tyre manufacturers to upgrade their products” says ETRMA On November 25 the European Parliament approved the draft regulation on tyre labelling without a vote. This means that, come November 1, 2012, light and heavy duty vehicle tyres (C1, C2 and C3 tyres) will have to be supplied with information that informs consumers about fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise classes in any technical promotional material, including websites. Retreaded tyres, off-road professional tyres and racing tyres will be exempt from this requirement. ll C1 and C2 tyres produced after 1 July 2012 and sold within the EU after November 2012 must either have a sticker affixed or be accompanied by the label when distributed from the factory to a shop or garage. As tyres, unlike the household appliances that served as inspiration for the labelling regulations, are not always on display in a retail premises, Members of the European Parliament have insisted tyre sellers be obliged to show the label to the buyer before a sale takes place and also on, or with, the invoice or receipt given.

Like the European energy label, the tyre label will use classes ranging from bestperformance (green “A” class) to worst (red “G” class). Besides indicating how much the tyre affects the car's fuel efficiency, it will also give information about its performance in wet conditions and its external rolling noise in decibels.

To promote quieter tyres, the Parliament negotiated a re-design of the noise pictogram. The level of external rolling noise will be indicated by ascending numbers of black "waves" emitted from the "speaker". For example, a car tyre producing low noise emissions of less than 68 decibels will be labelled with one black and two white waves next to the decibel value.

Potential incentives for promoting better-performing tyres to consumers will be decided at national level. In principle, EU member states will only be allowed to provide incentives for tyres ranked at least "class C" on fuel efficiency and wet grip.

Initial responses to the European Parliament’s decision were positive. The European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association and its twelve leading tyre corporate

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members have “welcomed” the objectives of the mandatory tyre performance information requirement voted upon by the European Parliament yesterday. Noting the braking performance and fuel efficiency aspects covered by the upcoming tyre labelling, ETRMA says it is “happy that these aspects are fully reflected in the regulation”.

The organisation adds that expected fuel savings from the increased use of fuel-efficient tyres will lead to saving an estimated 20

million tonnes of CO2 per year and 10 billion euros of fuel per year.

Secretary general of the ETRMA, Fazilet Cinaralp, further adds that the measure will encourage tyre manufacturers to upgrade their products in a context of increased competition on the tyre market, by introducing a level playing field for all with the possibility for producers to benefit from product differentiation, not only based on prices but also on product quality. The consumers will have access to objective, reliable and comparable information on tyre parameters. The new regulation is, according to a press statement released by the organisation, a “step further towards improving traffic safety and combating global warming.”

Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres has referred to the labelling’s approval as a “significant step forward for consumers” and an “opportunity” for itself: “For years, we have already been carrying out sustained development work in questions related to tyre safety and eco-friendliness,” commented Nokian Tyres CEO and president Kim Gran. “This classification is a challenge, but the decision is a very positive one, and, for a manufacturer such as ourselves concentrating on high-quality, specialised products, it brings many opportunities. The clear labelling indicating tyre rolling resistance and wet grip classification and the noise value will help consumers to decide which tyre to purchase.” sg Labels such as this will be mandatory on all tyres sold from November 1, 2012

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

In From the Cold Former Michelin Nordic MD returns to the UK market When Malcolm Scovell was appointed commercial director at Michelin Tyre Plc earlier this year, his appointment marked a significant change in the company’s management as it followed the almost simultaneous appointment of Bill Schafer as commercial director of Michelin’s UK truck and bus operations in July. Now Scovell’s predecessor (Hervé de Froment) has transferred to take on a new role with ccording to Malcolm Scovell, premium brands have managed to maintain their overall market share despite the pressures of the down market. However, it is clear that some have faired better than others. As far as Michelin is concerned this year is said to have been pleasingly stable: “We are confident we have been able to maintain our position…[But] if we hadn’t have taken such a broad approach to the market – fleets, distribution, OE etc – we could have lost ground.” When asked how the increasing replacement and OE strength of Korean tyre markers and increased sales of Korean cars may affect Michelin’s business, he answered simply: “Michelin have 100 per cent OE on the Kia C’eed.”

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Michelin maintains market share in 2009 With the UK passenger car market down between 5 and 8 per cent in terms of volume and exchange rates playing havoc with lots of companies calculations, pricing has become a key issue this year. Scovell, however, is resolute about the value associated with Michelin: “We are determined to stick to our core values. We may have been forced into making some short term decisions this year, but we have generally maintained our European pricing strategy. Not all of our competitors were able to do the same.”

From his point of view, the market is currently “bumping along the bottom,” meaning it is just a question of time before things pick up again. And while there has been a noticeable, but difficult to quantify, trend towards cheaper unit priced tyres, Scovell is clear in his opinion that this is short-

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

Michelin in sunny Spain, Scovell – himself the former managing director of Michelin Nordic – has taken the opportunity to move to warmer (if not drier) climes. In his first full interview since taking over at Campbell Road, Tyres & Accessories asked what he brings to the role and what the market can expect in the next 12 months.

term thinking: “One thing facing the business is the decline in the value of the market…long term thinking secures business [pricing] in three years time, not just tiding things over for the present.

You can express your concerns, but what people do in response is up to them.”

Addressing the economy as a whole, Scovell commented on the fact that politicians have been predicting green shoots for months “we haven’t seen any harvest Michelin UK commercial director, Malcolm Scovell, is concerned about maintaiyet.” The point is that ning the value of the UK passenger car tyre market due to the ongoing economic difficulties, making the right choices in relationship to ‘Natural progression’ forecasting is as important as ever. “Ask for too little and you are in trouble, ask for too While Scovell describes his latest promotion much and you are lumped with more stock as “a natural progression,” his return to than you can sell and have to face the probStoke-on-Trent also brings him full-circle, in lems that come with a stilted cash flow,” he a manner of speaking. His 34-year long commented, adding that dealers have career with Michelin began after qualifying “every right to demand more from manuas an electrical engineer. The next posting facturers” in this respect. “Dealers that have was applying these skills in the Michelin the resources and/or access to the right IT factories in Stoke-on-Trent and Dundee for systems to help with this will be the the best part of a decade. What followed winners.” was a “technical phase,” which saw Scovell take on engineer consultancy work over-

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LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

seeing the delivery of tyre/wheel packages to customers including Lotus, Volvo in partnership with TWR and Rolls Royce. After this he moved on to running Michelin’s UK motorsport division – including rally, touring car, superbike and GT racing involvement; followed by 3 – 4 years leading Michelin UK retail sales force; before most recently spending seven years running Michelin’s Nordic operation (first as sales manager, then as managing director).

Despite having only been in the UK a few months this time round, this is not the first time Tyres & Accessories has crossed paths with Michelin Plc’s new commercial sales director. Our first meeting was actually, by sheer fluke, in Rome during a retail conference with a group of Scandinavian tyre dealers. There in his capacity as MD of Michelin Nordic, Scovell shared some of the unique features of Scandinavian tyre markets – high premium brand market share, quality conscious consumers and strong winter market. With this in mind, at least two of those three key features make Scovell’s promotion into an increasingly mid to budget market appear to be a timely decision. “Nordic markets are value rather than price driven,” Scovell surmised, explaining that make up of the two markets are radically different.

In 2004 the UK passenger car tyre market was seen as a 40 per cent premium, 20 per cent mid-range and 40 per cent budget market. Since then it has evolved into a roughly evenly split tyre parc. With each segment now occupying roughly a third of the market, depending on exactly how you classify the Korean brands, there is a clear contrast between the UK and Nordic experience (which is 50 per cent premium, and 25 per cent mid-range and budget respectively). However, despite many market observers reporting that premium brands have lost out to mid-range and budget tyre sales in the recession, Scovell see things slightly differently: “There has been definite growth in the budget market…In terms of price I would expect to see shrinkage in the mid-range sector.”

Nevertheless the Nordic breakdown is nodoubt a model that Michelin would like to see replicated in the UK.

Get Ready for More VAT Changes AT-registered businesses are being urged to get ready now for major changes to VAT return filing and payment coming next April. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has sent a leaflet to all 1.9 million VAT-registered businesses to alert them to the fact that, from 1 April 2010, those with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more (excluding VAT) will have to file their VAT returns online and pay their VAT electronically. Under the changes, businesses registering for VAT on or after 1 April 2010 will also have to file their return online and pay electronically, whatever their turnover.

The news follows earlier advice from MAM Software Ltd. to begin planning now for the impending change in VAT rate. The VAT rate will return to 17.5 per cent on 1 January 2010, but MAM Software is recommending companies make their preparations before they close for the Christmas break.

"Businesses should begin planning as soon as possible" explained Robin Darnell, Director of Support Services at MAM Software. "A lack of preparation will hinder the changeover. Much like Christmas shopping, the later you leave it, the busier it gets and the more stressful it becomes. If businesses plan now, they will have ample

V

time to ask questions and understand the processes involved."

MAM Software has published a number of detailed factsheets at w w w. m a m s o f t . c o . u k / v a t c h a n g e .

However, to file a one of the new online VAT returns, businesses new to HMRC’s online services need to register for the VAT Online service at www.online.hmrc.gov. uk. Current HMRC online service users can add VAT Online to their portfolio.

The HMRC also carries a reminder of changes to EU cross-border VAT rules.

Further details on these changes can be found by visiting www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/ forms-rates/rates/rate-changes.htm and www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/cross-borderchanges-2010.htm. cja

Three significant VAT changes will come into force in the first four months of 2010

chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

New and Improved Tyres & Accessories rolls out enhanced online media throughout 2009 This year the growth of e-commerce within the industry bucked the general downturn trends, and companies dealing predominantly in cyberspace have reported a very good 2009. This has also proven the case for Tyrepress.com: As part of its commitment to remain in touch with the latest tyre industry developments, during the year Tyres & Accessories made a number of improvements to its electronic media services. Throughout 2009 growing numbers of readers have enjoyed T&A content delivered through our re-launched website and e-Newsletter, plus our all-new Twitter service.

ur online presence dates back to 1998, when Tyres & Accessories launched its tyrepress.com website. The original site delivered the latest industry news for more than a decade. Yet it was clear that a complete redesign was called for in order to take advantage of all the internet today has to offer. During the first months of the year the T&A editorial staff many hours debating the new site’s musthave features, and numerous mockup designs and test web pages followed. In August our complete existing archive of 16,000 articles (it has since grown to over was transferred onto our new site server and the website’s relaunch was officially announced on August 13.

The visual changes to the tyrepress.com website are obvious – the blue background and minimal graphics in use since the dawn of the Millennium have been swept aside in favour of a more visually appealing and multimedia friendly design. Vastly improved Question of the Month and Forum features allow readers to air their views on any tyre related subject; in the case of our new Question of the Month, results are now instant so readers can clearly see opinion trends as they develop.

And these aesthetic changes have been matched with behind the scenes improvements – the new site facilitates social

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

The contrast between the new site and the original from 1998 is clear to see networking connectivity, search engine optimisation and advanced payment facilities; further additions are also on their way.

Following closely behind the new website was the relaunch of the tyrepress.com e-Newsletter. Our pdf format news had already been sent out daily to inboxes around the world for a number of years, so the aim was to deliver readers the look and feel of our upgraded website while still supplying the same trusted and free of charge content. It appears we have been successful in reaching this goal: In the twelve months to December 2009, the number of subscribers to our news services has virtually doubled, and today the e-Newsletter is sent out to more than 10,500 individual tyre industry e-mail addresses. Those who are not already receiving our e-Newsletter, and would like to, can do so by clicking the “Get a Grip on Tyres” ad on the tyrepress.com homepage. Alternatively, if you already receive the e-Newsletter and wish to upgrade to a full paid website subscription that gives you access to our database of more than 17,000 news stories, doing so

has never been easier. The site now accepts online credit card payments in addition to cheques and electronic bank transfers.

“Whether it is our industry leading coverage of new tyre legislation, or our special reports on the recent ITC Chinese import tariffs, Tyres & Accessories and tyrepress.com strives to supply the latest tyre news and information to the market. Despite the challenging economic environment, this year we successfully re-launched our online presence and have experienced steady growth in our market leading magazine circulation,” commented T&A editor Chris Anthony, adding: “The immediacy of the news we produce seems to be what appeals to readers most."

To round off our online offerings for 2009, Tyres & Accessories has “tweeted” itself to an all-new twitter service. Those with an interest in all things tyre-related and readers of our magazine, website and e-Newsletter can receive regular headline updates through http://twitter.com/tyrepress. To do so, all you need is a Twitter profile, from which you can add Tyrepress to the list of fellow tweeters you are following.

All in all, 2009 has definitely been a redletter year for Tyres & Accessories’ online presence, and we are encouraged by the favourable response we have received from many readers and subscribers. We look forward to further enhancing our service to you in 2010 and beyond. stephen.goodchild@tyrepress.com

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COMPANY NEWS

Michelin Planning for Further BRIC Growth Passenger car tyre capacity to double Comments made by Michelin managing partner Michel Rollier may cast doubts on the French manufacturer’s likelihood of increasing revenue in 2010, yet uncertainty over a recovery in the automotive industry and raw material costs have not punctured activity in the important BRIC markets. French financial newspaper Les Echos writes that Michelin has needed to reduce planned investments to 700 he memorandum of understanding for a new manufacturing facility was signed between Michelin and India’s Tamil Nadu state government. The factory, to be established by Michelin India Tamil Nadu Tyres Ltd, will be built in phases over a number of years on a 290-acre site some 50 kilometres north of Chennai. The Rs 40 billion (£512 million) plant, when production of truck and bus radials commences in 2012, will employ around 1,500 people and mainly serve the domestic market.

"Michelin is extremely grateful to the state of Tamil Nadu for making it possible to have access to land and infrastructure to be able to build our factory," announced Michelin Africa-India-Middle East president Prashant Prabhu after exchanging documents with state officials. “With the accelerating development of road and highways and the number of ongoing road development projects, India is on course to offer customers the opportunity to extract the full value from radial tyres. Therefore, we believe that India holds tremendous potential for the Michelin group in terms of establishing a world class manufacturing facility,” In Russia, Michelin is currently able to turn out around two million tyres per annum at its Davydovo passenger car tyre plant. If various news sources, including Bloomberg and France’s Les Echos, are correctly informed, the tyre major has plans to double this capacity. Furthermore, next year it reportedly intends to open a facility for retreading commercial vehicle tyres. This retreading operation should serve as a precursor to local truck tyre production. Les Echos writes that no firm decision has been yet been taken, yet despite the recession Russia’s truck tyre market remains the largest

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million from a previous target of 1.4 billion this year, yet despite this Rollier is still talking of investing in markets with a strong potential. On November 16 the company signed a memorandum of understanding for its upcoming facility in India, and reports are also circulating of plans to double passenger car capacity in the BRIC markets by 2012 and increase truck tyre capacity 40 per cent.

Several comments made by Michelin managing partner Michel Rollier to media points to much upcoming activity in the BRIC markets

in Europe and Eric Faidy, general manager of Michelin Russia, has noted “there’s little sense in producing truck tyres elsewhere.”

Part of the Russian market’s attraction is that fleet operators in Russia are increasingly choosing radial designs, making the potential for growth there significant.

According to the Association of European Businesses in the Russian Federation, sales of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles fell 51 per cent year-onyear during the first ten months of 2009, and Faidy says this downturn has prompted demand for tyres to shrink by as much as 35 per cent. Yet signs of stabilisation in the automotive industry point towards a return to growth next year. "From 2010, people will start buying tyres again in Russia," said Faidy. “If the recovery is confirmed toward the end of 2010, we can immediately

launch major projects to add capacity,” elaborated Bernard de Vaugerin, Michelin’s finance director for the region. According to Bloomberg, the additional production will come on stream around 2012.

A desire to build capacity in other strong looking markets has also been voiced, yet at the time of writing details on Michelin’s plans were still scant. On November 21 Rollier informed the financial newspaper La Tribune on Michelin’s intention to erect a new factory in Brazil. The managing partner said the plant, which is expected to start production in 2013, will enable the manufacturer to “triple its capacity” in the region.

In addition, Rollier commented that Michelin planned an "investment project worth 800 million dollars” for one of the company's Chinese factories. sg

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COMPANY NEWS

Goodyear Reports Improvement in Q3, but Decline Vs 2008 Continues Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s third quarter 2009 financial report showed sales and income improvements in comparison with quarter two, but the results continue to reflect what the company calls “weak industry demand”.

Accentuating the positive, Goodyear states that it “sees opportunities as markets recover”, an idea reflected in the company’s launch of 57 new products over the course of the first three quarters of 2009 (15 in quarter three), a figure owever, this figure is also 15 per cent down from 2008’s third quarter sales, representative of the company’s sales for 2009’s first nine months – $11.9 billion, down from $15.4 billion in the 2008 period.

According to the company, year-to-date “sales reflect the $1.7 billion impact of a 14 per cent decline in tyre unit volume due to lower global industry demand, as well as an $828 million reduction in sales in other tyrerelated businesses, primarily third-party chemical sales by North American Tire.

Unfavourable foreign currency translation reduced sales by $1 billion.” The company’s year-to-date segment operating income was $123 million compared to $963 million last year. Meanwhile, “third quarter 2009 sales reflect the $276 million impact of a 7 per cent decline in tyre unit volume due to lower industry demand as well as a $279 million reduction in sales in other tyrerelated businesses, primarily third-party chemical sales by North American Tire.

Unfavourable foreign currency translation further reduced sales by $159 million,” the company’s statement said.

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Third quarter 2009 results The company had segment operating income of $275 million in the third quarter of 2009, up from $266 million in the 2008 third quarter and $24 million in 2009’s second quarter. Compared to the prior year, third quarter 2009 segment operating income reflects continued weak industry demand, which resulted in a negative volume impact of $64 million and underabsorbed fixed costs of approximately $107 million. The 2009 quarter benefited from $207 million in lower raw material costs.

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that surpasses the full-year target. Additionally, Goodyear has improved its liquidity, made year-to-date savings totalling $540 million and reduced its inventories by more than $1 billion in the period, while producing a third quarter segment operating income of $275 million, a figure that shows improvement on 2008, with sales 11 per cent up from quarter two at $4.4 billion.

Goodyear made additional progress during The segment saw a third quarter operthe third quarter on its Four-Point Cost ating income of $106 million, experiencing Savings Plan. The company achieved $195 lower sales and production levels. The million in new savings during the third quarter benefited from $63 million in lower quarter, for a total of $540 million in the first nine months of 2009.

During the third quarter of 2009, the company reduced its global work force by 300 positions, adding to approximately 5,500 first half reductions. The company’s full-year target was a reduction of 5,000 positions.

In terms of earnings, third quarter 2009 Goodyear net income was $72 Goodyear’s Technical Center in Akron, Ohio million (30 cents per share), up from $31 million (13 cents per raw material costs and actions to reduce share) in 2008’s third quarter. The company costs, which offset higher manufacturing had net losses of $221 million (92 cents per costs. Foreign currency translation also share) in the second quarter of 2009 and negatively impacted operating income. $333 million ($1.38 per share) in the 2009 Goodyear said it anticipates year-overfirst quarter. All per share amounts are year global industry growth in 2010, especdiluted. ially in markets for tyres featuring highvalue-added features, larger rim diameters and fuel-efficient technology. The company Europe believe that its “industry-leading new product engine, advantaged supply chain In its Europe, Middle East and Africa and reduced cost structure position it well segment, Goodyear saw third quarter sales to capitalise on these market opportunities”. decline 18 per cent from last year primarily, Additionally, the company said its it states, due to lower tyre unit volume, strength in high-growth markets of the reflecting reduced industry demand, as well world in Asia, Latin America and Eastern as unfavourable foreign currency translaEurope will allow it to leverage its advantion. Original equipment unit volume tages in these markets and capture a signideclined 20 per cent. Replacement tyre ficant portion of that growth potential. shipments declined at a much slower rate, down 6 per cent. akb

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COMPANY NEWS

Award Acknowledges Benefits of BERUf1systems’ The DigiTyre IRTPTMS Infra Red TPMS is able to accurate he recently released infra red tyre temperature and pressure monitoring system (IRTPTMS) from BERU f1systems has been selected as the 2009 Testing Technology of the Year at this year’s Professional Motorsport World exhibition. A panel of judges comprised of senior motorsport personalities, including an ex-Formula One driver, selected the DigiTyre IRTPTMS from Norfolk-based BERU f1systems to receive the award at the Cologne show.

The system is an evolution of BERU f1systems’ well-established DigiTyre TPMS, with the groundbreaking addition of an infrared element in the wheel sensor. This looks at the inside of the tyre’s carcass and is able to accurately measure its temperature, which is a boon for understanding tyre behaviour and its impact on the car’s vehicle dynamics. The show organiser comments that the jury was impressed by this innovative design: As awards judge Charles Armstrong-Wilson

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noted, “Every single system on a racing car is there for one reason: to get the most out of the tyre. Any technology that helps engineers better understand these crucial components is a powerful tool, and this is what BERU f1systems has delivered.”

DigiTyre IRTPTMS provides a raft of information for engineers in F1 and other series to optimise vehicle setup and tyre wear. Awards judge and racing car vehicle dynamicist, Jonas Jarlmark added: “This development pinpoints one of the key issues of vehicle dynamics – tyre carcass behaviour. Using this system, the measurement response time to the inputs from the driver and track to the tyre forces is shorter, and as a result the analysis of the data becomes more accurate and reliable.”

The switch to slick tyres in Formula One for the 2009 season meant DigiTyre IR had

measure temperature by looking inside a tyre’s carcass additional value as teams got to grips with the new rubber within a limited test window. For 2010, the limits on testing means the teams using the system have acquired significantly more accurate data for simulation and tyre modelling to develop next year’s cars.

On receiving the Award, BERU f1systems’ managing director John Bailey said: “The PMW Testing Technology of the Year Award is highly respected in our industry. For us to receive the recognition from such a prestigious judging panel is an extremely proud moment for everybody involved in the programme and validates our commitment to offering the most accurate products available.” sg

Goodyear Dunlop Signs European Road Safety Charter oodyear Dunlop Tires Europe has joined the European Road Safety Charter, a pan-European initiative with the aim to increase road safety across Europe. The signing ceremony took place in Gothenburg, Sweden on October 26, 2009, in the presence of the Swedish minister for enterprise, energy and communications, Åsa Torstensson, representatives from the European Commission and the ERSC Secretariat.

“Enhancing road safety has always been of highest importance for Goodyear Dunlop, with innovative and reliable products and numerous communication initiatives and educational campaigns. By joining the largest road safety community in Europe we want to take our own commitments a step further and help improving the safety on Europe’s roads with more dedicated programs,” said Arthur de Bok, president of Goodyear Dunlop Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In addition to extended campaigns on tyre maintenance and responsible driving, special attention will be given to children, to improve their knowledge of traffic rules and help them to protect themselves on the road. Overall, the initiatives presented by Goodyear Dunlop to the ERSC should reach more than half a million people. The company will also intensify its actions focusing on the road safety of its 70,000 employees.

“For a tyre manufacturer, the most impactful way to contribute to road safety is through the products we develop,” said de Bok, “That is why we focus on innovative technologies, such as RunOn-

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Flat or the recently introduced SmartWear Technology. But education and awareness are crucial as well, so we are looking forward to working with the European Road Safety Charter, as the proven platform to enhance road safety in Europe.”

The European Road Safety Charter is the largest existing road safety platform, encompassing all EU member states. It forms part of the Road Safety Action Plan launched by the European Commission in 2003, through its Directorate-General for Energy and Transport, with the ambitious goal of halving the number of road fatalities on European roads by 2010.

Every year more than 40,000 people die in road traffic accidents in the European Union. According to statistics, one out of three people will be injured in a traffic accident at some point in their lives.

Up to the age of 55, traffic accidents are the most common causes of hospitalization. Young people between 18 and 25 years old account for 20 per cent of all road fatalities recorded according to the CARE EU Database on road accidents, and 50 per cent of work related accidents are road accidents on the way to or coming back from the work place (OECD, 2008).

The Charter integrates enterprises, public authorities and civil society. Goodyear Dunlop has already been indirectly involved in the ERSC since 2007 through the participation of its sector association, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association. akb

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COMPANY NEWS

UK Motorists Amongst the Worst Tyre Safety Offenders in Europe – Michelin Last year the Michelin Fill Up With Air campaign showed 35 per cent of motorists to be driving around on dangerously under inflated tyres. Yet despite the French manufacturer’s very worthwhile efforts, the tyre safety message just doesn’t seem to be sinking in – Michelin’s 2009 Fill Up With Air campaign results reveal that this figure has crept up to 36 per cent. he Fill Up With Air tyre safety roadshow, now in its sixth year, took to the roads during summer, visiting 24 cities including Dundee, Manchester and Birmingham to offer drivers a free tyre pressure check and a free fill-up for those with under-inflated tyres. More than 4,500 cars were checked during the three-month campaign, some 70 per cent more than last year, and only 34 per cent were found to be driving with correctly inflated tyres. And you may shake your head with disbelief upon hearing that six per cent were driving with punctures.

“Tyres are the only thing keeping a car

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terms of safety and fuel costs.

Incorrectly inflated tyres, bald tyres and According to Michelin’s findings, it is highly likely that at least one of the vehicles damaged tyres shown here has dangerously under inflated tyres are dangerous “The Michelin message to Fill Up With and can lead to fatal crashes and lives must Air needs to get through,” Snelling added. not be sacrificed for the sake of saving a few “With petrol prices hurting everyone and pounds,” Snelling continued. “Also, underthe overall cost of motoring rising, it makes inflated tyres have a serious impact on the so much sense to regularly attend to this environment as cars consume more fuel to simple task. Checking and correcting tyre overcome the increased rolling resistance.” pressures once a month and before long The results were revealed at the Road journeys can save lives as well as money.”

Safety Expo 09, the premier road safety conference in the UK, attended by the Road sg Minister Paul Clark MP and the Chairman of the Global Road Safety Partnership, Patrick Lepercq.

Conti Kicks Off World Cup Contest No, this is not a F1 racing slick…

on the road and it’s all too easy for drivers to take them for granted and not treat them with the utmost care and attention that they deserve,” commented Michelin’s head of communications, Peter Snelling. “This year’s Fill Up With Air campaign figures have, as we predicted, shown a slight deterioration from 2008 which even then positioned us as one of the worse offenders for tyre safety in Europe. We believe this downward trend could be partly due to the economic climate as drivers try to save money wherever they can.

“However, this is a false economy in

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To liven up the journey along the road to next year’s football world cup, sponsor Continental AG has launched a new contest on its www.ContiSoccerWorld.com football website. The ‘ContiFanContest’, which can be tackled in any of four languages, is a video contest in which six of eight tasks on offer must be completed. The main prize for all qualifying participants is one of 11 sets of three day all-inclusive trips for two to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, including flights, hotel accommodation, a safari and tickets for a match in Johannesburg. The ContiFanContest will close on 04 December 2009, the date on which the groups will be drawn in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “Football fans from around the world can use the VideoContest to show us how they support and cheer on their (national) team,” commented Dirk Rockendorf, Conti’s head of eBusiness for passenger and light truck tyres. “It’s pretty easy to take part: simply film a short video, upload it to YouTube and submit it to our ContiSoccerWorld page. Other users can then view and rate the videos either on ContiSoccerWorld itself or at www.youtube.de/contisoccerworld.” sg

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COMPANY NEWS

Bridgestone Posts Loss for “Challenging” First Three Quarters ridgestone reports that its operating environment “remained challenging” in the first three quarters of the 2009 fiscal year.

The nine months to September 30, it comments, was a time of “weakened consumer spending and declines in private sector capital investment, which counteracted signs of recovery among some exports.” The continuation of recession conditions in Europe and the United States was tempered by some sectors showing signs of stabilisation, however, and a gradual recovery was seen in China. Other regions also began to show slight signs of recovery, the tyre major states.

Net sales within this nine-month period amounted to 1,873.9 billion yen (£12.6 billion), 75 per cent of those at September 30, 2008. Operating income plummeted from 119.1 billion yen a

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Unit sales of UHP tyres increased in Europe and North America despite an overall pattern of decline year earlier to 12.0 billion (£80.3 million) in 2009, while ordinary income decline from 89.0 billion yen to –9.2 billion (-£61.6 million). The company recorded a net loss of 27.4 billion yen (£183.4 million) during the first three quarters of 2009, down from a

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49.4 billion yen a year earlier.

An attempt was made to maximise tyre segment sales by introducing “appealing new products” worldwide and “improving and expanding strategic production sites around the world in support of respective product domains, particularly those that have been identified as strategic and important” to future growth, Bridgestone discloses. Unit sales of tyres were substantially down in Japan year-on-year. In North America and Europe, units sales for passenger car, light truck, truck and buses tyres were both significantly lower, yet replacement market sales of “strategic products” such as run-flat and UHP tyres increased significantly. Sales of ultra-large OTR radials for construction and mining vehicles were also “favourable,” the company notes. Net sales in the tyre segment reached 1,544.1 billion yen (£10.3 billion)in the first three quarters of 2009, 24 per cent per cent lower than a year earlier, and operating income amounted to 14.6 billion yen (£97.8 million), a year-on-year drop of 83 per cent.

While Bridgestone concedes that the global economic recession makes predicting future operating conditions difficult, company management forecasts that the operating environment in the remainder of 2009 will continue to be challenging. While the business climate in some regions showed signs of recovery, Bridgestone believes a fully-fledged global economic recovery will be a slow process. Amidst such a business environment, company management predicts that unit sales of tyres in Japan, the Americas and Europe will fall below the previous year’s level.

For the full year to December 31, 2009, Bridgestone predicts net sales of 2,590.0 billion yen (£17.3 billion), down 20 per cent on the 2008 financial year. Operating income is anticipated to reach 60 billion yen (£401.7 million), ordinary income 29 billion yen, while a net loss of 10 billion yen (£67.0 million) is anticipated. The company anticipates net income falling below projections made in August due to the decision to close its factories in Australia and New Zealand. sg

Goodyear to Eliminate Republic Associate Brand, Intensify Focus on Kelly Range Next January Goodyear Tire & Rubber will cease offering its “Republic” associate tyre brand in North America. In hand with the dropping of Republic, the US tyre major will increase the profile of its Kelly brand through new products and making the range available to all dealers in its distribution network.

Ditching the Republic brand also will reduce manufacturing complexity, Goodyear reports. sg

Nokian Tyres Signs Revolving Credit Facility Nokian Tyres says it signed a 180 million euro syndicated revolving credit facility for three years with international banks on November 4. The facility, the company reports, will be used for general corporate purposes and to refinance the existing 180 million euro syndicated revolving credit facility signed on April 19, 2005. The Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners are Calyon, Handelsbanken, Nordea, Pohjola Bank, Sampo Bank and SEB. DnB NOR acts as an arranger. Pohjola Bank was the sole coordinator for the facility, Nokian adds. sg

Daewoo to Produce Home Brand Tyre News from the SEMA show in the US indicates that South Korea’s Daewoo International wishes to bring its own home brand tyres to market. The company has developed its own tread patterns and owns the moulds and plates used in production, however the tyres will reportedly be manufactured in China by several manufacturers, including Triangle Tyre. The company is looking to distribute the range internationally. sg

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COMPOUNDS & RUBBER

Goodyear Delivers First Prototype BioIsoprene Tyres Large-scale manufacturing facilities to be ready by 2012 In December, Copenhagen is hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and present at the event is the world's first concept demonstration tyres made with BioIsoprene technology. This breakthrough substance, which replaces a petrochemically produced ingredient used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber with renewable biomass, made its tyre world debut in the Danish city in early December. Several tyres, produced in collaboration between Goodyear and industrial biotechnology company Genencor, were shipped to Copenhagen; one made appearances at several events during the UN conference. Others were displayed in several locations, including at Copenhagen International Airport’s departure lounge.

oodyear's first concept tyre manufactured with BioIsoprene shows the enormous progress we have made in using a bio-based alternative to the petroleumderived raw material isoprene in our production process," said Jesse Roeck, director, Global Materials Science at Goodyear. "The development of BioIsoprene could make Goodyear less dependent on oil-derived products. We share Genencor's vision of lessening industry impact on the environment by applying renewable raw materials in the supply chain."

The delivery of the concept tyres to Copenhagen marks an important step in a relationship that begun a couple of years earlier. On September 16, 2008, Goodyear and Genencor announced their research collaboration to develop a bio-based alternative for petroleum-derived chemical compound isoprene, a product expected to decrease tyre and rubber industry dependence upon oil-derived products, such as synthetic rubber made from petroleumderived isoprene monomer. At the time this announcement was made, the two companies already been jointly investing in the project for more than a year; even at this early stage they were able to report the

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Joe McAuliffe from Genencor and Dave Benko from Goodyear show off the first gallon of BioIsoprene transferred between the companies in March 2009

project’s “technical progress has exceeded expectations.”

Based upon what it believes are conservative estimates, Genencor parent company Danisco has valued the annual world market potential for high purity isoprene at US$1 to 2 billion; therefore the opportunities for a company able to market a renewable and cost-competitive alternative are numerous. In the years between 2008 and 2010, Danisco intends to invest approximately $50 million to continue technology development plus scale-up and deliver manufacturing cost targets. Additional investments in establishing pilot plant operations and manufacturing infrastructure are also planned. The commissioning of the first large-scale BioIsoprene manufacturing plant is anticipated to occur by 2012, and to-date the project is on schedule.

"We are literally rolling out an important milestone in our collaboration with Goodyear on a breakthrough biochemical," says Danisco CEO Tom Knutzen. "BioIsoprene is an excellent example of Danisco's leadership in industrial biotechnology through our Genencor division. As we deliver enzymes to existing markets, we are also investing in future bio-innovations with extraordinary

potential to address the world's most urgent business and environmental challenges."

Genencor plans to manufacture and supply Goodyear with BioIsoprene through a strategic supply arrangement. The US tyre maker is one of the world’s largest users of isoprene for the production of synthetic rubber and other elastomers and therefore a bio-based alternative to synthetic rubber represents important progress in the company’s efforts to address its raw material needs through more innovative approaches. “We truly see this as a unique opportunity that is consistent with our culture of innovation and industry leadership,” said Goodyear chief technology officer Jean-Claude Kihn last year. “Since synthetic rubber is a critical component to our products, we are very excited to be working on this renewable alternative with Genencor.”

Beyond tyres, BioIsoprene is expected to offer vast potential in other applications, such as other rubber products and adhesives, and sales of BioIsoprene by Genencor to third parties are also anticipated. The market for isoprene could reach up to five billion kilograms per year by 2012, says Genencor. sg

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COMPOUNDS & RUBBER

New Rhein Chemie Plant Operational in 2009 Company marks decade of China production In late June Rhein Chemie reported that the new compounding plant build at its Mannheim-Rheinau headquarters site in southwest Germany had entered full operation – an event the company describes as a milestone in its n the new plant, we are using an entirely new continuous process to manufacture polymer-bound rubber chemicals. With this technology, unique in the industry, we achieve even more consistent product quality and greater flexibility in production," explains Dr. Anno Borkowsky, CEO and president of Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH. "The needs of many of our customers have changed on account of the economic situation. The new Rhenogran plant helps us to react very flexibly to changing customer demands. We have been a reliable partner to our customers for over one hundred

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years, and will continue to be so in the future."

The compounding plant’s two main production lines began operating in December 2008, while another went online in May. Rhein Chemie invested some seven million euros to build and house the new production systems and to modernise existing plant sections. A production building was erected to combine two compounding plants. The plant periphery, including process control systems, raw material transport

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century-plus history. The facility will produce the Rhenogran product line of pre-dispersed, polymer-bound rubber chemicals that are used to in the manufacture of tyres and other rubber items.

equipment and site logistics, was redesigned for greater efficiency. The simplified workflows and new technology ensure more flexible production. Space requirements and energy consumption both have been reduced, Rhein Chemie adds.

This year the company also marked a decade of production in Qingdao, China.

Four years after Rhein Chemie (Qingdao) Ltd. was established in 1995, the company’s facility in the eastern port city began The new plant in southwest Germany entered full the manufacture Rhein Chemie’s entire production in the middle of this year range of product for Asia’s rubber processresponse to rising regional demand, the ing industry. These products include polymercompany reports. The function of Rhenobound chemicals, processing promoters, gran, Rhein Chemie, adds, is to help tyre vulcanisation and filler activators, together manufactures and other rubber processors with release agents. Along with products sold “improve product quality, processing and cost to tyre industry customers, the substances efficiency, along with aiding health and envirmanufactured in Qingdao are also used in the onmental protection.” production of technical rubber goods and "The rubber laboratory at the plant in sports shoes.

China is well equipped,” commented Mario "China is an important market for us. Our Negri, director Marketing & Sales Asia. “Rhein goal is continued profitable growth, and our Chemie's application laboratories all over the production facility in Qingdao is wellworld play an essential role, because they equipped to achieve it," said Borkowsky. The perform key trials for customers and strict company has built its infrastructure there, product quality control testing." including laboratories, and reports having an Rhein Chemie has a history stretching experienced team. "We are continuously optiback over 100 years. The company’s approxmising our service portfolio and responding imately 850-strong workforce produces and quickly to market opportunities, even in fields sells products for various sectors of the rubber, of activity outside the rubber industry," the lubricants and plastics industries. Along with company CEO and president added. the Qingdao operations, Rhein Chemie has Capacity in China for producing for subsidiaries and production facilities in polymer-bound rubber chemicals, as Europe, Asia as well as North and South marketed by Rhein Chemie under the RhenoAmerica. gran brand name, was doubled in 2006 sg through the construction of a new plant. The Rhein Chemie doubled its decision to invest in this facility was taken in production capacity for polymer-related chemicals by commissioning a new plant at its site in Qingdao

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COMPOUNDS & RUBBER

Lanxess Plans for Growth in Asia Butyl Rubber business relocating to Singapore Demand for butyl rubber is growing in the Asia-Pacific, and in order to better serve customers in this region, Lanxess AG intends to relocate its Butyl Rubber business unit headquarters there next year. The company made an announe want to be close to our customers in the Asia-Pacific and being in Singapore allows us to do that,” stated Dr. Ron Commander, global head of the Lanxess Butyl Rubber business unit. “Singapore’s pro-business environment, the ability to attract talents from all over the world, and a world-class infrastructure for logistics and supply chain management are all compelling reasons for us to operate our global business from here.”

“We are delighted that Lanxess has decided to locate its global headquarters for the Butyl Rubber business unit in Singapore,” added Leo Yip, chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board.

“This significant decision reflects Lanxess’ confidence and trust in Singapore as Asia’s leading energy and chemicals hub. It is also testament to Singapore's attractiveness as a home for

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cement to this effect on November 9, and as of 2010 the headquarters will thus leave Fribourg in Switzerland and join the Singapore based Southeast Asian businesses of Lanxess’ 13 business units.

companies to manage their regional as well as global activities."

Evidence of the company’s activities in Asia was witnessed in June, with the signing of a five-year agreement to supply Hankook Tire with “large volumes” of butyl rubber as of next year. The supply agreement, covering the years 2010 to 2014, complements a 2007 agreement to supply Hankook with Styrene Butadiene Rubber and Polybutadiene rubber over a five-year period. The contract was signed at Lanxess’ current Butyl Rubber headquarters in Switzerland

by Mr. Jeong Ho Park, vice president of Global Purchasing for Hankook Tire, and Lanxess’ Dr. Ron Commander. “We are pleased to sign this long-term contract with Hankook Tire,” said Commander following the deal’s finalisation. “This new agreement will further strengthen the already successful cooperation between Hankook Tire and the Lanxess Butyl Rubber business.”

According to the latest agreement Mr. Park says: “We have secured a stable, longterm supply of Butyl rubber and expect the business to grow in the future for both parties.”

During the course of the Lanxess-Hankook agreement a new site for the substance’s production will come on-stream. A 100,000 ton per annum halobutyl rubber and conventional butyl rubber facility in Singapore, originally scheduled to commence production in 2012, is now anticipated to be operational in 2014.

“Over the next 15 years, the butyl rubber market

Singapore is already home to Lanxess' Southeast Asia businesses; next year the global Butyl Rubber business unit joins them

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Ron Commander, head of Lanxess’ Butyl Rubber business unit and Jeong Ho Park, vice president of Global Purchasing for Hankook Tire following the supply agreement’s signing looks set to enjoy further substantial growth, especially in China and India,” reported Commander. “Lanxess is responding to these market developments by building the new facility. This will make an important contribution to the company’s continued success.”

The two year delay, prompted by the economic crisis, has had a positive side to it. “Deferring the project by two years will enable us to continue development work based on a recent technological breakthrough to the point where a new process can be deployed on an industrial scale,” explained Lanxess Board of Management chairman Axel C. Heitmann. “We can then use this process in the future butyl rubber production facility on Jurong Island. That way Singapore will have the world’s most modern plant with a unique process technology.” The new technology in question, Heitmann added, uses far less resources and is considerably more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.” sg

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Engineered For Safety

Technical Compound

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Tyre Compound

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Tyre Retreading Material

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Franchising System

A product of Goodway, Responsible Rubber Compounder www.goodwayrubber.com

COMPOUNDS & RUBBER

Has Magnum Solved the Tyre Re-Use Puzzle?

New technology said to allow high recycled content in new tyres The reuse of waste tyres in new tyre products has been an elusive goal for many years. Efforts to this end have been hampered by the absence of a workable de-vulcanisation process for converting large quantities of tyre scrap into a rubber compound suitable for tyre industry use. One company now claims to possess this technology, and furthermore, to have successfully tested it in new tyres.

S based Magnum D’Or Resources says it holds the exclusive North American and future global rights to a number of tyre compound related technologies developed

by Malaysia’s Sekhar Research Innovations (SRI) – technologies that allegedly enable rubber to be reconstituted, liquefied, specially blended into EPDM powders and EPDM compounds. “For the first time, the addition of recycled content above a couple of percent in such applications as tyres does not lead to catastrophic failure,” states a Magnum D’Or press release. “In fact, the tyres have been tested independently and have been found to be equal to their virgin rubber counterparts in terms of all technical and performance parameters.”

On September 19, Magnum SRI announced the successful production of its high recycled content “custom compound” on a commercial production scale using a Banbury mixer at the Malaysian Rubber Research Institute facility. The compound was then shipped out to a manufacturer's tyre production unit where it was blended with its virgin light truck tyre compound.

Magnum SRI reports the resultant composite mix was processed under the same normal production conditions as applied to OEM light commercial vehicle tyres at the site.

Following the successful mixing of this custom compound, the tyres were road tested. Two Magnum SRI Tyres and two control tyres were fitted to a truck and evaluated over a distance of eight hundred kilometres. The vehicle was equipped with a black box containing monitoring hardware and tracking systems to check all aspects of its operating conditions; the data gained

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will, says Magnum, prove to be the “crown jewel of the Magnum SRI venture,” as the company believes the results documented SRI CEO Gopi Sekhar with a tyre containing Magnum SRI custom compound are expected to show that the tyres’ rated SRI CEO Gopi Sekhar. “The introducperformance exceed all expectations. It will, tion of the Magnum SRI custom compound the manufacturer continues, re-write the as an industrial raw material, effectively rules “about what can and cannot be done means cost effective value added consumpin the recycling industry.” tion which will make it irresistible as a green The tyres used in the Malaysian tests raw material. Not only will it appreciably contained a 14 per cent recycled content, reduce the raw material cost of the manua quantity Magnum notes is nearly six facturer but it will potentially reduce cost for hundred per cent more than the current final consumers. We believe that this is the amount of surface treated crumb used in future of global rubber recycling.” tyres. Despite this, the company claims the Magnum SRI says it may soon be able to trials were an unreserved success. “The supply raw material compounds in induperformance specifications achieved thus strial volumes. Production will initially far by the Magnum SRI custom compound commence at Magnum’s Magog facility in tyres clearly equal the original control Canada, and is also expected to subsespecimen and is being treated as an OEM quently take place at Magnum’s new Colotyre and tested with the same procedure(s),” rado, US site. “I have no doubt that once commented Magnum D'Or Resources. our compounds are readily available to tyre “Substantial recycled content was incorpmanufacturers, an explosive growth will orated into a premium production tyre for follow,” Sekhar added. the very first time without any loss in properThe information above is primarily ties while affording a reduction in raw matesourced from Magnum D’Or Resources’ rial cost in-between six per cent to eight per own press releases, and Tyres & Accessories cent to the manufacturer.” have not as yet had the opportunity to In addition to this cost saving potential, speak with company representatives Magnum SRI points to the effective handdirectly. We are watching Magnum SRI’s ling of waste tyres as a significant benefit its progress with interest; should the custom new technology can deliver: “What we compound deliver all that is promised, its have here is nothing less than the solution significance within the tyre industry could to the global tyre and rubber scrap problem; be sizeable. it will address not only the annual accumusg lation but the backlog in the landfills,” elabo-

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COMPOUNDS & RUBBER

2009 Marks Century of Synthetic Rubber Innovation a “quantum leap” for the rubber industry It’s been a hundred years since the chemist Fritz Hofmann invented the first ever synthetic rubber. After beavering away with his assistant Carl Coutelle and a research team in their employer’s laboratory in Elberfeld, western Germany, Hofmann produced the flexible substance methyl-isoprene, and in doing so laid the cornerstone for the development of a viable alternative to natural rubber. A patent for the substance that would later significantly benefit the tyre world was granted on September 12, 1908. ttracted by the desire to end his country’s dependence upon British and Belgian held natural rubber plantations and likely further spurred on by a prize of 20,000 marks offered by his employer, Hofmann began his quest to develop a synthetic rubber in 1906. During the course of his experiments Hofmann discovered that when methyl-isoprene was heated in an autoclave at various temperatures, the resultant substance was sometimes hard and sometimes soft – but always elastic.

“As the head of various research laboratories I was constantly on the lookout for promising areas of work for my staff,” commented Hofmann much later. “Here [in the manufacture of synthetic rubber] I saw the opportunity to create something that was lacking in my own country and, at the same time, would free it from having to import an expensive product from foreign countries that were naturally blessed with it.” Hoffmann was well rewarded for his efforts, receiving amongst other kudos the Gold Fischer Medal from the Society of German Chemists, an Honorary Plaque from the German Rubber Society and the gilded Buna medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. His employer, Elberfelder Farbenfabriken, was later incorporated into Lanxess AG. The significance of this 1909 discovery, and the opportunities it created, is today widely acknowledged. “Hofmann's 1909 innovation equalled a quantum leap for the

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rubber industry,” noted Lanxess’s Christoph Kalla. “Yet, just as important from today's point of view are the developments that took place after this discovery. And these developments brought many innoFritz Hofmann is credited with successfully developing the first synthetic vations, even if they rubber after three years’ of experiments essentially proceeded a resurgence in synthetic rubber’s popularwithout quantum leaps.” ity. Buna-S, a styrene rubber, became the The tyre manufacturer Continental primary rubber product utilised by Germany moulded the first car tyres out of the new in the Second World War. But by 1942, with material as early as 1910, and Hofmann's 90 per cent of natural rubber supplies in boss, Carl Duisberg, drove 4,000 kilometres Japanese hands, allied countries had also on the new tyres “without a puncture”. The developed an interest in synthetic rubbers. product even gained the attention of By 1944 an estimated fifty synthetic rubber Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II, who had his car factories were in operation worldwide, equipped with the new tyres and sent a teleproducing an output double that of global gram saying he was "extremely pleased". Yet pre-war natural rubber production. declining natural rubber prices in the years The synthetic rubber industry never after World War One diminished the profitlooked back. In the decades that followed, ability of synthetic rubber, and production more and more new synthetic rubbers were was halted. Despite this setback, as Kalla developed. In 2007, some 13.6 million points out, “the cornerstone for success had tonnes of synthetic rubber were used worldbeen laid. Hofmann not only produced the wide, compared with roughly 9.7 million first technically useful synthetic rubber. With tonnes of natural rubber. Experts expect his reach to methyl-isoprene he opened up that demand for synthetic rubber will an important door for technology. He had continue to outpace that of natural rubber shown that you can also make useful elasas a result of its useful properties. Happy tomers out of non-natural raw materials.” birthday, synthetic rubber.

It was the Nazis and their efforts to sg achieve national self-sufficiency that led to

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COMPOUNDS & RUBBER

New ContiTread Winter Pattern Launched DW Scandinavia is the new extreme winter pattern in the ContiTread range of precured tread strips, produced by Marangoni under a partnership cooperation with Continental. The line has been specifically designed for the needs of northern countries, where vehicles frequently travel on roads covered by snow or ice and where the temperatures are quite low for many months of the year.

Marangoni reports that, thanks to its extensively layered multiblock design, the HDW Scan ensures excellent grip on the trickiest surfaces: water, snow and ice. Safety is further increased thanks to the use of special tread compounds that are perfect for all winter weather conditions.

The tread is available following authorisation from Continental for all truck tyre resellers that do business with the German tyre maker, and extends the agreement between Continental and Marangoni signed in June 2008 and implemented this year. As per the Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies, Marangoni Retreading Systems produce and distribute ContiTread in Europe and in “other

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major markets at worldwide level.” European market ContiTread patterns are produced at Ellerbrock, the Hamburg, Germany based Marangoni subsidiary.

Earlier this year a new Banbury automatic mixer was installed at the Ellerbrock facility. The six million euro unit, which has been operating since early July, features a 310 litre mixing chamber and – unique for the retreading industry - co-penetrating rotors with variable spacing. “The new mixer ensures a significant increase in production capacity compared to its predecessor: monthly production of retreading material will reach around 1000 tonnes, allowing us to resolve some critical aspects that used to occur in the production departments with the old technology,” commented Ellerbrock managing director Matthias Leppert.

The new Banbury system enables excess production capacity to be utilised by other production units within the Marangoni group or sold to third parties. sg

The new ContiTread HDW Scandinavia, produced by Marangoni

Goodway Extends Growth in Export Markets Following success at Brazil’s Recaufair Pneushow 2008, Malaysian tread rubber manufacturer Goodway has begun exports of its Supercool range to the South American country. “With its huge population and booming economy, Brazil represents a clear-cut choice to expand our operations globally,” commented sales manager Gwyneth Chan. “We intend to create value with the right approach by promoting environmentally-friendly and firstclass retreading materials.”

Along with Goodway senior business manager Joseph Gow, Chan added: “Supercool has already made inroads into more than 40 countries worldwide…Working with [an] established Brazilian partner allows us to fortify the Supercool presence in new frontiers.

“In essence, South America represents the largest retreading market outside the USA,” Chan and Gow continue. “With a business pie ten times the size of that in Malaysia, we are optimistic to foray in top gear with the Amazon warriors’ spirit.”

The Malaysian company has also been working with an established distributor, Sunter Kaucuk, to market its products into Turkey. Although considered a mature market supplied by many tread material brands and retreaders, Goodway reports finding the huge market “appealing”, and it believes the Supercool is on par to compete with established names such as Bandag and Kraiburg in Turkey. Malaysia’s status as a member of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) has also helped local response to the Supercool brand, the company adds. sg

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Guangong Greatoo Molds Increases its European Presence In recent times Guangdong Greatoo Molds Inc, the only tyre mould maker listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchance, has increased its reach far beyond its native China. After expanding in India, where Greatoo has gained supply agreements with virtually all the leading tyre makers (including Apollo, Birla, CEAT, JK Tyre, MRF and BKT), this fast growing company is now aiming to become a truly global player after gaining some key contracts in Europe. nium moulds including winter moulds.” Their Guangdong Greatoo Molds Inc, pictured at Reifen China in November, is philosophy is that aiming to be a true global player after gaining some key contracts in moulds are “critical parts Europe in tyre manufacturing and require precision in all stages…their more than 3600 sets of moulds and containmaintenance plays a vital role in ensuring the ers. Moulds are exported to companies in the consistency of the tyre.”

US, Europe and Asia. And all of this is realised To this end the company has invested in by a highly skilled workforce. technologies such as five axis CNC machines, According to RNK Krishnan, Greatoo has which the company has in plentiful supply set up centres of engineering excellence such for direct engraving on tread segments and as the National Enterprise Technical Centre are powered by CAD/CAM software such as and Mould Engineering Technology R&D UG and CI-Matron. There are even facilities Centre, which are the only two institutions of for direct engraving on specialist forged steel their kind in China. These two facilities work and forged aluminium products imported closely with Guangdong University of Techfrom leading suppliers. nology and the Jieyang Technical College.

Greatoo is also said to be “adopting Greatoo is also an authorised research hub newer technologies to reduce the number of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Techof parts in segmented moulds for optimising nology (Guangdong province). In fact the mould weight and cost and thus helping the company’s research and development is said customer shorten the curing time by better to be so advanced that the company has heat transfer mechanism.” One of the first managed to “indigenise” development of results of this endeavour is the company’s CNC machines and therefore claims it has most recent product - a segmented achieved “self reliance” in this respect. In addi40.00R57 radial OTR mould, which RNK tion Greatoo provides opportunities for Krishnan describes as: “a testimony to its techstudents to conduct doctoral research in its nological excellence…customers are very centres. happy with its mould performance.” Ventless Moving forward, company representmoulds, using puzzle mould techniques for atives report that Greatoo is aiming to a better finish are also on this list of company support its continued drive to a “top league” achievements. position with further investment in newer seven-axis CNC engraving machines from Japan for direct engraving of large size tread Award-winning education segments, particularly OTR moulds. The aim here is to achieve even better levels of accuGreatoo operates from a huge racy, finish quality and speed and thereby 240,000 square metre campus in Senior technical consultant RNK Krishnan offer a more increasingly attractive service the Jiedong Economic Developexplained some of the technology behind proposition to potential manufacturing ment and Experimental Area, Greatoo’s latest product developments customers. where 200 engineers produce

peaking to senior technical consultant RNK Krishnan at November’s Reifen China show in Shanghai, Tyres & Accessories learnt that increased outsourcing amongst the world’s top ten tyremakers has led the company to build “good ties” with the majority of European tyre makers including Michelin, Continental, Pirelli and Marangoni.

Greatoo’s global appeal has increased since gaining ISO9001-2001 International Quality Certification, with company representatives describing the company’s current products as “the gold standard.” What is different about Greatoo is the fact that, unlike some competitors, the company offers three kinds of mould manufacturing – CNC direct engraving, aluminium precision casting and Electric Discharge Machine (EDM) technology. The latter was obtained from aluminium casting experts at German firm AZ Mould. As a result the company reports it is now capable of producing “high quality alumi-

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INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Pirelli Announces Further $100 Million Investment for Brazil, Latin America OTR, agricultural tyre sectors a focus latest $100 million, says Pirelli, will be invested in the development of advanced radial technologies for construction, digging and mining and agricultural vehicle tyres. Research and development will take place at the company’s recently expanded special vehicles technology hub in Santo André, Brazil, and the manufacturing facility at the same site has been earmarked as a centre for the production of earthmover tyres. Manufacturing capacity for agricultural tyres in Santo André will also be modernised and enlarged.

Pirelli states this focus upon the earthmover and agricultural tyre businesses in Brazil is intended to consolidate the company’s leadership in Latin American markets and satisfy increasing demand: In addition to the aforementioned growth in the OTR tyre segment (which is mainly linked to large projects such as the new Panama Canal, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro), the agricultural segment in Brazil and Latin America is tipped to grow by 20 per cent and 15 per cent respectively (compared with 2008) in the years between 2010 and 2013. The $100 million investment will accommodate such increases by funding an overall 40 per cent increase in OTR and agricultural tyre production in the three years between 2010 and 2012.

Brazil has already considerably benefited from Pirelli investment; between 2004 and 2007 some $300 million was invested there, and as a result manufacturing capacity for passenger car, motorcycle, agricultural and OTR tyres grew by more than a quarter. Between 2005 and 2008 Pirelli’s South American sales increased 21 per cent, exceeding two billion dollars for the first The investment is needed to satisfy incretime in 2008. Sales from this region represented 33 per cent of ased demand in the region and comes on Pirelli Tyre’s overall global sales; Brazil alone accounted for around top of the $300 million announced in July 20 per cent of worldwide sales revenue. sg

orldwide, Pirelli anticipates its specialised tyre segment to expand a total of 7.5 per cent over the next three years, and growth in Latin America and particularly Brazil is expected to be far stronger. The Italian manufacturer estimates sales of for construction, digging and mining vehicle tyres in these two markets to increase by 25 per cent and 37 per cent respectively, and to accommodate this development the Pirelli Group has announced plans to invest US$100 million in its Latin America specialised tyre operations.

Strengthened by this injection of funds, Pirelli intends to recommence the global export of these products from the region as of 2011.

Plans to invest in the region’s specialised tyre segment were announced during November’s Brazil-Italy Economic Forum in Sao Paolo, and are additional to the $300 million investment plan for the 2008 to 2011 period announced in July.

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It’s Official – Pirelli to Buy & Build in Russia within JV Pirelli’s intention to acquire an existing facility in Russia have been confirmed by official news of a joint venture agreement signed between the Italian tyre maker and stateowned firm Russian Technologies. According to the December 3 news, the terms of the agreement extend the collaboration to produce tyres and steelcord in Russia to not only include the construction of a plant in the Samara region in the second half of 2010. The 50/50 joint venture agreement will also cover, in Pirelli’s words, an already existing factory “which is currently being identified among some potentially interesting Russian enterprises”. The acquisition will

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most likely take place in 2010, Pirelli adds.

The agreement was signed in Rome on December 3 in the presence of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, by the director general of Russian Technologies Sergey Chemezov and the chairman of the Pirelli Group Marco Tronchetti Provera. Construction of the greenfield site in the Samara region’s Togliatti industrial technology park will begin as soon as the Russian authorities make a decision on the area for production of automotive components, something anticipated to occur in the second half of 2010. The new factory will be built in two

phases. In the first phase a factory for industrial vehicle radial tyres will be built, and the second phase of construction will focus on a steelcord manufacturing facility. At full capacity the site is expected to employ about 1500 workers.

In the framework of a five-year period, the new factories and the expected acquisition will together guarantee a manufacturing capacity of more than four million pieces, a quantity Pirelli says was outlined in the initial plans. Total resources to be committed by the joint venture, in line with what has already been announced, will amount to about 300 million euros. sg

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Yokohama Tire Celebrates 40 Years in the US It is forty years since Yokohama Tire Corporation commenced business in the US. The company’s first headquarters – the first sales operation to be set up outside of Japan – was located in Los Angeles and opened its doors for the first time on November 24, 1969. Four decades later, YTC services a nationwide network of more than 4,500 points of sale through its four distribution centres.

Talking about YTC’s operations, company president and CEO Takao Oishi said: “Consistent with the Grand Design 100 plan by our parent company, The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. in Japan, our philosophy in the US is to embrace corporate social responsibility with a focus on a triple bottom line. This triple bottom line consists of the economy, society and environment. Specific to environmental stewardship, we are affecting positive changes in our manufacturing processes, materials and product performance. Our overall corporate goal is to deliver the best products at competitive prices and on time while minimising impact to our planet.

“Performance is in the DNA of Yokohama’s heritage,” Oishi continued. “In the US and abroad, Yokohama is recognised for its ultra highperformance tyres, especially the iconic Advan brand, which YTC

YTC moved to its current headquarters in Fullerton, California, in 1986 began selling in the US in 2005. YTC launched its newest member of the Advan family, the Neova AD08, in May 2009.

“Our Advan line and other performance tyres have been one of the keys to our success in the US,” the president and CEO concluded.

“We are celebrating 40 successful years here and we have never compromised on performance and never will. Our customers demand it.” sg

Australia Sets Out National Tyre Recycling Framework During a meeting of Australia’s Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) on November 5, Australia’s state environment ministers agreed upon a new national policy on waste and resource management. This National Waste Policy sets the agenda for waste and resource recovery in Australia over the next decade, and as part of it the tyre industry will develop a scheme to increase waste tyre recycling in Australia. ccording to a statement released by the EPHC, the aims of the policy are to avoid the generation of waste; reduce the amount of waste for disposal; manage waste as a resource and ensure that waste treatment, disposal, recovery and reuse is undertaken in a safe, scientific and environmentally sound manner; and contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, energy conservation and production, water efficiency and the productivity of the land.

The state environment ministers have announced that product stewardship initiatives for handling end of life tyres are expected to come forward for accreditation under the new policy in 2010. All

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Peter Garrett

jurisdictions will actively work with the tyre industry stakeholders to put in place schemes commencing next year that will develop the market and gain more value from the 52 million tyre EPUs (Equivalent Passenger Units) that reach end of life in Australia each year.

“If this trend continues, up to 680 million tyres will be sent to landfill over the next 20 years,” stated the Australian Federal Environment minister, former Midnight Oil vocalist Peter Garrett. “The Australian Government will lead work with tyre industry stakeholders and state and territory governments to put in place recycling schemes to commence next year to increase recycling rates and prevent tyres going to landfill.”

Garrett added that a ‘Tyres Roundtable’ would be established in order to help the scheme get under way.

Members of this group will include the Australian Tyre Industry Council (ATIC), Australian Tyre Recyclers Association, Minerals Council of Australia, Cement Industry Federation, Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Motor Trades Association of Australia, Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce and other key industry bodies. sg

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INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Michelin Establishes Presence in Vietnam

Apollo Tyres Sees Profit Hike in July-September, Predicts Big Things for 2010

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ietnam Business Finance News has reported the opening of Michelin operations in Vietnam. The website states the French tyre major is establishing a presence within the country in order to take advantage of Vietnam’s rapidly increasing demand for radials Speaking at the opening ceremony held on November 3 in Ho Chí Minh City, Jean Dominique Senard, managing partner of Michelin Viet Nam Co Ltd, said the company planned to offer a comprehensive line of products and high-quality services using "world-leading technologies." According to Senard, the company’s entry into Vietnam follows the company’s success in other Southeast Asian markets, and plans are afoot for a further expansion throughout Vietnam. sg

fter witnessing a substantial jump in profits from the quarter ending 30 September 2009, Indian tyre manufacturer Apollo has suggested that more is to come in 2010. The company told Indian business news sources that it will be aiming for 50 per cent higher revenues for its financial year (ending March 2010) thanks to the effect of its new-ish European subsidiary, Vredestein Banden, which the company acquired on 15 May. According to the Economic Times, company profits during the quarter rose to 1.292 billion rupees (£16.8 million) from 150.1 million (£1.95 million) in Q2 2008/9. Earnings from Vredestein Banden and Dunlop Tyres in South Africa are thought to be partially responsible for the leap, though the company declined to reveal breakdowns.

The company increased prices on all tyres by 3 per cent earlier in the year, in line with other Indian manufacturers. Neeraj Kanwar, managing director of Apollo Tyres, said, “Our volumes grew 25 per cent during the July-September period with strong demand coming from domestic market for truck, bus and passenger cars. Besides, better utilisation of our plants and the lower interest costs also abetted higher profits.” akb

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JK Tyre to Increase Exports to Central, South America

Conti Names New Saudi Arabia Tyre Sales Partner

K Tyre and Industries is aiming to substantially increase exports from Tornel, the Mexican company it acquired last year. According to the Press Trust of India the company aims to do this within a year through further expand within the Central and South American markets.

Currently some three quarters of Tornel’s annual 6.6 million unit production is sold in the Mexican domestic market. "Currently, only 25 per cent of Tornel's annual production is sold overseas,” JK Tyre and Industries vice chairman and managing director R P Singhania told PTI. “Our target is to increase the share of exports to 50 per cent within one year.” Singhania added that Tornel’s three factories currently are utilised to around 85-90 per cent of capacity.

“We are looking closely at the markets in Southern and Central American countries,” he continued. “We are already selling some products of all our three brands – JK Tyre, Vikrant and Tornel – in those countries and now we are looking to increase our exports to these countries from our three plants in Mexico.” Of these, Singhania added, Brazil would be a priority: “In the region, our main focus will the Brazilian market. Brazil is one of the three countries along with India and China, which witnessed growth during the recent economic recession.” sg

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New Apollo Factory to Reach Peak Capacity by Mid-2010 pollo Tyres’ new Rs 20 billion (£257 million) facility in India’s Chennai state is expected to be operational from the start of December, and the company states the plant should attain a peak daily capacity of 14,000 tyres by the middle of next year.

Of this total, commented the company on November 8, 8,000 will be passenger car radials and 6,000 truck and bus radials.

The Hindu Business Line reported Apollo vice chairman and managing director Neeraj According to Apollo’s Neeraj Kanwar, Kanwar as saying the company exports of Apollo branded tyres will would begin exports of Apollo reach Europe early next year branded tyres to Europe from India early next year. Kanwar also stated that Apollo will soon increase its prices in response to rising raw material costs – current prices of Rs 120 (£1.54) a kilogram are “unreasonable”, he noted. Despite everything becoming a little more expensive, the vice chairman and managing director anticipates overall sales to grow in double-digit figures during the current fiscal year. sg

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n November 4 Continental AG announced the formation of an exclusive partnership covering the sale of its passenger car, light commercial vehicle and truck tyres in Saudi Arabia.

This role will now be handled by Almutlak Trade & Industries. Continental reports its new MENENA business unit will focus upon business in the Near and Middle East and North Africa, a concentration of effort the German tyre major describes as “another logical step in building up a sales network.”

The head of marketing & sales for Conti’s replacement business in Europe and Dr. Hartmut Wöhler Africa, Dr. Hartmut Wöhler, commented on what is at stake in this partnership: "As market leader in the European passenger and light truck tyre business and number three in the European tyre business, we want to gradually establish a solid sales basis in the Arab world as well. Saudi Arabia is one of the major markets in the region and a key market for us. We are confident that in Almutlak we have found an ideal strategic partner for the marketing of our complete Continental brand portfolio. Almutlak already runs an established network of tyre outlets and is experienced in the sale of our tyres.”

Dr. Mohamed Al Mutlak, managing director of Almutlak Trade & Industries noted: “We are quite proud to be Continental’s exclusive sales partner in Saudi Arabia. All around the world, Continental brand products stand for sophisticated and dependable high-tech performance. We have already been selling Continental tyres in the last years and can build on this experience. We look forward to the future cooperation and to expanding our mutual market share in the region.”

“We envision excellent growth prospects – especially for our Continental premium brand products – in this region, with a population of well over 200 million. And we intend to cash in on this step for step,” stated Martin Buday, in charge of Continental activities in the MENENA region.

Almutlak Trade & Industries is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The company, founded in 1965, is part of the Almutlak Group and boasts a workforce of 586. In addition to selling tyres, Almutlak produces and sells trailers, vehicle parts and filters. Currently Almutlak operates six tyre outlets in Saudi Arabia. sg

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UK TYRE INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET MARKET

Dunlop Zimbabwe Celebrates its Half Century The solitary remaining tyre manufacturer in Zimbabwe marked its 50th Anniversary on November 18, and company management have taken the opportunity to express their optimism for the future. At an event held by Dunlop Zimbabwe and attended by numerous dignitaries, company chairman Dr Luis Cenevis stated that the tyre maker had managed to survive the previous years’ trials and was looking forward to production levels returning to full capacity.

“Faced with all these challenges, the company did not look back and even now we are optimistic about the future,” said Cenevis, adding that major obstacles in the way of full recovery were rising oil prices and smuggled tyres. “As you know that when we make tyres we use oil and hence the rising price of oil has negatively affected our operations as we are forced to continuously re-adjust our prices in line with the increment of oil.”

Dunlop Zimbabwe managing director Kennedy Mandevani acknowledged the help local government has played in creating an environment favourable to the company’s business. Mandevani also noted that raw material imports have grown from one truckload a week to an average of three truckloads. “Prior to February, we were producing three days a week on a three-shift basis, but now we are back to five-days-five shifts and at times we do weekend overtime especially when demand is such that we have to work and produce stocks for exports,” he explained. “In terms of production, we used to hover around five tonnes a day but now we are between 10 and 15 tonnes a day and in addition to that, we cannot cope with the demand for bigger sizes for trucks and buses. We have customers who are prepared to pay cash and we supply the tyres after a week.” sg

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After standing idle for more than a year, on December 2 Dunlop India’s Sahaganj factory in West Bengal resumed production. The facility had been closed since November 2008 and been the subject of first a lockout and then electricity connection issues, yet preliminary work to resume production has now began in preparation for an initial production of 40 tonnes of OTR tyres per day.

According to a Dunlop India spokesperson, 840 of the 1039 Sahaganj plant’s employees turned up for work on the morning of December 2. However 25 of these workers, who were suspended during the plant’s closure, were not permitted to work. These workers reportedly sat in front of the factory gates threatening to commence an indefinite hunger strike if not permitted to begin working. One Indian website, topnews.in, states however that “a last minute assurance by Dunlop India chairman Pawan Kumar Ruia” ensured their inclusion in the payroll. "The workers will be absorbed in work outside the factory," a Dunlop spokesperson was quoted as saying. sg

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US Tyre Shipments to Drop 13% in 2009, Growth to return next year The Rubber Manufacturers Association projects an approximately 13 per cent decline in US tyre shipments will occur in 2009, principally as a result of a sharp decrease in demand for original equipment passenger car and commercial vehicle tyres. Total tyre shipments are anticipated to reduce by approximately 36 million units to 246 million. The RMA notes this decrease reflects the “difficult economic environment for automotive manufacturers over the past year, continued low consumer confidence and high unemployment.” This year’s projected total shipments represents a 23.4 per cent decrease on the peak of 321 million units reached in 2000.

approximately 2.3 million units in 2009. This equals a decrease of some 1.6 million tyres. The economic rebound anticipated for 2010 plus pent up demand for vehicles is projected to result in a net gain of around 350,000 units next year.

Shipments of replacement market passenger car tyres will decrease by about six per cent or 12 million units to 180 million, says the RMA. Growth is anticipated to resume next year, however, with the replacement sector estimated to increase by approximately four million units, or about three per cent, as economic conditions improve. Non-RMA imports accelerated in July and August prior to imposition of a three-year Chinese import tariff on September 26th.

These imports are anticipated to drop off dramatically in October and remain at depressed levels through the three-year period.

The replacement truck tyre segment, notes the RMA, represents a “core group of consumers” and the small commercial vehicle market, comprised mainly of ‘class 3’ trucks. The onset of economic recovery in the US has limited the scope of declining light truck tyre sales to nearly three million units, or 11 per cent, for a total of approximately 26 million units. The RMA adds that little or no increase is anticipated in 2010 in keeping with commercial economic forecasts and the impact of the Chinese tyre tariff.

The replacement medium/wide base on-highway commercial truck tyre market is projected to decrease by approximately 2.3 million units in 2009 to nearly 12.6 million units. Given the uneven economic rebound forecast for 2010, the RMA expects this market to increase by less than one million units to nearly 13 million units in 2010. sg

ehicle miles travelled is on par with 2008 levels, the RMA reports, as domestic economic conditions for both the consumer and commercial sectors appears to have stabilised and are poised for a rebound in 2010. As a result, the tyre industry is expected to realise a nearly six per cent growth in 2010 and reach the 260 million unit level.

Large decreases in domestic vehicle production due to plant shutdowns have put a hefty dent in shipments of OE passenger car tyres.

The RMA expects shipments of these items to decrease 43 per cent in 2009 to approximately 22 million units, and comments that the US government’s “cash for clunkers” programme pulled forward future years' vehicle sales into 2009, mitigating an even steeper drop in OE tyre shipments. An improving economy and a rebound in vehicle production and sales are anticipated in 2010, which the RMA anticipates will result in an extra eight million OE passenger car tyres shipped. This projection, however, does not account for any possible changes to the automotive industry from further federal intervention or consumer incentive programmes.

The OE light truck tyre category will experience a decrease of around nine per cent this year, the RMA believes. This drop of 300,000 units to nearly 2.7 million tyres is said to be the product of slower economic conditions and its resultant impact upon the commercial sectors that utilise light commercial vehicles. The RMA anticipates little or no growth for this sector in 2010 as US production of this type of vehicle is projected to remain weak.

Large declines are also anticipated for the OE medium/wide base on-highway commercial truck tyre sector. The RMA The US ‘cash for clunkers’ scheme softened the drop in OE passenger car tyre shipments in 2009, projects a fall of almost 41 per cent to the RMA comments

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

Pirelli Returns to its Roots With 2010 Calendar he 37th edition of the revered Pirelli Calendar was presented to the world at its London launch on November 19. Those fortunate enough to receive a first glimpse of the 2010 incarnation of ‘The Cal’ at the Old Billingsgate venue were treated to a visual banquet of 30 images produced by American photographer Terry Richardson, a man Pirelli describes as an “enfant terrible” known for his provocative and outrageous approach.

Upon presenting the finished work, Pirelli comments that the images gracing the 2010 calendar show a return for Richardson to a playful, pure Eros: “Through his lens he runs after fantasies and provokes, but with a simplicity that sculpts and captures the sunniest side of femininity. He portrays a woman who is captivating because she is natural, who plays with stereotypes in order to undo them, who makes irony the only veil she covers herself with. This is a return to the natural, authentic atmospheres and images of the ‘60s and ‘70s. It is a clear homage to the Calendar's origins, a throwback to the first editions by Robert Freeman (1964), Brian Duffy (1965) and Harry Peccinotti (1968 and 1969). Terry Richardson, like his illustrious predecessors, has chosen a simple kind of photography, without retouching, where naturalness prevails over technique and becomes the key to removing artificial excesses in vogue today to reveal the true woman underneath.”

The rooster, the sabre, the jets of water and the old tyres featured in several of the photos become, in Pirelli’s words, the “punctuation marks giving rhythm and harmony to the tale told by Richardson.” The Italian tyre maker adds that “suggestions of the Pop Art that inspired some early editions of the calendar merge with an Eros typical of this American photographer, that Eros which in the 2010 Cal is evoked only slightly, through allusions which Richardson uses to mock convention, giving form and carnality to things taboo.”

Francesco Negri Arnoldi, former Art History Professor at the University of Salento in Lecce and University Tor Vergata in Rome, described the Calendar as ‘Pop’. He defines it as "totally new, in its return to the past; absolutely original, in its consolidated tradition, and capable of rediscovering the charm of all-natural femininity". With

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the return to Pop Art, adds Pirelli, the “language adopted is an essential and immediate iconographic language, understandable by all and contaminated only by daily life.”

In Pirelli’s eyes the 2010 Calendar is a “clear expression” and Terry Richardson is its interpreter: he portrays figures without frills, removed from complicated and artificial contexts set by fashion trends. The setting has no showy backgrounds or schemes, in line with the photographer's simplicity and focus on the essential. "A great photographer," says Richardson, "captures the moment – that's why I shoot without extra equipment and without assistants.

"My technique is the absence of technique: the lens is my eye, my charisma, my ability to capture moments of truth, whatever they may be, picture angles, use of colour, light, scenery – these have always been the essential aspects of my photographic art,” Richardson adds.

Eleven models appear in the 2010 Pirelli Calendar: Australians Catherine McNeil, Abbey Lee Kershaw and Miranda Kerr, Eniko Mihalik from Hungary, Marloes Horst of the Netherlands, Lily Cole, Daisy Lowe, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley from the UK, Georgina Stojilijkovic of Serbia and two Brazilian natives, Gracie Carvalho and Ana Beatriz Barros. sg

COMPANY NEWS

COMPANY NEWS

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Wegmann Automotive Grows in Down Market Balance weight manufacturer consolidates production The establishment of Wegmann Automotive in October 2009 saw some of the world’s leading wheel weight brands (Hofmann, Franken, F-Ecoline and Perfect [US]) reorganised into a single unified group. Now united under the Wegmann umbrella brand, sales and marketing director Thorsten Thom reports that the company is facing the

current market challenges well and in certain cases actually gaining market share. Thom also praised the positive impact made by recently appointed UK sales manager, David Peacock. According to Thom, 2009 UK market sales have experienced double-digit growth compared with 2008.

facturer and a leading aftermarket supplier to boot, but with numerous recent surveys reporting the average driver’s concern for their vehicle is waning due to the recession, how does the market leader propose to keep quality wheel weights in the minds of consumers?

The answer is education. In 2010 the company is set to enhance its marketing activities, explaining both the benefits of its premium quality products and disadvantages of what the company describes as “false economy” lowcost weights to the market. In doing this the company is aiming The importance of balancing cannot be disputed. However, Wegmann to raise customer Automotive recognises the need to highlight their significance with increased marketing activities perceptions of what can be expected from a balancing weight and therefore improve egmann automotive produces as customer experiences of balancing weight many as 1 billion balancing weights products. a year with production split roughly 50:50 Wegman Automotive is well aware that between the company’s Germany and end consumers don’t take much notice of Tennessee, US manufacturing bases. And the weights mechanics attach to their what’s more the group continues to name wheel rims after a tyre change; and that some of the world’s leading OEMs amongst some people – including a few in the trade its customers (such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, – are of the opinion that balancing is a VW, Seat, Ford, Opel, Fiat, Alfa, Ferrari and waste of time and money. That’s why the Porsche to name but a few). With produccompany has already embarked on an tion and OE sales credentials like this, it isn’t awareness raising campaign in its native a surprise to learn that the company is the Germany. Naturally, the next step is to world’s number one wheel weight manu-

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produce something tuned to the similarly influential UK market.

In addition to posters emphasising the false economy of a weight that damages expensive wheels or flies off during service (and therefore causes additional gearbox and transmission wear throughout the life of the tyre), marketing director Thorsten Thom told T&A that Wegmann Automotive is considering its options with regard to motorsport support in the UK: “Maybe we are interested. [Motorsports] are a good relaunch pad for the premium quality of Hofmann weights.” Any such move would be in addition to its current support of DTM (German touring car) racing in partnership with Dunlop and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

Referring to the company’s recent growth in the British Isles, Thom suggested the company’s approach as a possible reason for its continuing success: “The UK is a very interesting market to us…we are loyal to our suppliers. We do not and will not enter the market by direct distribution.”

German production plants consolidated into single site The latest news from Wegmann Automotive is that the company is consolidating its European production facilities into a single site in Veitshöchheim near Würzburg in Germany. The campus will also be the company’s newly located global headquarters and therefore administration, finance, management and R&D departments from January 2010.

Before this latest consolidation project, the company ran two central production locations in Germany - one in Albstadt (Dionys Hofmann) and one near Würzburg

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(Franken-Industrie). When Würzburg, the elder of the two factories, was almost 100 years old, the group decided to relocate the entire production line – including the 150 employees – to a “greenfield” site two kilometres away in Veitshöchheim. In 2006, the modern equipment left the old fashioned Würzburg behind and has been running inside the brand new buildings located outside the city gates ever since.

Just like the factory in Würzburg, the Hofmann production facilities, which are located 220 kilometres away in Albstadt (a town in the south of Baden-Württemberg), began feeling the pressure to modernise.

“The costly modernisation measures that would have been required at the factory in Albstadt, which is not only situated in a Wegmann Automotive sales and marketing director Thorsten Thom (left) praised the positive impact made by recently appointed UK sales manager, David Peacock (right)

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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GARAGE CONSUMABLES

Quality Control: How Premium and Cheap Weights Compare Wegmann Automotive is so confident that all its products produce superior performance than the group’s cheap competitors that it is willing to demonstrate it. In addition to increased marketing activities designed to educate trade customers and end users alike, the company will also soon publish data gleaned during the development process conducted in partnership with leading OEMS. In the meantime marketing director Thorsten Thom shared this illustration: A good indicator of the quality of OEM weights is the coating used. According to Wegmann Automotive, a weight that has been produced in accordance with OE standards will be able to withstand at least 750 hours of salt spray testing before shows signs of corrosion. By contrast, a typical aftermarket coated weight will only be able to withstand 250 hours. A cheap weight will barely make 100 hours. Not only is the resulting corrosion unattractive, but it can also cause major damage to rims.

In the case of expensive alloys, the cost of the weight is paltry compared to the potential damage. cja/ab

valley but also on a slope and provides practically no scope for expansion, would not have made sense,” says chief marketing director Thorsten Thom. As a result the organisation ceased production in Albstadt and expanded into a new factory near Würzburg instead. “This means we will benefit in future from having one large and highly automated plant here in Veitshöchheim that is made up of two elements.”

Although the raw material store and picking processes will be managed jointly in future, the “key production processes of Hofmann and Franken weights” will be kept separate.

The new factory is set to become the company’s (and therefore the world’s largest) balancing weight production site.

After the outer building of the new joint plant was completed in June, the company began moving production of all its Dionys Hofmann, Franken Original and F-Ecoline brands into the site and manufacturing for the aftermarket production has been operational since the Autumn.

One of the key features of the centralisation work at the Veitshöchheim site is the expansion of the logistics centre. Over the coming months, this will shape up to be a rapid pan-European distribution hub. “It will enable all articles to be dispatched extremely quickly. Of course, it will only be possible for this to be achieved on the basis of cutting-edge storage methods and ultramodern logistics processes. These are

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currently being put in place with the help of external specialists”, emphasises the chief marketing director.

Given the shorter delivery times, there is expected to be a significant reduction in the amount of customer capital that is locked up and, thanks to its optimised processes, Wegmann Automotive says it will easily be able to handle peak orders during the busy seasons. (Being a key player in the German tyre market, and other seasonal markets, means Wegmann Automotive notices particular fluctuations in demand and supply as a result of certain European countries changing to Winter tyres in the Autumn and back to summer tyres again in the spring).

Multibrand strategy In Europe Wegmann operates a clear multibrand strategy. The first premium product with a strong presence on the OE market (a reported 59 per cent market share in Western Europe) is the Hofmann Power Weight. The group’s second premium product is Franken Original. Similar to the Hofmann products in terms of price and quality, Franken weights are primarily aimed at the aftermarket, however BMW exclusively buys Franken weights for historical reasons. In view of Franken Original’s nine per cent market share of the Western European OEM market, Wegmann Automotive

estimates it provides weights for more than two out of three cars produced in Western Europe.

However, with little scope for further OE growth and the economic sector leaving this sector battered and bruised, Wegmann Automotive is now increasing the attention it gives to the aftermarket. One example of this is the new “F-Ecoline” brand, which was introduced in 2007 and has been aggressively marketed since 2008.

“We want to sell as many weights meeting OE quality standards as we possibly can on the aftermarket. However, we need to be able to meet the market’s needs in terms of both quality and price”, says Thorsten Thom, explaining the shift in strategy. The move is designed to provide an antidote to the kind of competition increasingly coming from low-cost imports.

With more than 4,000 employees worldwide, Wegmann Automotive is part of the owner-operated Wegmann group, which has four distinct divisions - Defense, Transmission, Automotive and Real Estate.

Together they generate an annual turnover in excess of 1.5 billion euros, with Wegmann Automotive (600 employees worldwide) contributing approximately 200 million euros to this total. In addition to producing balance weights for cars, lorries and motorbikes, as well as for industrial applications (ventilators, cardan shafts), Wegmann Automotive also manufactures battery terminals and metal seals. Alongside Dionys-Hofmann, Franken-Industrie and Perfect Equipment, the group is also made up of high-tech companies that offer impressive engineering services. These include the armaments manufacturer Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (which produces, for example, the Leopard tank and other military hardware) or the slip ring manufacturer Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH (which makes slip rings for computer tomography). chris.anthony@tyrepress.com/ arno.borchers@reifenpresse.de/

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40 Years at the [Tip] Top

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eil Armstrong became the first man on the moon, Concorde made its inaugural voyage; The Archies topped the charts with "Sugar, Sugar" and Cliff Jones joined Rema Tip Top. The year? You guessed it - 1969.

Cliff Jones began life at Rema Tip Top as a fledgling sales representative selling tyre repair materials to the two-wheel and automotive trade. “Cliff’s endearing manner and natural way with people were immediately apparent and combined with his obvious flair for sales it is not difficult to see why Cliff has been an outstanding asset to the company which he has served flawlessly for 40 years,” company representatives told Tyres & Accessories.

Since then Cliff Jones has risen to the top in his time with the company. Now in the position of managing director of Rema Tip Top Automotive UK Ltd colleagues recognise that he leads by example, driven by an “inextinguishable passion and burning desire for success, unfazed by hard work, excited by challenge and resilient in adversity.”

Mark Insley, chief executive of Rema Tip Top Holdings Ltd said: “During his time with Rema Tip Top, Cliff has made countless good friends and associates within the trade and I know that these people together with all Cliff’s colleagues here at Rema Tip Top would like to congratulate Cliff on this achievement and wish him Rema Tip Top Automotive UK Ltd continued success and prosperity in all his future endeamanaging director, Cliff Jones vours with the company.” cja

Remog

Succeed in a Changing Market with Shanghai Baolong It’s only twelve years since the establishment of Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation, yet today the company boasts being the largest OEM wheel balancing weight supplier in China. This is a sizeable claim to voice, yet a glance through Shanghai Baolong’s customer list shows that the company has come a very long way in the last decade.

Shanghai Baolong’s OEM activities has seen the company working together with many vehicle manufacturers, including Ford China, Shanghai Volkswagen, Shanghai GM, Chrysler China, Dongfeng-Nissan and other Chinese car makers, to find the best solution for the replacement of lead weights. The company reports that it has developed a series of qualified weights at a low enough cost to make the switch from lead to nonlead weights financially viable for its OEM customers.

In the aftermarket, Shanghai Baolong reports also developing and offering non-lead weights to leading companies as these firms – and their customers – are becoming more and more aware that inevitably lead weights will be phased out due to their cost and environmental impact, as has been the case in the EU and some US states.

Shanghai Baolong poses the question: Are you ready to deal with this change? If you are, or even if you are not, the company says it can offer you the following support to assist you to keep or even win a larger share in a changing market: A complete solution for the replacement of lead weights, competitive prices for OE qualified products, quick and efficient customer service, OE experience in the development of aftermarket weights and fast product development. sg

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Tecalemit Takes on Finkbeiner, Cascos Distribution which now incorporate the EHB /DC cable–free system.

“We believe that it is essential to offer a reliable back-up service to commercial equipment operators who have invested in our products – Tecalemit provides just that with its extensive service department that operates throughout the UK,” said Finkbeiner GmbH managing director Gerhard Finkbeiner following the UK firm’s appointment. “Therefore, we greatly look forward to working with Tecalemit as The Finkbeiner range supplied by Tecalemit includes the FHB 3000 we continue to develop new for cars and vans to three tonnes and innovative products.”

“Finkbeiner products represent ecalemit Garage Equipment has secured outstanding quality, combined with engithe UK distribution rights for two wellneering excellence, and will be a tremenknown European brands of lifting equipdous addition to our range of heavy lifting ment. The Devon based firm is now the sole equipment,” added Philip Cledwyn, TecaUK distributor of the range of high specifilemit sales & marketing director. “With the cation, heavy duty hydraulic, commercial additions to our service team, we are vehicle lifts produced by Germany’s Walter looking forward to meeting the challenges Finkbeiner GmbH. The Finkbeiner range of of providing Finkbeiner’s customers with an hydraulic lifts covers three main product outstanding service.” groups; the FHB 3000, a mobile wheel-free The company has also been appointed vehicle lift suitable for cars and vans up to UK distributor of Cascos lifts. Tecalemit will 3000kg; the HDS bus, coach and truck provide a complete infrastructure for the lifting system, incorporating a patented Cascos range including replacement parts space saving platform design (capable of for both its current offering and previous lifting vehicles up to 18m long and 50t gross generations of products. The Spanish built weight) and the EHB mobile column lifts,

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range has been sold in the UK for more than three decades and an estimated 8,000 lifts are in service at garages throughout the country.

Announcing the new appointment, Carlos Alvarez-Cascos, director general of Cascos Maquinaria S.A, said: “Tecalemit is one of Europe’s most recognised brands and a very prestigious UK partner for us, so we are delighted to have put in place an agreement with them to distribute our lifts.”

Distribution of these two ranges will be assisted by additions to Tecalemit’s service and sales teams. Three additional technical sales staff and seven service engineers have joined the existing service team and, bringing the total number of Tecalemit fieldbased engineers to 78.

“It has been quite a year for the company,” Cledwyn continued. “Not only have we been appointed UK distributor for several new product lines including Cascos, but due to our earlier acquisition of the Protech equipment brand, we have also established a new business division at Tecalemit.” The company can provide UK customers with equipment, spares and service support for some of Europe’s leading equipment brands, including products previously marketed under the OMER and Europa brands. sg

BF Srl

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POWER WEIGHT DAS LEISTUNGSGEWICHT

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GARAGE CONSUMABLES

Snap-On Releases McLaren F1 Toolbox The demands that Formula One places upon teams in terms of precision engineering requirements are huge. McLaren’s use of its tools, says automotive market tool and equipment supplier Snap-on Tools, enables the team to prepare its cars to the very highest standards and ensures a near-flawless reliability record that has set the standard in the high profile championship. Snap-on is now commemorating this partnership with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team by unveiling a new limited edition McLarensport tool storage combination produced in conjunction with the team. confident through he limited-edition the term of our relatoolbox features tionship we will be bringraphics of the Team’s ging out more co2009 MP4-24 world branded products championship signifying our Formula One car on commitment to the outside, and our new partner, tucked away within our franchisees are many more noteand our custoworthy features. mers.”

“This is our first USAAnother new manufactured and Snap-on item is designed McLarenits new low sport box,” said Aldo profile 210RAFM Rodi, UK national ratchet/socket sales manager for set. The tenSnap-on Tools. “We piece 3/8” drive are confident that metric 210RAFM this will soon low profile become a treasured ratchet/socket possession for The limited edition toolbox is set has been both our custoadorned with images of the team’s designed to allow mers and the dedicated successful 2009 car professional techniGrand Prix fan alike. Nineteen cians all the speed, power and durability drawers and over 39,000 cubic inches of they require to quickly and efficiently handle storage space take control of tool inventory challenging jobs in tight quarters. The set to another level. includes the 80-tooth low profile Dual80 “Our recent developments in paint techtechnology ratchet and nine 12-point low nology have enabled us to manufacture the profile sockets. Snap-on points out that combination in a silver paint livery,” Rodi because the system is up to 33 per cent continued. “The wheels for the first time are shorter than the competition, the combiof a unique custom alloy design. This combination of the low profile ratchet and socket nation will be retailing at a special price of has more clearance in the tightest working £4,500 and we are offering a trade-in on areas. This is especially beneficial as vehicles old toolboxes of up to £1,000 to make this become smaller and, in particular, engine a very attractive proposition for our custcompartment areas less accessible. omers.

“At Snap-on we pride ourselves on not “There has been an outstanding simply providing the highest quality tools demand for our previous limited edition available but also on our ability to predict tool boxes,” added Rodi. “We are develofuture market needs then creating the ping a close association with the Vodafone required product in advance of customer McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 Team and are

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demand,” commented Terry Barcham, European managing director of Snap-on Tools. “We listen closely to our customers and what we have established is that they want from a ratchet is strength, accessibility, durability, low-ratcheting torque, together with a mechanism to keep out dirt.

“The 210RAFM recently received a Top 20 Tools Award from the leading US Motor Magazine,” added Barcham. “This extensive and flexible new range is, we believe, a perfect example of Snap-on’s quest for innovation and all our research indicates that this product will be extremely well received by the UK market.” sg

Laser Tools Presents Crowsfoot Wrenches for Greater Access Two new Crowsfoot Wrench sets have been added to the Laser Tools range.

Both sets are manufactured from Chrome Molybdenum for strength and supplied in blow moulded case for storage. The 1/2"D set offers 14 pieces ranging from 27mm to 50mm for around £159.90. The 3/8"D set offers 10 pieces and ranges from 10mm to 18mm (Part No 4757). For these you can expect to pay around £34.99. cja

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Locking Wheel Nut PRODUCT INFORMATION GARAGECOMPANY CONSUMABLES PRODUCT INFORMATION NEWS LIFTING EQUIPMENT PRODUCT INFORMATION Remover Remog Widens Range of Coated Weights Remog S.p.A, has widened the range of wheel balancing weights it offers, following the formation of a new plant for the plastic coated treatment of its products with epoxy powders. This plant supports Remog’s other site, which has been operating since 2000, and already has the capacity to Developments at Remog’s technical and cover at 100 per cent of the quality control department mean the company is now able offer 500 hours salt body of the weight. The new fog resistant epoxy covered weights coating technology means the weights can now withstand certified 500 hours to salt fog test.

The recent range expansion comes following developments at Remog’s technical and quality control department, which have resulted in greater production flexibility and capacity to meet all the new market requirements. The last purchase of the quality department was saline resistance testing equipment, which enables technicians to check and internally certify the salt resistance quality of its products. Remog S.p.A has been certified ISO: 9001-2000 since 1995 and says it continues to propose “reliable products, both for the resistance of plastic coating, for the clips, this ones are very elastic, and for the type of tape used on the adhesives.” cja

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Laser Hand Tools Launches VAG Wheel Nut Cap Remover Laser Hand Tools has released a new wheel nut cap remover for Volkswagen Audi Group vehicles. Known simply as ‘part number 4586’, the wheel cap remover is a simple but effective tool for use on Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda vehicles plus some Vauxhall cars.

Operation of the tool is straightforward, reports Laser Hand Tools – the cap is simply removed and then stored within the tool until they are ready to be fitted back onto the wheel, a feature that ensures the caps are kept secure and together. Typical retail price, comments Laser Hand Tools, is around £13.98. sg

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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We also supply the Reno range of high pressure washers for fast and effective cleaning of all vehicles.

Our new heavy duty series washers are suitable for large commercial and agricultural vehicles. They have a working pressure of up to 200 Bar, with a flow rate of 15 litres per minute and are available in diesel, petrol and electric versions.

Call for full details today on: 01772 862948

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Trax Celebrates Formula 1 Success The 2009 Formula 1 season was one of the most exciting of recent times, particularly for Trax JH Ltd. The UK’s only balance weight manufacturer now supplies adhesive weights for Formula 1 racing worldwide. According to the company, every car at each Grand Prix is now fitted with the Trax Series 790 Racing Weight.

Formula 1 has moved towards the use of lead-free weights as part of a wider approach to making the sport more environmentally-friendly. Trax have a long standing history of developing lead-free solutions and the company’s unique tin adhesive balance weights provide a high performance solution for the world’s most prestigious motorsport event.

Trax has pioneered the use of tin as a material in order to minimise environmental concerns associated with the use of lead.

And, according to the company, all Trax weights used in Formula 1 are returned and recycled for re-use. The outcome of the 2010 season will be difficult to predict, however Trax points out that it remains in “pole position” for the production of high quality balance weights for Formula 1. cja

Trax weights spotted in Formula 1 pit lane

Fasep

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Autogem Catalogue Launched

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utogem, the UK exhaust fittings and tyre consumables distributor, has launched its new consumables catalogue. The catalogue features almost 3,000 products including wheel and tyre consumables, service and valeting chemicals, janitorial and safety products, hand and air tools and popular workshop fasteners. There are over 500 new products in this catalogue, making it the company's largest update on record, with a number of new product ranges as well as extensive range developments. The catalogue also features over 500 actual size images making identification of products as simple as possible. Autogem says the tyre consumables range now contains more than five times the number of products of the previous catalogue edition, with many new items in the weights, valves, chemicals and tools categories. akb

Stop Wasting Air With Thorite Compressed air products and process systems distributor Thorite has teamed up with pneumatic products supplier Norgren to produce a new guide. Succinctly titled ‘Energy Saving’, this new publication aims to dispel the common industry myth that compressed air is a cheap or even “free” source of power.

According to Thorite, numerous independent studies confirm that industry wastes around 30 per cent of the compressed air in generates – in a typical 1,000 cubic feet per minute workshop installation this equates to £12,000 per year. Compressed air wastage results from leakage, misuse, over pressurisation, pressure drop, inefficient generation, lack of maintenance and poor installation engineering. The new guide, says Thorite, clearly demonstrates how to cut waste and to increase compressed air usage efficiency, with the resulting cash savings clearly laid out.

The Energy Saving guide is available free of charge from any of Thorite’s nine regional sales and service centres in Yorkshire, Lancashire and the North East, or can be ordered directly from the company’s website. sg

BF Srl Launches New Website At the beginning of September BF Srl introduced customers to its new website: www.bfwheelweight.com. The site was recently upgraded to offer all visitors an easy way of identifying the product they are looking for. “With a few clicks you can gain access to the whole range,” company representatives told Tyres & Accessories. The system is updated directly from the BF’s head office, advising all customers of the latest news relating to the company and the automotive field. A new page dedicated to the technical department, is designed to meet particular customer requirements.

BF showed its new products resistance to corrosion during the Autopromotec 2009 fair in Bologna earlier this year. “In fact, thanks to the new division for the salt tests in saline fog, which came into operation at the beginning of this year, BF is able to value and certify the balancing weights resistance to the corrosion,” company representatives said in a statement.

BF says its policy is always been to supply good quality products in accordance with the last European directives relating to the environment, “respecting men and nature.” cja

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

FUULL FULL FU LL MONTY MO M ONNTY TY Snap on

monty m onty® 3 3300 300 racing raciing

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Self-centring ffour-jaw Self-centring our-jaw cchuck huck ffor or ffast a st a nd a ccurate cclamping la m pi ng and accurate

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B ea d b reaker d isc for fo r g e n t le d e mou n t i n g Bead breaker disc gentle demounting

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S upplied with with plastic plastic protectors protectors ffor or mounting mou n t i n g Supplied hea d a nd cclamping lamping jjaws aws tto o ssafeguard afeguard a lloy rrims im s head and alloy

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Automatic ttilt-back Automatic ilt-back p post ost a and nd e ergonomic r go no m i c p pedals e da l s ffor or u ser-friendly operation operation user-friendly

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easymont e a s y mo n t ® p pro ro h helper e l pe r a arm rm ffor or e easy asy rrun-flat u n -fl a t a nd U HP cchanging ha n g i n g and UHP For F or y your our llocal ocal d distributor istributor please please call call

0118 0 118 929 929 6 6811 811

or visit www.snaponequipmentltd.co.uk www.snapo onequipmentltd.co.uk Snap-on S nap - on Equipment Equipment Ltd Ltd 4 8 Sutton Su t t o n B usiness P ark, Re ading R G6 1 AZ 48 Business Park, Reading RG6 1AZ

Hofmann is a br brand and within

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WHEEL BALANCERS AND ALIGNERS

Pro-Align Explains Hunter SmartWeight Award-Winning Benefits Having been voted the winner of this year’s TAFF Innovation Award by the National Tyre Distributors Association judging panel despite tough competition from many other innovative products, the team behind the Hunter SmartWeight Balancing system was keen to reveal the benefits of using the product. Hunter says that it took “a completely fresh look at balancing methodology and came Weight Saving. The amount of weight saved using SmartWeight balancing is the most obvious benefit of using the system with tyre shops saving at least 35 per cent on wheel weight usage (and therefore cost). Pro-Align also says that it has found from its customers that high volume balancing has seen savings of 39 per cent or more.

up with an entirely new system that works with greater efficiency and split tolerances, the features that helped it to the innovation award and which it says benefit operators over comparative products. Supplier of wheel alignment and balancing equipment, Pro-Align listed the features that helped SmartWeight on its way to the TAFF Awards:

1)

Labour Saving. In the many cases, only one correction weight (occasionally even no correction weights) is required and there is no need for constant check spins, which offers great savings in labour. From the feedback received from Pro-Align customers, technicians have a tendency to move to the SmartWeight balancer because it is much quicker and easier to use than their traditional balancers.

3) Cost Saving. By saving this much weight, there is a direct cost saving to the end user.

2)

Visually a better job. This was named by Pro-Align as “an unexpected benefit”.

Customers perceive it to be a better job due to the fact that fewer weights can be seen. The wheel visual looks better, especially for alloys, claims the distributor.

4)

Fewer Customer Returns/Complaints.

SmartWeight users have commented that they have noticed they have had a reduced number of customer returns.

5)

Environment Savings. There is less wheel weight scrap/waste generated and less electricity used as each job takes less time, both of which make a contribution in waste and energy savings.

6)

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Hofmann Introduces Fusion Wheel Balancer, Tyre Changer Hofmann, a brand within Snap-on Equipment, has unveiled its new duo of machines under the brand name Fusion. The company says that the wheel balancer and tyre changer both aim to be class leading. They are available as a package for £3,999, including a 24-month parts and labour warranty, delivery, installation and training.

Chris Behan, general manager, Snap-on Equipment, comments: “The Fusion wheel balancer and tyre changer duo is a high specification package that offers legendary Hofmann quality at a very competitive price. Pound for pound, I believe there is no better deal around, especially when you consider the two-year warranty, delivery, installation and training included.”

Features on the Hofmann geodyna Fusion wheel balancer include patented “Virtual Plane Measurement” for increased

accuracy, regardless of ambient conditions, the automated input of wheel rim to machine distance and an easy ALU mode for the automatic preselection of balance weight locations. A geodata gauge arm is used for what the company says is quick and precise balance weight placement. The geodyna Fusion can be purchased separately for £1,599.

The monty FUSION tyre changer features a 26” clamping range through the use of Plus 6 adapters that are supplied as standard, as is an easymont pro helper arm for safer, gentler mounting and demounting of low profile and run-flat tyres. A plastic demount The limited edition Fusion head for alloy rims and quick-change range from Hofmann head system is also included. The monty Fusion can be purchased separately for £2,799. akb

WHEEL CARE

BY THE PROFESSIONALS.

REMA TIP TOP REMA TIP TOP The PROMAXX 8240 and PROTEC system. Robust Performance, Sublime Handling.

Combined with the stunning new PROTEC system, the power and precision p ecision of the PROMAXX 8240 tyre pr tyre changer is fully unleashed. The T PROTEC system is a powerful and convenient aid especially developed t make to k allll mounting ti and d demounting demounting de ti operations ti on the th increasingly i easingl incr i lly common super low l profile, profile, fil run flat fl t and pax tyres tyres and light alloy rims simpler, simpler, faster and safer. safer. The PROTEC PRO OTEC system can be installed on the entire changers. entir e REMA TIP TOP PROMAXX PROM MAXX range of tilting column tyre tyre chang gers.

WE MANAGE YOUR WO WORKSHOP. ORKSHOP P. Telephone.

T e elephone. +44 (0)113 277 0044 0044 Email. autosales@tip-top.co.uk autosales@tip-top p.co.uk Web. W eb. www.rema-tiptop.co.uk www.rema-tiptop p.co.uk

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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Euro Car Parts Offering Teco Brand Tyre Changers UK garage supplier now offering extended Bosch, Rema Tip Top, SNR, Koyo components Euro Car Parts (ECP) says that it will strive to meet motorists demands with its high quality Teco brand tyre changers. It states that with the ever increasing demand for improved workshop safety and the ability to handle bigger and more varied tyre/wheel packages, the demands on tyre changing equipment to meet a number of criteria has never been higher. Euro Garage Solutions (EGS), the Garage Equipment Specialist Division, of Euro Car Parts Ltd is confident that its Teco brand of tyre changers is more than capable of meeting the workshops current and future demands. In consumables, the distributor has announced Euro Garage Solutions and the Teco range By offering the complete Teco range of tyre fitting equipment EGS feels that it is not selling an over-specified machine to the smaller workshops that have specific, yet relatively straightforward requirement, but can tailor the machine to the customers exact requirements. Where a larger workshop needs the ability to fit run flat, 4X4 or low profile tyres for passenger cars, light CVs of whatever size and even motorcycles, the larger version is capable of handling all of these types and even includes the capability to lift the tyre and the completed tyre/rim package on and off the machine protecting the operator from potential injury.

David Bevan, ECP director said: “In the current economic climate it is The Teco range is essential that workavailable from all of shops look at offering ECP’s 65 branches as many services as possible from their premises. As with all garage equipment, owners need to look at the complete package offered by the

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that it will supply Bosch’s recently launched new range of garage equipment ‘Around the Wheel’ products. The company, which calls itself “the UK’s leading aftermarket parts supplier”, also stocks a comprehensive range of tyre repair materials from Rema Tip Top, launched a new extended range of SNR wheel bearing kits adding nearly 1,000 existing references in September and becomes “the first in the UK to sell the Koyo Hub Bearings in a branded Koyo box”, with its Japanese OEM timing belt tensioner/idler and Wheel Bearing Range extension.

suppliers. At Euro Garage Solutions we offer packages designed to suit the garages’ needs including expert advice, extensive range, top quality products, optional service contracts, fitting and finance. It is our firm belief that we can match or exceed our customers’ needs and expectations.”

The Teco range is available from all of ECP’s 65 branches and comes complete with a full technical back up and a service package is available if required. All Teco products are extremely competitively priced and given that they are of extremely high quality they should not be confused with machines built purely to a price level.

Bosch ‘Around the Wheel’ products Through the recent acquisitions of Beissbarth and SICAM, ECP says Bosch has enhanced its product range and can now offer workshops a complete range in the areas of tyre service and wheel alignment equipment.

Service for all tyres and rims on passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles can be lucrative work and offers a good business opportunity for any workshop. In addition, wheel alignment work allows garages to offer customers a great added value service. Bosch’s new ‘Around the Wheel’ products include the

latest generation tyre changing (TCE) and wheel balancing (WBE) range of equipment and the state-of-the-art FWA 4630 3D wheel aligner and have been specifically designed to help workshops make the most of the growing opportunities in the tyre service business.

Bill Johnson, sales director Bosch and Beissbarth, Equipment and Services said: “More than ever before workshops and technicians need the right technical equipment to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. Our new, latest generation tyre service and wheel alignment equipment feature many advanced, technical innovations which we believe will help workshops fulfil ever demanding customer requirements whilst maximise efficiency and importantly profitability.”

Donna West, director of communications at ECP added: “Increasing demands from customers is putting ever greater time pressure on workshops to get the job done quickly. The new range of tyre changing equipment (TCE) from Bosch has been specifically designed to provide technicians with a safe, versatile and importantly timesaving operation. The userfriendly TCE range from Bosch is suitable for passenger cars motorcycles only with additional accessories and light commercial vehicles. “ Key features include: Improved clamping to safely and securely hold the wheel without damaging alloy or polished rims

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WHEEL BALANCERS AND ALIGNERS

onwards and the latest Toyota Yaris models.

West commented: “We will be the first in the UK to sell the Koyo Hub Bearings in a branded Koyo box. Therefore the customer gets OE quality at an excellent price. Established in 1921 in Japan, Koyo has become a world-class leader in the manufacture of automotive bearing components.” The range is ISO/TS 16949 and 14001 certified. In addition, customers get a 12 months warranty against manufacturing defects. while tyres are removed and refitted. Better mounting capabilities to ensure tyres are fitted quickly and safely. Suitable for RFT, PAX, BSR and CSR tyres so workshops will be able to handle both high and low profile run flat tyre systems (only with additional accessories) and can accommodate tyres with up to 30" diameter rim and 22" width.

SNR has introduced more than 90 new kits in 2009

Japanese belt, wheel bearing extensions ECP is extending its Japanese OEM timing belt tensioner/idler and wheel bearing range. The new products will cover more than 95 per cent of the UK Japanese/Korean vehicle parc, including wheel bearings for Japanese “grey” imports such as Toyota Lucida. It includes Japanese OEM quality timing belt tensioner/idlers and wheel hub bearings. In addition ECP have added 146 brand new references, across Japanese and Korean Applications, including Avensis 03

SNR, Rema Tip Top Rema Tip Top compliments the ECP strategy to offer a wider range of consumables.

Operating for over 50 years and possessing what ECP calls a stunning range of automotive consumables and equipment, ranging from valve hardware and balance weights, to chemicals tools and accessories, the distributor is pleased to continue its stocking of the manufacturer’s products.

The SNR wheel bearing kit range includes 35 new part numbers covering popular and new vehicles such as Nissan Qashqai (2007-), Toyota Auris, Mistubishi Outlander (2007-), Nissan Murano, Vauxhall Corsa D (2007-), Ford Focus (2004-), or Fiat Doblo (2009-). Like the rest of the range, some of these new kits have Active Sensor Bearing (ASB®); a magnetic ring inserted into the bearing. This technology patented by SNR can be found in most new introduced models.

ECP says that it has been an extremely

busy year for the SNR wheel bearing kit programme with more than 90 new kits introduced so far, and more on the way. Just to mention a few, SNR presented earlier this year interesting opportunities for the independent garages for new models like the Renault Megane and Laguna 3, new Honda Civic, Audi A4 and A5 or Suzuki Swift.

Being the OE leader for wheel bearings worldwide, the NTN-SNR Group focuses its aftermarket policy and kit content strictly on original products. SNR in particular has greatly benefited from its mother company NTN of Japan and has now access to an even greater number of bearings for Asian, European or American make.

West: “SNR have been working with ECP for the last three years and we are happy to support their market coverage w i t h interesting a n d innovative

Rema Tip Top products are key to ECP’s product range

Pro Align

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Rema Tip Top Introduces Promaxx, Protec Ranges

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he Promaxx range of tyre changers has, according to its distributor Rema Tip Top, become an instant success with both new and existing customers: “We listened to our customers, and their demands were clear; they wanted a tyre changer which was affordable, functional, built on quality engineering and installed with knowledge that performance and reliability came as standard,” says the company.

The standard/professional specification of the Promaxx range of tyre changers represents a concerted effort by the company to ensure that every technical requirement requested by the customer is accommodated for, in addition to some great new features. The range is comprised of three machines, one semi-automatic (Promaxx 8150) and two fullyautomatic models (Promaxx 8200/8240).

The top of the range Promaxx 8240 is kitted out with a professional turntable and clamping range up to 26”. The machine requires little space due Promaxx 8240 fullyto compact construction automatic tyre changer and square turntable. It

has a pneumatically operated tilt-back mounting column, pedal-controlled tyre inflator with built-in pressure gauge and a powerful bead breaker arm with sensitive response. The machine is designed to give the tyre fitter years of robust performance, and with the recommended addition of the Protec device fitted in tandem, Rema Tip Top believes its users will also be rewarded with “sublime handling and unparalleled tyre changing performance.”

The Protec is a sturdy, precision manufactured ProTec mounting demount/mounting system, which for most tyre system bays using this accessory has become an indispensable tool particularly for critical tyre/rim assemblies such as EMT, PAX, RFT, SSR and DSST, where safe handling and efficient turnaround is essential. It can be installed on the entire Rema Tip Top Promaxx range of tilting column tyre changers. akb

Not All Balancers Are Equal

F

Sivik

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or almost 20 years, Rema Tip Top International has been the distributor of Equal Tire Performance; the revolutionary method of balancing wheels and tyres for trucks, light trucks and motorcycles..

Equal is a plastic polymer granule which provides a continuous, maintenance-free solution to tyre force variation and imbalance for the life of the tyres. It can be installed on mounted tyres via the valve stem or, even easier, for unmounted tyres, simply drop a bag into the tyre, mount the tyre and, within a few miles, the bag breaks apart, allowing Equal to perform its function.

So how does it work? Being a dry, granular polymer, Equal reduces vibration from the tyre/wheel assembly as it rolls along by adapting and responding to the footprint. Unlike static weights, it acts dynamically to dampen vibrations due to force variation and it is free-moving to adapt to changing conditions within the tyre, thus making it unnecessary to periodically re-balance the wheel; Equal offers a permanent balancing solution.

Vibrations are wasted energy and eliminating them not only helps reduce tread wear but improves fuel efficiency too.

It should be stressed that Equal is not a tyre sealant and does not adhere to the inner liner, neither does it prevent the tyre being repaired if necessary.

For the vehicle driver, the advantages are a smoother ride, improved driver comfort and more even tread wear, providing longer tread life. Appearance is improved, as there are no unsightly weights There are advantages too for the service provider or tyre shop; the lack of weights (lead or otherwise) means that there is no possibility of weights becoming detached from the rim and Equal is simple to install. pg Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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Corghi Releases Artiglio 50 Successor Corghi has released the passenger car tyre changer it hopes will “widen the success of the Artiglio 50,” the Artiglio 500. The new model has been improved on the basis of feedback from the market, resulting in what Corghi hopes will be received as “an even higher performance product.” It will be demonstrated by Apaseal at Brityrex on the 5-7 October, 2010, and will be available from February.

The company will continue to provide its “Blue Light” system for wheel balancing.

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ajor advantages of the new machine include the “Leva la Leva” system, patented by Corghi in 2001 with the Artiglio Master, and its capability of working with rim sizes from 12” to 32”.

Furthermore, a wheel lifter is fitted as standard, for effortless placing of wheels of any type onto the turntable. The Leva la Leva demounting tool is a dynamic bead breaking device with a dual specular bead breaker disc. The radial positioning of the disc is made easier by an automatism that is able to prevent any manual positioning by the operator. In addition to this, the axial mounting turntable ensures rapid clamping while permitting bead breaking on both sides without having to turn the wheel itself. Safe wheel clamping and bead breaking on both sides are provided by the axial mounting turntable.

Its integrated and ergonomic functionality mean that working times are reduced. With speed in The new Artiglio mind, the machine 500 features a rapid bottom bead demounting procedure with bead breaker disc particularly useful with stiff sidewalls. It can be equipped with a wide range of accessories: pickup rim kit, universal flange for close rim, reverse wheel flange, Pax system kit.

are measured with cameras and laser sensors, allowing maximum precision at all times. With high performance PC specifications, the system ensures high operational speeds and real time data processing.

Meanwhile, the machine’s Blue Light management system illuminates the inside of the rim allowing the operator to acquire high resolution images in all lighting conditions. In addition to sophisticated technology, Blue Light also offers aesthetic appeal – a particularly important aspect for service outlets intending to convey an image of superior technology and service to their customers. The Corghi’s Blue Light balancing Blue Light has been awarded BMW technology approval and the Volkswagen VAS homologation (VAS 6589).

1/4 AD Supertracker Super Tracker Super Tracker

Blue Light Blue Light technology offers tyre and wheel specialists three key benefits – a touch screen interface, touchless measuring technology and the innovative Blue Light weight management system. The touch screen interface introduced by Blue Light ensures maximum interactivity for the user, with the operator interacting directly and easily with the wheel balancer via a touch screen, allowing for the real time modification of balancing parameters. With Corghi’s “Touchless Technology”, wheel distance and geometric dimensions

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Goodyear UrbanMax a ‘Significant New Product Range’ in Europe The UrbanMax is the latest member of Goodyear Europe’s Max Technologies family, a range promoted by Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe as featuring the latest technology materials, dedicated tread patterns and durable carcass construction. The UrbanMax MCA and MCD Traction

comprise a new line-up of all-season tyres for municipal vehicles, including city buses, fire engines and garbage trucks, and the benefits the manufacturer states these products deliver include high mileage and superb braking on wet and snowy roads.

rbanMax is a significant new product range for our customers,” said Boris Stevanovic, marketing director Truck Tires for Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe BV. “The biggest improvement is in the mileage these tyres offer. The MCA can give up to 30 per cent more mileage than its predecessor, and the MCD Traction offers up to 40 per cent more (based upon tests The UrbanMax is designed for all-season use by municipal vehicles operating in "tough urban environments" carried out by Goodnoise. In addition to this, the tread volume cent better than the MCS, which it replaces. year using a size 275/70R22.5 tyre in and design are reported to give high The new tyre features reinforced sidewalls, comparison with Goodyear MCS tyres). The mileage potential, low rolling resistance, which provide increased protection against all-season capability is very important for the low noise and enhanced handling. A kerbing, and has sidewall wear indicators. more northern and alpine regions. In these further stated benefit from the tread design Low noise emission is a further advantage areas vehicles can use these new tyres all and construction is the ability to maintain a for passengers and the environment. The year round. We believe that UrbanMax MCA high level of traction as the tread depth tread of the UrbanMax MCA has a wide fiveand UrbanMax MCD Traction set a new reduces through wear. rib pattern intended to provide high benchmark in municipal tyres.”

The carcass for both tyres is designed for mileage, low noise and good handling.

By combining what the tyre maker calls many demands placed upon a municipal Edge blading gives good wet and snow dedicated tread patterns with latest genertyre, and is thus comes with ‘super tensile’ performance as well as even wear. The hiation component materials and robust steel belts. This construction is intended to amplitude centreline gives the MCA its all carcass technology, the Goodyear Max improve crack resistance and internal corroposition capability as it provides traction.

Technology concept provides specific sion by reducing internal strain and allowFinally, the shoulders are non-intrusive for products offering enhanced mileage, ing full rubber penetration between the damage resistance. braking and damage resistance. The new cords with the added benefit of weight The UrbanMax MCD Traction offers range comprises the UrbanMax MCA, a reduction. The construction is said to similar benefits to the UrbanMax MCA. Its steer and all position axle tyre, and the improve handling, rolling resistance and tread features 3D-BIS interlocking blocks, UrbanMax MCD Traction, a drive axle tyre. protection against damage from kerbing. qualities Goodyear notes offer high These tyres are specifically designed for allThe two tyres replace the Goodyear mileage, superior handling and low rolling season use by municipal vehicles operating Metro MCS summer range and the Metro resistance and a blade density that provides in tough urban environments and meet the MCD, which were both M+S tyres. This, says very high levels of winter and wet performforthcoming EU noise requirements.

Goodyear, simplifies the choice for operance. This wet and winter performance, the The UrbanMax MCA, says Goodyear, ators and provides tyres that are suitable all manufacturer continues, is further offers outstanding performance in the areas year round. improved thanks to a new compound, of mileage and braking on wet and snow. sg which gives low rolling resistance and low As previously mentioned, mileage is 30 per

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Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Pirelli Moto Introduces New Hypersport Tyre Ducati OE deal announced The latest addition to Pirelli Moto’s Diablo motorcycle tyre family is being billed as the only hypersport tyre for road and track use to draw upon technology from the Superbike World Championship. The Diablo Rosso Corsa, new for 2010, is a racing street segment tyre that supplements he Diablo Rosso Corsa features EPT contact patch technology, derived from WSBK experience, that is said to optimise the contact patch area at all lean angles. In the rear tyre this is coupled with a multi zone compound featuring a central compound designed for greater mileage and a shoulder zone compound “straight from the WSBK”. The tyre’s tread pattern includes a slick-like area on the rear shoulders with a greater concentration of tread grooves and the centre and shoulders. Pirelli describes the tread design as “aggressive” and reports quick warm-up times and consistent water drainage.

European market supply of the Diablo Rosso Corsa begins in January 2010 with the 120/70ZR17 front tyre size. Other sizes in the range include 160/60ZR17 (rear), 180/55ZR17, 190/50ZR17 and 190/55ZR17.

Together with announcing its new hypersport tyre, Pirelli Moto has delivered news that from the start of next year its tyres

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the Diablo Rosso in Pirelli’s sport range and effectively replaces the Diablo Corsa III. Pirelli comments that the new tyre exceeds each of its predecessor’s key performance values.

will be fitted as original equipment to all Ducati models. This agreement, the tyremaker states, “appropriately confirms an existing collaboration which began years ago” and is expected to benefit both consumers and dealers. One of the first OE fitments to be announced is the new Diablo Rossa Corsa on the 2010 model Ducati Monster 1100S. “We can only be very happy and proud of this partnership,” commented Gabriele Del Torchio, president of Ducati Motor Holding. “It is not only a commercial agreement but a constructive collaboration between two important Italian companies. Pirelli and Ducati are two examples of Italian industrial excellence that, in terms of innovation, productivity and competence, demonstrate their winning spirit in both the sporting and business areas. A partnership such as this, the latest in a line of important collaborations with selected suppliers, allows us to contribute to the development

The new tyre is said to utilise technology employed in the Superbike championship of our bikes, in terms of both performance and safety.”

“Pirelli’s original equipment program is a key component which drives product development and adds value to our leadership in the motorcycle world,” added Guglielmo Fiocchi, managing director of Pirelli’s Moto business unit. “Ducati is a natural partner for us and we are thrilled to maintain a longstanding partnership between our two Italian companies.” sg

The new Pirelli tyre will be introduced in January

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Michelin Keeps Europe Well Fed & Rested With 6 New Guides You’d be bonkers not to have noticed the raft of new Michelin guides hitting the bookshelves in November. No less than half a dozen new European editions were released

by Michelin’s gastronomic experts, including two guides celebrating their 100th birthday.

Just to show it isn’t all sausages, sauerkraut and tankards of beer quaffed by men wearing lederhosen, Michelin has been producing its guide to Germany for a whole century. To mark a hundred years of pointing Teutonic gourmands in the right direction, next year’s edition of the Michelin Guide Germany will, in German speaking markets, come complete with an extract of the original 1910 “Deutschland and Schweiz” guide. On top of this, one new two-star and 23 new one-star restaurants joined the list of fine-dining establishments in the 2010 guide. In all, the 1,440-page tome includes 1,515 restaurants and 4,332 hotels across all comfort and price categories.

The guide contains nine three-star restaurants, which means that Germany ranks just behind France as the European country with the most fine-dining distinctions. The number of two-star restaurants in this year’s Guide has risen to 18, while the number of one-star restaurants increased from 189 to 198. A total of 52 restaurants have for the first time received the Bib Gourmand label, which is awarded to restaurants serving three-course meals that are impeccably prepared for a maximum of 35 euros. In all, the Michelin Guide Germany 2010 lists 362 Bib Gourmand restaurants, compared with 336 in the previous year’s edition.

Also celebrating its 100th birthday is the Michelin Guide Spain and Portugal. Like its German counterpart, this centenary edition will be shipped with a reprint of the original 1910 edition. The latest guide also provides information on 4,944 establishments, including 2,629 hotels and 1,893 restaurants. Next year, 130 premises will carry a single Michelin star, including 19 new additions, while 12 restaurants have been awarded two-star status and three have been given three stars. Bib Gourmand status has been given to 235 restaurants.

Michelin’s guide to Switzerland provides information on 867 hotels and 695 restaurants across all comfort and price categories within its 520 pages. And the culinary prowess of this landlocked nation may surprise – possessing a total of 101 stars, Switzerland remains the country with the greatest number of Michelin stars per capita. For 2010, the country often associated with fondue and raclette boasts two three-star restaurants, 13 two-star establishments and 69 single star eateries. The Bib Gourmand label is shared by 72 restaurants.

Those itching to dine in the Benelux lands are in for a treat following the launch of two guides dedicated to this region. The Michelin guide Belgium & Luxembourg 2010 covers a total of 1,702 estab-

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Those raised on stereotypes such as this will be surprised by the German and other European guides’ contents lishments – 693 hotels and 1,009 restaurants – in these two countries. Amongst the almost 700 eateries are 114 “starred” restaurants, ten more than last year. This elite group includes 14 two-star and a pair of three-star restaurants. The Bib Gourmand label was awarded to 125 restaurants, including 22 new additions.

The Netherlands has not been forgotten – this low-lying, famously liberal Benelux land occupies a guide to itself. The 2010 edition lists a total of 1,216 establishments, of which 561 are hotels and 655 restaurants. Stars have been attached to 91 of these restaurants, twelve more than in 2009. The Netherlands, like its two neighbours, can boast 14 two-star restaurants and two with three stars attached. The Bib Gourmand label was awarded to 93 establishments, including 17 new additions.

The sixth new European edition is the Michelin guide Italy 2010.

As should be expected in this world-renowned gourmet’s paradise, there is no shortage of establishments to choose from. Some 3,914 hotels, 394 guesthouses and bed & breakfasts and 2,392 hotels are included in next year’s volume. A generous 272 starred restaurants are featured, 24 more than last year. Michelin has granted 37 Italian restaurants a double-star billing, while six enjoy three-star status. For Italy, the Bib price ceiling affixed to the Gourmand category is 35 euros in the main cities and tourist destinations and 30 euros elsewhere; 234 eateries make the grade in the latest edition, including 23 new inclusions. sg

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

UK Company Offering Tyre Scrubbing Technology In motorsport, the scrubbing of tyres – running the tyres for a couple of laps and leaving them to cool and cure – is a fairly common practice used to improve dynamic performance, grip, tyre life and lap times. UK firm Tyre Technology Ltd. already supplies machinery that can replicate this process to motorsport teams.

For the first time, however, the company is making its Black Frequency system available for rental to any interested party.

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anaging director and company founder Stuart Hepworth believes the technology will appeal to fast-fit chains, independent garages and workshops, franchised new car dealerships, and specialist or luxury vehicle suppliers. “No matter how sophisticated a performance tyre is, when it comes out of the mould its molecular structure is never perfect,” Hepworth commented. “By using a specialised heat treatment, Black Frequency enables the microscopic, spaghetti-like molecular bonds to expand and join together.”

As Tyre Technology explains, when the tyre is allowed to cool and cure, these bonds lock together to give optimum performance.

This is observed in, the company continues, improved handling, cornering, feel and ride, plus longer tyre life. The tyre’s appearance is not altered by the treatment; the reason for this, says Tyre Technology, because the tyre’s surface is only altered at a molecular level.

The company reports that any tyre can be treated, and recommends £15 per tyre as an appropriate fee for the procedure.

The Black Frequency machine, Tyre Technology notes, is essentially a large powered roller with guides to hold up to four tyres at a time. An infrared emitter blasts the rotating tyre with targeted heat for up to 25 minutes. This is absorbed by the rubber

through to its core. After cooling the tyres are left to cure for three days.

Black frequency can accommodate up to four According to Hepworth, the technology tyres at a time used in the Black Frequency equipment has are many thousands of car enthusiasts across been proven over a period of time. “During the UK who want the very best of everything October and November testing with for their vehicle,” Hepworth continued. respected tyre makers Giti and Dunlop was “Black Frequency allows them to take good carried out at the MIRA circuit in Nuneaton, performance tyres and make them outstandWarwickshire,” he commented. “Using a ing at minimal cost. This technology repreBMW M3 and a Jaguar XJ, we did back-tosents an excellent opportunity for garages back testing with treated and non-treated and dealers to create a fresh revenue tyres. The results were conclusive and stream.” confirmed the Black Frequency benefits sg apply to road tyres Vi sit us a t A ut opromo t ec Ha ll 22 S t an d B32 just as they do to race ones.”

The company LIFTING EQUIPMENT founder previously TYREXPO ASIA developed and patented microwave and infrared based alternatives to the electric blankets motorsport pit crews use to keep tyres warm. F1 teams Renault and McLaren AME International AME tested and approved the systems, yet were subsequently unable AME to use them due to FIA regulations.

AME International Hepworth has also worked with numerous Le Mans 24 Hour Race teams, including recent winners Audi and Peugeot, on tyre heating technology.

“I believe there

1/4 AD AME International

The tyre is blasted by an infrared emitter for up to 25 minutes

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

91

WEB DIRECTORY

The WEB DIRECTORY in TYRE & ACCESSORIES and the LINK SECTION in

To appear in this Website Directory for 12 months which, will include hyperlinked entries on the Tyres & Accessories website E-Mail: info@tyrepress.com

www.tyrepress.com THE FAST AND DIRECT WAY TO YOUR HOMEPAGE Abrasives

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Fleet Management Systems

Associations

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www.tym-international.com

Industrial Tyres www.solideal.com

Locking Wheel Nuts www.dynomec.co.uk

Materials/Accessories

Breakdown Services

www.gogommasrl.it

www.itdn.org.uk

Miscellaneous

Earthmover Wheels

www.traxjh.com

www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

Motorcycle Tyre Wholesalers

E-Commerce

www.cambriantyres.co.uk www.worldofbiketyres.com

www.etyres.co.uk www.oddballtyres.co.uk

Exhausts/Silencers

92

Importers/Wholesalers

Recycling Machinery

www.cesuk.com www.klarius.eu

www.btrgroup.co.uk www.mmhrecsys.com www.systems4recycling.com

Exhibitions

Retreading/Recycling/Disposal

www.autopromotec.it www.citexpo.com.cn www.eci-international.com www.maxima-expo.ru www.rubbere.com www.semashow.com

www.credenv.com www.cmshredders.com www.environment-agency.gov.uk/tyrewatch www.kraiburg-retreading.com www.ringtread.com www.sapphirerecovery.co.uk Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

WEB DIRECTORY

www.treadsdirect.com

www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

www.watts-rubber.com

www.lexanitire.com

Software

www.lctyres.ie

www.mamsoft.co.uk/tyres

www.lytire.com

Testing Services

www.mastercrafttyres.co.uk

www.dunloptyretesting.co.uk

www.midlandmobiletyres.co.uk

Truck Tyre Retreading

www.micheldever.co.uk

www.bandvulc.co.uk

www.mickeythompson.co.uk

Truck Wheels

www.nete.co.uk

www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

www.northwesttyres.com

Tyre Compounds

www.sd-international.cn

www.vipal.com.br

www.sentaida-international.com

Tyre Computer Software

www.sintontyres.co.uk

www.teamsystems.co.uk

www.starco.com

Tyre Distributors/Wholesalers

www.stapletons-tyres.co.uk

www.4site4x4.co.uk

www.treadwayscorp.com

www.aeolus-tyres.eu

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www.tyres-bernaerts.com

www.blackcircles.com

www.tyrespot.co.uk

www.bridgestone.eu/truckpoint

www.viking.co.uk

www.dalytyres.com

Tyre Exporters

www.cooperbros.co.uk

www.china-tyre.com

www.deldo.com

Tyre Manufacturers

www.deklokbanden.com

www.bkt-tires.com

www.dessimpson.co.uk

www.bridgestone.eu/truckpoint

www.fieldens.co.uk

www.cgs.cz

www.glanworthtyres.com

www.conti-online.co.uk

www.gripenwheels.com

www.coopertire.com

www.grouptyre.co.uk

www.dunloptyres.co.uk

www.herculesinternational.com

www.eptyres.com

www.heuver.com

www.fulda.co.uk

www.internationaltyres.com

www.gold-spark.com

www.inter-sprint.nl

www.goodyear.co.uk

www.kingdavidtyres.co.uk

www.gt-tires.com

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

93

p94:Layout 1 10/12/2009 14:37 Page 1

WEB DIRECTORY

www.kenda.com.tw

www.vredestein.com

www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

Wheels

www.kumho-euro.com

www.afan-tyres.co.uk

www.lassa-europe.com

www.alcar.co.uk

www.maitechtire.com

www.elitedirect.com

www.marangoni.com

www.imagewheels.co.uk

www.magnatyres.com

www.mswuk.com

www.matador.sk

www.overfinch.com

www.mrftyres.com

www.performancealloys.com

www.nankang.com.tw

www.tsw-wheels.co.uk

www.nexentire.co.kr

www.trelleborg.com/wheelsystems-uk

www.pirelli.co.uk

Wheel Balancers/Accessories

www.silverstone.com.my

www.haweka.com

www.techkingtires.com

Workshop Equipment

www.toyo.co.uk

www.agequipment.co.uk

www.trelleborg.com

www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk

www.uniroyaltruck.co.uk

www.beissbarth.co.uk

www.vredestein.com

www.butler.it

www.yokohama.co.uk

www.cosengautomotive.com

Tyre Moulds

www.innotecworld.com

www.jwinc.co.kr

www.pro-align.co.uk

Tyre Repair/Inflation

www.reinheimer-stitcher-roller.com

www.airbosstyre.com

www.sunbornsolutions.com

www.harvieprema.co.uk

www.supertracker.com

www.monaflex.com

www.tip-top.co.uk

www.schrader-valves.co.uk

www.tsissg.com

www.smartronics.co.uk

www.tyre-equipment.co.uk

www.punctureproof.com

www.wheelalignmentuk.com

www.uniflate.com

To place your entry on the Web Directory please contact Scott Parker at

Vintage Tyres www.grouptyre.co.uk www.longstonetyres.co.uk www.northhantstyres.com www.vintagetyres.com 94

scott.parker@tyrepress.com

The Best International Directory in the Trade

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

TA DEC CLASSIFIED.qxp:Layout 1 09/12/2009 15:40 Page 111

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A Amerityre AME Apollo Atturo B Beissbarth Bf Srl C Continental D Dionys Hoffman Dynomec E ECI Eskay Tyres F Fasep 2000 G Goodway K Kenda Kumho M Marangoni Maxxis Monarch

ADVERTISIERS INDEX 21 91 69 27 11 76 Front Cover 77 79 23 Inside Front 80 57 29 43

N Nexen P Pro-Align R Rema Tiptop Rema Tiptop de Remog S Sellarc Shandong Linglong Sibur Sivik Snap-on Stapletons Super Tracker T Treads Direct TSI SSG V Vellco Vintage Tyres Vredestein

5 85 83 73 75 79 9 7 86 81 35 87 53 65 Back Cover 67 37

59 33 67

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PREVIEW

In Our Next Issue A brief look forward at a few of the articles appearing in next month’s T&A.

Tyres for Two Wheelers Statistics show the motorcycle to be anything but a ‘toy for big boys’ – according to the MCI, 52 per cent of all motorcycle journeys made last year were for the purpose of traveling to and from work, as opposed to just 22 per cent for cars. Yet despite their functionality, sales of new motorcycles have declined markedly this year; as of October year-to-date new bike registrations were down 19.4 per cent on last year – good perhaps for sales of replacement market motorcycle tyres, but a headache for the OE sector. Should calls for an incentive programme to match the successful scrappage scheme for cars be heeded, however, this situation may dramatically change in 2010.

Start your new year with T&A as we bring you news from this interesting market segment.

Reaping the Benefits of a Good Tyre Farming today is a precise business where modern technology is very much at home, and this certainly applies to the tyres used on agricultural equipment. The need to reduce soil compaction and the balance between on and off road performance are only two factors that need to be weighed up by those that supply or use these tyres. Be ready for a bumper crop of news and information next month when Tyres & Accessories harvests its annual agricultural tyre feature.

Tyres & Accessories and tyrepress.com wishes all its readers a Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. We hope 2010 proves to be a successful year for you and your business, and we look forward to again delivering the latest news and industry information throughout the year through our magazine, website and newsletter.

Tyres & Accessories 12/2009

First published in June 1946, T&A is distributed in the third week of every month by: Tyre Industry Publications Ltd. Unit I, Magnolia Centre Telford Road, Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO 15 4LP, England Telephone: +44 (0)1255 222233 Editorial: +44 (0) 1782 214224 Fax: +44 (0)1255 222234 e-mail: info@tyrepress.com Internet: www.tyrepress.com Correspondence and advertising material should be sent to the above address.

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Vellco Tyre Control - collecting tyres all year round!

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