Vol 23 • June 2017
F o c u s o n I n f o r mal S e cto r
Sumitomo Rubber SA targets informal sector One-on-One with Mbobo Tyres Redisa halts service delivery Goodyear unveils new Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure tyre Michelin Sport Pilot 4 arrives in SA New products from Apollo Tyres SA
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RECYCLING DOWN TO AN ART Bandag have been specialists in recycling since 1957. Bandag’s cold retreading process is not only reliable and economical, but also aids in keeping tyres out of landfills thereby protecting the planet. Combine this with Bandag’s ISO 14001 environmental accreditation, and it becomes clear why using Bandag gives fleets and the environment the advantage. That’s what we do. Tel: +27 11 439 6000, Fax: +27 86 682 7027, e-mail: info@bandag.co.za or visit www.bandag.co.za
Introduction • 1
Contents One-On-One with Mbobo Tyres– informal sector on path to formalised trading.......3
Focus on Informal Sector, Sumitomo Rubber SA targets informal sector............9
Breaking News redisa halts service delivery............................................................ 15
Manufacturing Goodyear’s new generation Wranger All-terrain Adventure is exciting addition to 4x4 market......................................................... 20 Michelin Pilot Sport4 hits sa............................................................. 24 Apollo Tyres Africa introduce 3 new products ................................. 26
Distribution News Tiger Wheel & Tyre Celebrates its First Online and Book A Bay Customer................................................................ 29
World News Vipal takes high-tech products to Autopromotec 2017..................... 31 Maxxis turns 50................................................................................. 32 Top ten tyre manufacturers represented in their entirety at The Tire Cologne.............................................................. 32 Another successful show for the global tyre market at Autopromotec 2017......................................... 32
Visit .com treads a s . w w w ur to see oues past iss Editor Reproduction Printing Advertising SA Advertising EU Distribution
Liana Shaw Diane van Noort TYPO – Colour Printing Specialists Liana Shaw – satreads@mweb.co.za John Stone – john.stone@sapphire-media.co.uk Media Support Prosource
Publishers Sky Publications cc • PO Box 702, Douglasdale, 2165 Tel: 011 658 0011 • Fax: 011 658 0010 • Cell: 082 851 6777 E-mail: satreads@mweb.co.za Website: www.satreads.com
A
note from
the
editor
Driving on the streets of Johannesburg can be a hair-raising experience these days. The other day I narrowly escaped becoming involved in an accident when a taxi abruptly cut me off as I was approaching a red light. Thankfully, I was on my way back from a fitment centre in Sandton where a new set of Davanti tyres had been fitted to my vehicle, (one of the perks to my job is putting tyre brands to the test in my private capacity). To say that I was impressed with the tyres’ braking ability would be an under-statement. What’s more I’ve been driving on my new Davantis for a month now and this relative newcomer to the market continues to impress with the tyre’s overall performance, road handling and noise-reduction features. I’m pleased to report that Davanti is now available in South Africa through the Tyremart group of franchise stores having recently concluded an exclusivity agreement. The first quarter of this year has been a busy one for the industry. Goodyear Michelin and Apollo Tyres SA all released new products into the market, (read all about this on pages 19 to 26), while Sumitomo Rubber SA formally announced its involvement in an exciting new initiative aimed at empowering black South Africans and increasing the company’s presence in the informal sector, a project that now enjoys the backing of government. Fanyana Mnisi, owner of Mbobo Tyres and the first recruit on the programme, tells us about his personal experience and why he chose to get on board. This on page 2. Staying with new initiatives, motorists can now book their fitment bay online through Tiger Wheel & Tyre, another first in the industry. Precisely how the system works is highlighted on page 29. Talk of trade shows also dominates with confirmation that Tire Cologne is being supported by the world’s leading tyre manufacturers while Autopromotec 2017 has reported a record year by way of exhibitor and visitor attendance this year. All this and much more…..happy reading.
We’re right behind you wherever you are. 24 /7. TrenTyre is the largest commercial tyre fitment
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One-on-One
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INFORMAL SECTOR ON PATH TO FORMALISED TRADING ONE-ON-ONE WITH MBOBO TYRES Every now and then you come across a story that touches your heart strings. One such story is the journey of a previously disadvantaged individual born and raised in Katlehong, Johannesburg. From humble beginnings Fanyana Mnisi, or ‘Mbobo’ as he is fondly known in his community, is now the proud owner of a professional tyre business, an achievement that required risk, courage and great personal sacrifice. He is one of some 120 informal traders that have joined Sumitomo Rubber SA’s informal sector business drive. He was also the first to invest in a Dunlopbranded Container in 2013 that offered the community a viable and costeffective alternative to used tyres, a development that was duly followed by the establishment of the very first Dunlop Express store in his area one year ago in May 2016. We met him at his Dunlop Express shop for the interview.
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One-on-One
Congratulations Mbobo on what must have seemed like a scary proposition at first – the decision to abandon your regular revenue stream – the sale of second-hand tyres in favour of investing in a formal business. Tell us where and when your journey began. How were you able to raise the money to buy your first Dunlop-branded Container? I sold my car and used that money to buy a Container, a tyre changer and my first compressor which I bought off a friend of mine. I began selling second-hand tyres out of a 6m Container 11 years ago in 2006 with one tyre changer and one compressor. My small business made a small living back then but this all changed in June 2013 when I was approached by Peter Siweya, the Associate Manager: Business Development for Sumitomo Rubber SA/ Dunlop, who had been driving around the area looking
Mbobo pictured here with Peter Siweya.
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One-on-One
for potential traders like myself to come on board with them and become a legitimate business owner. I was a little skeptical at first but Peter did a fine job in selling the concept to me. And I liked his attitude and determination (chuckles). He nagged me endlessly until I finally gave in. Deciding to take a leap of faith and join up as their first new tyre dealer in the informal sector, was the best decision I have ever made. My business has grown year on year, so much so, that I was able to fund the purchase of a second Container and the building of my very own Dunlop Express store a few streets away. IIt took me 11 weeks to purchase my first two tyres and only three days to sell them. Then I knew there was a market for new tyres. Not only was I now selling a reputable and safe product to my customers, I was seeing true profits for the first time in that there were less returns and therefore less headaches.. Apart from word-of-mouth how else were you able to advertise that you were now a stockist of new tyres? I started displaying them outside my trading area and the word soon got around. A leap of faith indeed Mbobo and one that shows great courage. How many people do you now employ? I now employ nine people, with three based at the Container and the balance at this store. Mandla, who first came on board with me in 2006, now runs the Container operation while I am based here. He too has nothing but praise for Dunlop and the opportunities the company has made available to us. He now earns a decent living and was even able to build his own house. Who trains your staff? Dunlop provides us with regular training workshops four times a year. Training has been very important in our journey, ensuring professional consistent service to our customers. Quarterly promotions offered by Dunlop also help to boost sales and grow our customer base. They are necessary in our business and have even helped us to grow our business beyond Katlehong, with customers coming to us to fit tyres from Boksburg and other parts of the East Rand.
Mbobo employs 9 staff members.
One-on-One
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7
Dunlop is but a phone call away should we need help of any kind. Even the Senior Management from Head Office in Durban has paid a personal visit to my store which I found surprising. It shows us that we truly matter to them. SRSA has also taken us to Business conferences to mingle with others and for factory tour to understand the entire tyre manufacturing process so we can have an in-depth knowledge of the product that we sell. In my entire life, the first (and safe to say) the only CEO I have met and shook hands with, is Mr. Riaz Haffejee. He always encourages us to talk to him if we need help, which I find very inspiring. I have learnt that the key to success in this business is to be proactive. Don’t wait for customers to come to you. Make every effort to get them into your store/container and once you have them there, provide them with a superior service so that they will come back. Peter Siweya has also been very helpful in providing us with new ways to market and sell our tyres to the community. He also conducts regular spot checks on both operations to ensure that service levels are being maintained. What would you say is the biggest threat to your business at this time? Stockholding. Our business is still so small that we are unable to have ‘all’ the sizes all at once, we are only able to stock the most common sizes at this point and therefore run the danger of losing the customer to one of our competitors in the area. There are about ten tyre stores competing for the same business with us within a 5km radius. Wherever possible I try to supply the customer immediately, even if it means driving to the Warehouse myself to collect the tyres, but not every customer is willing to wait. What’s next for you Mbobo? Where to from here? His Dunlop Express Store is a step above, with a TV and waiting area.
First, I would like to employ another two people to run a mobile fitment centre for me. Next, within the next two years, my goal is to open the first Dunlop Zone in Katlehong. Watch this space! Let me take this opportunity once again to thank SRSA for their immeasurable support not only in growing our businesses, but also assisting us to empower our brothers by creating much needed jobs within our communities.
Focus on Informal Sector
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9
SUMITOMO RUBBER SA TARGETS INFORMAL SECTOR
EXCITING NEW INITIATIVE LAUNCHED NOW BACKED BY GOVERNMENT
New research indicates that Black Economic Empowerment is only benefiting roughly the top 15 percent of the black working population. This
according to eye witness news, which cites a new book titled ‘BEE helpful or hurting’ by head of policy research at the Institute of Race Relations, Anthea Jeffrey.
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Focus on Informal Sector
Her book states that the majority of black working population is under the age of 35 which means that many do not have the necessary skills for top management positions. Her research, which found that 85% of the black population does not benefit from BEE, draws the obvious conclusion
❝85%
launched by Sumitomo Rubber SA in 2013. This entails the supply, fitment and servicing of new
of the black
population does not benefit from BEE, draws the obvious conclusion that BEE
that BEE is not helpful in redressing apartheid
is not helpful in redressing
past inequalities.
apartheid past inequalities
She said: “For the great majority of people, many
❞
tyres in the country’s informal sector by way of a fully-fitted Dunlop-branded Container and/ or a Dunlop Express shop which successfully bridges the gap between Container outlets and the company’s premium Dunlop Zone stores countrywide. “This particular venture was born out of
of whom are unemployed and under-skilled, simply have no chance of
necessity,” explained Riaz Haffejee, CEO of SRSA, “in a bid to counter
benefiting from that”.
the growing number of illegal, dangerous second-hand tyres currently being sold to the consumer.”
In addition, the article which quotes the Department of Trade and Industry, says that BEE fronting has become very sophisticated and
The local tyre industry has been actively campaigning for the
complex and that this is prompting government to impose tough
implementation of standards surrounding the sale of these worn tyres,
penalties against those found guilty of fronting.
which Haffejee refers to as safety-critical items, for more than three years now, with little to no progress being made.
Conversely, government will recognize and support legitimate initiatives on the part of industry that genuinely contribute towards
“Part of the problem is that second-hand tyres generate job opportunities
black empowerment. One such initiative is an exciting project that was
within the informal sector, and whilst we accept this, safety standards
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Focus on Informal Sector
and controls need to be put in place to protect the consumer. With this in mind, SRSA’s commitment to formalizing traders within the informal sector led to the establishment of 85 Container-style stores throughout the country
❝Our
goal is to not only
provide product training but
alongside 35 Dunlop Express stores, (some of
to also assist them with
which also offer wheel alignment)” said Haffejee.
setting up a fully-fledged
❞
Most, if not all of these 120 township-based
business.
outlets were previously selling second-hand tyres to their respective clients. Now, they are steering away from this dangerous practice by stocking new Dunlop and Sumitomo tyres, a shift that is being well received by their customers. To make the purchase of new tyres more affordable and accessible to lower-income earners, SRSA is furnishing their informal trading partners with much assistance in the form of rebates, promotions, advertising
Riaz Haffejee, CEO Sumitomo Rubber SA
and training. This has brought about the conversion of 85 informal tyre dealers to new tyre dealers who are exclusively marketing and selling
and provide them with the assistance they need, has been established
the Dunlop tyre brand to their communities.
by SRSA in a bid to ensure sustainability of this important project.
A newly created national team that will oversee these informal outlets
Said Haffejee: “Our goal is to not only provide product training but to
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Focus on Informal Sector
❝The
•
Dunlop brand is
well recognized among their communities which is further assisting them also assist them with setting up a fullyfledged business.
in growing sales to this market.
❞
“The Dunlop brand is well recognized among their communities which is further assisting them in boosting sales to this market.” More important, with each Dunlop-branded Container that is erected three new jobs are created while a new Dunlop Express store generates as many as five. This exciting new business venture now has the backing of government which is pledging its support by way of financial grants. Ithala’s Small Business Growth Enterprise has made R4 million available to establish these informal stores thus far, with further assistance promised for the future.
BREAKING NEWS! REDISA HALTS SERVICE DELIVERY
Redisa has released an announcement that it will cease collections from 1 June 2017, due to lack of funding. Government has changed the Redisa funding model and has implemented a Tyre Levy that has been collected by SARS since 1 February. Redisa claims it is not receiving the necessary funding and will no longer collect waste tyres from registered collection points, including micro collections. Redisa depots will remain open but will not be accepting any deliveries and that deliveries to processors will continue until scheduled until further notice. Company spokesman said: “Redisa is taking every step to secure the funding necessary to reinstate its collections. To this end we have notified the Department of Environmental Affairs of the environmental and business ramifications of ceasing collections. We are engaging with the Department to secure the required allocation which would allow Redisa to resume collections.” Concerned industry members are being urged to contact the Waste Management Bureau at the Department of Environmental Affairs for further information on legally disposing of waste tyres at wastebureau@environment.gov.za or 012 399 9803 or the DEA call centre on 086 111 2468.
At the time of going to press news reached us that the High Court had ordered the Minister to liquidate Redisa. We will continue to keep you updated on www.satreads.com.
15
CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF DEPENDABILITY 1946
1956
1936
1976
1966
1986
1996
2006
2016
CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF DEPENDABILITY On September 14, 1936 the first Firestone tyre to be built in South Africa rolled off the assembly line in the company’s new factory in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Today, 80 years after Harvey Firestone Jnr, together with first managing director John Cohill, officially opened the P.E factory;
the company has grown into a major supplier of passenger and commercial vehicle tyres to the South African motor, mining and agricultural industries with factories in P.E in the Eastern Cape and Brits in North West Province.
The original production capacity in 1936 was 350 tyres a day with 150 people involved in production.
Lifelong friends, Harvey S. Firestone (right), founder of The Firestone Tyre & Rubber Company, Thomas Edison (center) and Henry Ford (left).
“When we began making tyres in Port Elizabeth during September 1936, the country was in the throes of a major depression, the economy was in a poor condition and future prospects looked very bleak”, wrote then Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Firestone SA (Pty) Limited, Mr Peter Morum, in a 50th anniversary commemorative booklet entitled The Firestone Story 1936 -1986. In retrospect, the courage of the management of the Firestone Tyre & Rubber Company and their confidence in the future has been more than justified. Today, Firestone in South Africa is synonymous with quality, the product has excellent acceptance and the company has become a household name. “Our continued success has been made possible by the wholehearted support of dedicated employees and a countrywide dealer network committed to total customer service and satisfaction”, said Chairman and CEO, Gavin Young. It is our aim to continue to grow and improve the quality of our products and our service to our customers. The history of Firestone and Bridgestone in South Africa is marked with many notable milestones, from the day in 1935 when Harvey Firestone Jnr purchased the first 7,06 morgen site on the corner of Kempston and Harrower Roads on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth in 1935 (for 750 pounds!).
Today, the P.E Plant has a total of 43000 square metres of factory space and a capacity of more than 5500 tyres per day. The P.E Plant employs over 800 people and produces tyres from the small steel belted Passenger range, weighing 6.8 kg up to the small Earthmover range weighing over 490 kg. To date the P.E Plant has produced over 42 million tyres for the domestic and international markets.
passenger and steelcord truck tyres have proved their efficiency and productivity over and over again with their outstanding performance, fuel economy, durability and reliability. At both the P.E and Brits plants constant testing and research is conducted to ensure the quality of the tyres produced. Each plant has its own fleet of test vehicles to evaluate the tyres produced, as well as tyre uniformity grading machines (TUG) and tyre test rooms with machines capable of testing tyres in excess of 280 km/h under controlled conditions. Bridgestone Corporation of Japan took over control of Firestone South Africa in 1997 in the biggest investment by a Japanese company in South Africa and the company’s name changed to Bridgestone Firestone South Africa.
In 1971 the first tyre was produced at the Firestone Brits plant. It was a tyre made by South Africans, using local materials and the most modern equipment available at that time. Thirteen years later, in 1984, with Firestone’s total commitment to South Africa, vast extensions were completed at a cost of R37,5 million, making it the most modern tyre manufacturing plant in the Southern Hemisphere. This was a massive investment in the future of steel passenger and truck tyres in this country. Today the Brits plant is producing steel radial tyres that meet the quality, design and performance standards equal to those achieved anywhere else in the world. It is one of only three Bridgestone plants outside of Japan with the state-of-the-art technology gearing to manufacture the Bridgestone RFT (Run Flat Tyre), a technology that Bridgestone Corporation pioneered. Since the first tyre left its mould, the Brits plant has produced some 29 million tyres. In today’s highly competitive market, Firestone and Bridgestone steelbelt
In August 2004 a R700 million investment was announced in the upgrading and expanding of the Brits plant and building the state-of-the-art RFT production line, bringing the total investment by Bridgestone Japan in South Africa to R1, 5 billion. The name of the company became Bridgestone South Africa.
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Promotion
Promotion
•
1
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Over the last few years, BMS has made its name by taking on some of
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Manufacturing News
GOODYEAR’S NEW GENERATION Wrangler ALL-TERRAIN ADVENTURE IS EXCITING ADDITION TO 4X4 MARKET
SA TREADS recently attended the exciting launch of the new generation Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure, held in George, western Cape. A fun-filled day saw the motoring press navigating challenging off-theroad terrain home to the Outeniqua Mountain Range.
Manufacturing News
SUVs and 4x4 vehicles have become increasingly popular and this has led to production rising sharply in Europe, Middle East and Africa since 2012, with further growth expected in the years ahead. In 2016, more than 40% of new vehicles registered in South Africa were SUV/4x4s. Goodyear’s new generation Wrangler AllTerrain Adventure is being billed as a tough and durable tyre for off-road driving, but is also perfectly suited for on-road use. Built with an ultra-strong Kevlar fibre overlay that reinforces the tread offers the rugged strength needed to prevent punctures and cuts for a confident off-road driving experience, while the further use of DurawallT Technology improves resistance against punctures and cuts in the sidewall area. Furthermore, the new open shoulder blocks help to evacuate mud from the tread allowing for improved off-road traction where it counts most.
The motoring press was treated to a memorable 2 day event at the Oubaai Resort in George.
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One-on-One
Winner ALL-TERRAIN TEST
“The best All-Terrain tyre”
Manufacturing News
Putting the new Wrangler to the test.
Another feature is the tyre’s biting edges which create more traction between the tyre and the road surface, ensuring the grip needed for confident braking and handling. And last, but by no means least, Goodyear engineers optimized the tread design for an even pressure distribution across the footprint, resulting in excellent mileage and great on-road performance. DEKRA testing results reveal that the Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure has, on average, 37% better mileage performance than tested tyres. “Our heritage in the 4x4 segment and proven track record in developing award-winning 4x4 and SUV tyres enabled us to develop the Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure, a tyre that allows drivers to stay in control of the journey and go on-road or off-road at a moment’s notice,” says Wayne Nicholson, Consumer PBU Director, Goodyear South Africa.
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Manufacturing News
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT4 HITS SA A new tyre range that is being described as a game-changer when it comes to high performance tyres, the Michelin Pilot Sport4, was officially launched in South Africa in April. SA TREADS was there. Developed in partnership with some of the world’s most demanding car manufacturers, Michelin’s new generation tyre is allegedly built to satisfy high expectations of premium and sports car drivers who seek pleasure and thrills. Speaking about the new tyre, Gaganjot Singh, Commercial Director for Michelin Tyre Company South Africa said: “South Africa plays an important part in the Michelin Group’s global growth story and we are delighted to introduce the Michelin Pilot Sport4 to our customers locally.” He added: “The technological innovations in the ultra-responsive tread of this tyre come from the Michelin Group’s longstanding experience in motor racing, especially Formula E. It constantly adapts to the road thanks to the mastery of dynamic interactions between the tyre architecture, tread pattern and materials which results in optimal management of the contact patch.” Silent features Some silent features of the new Pilot Sport4 include highly responsive, precision controlled driving thanks to the new ‘Dynamic Response’ technology which consists of a belt with hybrid aramid and nylon reinforcement that ensures optimal directional control. Plus, with high density, extreme tension-resistant and
Manufacturing News
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particularly lightweight fibre (five times more resistant than steel), centrifugal force at high speeds is perfectly controlled and the tyre patch remains constant, even at high speed. The tyre is also said to offer safety and braking on dry and wet surfaces courtesy of a new homogeneous tread compound mix including functional elastomers (to improve load distribution within the rubber mix, thereby reinforcing its action) and silica. Moreover, the sidewall markings are designed using the ‘Premium Touch’ technology, a new innovation from Michelin that produces a velvet effect which brings out the letters and graphics. And, the tyre’s asymmetric design helps in superior handling and safety in addition to minimizing audible noise for silent performance. The new range will be available in the region through Michelin authorized distribution partners.
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Manufacturing News
Apollo Tyres Africa introduce 3 new products Apollo Tyres Africa (Pty) Ltd introduced the new EnduTrax mixed application all wheel and drive tyre at their TBR launch held in JHB. The following 3 products were launched EnduTrax MA Deemed the best tyre for heavy duty on/off road application, EnduTrax MA has a robust block design with wide shoulder and centre grooves to improve traction and control. It further offers 14% more cushioning rubber between the tread and belts compared to a regional application design,( this was introduced to prevent stone drilling and casing loss adding to its durability and value.) A stronger side wall also limits tyre deflection and lower heat generation is also said to lead to a higher uptime. EnduTrax MD The EnduTrax MD has Energy Efficient Technology (EET) which generates less heat and resists compound aging to provide excellent fuel efficiency and retreadibility. With “Silica” reinforced tread compound the EnduTrax MD will improve mileage, superior wear and optimised tread profile. As the Blocked tread pattern is uniformly spaced it provides even load distribution for enhanced traction under heavy loads. EnduComfort CA In addition to the launch of the EnduTrax MD and MA Apollo Tyres has also used the opportunity to launch the EnduComfort CA designed uniquely for bus and coach operators. With its unique 5 Rib Tread Design it offers you the ease of mind for an all-wheel application capability, Apollo Tyres Africa believes the introduction into the South African market will contribute and make a significant impact to the truck and bus industry.
W&Y832_02
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Proudly South African, Tandem Tyres is a major supplier of passenger, SUV/LCV, truck, agricultural, industrial and OTR tyres with distribution channels throughout South Africa, Africa and beyond. We market and import a range of high quality brand tyres, and pride ourselves on exceptional service, uncompromising efficiencies and affordability, making us your complete tyre solution.
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Distribution News
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WHEEL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
Tiger Wheel & Tyre Celebrates its First Online and Book A Bay Customer
On 6 April 2017, Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s new ecommerce website with its innovative Book A Bay appointment service went live, with little advertising or fanfare to announce the development. Nevertheless, within hours Annelize Fourie, a treasury consultant at Grindrod Bank, became the first customer to purchase
tyres online and Book A Bay, an online booking service, to have them fitted.
and take advantage of the booking service: “It was the perfect, most convenient
 � � � � �
solution for me. I don’t know a lot about tyres and wasn’t keen on driving around
Ask your Dealer for the TRADE-IN value... of your diagnostic unit
internet looking for new Continental tyres to replace those on my VW Polo TDi before returning to work. I didn’t even know there was an online purchasing facility, but my search led me to Tiger Wheel & Tyre and I’m so glad it did,� Annelize said. Annelize, a frequent online shopper, didn’t hesitate to purchase her tyres online
looking for prices and availability, plus it was a real bonus that I could make a
Balancer Pin Plate Set
booking beforehand. No need to sit and wait to be helped!�
It’s no accident that Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s first online and Book A Bay customer fit one of the key audience profiles the company had envisaged would take
advantage of this service. “Women are such an important part of our customer base and that’s why we have
our Urban Girls Guide on our website, with tips and advice tailored for women,� explained Joe du Plooy, Group Marketing Executive. “We also expect that women
will form a significant portion of our online customer base.� Tiger Wheel & Tyre was optimistic that the South African market was ready to
Â?Â? Â?€‚ƒ„ „Â?Â?‚„ ƒ Â?
“My husband and I were returning from honeymoon and I was browsing the
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purchase wheels and tyres online, and that shoppers would see the value in being able to Book A Bay to schedule the fitment of their purchases, and according to du Plooy it was gratifying to be proven right on Day One. Â? „  Â?Â…Â?…  …† ƒÂ
After purchasing her tyres on Friday 7 April and scheduling the fitment, Annelize said she immediately received a call from her chosen store in Menlyn, Pretoria, to confirm her appointment. On arrival at the store, Store Manager, Richard Van Deventer, and Regional Manager, Jaco Steyn greeted her as the first South African Book A Bay customer, with flowers and champagne. “For a woman with no experience on tyres, it was great to have them explain
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everything step-by-step, and provide constant feedback on where they were at friendly and I was very impressed with the service and friendliness of each and every person at Tiger Wheel & Tyre – you don’t get that very often these days.�
www.johnbean.co.za
in the process,� Annelize added. “I highly recommend this service. It’s so user-
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Vipal takes high-tech products to Autopromotec 2017 Among the brand’s features at the Italian trade show were three treads certified with the Alpine Symbol, attesting to their performance in severe snow conditions. Vipal Rubber once again attended Autopromotec, one of the biggest retreading events in the world. The 27th edition of the trade show was held from May 24 to 28 at the Bologna Trade Fair Center in Bologna, Italy. As the Latin American leader and one of the top worldwide manufacturers of tire retreading products, Vipal brought all of its excellence in products and services. With cutting-edge technology and manufacturing facilities, the company says that, it is able to develop products aligned with the
different markets around the world, was also on display at Autopromotec. Such was the case of the VRT3, DV-UM3 and VT110 designs, which also delivered great results in tests conducted in several European fleets. For instance, the VRT3 showed superior performance when compared with a similar competitor model, in a test conducted on paved roads in the city
needs of any region in the world. At Autopromotec the brand showcased
of Puglianello, Italy. The participating fleetachieved 8% better mileage with
treads verified by the European Alpine Symbol, which attests to their
the Vipal product.
performance in severe snow conditions. In addition to these, the ECO line fuel efficent treads, and tyre repair products were also featured at
Within this same concept, Vipal has been producing the Vipal ECO tread line since 2009, and some of these designs was also on display at
the booth.
Autopromotec. The result of years of investment and research, the line
Recently launched with the Alpine Symbol, one of the highlights was
features state-of-the-art product technology. This is due to the use of
the VT220 tread. Made from a special, high-tech compound and able to
special high-tech rubber compounds and the tread design configuration,
withstand low temperatures, the VT220 is recommended for raduial tyres,
which is focus on better fuel economy.
medium and long distance hauls, in snowy or muddy conditions. The tread’s design allows optimal performance on wet or muddy surfaces due to the transverse grooves that give greater stability to the blocks and excellent traction power. Two other Vipal treads, the VT160 and the VDA4, also certified with the Alpine Symbol, meet the same necessary requirements for driving in severe snow conditions. The quality and performance of Vipal brand treads, already proven in
Vipal Rubber took its full assortment of repair products to the trade fair in Bologna. One of these is the Aramid Patch (RA), extremely impact-resistant and at the same time lighter and more flexible than traditional patches, improving application and appearence in the repaired area. The Vipal RA Patch is made with aramid fiber, a reinforced textile used in bullet-proof vests and seatbelts, among other extremely resistant products. This material is five times more resistant than steel, which guarantees less interference in tire balance.
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turns 50 Taiwanese tyre producer Maxxis celebrated its 50th anniversary in business recently. Originally started as small Taiwanese bicycle tyre manufacturer in 1967, today its customer base spread over to 180 with the company employing more than 25,000 people with offices based in Taiwan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, US, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Holland, Japan, India, Indonesia and Dubai. The Maxxis brand is now recognized as a top 10 global manufacturer as well as the largest manufacturer of bicycle tyres in the world, the company said. Global revenue quadrupled in last decade with sales revenue crossed $2 billion. Managing director of Maxxis Derek McMartin said: “We are hugely proud of our humble beginnings, our growth and the global success that we have experienced over the last 50 years. At the beginning, the aspirations were always to be one of
Top ten tyre manufacturers represented in their entirety at THE TIRE COLOGNE THE TIRE COLOGNE continues on its successful course. A good year prior to the premiere of the event in Cologne, the international top player Hankook has confirmed its participation. Also on board in 2018 is another heavyweight
the world’s top tyre manufacturers and to be recognized by the industry as exactly
of the tire industry, Cooper Tires. “We are pleased that
that is fantastic.”
Hankook has also decided in favour of participation.
Maxxis is now OE supplier to Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi and Hyundai in Asia. Maxxis has also invested in private proving grounds in China. This test track, one of the few privately owned in China, will promote Maxxis’ growing relationships with major automakers. It has expanded its product range from bicycle tyres to motorcycles, cars, 4x4s, light trucks, trucks and buses, ATVs, lawn and garden products, race karts, industrial vehicles, and trailers.
A wonderful signal! This means that the top ten tyre manufacturers are represented in their entirety at THE TIRE COLOGNE. Cooper Tires, as the current number 11 on the world ranking list, underlines the exceptional interim balance”, Christoph Werner, Vice President of Koelnmesse, is pleased to announce. “THE TIRE COLOGNE will be the leading international industry event right from the start.” Of the current “tire world ranking list”, with Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli, Sumitomo/Falken, Hankook, Yokohama, Maxxis and Giti, not only the ten
Another successful show for the global tyre market at Autopromotec 2017 Over the course of last week one of Europe’s most popular and successful automotive equipment and aftermarket products events – Autopromotec 2017 was staged in its traditional home venue of Bologna, Italy. The show which attracts huge numbers of visitors from Europe and around the world has now been presented bi-annually for the past five decades and once again presented a special ‘tyre hall’ having introduced this additional service at the 2015 show. In fact this year’s show was the largest and most international in the exhibition’s long history.
providers with the biggest sales, but with Cooper Tires, Zhongce Rubber, Toyo Tires, Kumho, Triangle, MRF, apollo, Nokian and Nexen Tire, also those international market participants following on the list will be represented from 29 May to 1 June 2018 in Cologne. However, THE TIRE COLOGNE is not only developing exceptionally well in the tire and wheel segment. The automotive services and workshop needs, as well as tyre remoulding and tire recycling are also attracting an increasing number of exhibitors. Hunter, the global market leader in the field of axle alignment, has registered for the premiere in the coming
The organisers of Autopromotec has confirmed to SA Treads that there were 1,651
month, as has the internationally renowned tool manufacturer
exhibitors including 58 per cent from Italian based companies and the remaining 42
Snap On. Both companies will then present themselves in hall
per cent shared between 53 countries from around the world which is an increase
8 of Koelnmesse, where automotive services and workshop
of six countries than in 2015. The largest number of exhibitors were from China,
needs will be reflected on 11,000 square metres.
Germany, Spain, UK, Taiwan, Poland, North America, France and The Netherlands.
THE TIRE COLOGNE 2018 will take place in the Northern Halls
There were 14 halls to visit along with five expansive outdoor areas for product
of Koelnmesse.
demonstrations with tyres represented across five halls with a number of leading
For further information visit www.thetire-cologne.com
tyre companies exhibiting for the very first time. At the time of writing this press release official attendance figures had not yet been released.