Tyres & Accessories January 2013

OFC January 2012_Layout 1 10/01/2013 14:37 Page 1

January 2013

The magazine for the tyre and wheel industries

Tyres & Accessories January 2013

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EDITORIAL

Fuelling the future A FEW YEARS AGO people were asking if are reluctant to extend this fuel-saving thing is ever going to catch on.

Now virtually every manufacturer has a fuel-saving line and a fuel-economy strategy – we even have mandatory product labels comparing products on the basis of this characteristic.

Whereas in the early days of this message the emphasis was on the green benefits of such tyres – still a powerful approach for car and CV fleets – for the consumer replacement market, the combination of financial pressure that currently presses down on family budgets have led to consumers to think harder than ever about the overall value the get from tyres. As we saw in December’s feature reviewing 2012, no more than six per cent of retailers are current exploiting the full benefits the European tyre label offers in terms of fuel efficiency comparisons, but they are no doubt there to be had.

While this may be common to tyre retailers across Europe, there is another fuel related issue pressing the UK market in particular. A Deloitte Report 'Study of the UK petroleum retail market' is said to “indisputably” confirm that the majority of fuel forecourts are running with dangerously low levels of stock and that the continued closure of forecourts is reducing onsite storage capacity across the country due to pressures on working capital. Or, in other words, while fuel prices are getting higher and tax revenues through fuel is raking in more money for the exchequer, margins for petrol retailers are being squeezed so tight that they can’t afford to bring in sufficient stocks of the central product. What this means is that the chances of petrol stations running out at peak times, during holidays when deliveries are less frequent and in the event of a crisis, are that much higher. It also means that those able to guarantee supplies will charge even higher prices than they already do for the service – think of motorway service stations for example.

Commenting on the report's findings, Brian Madderson, PRA chairman said: “Most businesses have to pay the tax within one to three days of a stock delivery before they have chance to collect the tax from their customers. Furthermore banks

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

overdraft or loan facilities so their only option is to run their fuel storage close to empty. Why does the Government offer deferred duty arrangements to the big oil companies that are best placed to pay immediately, yet not to the small independently run forecourt?”

But what does all this mean for the tyre industry? Of course looking into the future is never easy, but looking at trends up till now the suggestion is that further fuel price increases could affect the top and the bottom of the market in opposite ways. Those requiring maximum fuel efficiency and with the cashflow to capitalise on it could end up being more inclined to pay extra for better fuel efficiency. In real terms this is big business to business customers and premium end consumers.

The majority of the car tyre replacement market however, could be pushed the other way. Ask anyone at TyreSafe or Micheldever’s Alan Baldwin (who recently “declared war” on part-worn tyres – see separate article) and they will tell you that consumers are feeling so priced out of the market that they are willing to spend out on part worn products that most of the time are non-compliant, far too frequently unsafe, and – with some being sold at 3mm for example – offer poor value for money. But why do they do it? Because after the price of the car, tax, MOT, insurance and yes fuel that is the money that they feel they have for the tyres on their car that have not yet burst but they know are approaching the legal limit.

The vast majority of tyre dealers may not sell fuel themselves, but with this in mind perhaps petrol and diesel prices are fuelling the future of tyre retail more than we might think.

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January 2013

Contents

30 Features

News • COMPANY NEWS

• EDITORIAL Fuelling the future

3

• NEWS IN BRIEF

8

• NTDA NEWS

12

• AGRICULTURAL

Conti new auto braking analyzer TWS opens logistics centre New urethanes JV

56 11 60

• PRODUCT INFORMATION 70

• UK TYRE MARKET 14 16 18

28 30 3

• MOTORCYCLE TYRES

Goodyear coach tyres 2012 hard for CVs Conti pioneers U-UHP angle Tyres, heat and flip-flops?

Success in niches Growing share Keeping legal

Scooters holding their own Pirelli and Metzeler unveil latest

44 46

• MOTORSPORT Pirelli previews BSB grid

66

• INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET • CAREER TRACKS

26

Nokian supports winter tyre rule Maxxis expands retreading

16

78 80

44

57

84 Web Directory – 87 Classifieds – 88 Advertisers’ Index – 89 Preview – 89 Impressum

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

Even more change from Evergreen Excellence in Value Evergreen Tyres are designed and manufactured to uncompromising standards. Premium quality no longer means premium price. And the result – with Evergreen, your customers will keep coming back. Another way that Evergreen is Changing Tyres.

The Evergreen Performance Centre package: – Customised work-wear – Tyre Life Guarantee – Volume incentives – Corporate hospitality – Depot signage and point-of-sale materials

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21/12/2012 10:00

NEWS IN BRIEF

The label brings transparency, says Aeolus wholesaler Mandatory tyre labelling will provide extra opportunities in the market, opines a major European Aeolus Tyre wholesaler. Although the label’s aim is to deliver more environmentallyfriendly, safer and efficient transport, the wholesaler believes it will also help to challenge established brand reputations. The company expresses confidence in the quality, mileage performance and longevity of Aeolus products, and it sees the label as a means of conveying these aspects and instilling users with greater confidence in basing their decision-making on price. “The buying process will become more transparent and all tyre brands will have the same opportunities,” commented Bertus Heuver, director of Heuver Tyrewholesale, supplier of the Aeolus brand in a number of European markets.

“The European tyre label gives everyone an equal footing, whereby existing reputations will no longer be the sole consideration,” Bertus Heuver continued. “We expect labelling to result in a more transparent buying process, with greater opportunities for young brands like ours.

Favourable label scores, together with specific Aeolus values like quality, innovation, environment-friendly production and sustainability, will allow us to offer users a comprehensive range of competitive tyres. This will convince even more users about Aeolus’ position as The Leading Alternative. Naturally, Aeolus will also continue playing a major role in helping companies to optimise their efficiency. In the meantime, they know that Aeolus only delivers the tyres they require.“ sg

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Infinity comments on label, introduces regrooving manual IN

THE WORDS OF NIGEL HAMPSON, Infinity Tyres’ head of business development, the high ratings Infinity truck tyres have earned for the European tyre label should help to eradicate “once and for all” some of the prejudices associated with Chinese-made tyres. Hampson shares that the brand’s truck range “has achieved a C, or higher, on braking over wet surfaces.”

Out of Infinity’s 32 truck tyre models, the A01 and the F830 were classified with an ‘A’, and 20 models received a ‘B’, while the remaining 10 achieved a ‘C’. For Hampson, this “confirms the philosophy behind our road safety and wet road performance achievements.” For rolling resistance, nine Infinity models obtained a ‘D’, 22 got a ‘C’ and the INF F865 achieved a ‘B’.

According to K.K. Singh, Infinity’s TBR and OTR sales manager, Infinity truck tyres “have achieved these labelling results because they are a balanced product with

a quality comparable to that found on more traditional brands.” Hampson added that these results “only serve to encourage us to continue innovating The Infinity F865 achieved a ‘B’ for and launching products rolling resistance which will always be technically superior to the ones preceding them.”

Infinity says it expects its tyres to “become a proven success story in all the markets where they are being sold,” and to supplement this success the company has launched a truck tyre regrooving manual.

This has been introduced to cater to today’s more ecologically-conscious customer and to ensure Infinity truck tyres are given a second thought by any fleet manager looking to cut operating costs whilst not sacrificing fleet performance or safety. sg

Labelling information available on new Cooper Tire Europe website COOPER TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY visitors advice and tips on a range of tyreEurope Ltd has launched a new website, which will include new product information, video features and promote greater user-friendliness. Probably the most significant new feature at this time is the dedicated section on tyre labelling legislation. Cooper’s section on the legislation and how it impacts customers is central to the revamped website, clearly explaining the meaning of the different labels, and providing the customer with an accurate understanding of the new legislation.

Cooper also highlights the intuitive new layout of the website, which it says will enable the user to navigate the site quickly and easily. An enhanced dealer locator facility also promotes user-friendliness, allowing users to locate dealers by postcode across the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. Another section is dedicated to tyre care, offering

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related issues.

Sarah McRoberts, European Marketing Communications manager for Cooper said, “I’m delighted that we now have a state-of-the-art website. It will provide customers with more in-depth detail on our products, while the new video features will bring the world of Cooper Tire to life.”

The new site also features a Cooper ‘My Drive’ section; here, Cooper drivers from a variety of backgrounds, from British F3 Champion – Jack Harvey – to Race2Recovery’s co-founder – Tony Harris – talk to Cooper about their experiences on the Company’s acclaimed rubber.

Showcasing Cooper’s on- and off-road products, the informative “tea break” section aims to illustrate Cooper’s knowledge and expertise. akb

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Primewell website leads renewed marketing campaign Pirelli launches e-learning for dealer training Pirelli has launched an online version of Pirelli Tyre Campus, which is aimed at helping its dealers “become better tyre consultants for their customers”. Through e-learning, Pirelli says it will provide a step-bystep educational process where users can access a series of videos, interactive sessions and engaging tests about the manufacturer and its products.

Pirelli UK managing director Dominic Sandivasci commented: “As a premium brand, Pirelli always strives for excellence from its products and dealers. The new e-learning training platform will help to create a consistent level of understanding and is aimed at increasing product knowledge through a fun, interactive system. This will, in turn, help to raise standards within the industry, improve the interaction with the end user and ultimately help to drive premium sales.”

The new site features a landing page that is visible to all with a restricted area accessible through a simple log-in procedure. After signing in, users will find a central hub for the entire Pirelli Tyre Campus where they can create their own tailored training plan.

Other features include online assessments, a suggested recovery plan based on results, e-learning courses and a voiceover from former racing driver and TV personality, Tiff Needell. After completing all the necessary requirements, users can then obtain certified dealer status, which will appear in the dealer locator on the Pirelli website. akb

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GITI TIRE BRAND, Primewell has launched a fully-integrated marketing campaign designed to attract new customers and support key dealers, led by a new website.

Primewell-tyres.co.uk features a key dealer locator, a tyre search facility by both size and registration plate, a more navigable product search facility and full sections on tyre labelling and news for both passenger car and van markets.

Jenny Leeson, marketing manager UK at GiTi Tire, said: “Over the course of the last 12 months we have seen a real increase in brand awareness of Primewell, and a new exciting, informative website was the next logical step to maintain this excellent momentum. The site will create further access points for the consumer, and it will also support key dealers who are doing a fantastic job with the brand.

“As part of a fully-integrated campaign, which includes advertising, direct and nondirect marketing, events and public relations, our new online presence will ensure that sales continue to grow year-on-year.”

Primewell passenger car and van tyres are distributed exclusively in the UK by Stapleton’s Tyre Services, and is positioned as a “quality, affordable brand”. Its manufacturer, GiTi Tire is one of the world’s top 10 tyre companies, manufacturing a comprehensive product portfolio of passenger car, van, light truck, heavy truck and bus tyres for the global market. akb

Social network tyre business usage over 50% MORE THAN 50 PER CENT of businesses in the tyre industry use social networks like Facebook and Twitter for business purposes, according to a poll conducted amongst trade visitors to Tyrepress.com.

A full report on social network use in the tyre business has been published in the October edition of Tyres & Accessories for the past two years, and in this relatively short period of time we have seen growing competitiveness amongst the big-name manufacturers in particular.

With most mid-range and the more prevalent budget brands increasing their online activities, it is natural for tyre industry businesses to increase their visibility on the social networks, as they can be a key driver of traffic to their full websites. Retailers are also strengthening their level of social network interaction, or what is loosely termed “influence”, with names such as HiQ, Kwik-Fit and Blackcircles.com increasing their ratings on the Klout rankings metric.

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New Question of the Month tackles low labelling take-up It seems fair to say, on the basis of recently published Encircle Marketing research (see the forthcoming December 2012 Tyres & Accessories), that tyre labelling had a slow start at point of sale in its first month. Encircle made 4,700 sales calls in November 2012, and only 6.1 per cent of the retailers contacted mentioned the new tool that was designed to help overhaul the way tyres are sold in the European Union.

Tyrepress.com is asking its visitors to let us know why they are not presently using tyre labelling as a selling tool. You can choose from the following answers on the website’s homepage: I don’t trust the grades; It doesn’t help find the right tyre (ie. winter tyres); Customers aren’t interested; It needs to get established Alternatively, you can let us know why the tyre label hasn’t revolutionised the way you sell tyres (yet) in the comments section below this article, or by emailing theeditor@tyrepress.com. akb

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

NEWS IN BRIEF

Goodyear transferring stock to NASDAQ Ukraine’s Dneproshina enters liquidation Ukrainian tyre maker JSC Dneproshina has gone into liquidation, a note on the tyre maker’s website states.This will most likely result in job losses for the 2,000 workers at the company’s Dnepropetrovsk plant, Ukrainian media sources report. The decision to liquidate JSC Dneproshina was made by the Dnipropetrovsk region Commercial Court. sg

Job losses, lay-offs at Nokia’s Finnish plant The statutory negotiations Nokian Tyres commenced in early November wound up on 17 December and the tyre maker has announced the cuts it will implement at its plant in Nokia, Finland. Antti-Jussi Tähtinen, vice-president of marketing and communications for Nokian, reports the planned improvements in productivity and production adjustments will be mainly achieved via temporary lay-offs. In addition, 28 production workers and officials will be laid off permanently.

No more than 42 production days will be cut from passenger car tyre production at the plant in 2013, Tähtinen adds. Heavy tyre production will be adjusted accordingly by decreasing production volumes and cutting production days.

Nokian Tyres’ plant in Finland employs Finnish approximately 600 workers and staff in passenger car tyre production and 260 people in Nokian Heavy Tyres’ operations. sg

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On 7 December Goodyear Tire & Rubber announced the transfer of its stock exchange listing to the NASDAQ Global Select Market from the New York Stock Exchange. Goodyear’s common stock shares began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on 18 December 2012 under the current Goodyear ticker symbol “GT.” Additionally, Goodyear’s 5.875 per cent mandatory convertible preferred stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “GTPPP.” “We are excited to welcome Goodyear to NASDAQ. Goodyear is a global leader in the tyre industry and has one of the world’s most well known and respected brands,” said Bruce Aust, executive vice-president, The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. “We look forward to a long and successful relationship.”

Goodyear said the move to NASDAQ will provide the company with greater cost efficiencies and access to high visibility branding opportunities while continuing to provide shareholders with strong execution and liquidity through NASDAQ’s advanced trading technologies. sg

point S sponsors Nordic world cup Pan-European retail business point S says it is on top of the world – almost literally – after sponsoring the two races in the Nordic World Cup opening which was held Kuusamo, Finland on the weekend of the 1 and 2 December. point S congratulated the winners of the races it sponsored, which were: Marit Bjørgen, in the lady’s 5 km Cross Country and Petter Northug in the men’s 15 km Cross Country men’s. The event saw 25,000 spectators watch 10 World Cup contests, with 400 competitors from 30 nations and television coverage estimated to reach 100 million people.

As well as celebrating these wins, points reports that the company was also on the top of the podium in Scandinavia in terms of sales. This is said to reflect the recent developments of point S tyre dealer network in Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Here point S is said to be the third largest retail network in Scandinavia according to its 2012 market shares in both passenger car and truck business with over 160 outlets including Denmark. cja

Pirelli to invest 105 million euros in Slatina, Romania plant Pirelli will invest 105 million euros in its Romanian plant over the next five years, the manufacturer has announced. The investment, which is supported by around 35 million euros of state aid, is designed to increase the size of the factory – from 180,000sqm to 200,000sqm – the number of employees by 500 to 3,500 in total, and its capacity. Initial estimates say the company plans to raise the current production figure of 8.5 million tyres per year to 10 million at the end of 2013 and 13 million by the end of 2017.

Pirelli’s investment in Romania, where it produces premium brand products, represents a continuation of the 450 million euro investment package it already had in place at the site, earmarked for developments lasting to 2014. At the Slatina Industrial Hub, which Pirelli says has received this investment, Pirelli also has a metal cord plant, in addition to the tyre plant. The company also produces filter units for diesel engines in the country. akb

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

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NEWS Part Worn Tyres – To Damage, Or Not To Damage?

The subject of part worn tyres, and in particular what the NTDA can do to highlight the potential dangers of illegal tyres and the environmental headache of importing – and ultimately having to dispose of – what is, in effect, Europe’s scrap rubber, is a regular subject for discussion at NTDA meetings.

Some members have been taking direct action and intentionally damaging tyres that are removed from vehicles so that they cannot be re-used. The Used Tyre Working Group recently estimated the annual part worn market in the UK at 4.4 million units, so you might think that anything that can be done to reduce these numbers would be welcomed – but you would be mistaken.

At a recent UTWG meeting, NTDA Director Richard Edy asked the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (which runs the Secretariat of the UTWG) for their views on the practice of deliberately damaging potential part worn tyres. The BIS held the view that this practice is removing value from the supply chain. Furthermore, it is not acting in line with the waste hierarchy, which is a legal requirement – in short, not only is it uneconomic, but it might be illegal.

The NTDA will continue to press for clarification of the legality or otherwise of deliberate damage and, in the meantime, the NTDA will set up a working group to explore all avenues of combating the growth in sales of part worns.

Roger Griggs Elected As Vice President Roger Griggs, director of communications at Kwik Fit, has been elected as NTDA vice chairman, working with Stephen Callow, who succeeded Kwik Fit’s David White as NTDA chairman in March 2012.

Griggs has spent 34 years in the tyre industry, starting in a Jersey tyre centre in the late 1970s. Richard Edy, Director of the NTDA, says: “We are delighted that Roger has joined the board. His experience in all areas of the industry means he has a great deal to offer and we look forward to supporting him in developing future campaigns.”

Griggs spent 27 years with Continental, beginning as an area sales representative and moving through a variety of positions in the north of England and Scotland before becoming sales director for the UK and Ireland.

His final role within Conti was as European sales director - new distribution, covering all major European

markets and reporting directly to Conti’s global headquarters in Hannover. He left Continental to take up a position on the board of North Eastern Tyres and Exhausts based in the North East of England.

North Eastern was acquired by Stapleton’s in 2011 and when then their parent company Itochu bought Kwik Fit later that year the companies were brought together under the umbrella of European Tyre Enterprises Limited (ETEL).

Griggs took on the role of director of communications for ETEL with specific focus on the group’s retail operations.

Roger Griggs says: “I’m very proud to have been elected to the board of the NTDA. The association does some great work on behalf of the industry and I want to help continue and strengthen that. One particular area where I think we have a key responsibility is on the issue of part worn tyres I believe that more can be done to eliminate the danger they represent to UK’s motorists. I look forward to working with the NTDA Chairman Stephen Callow and the rest of the team to campaign on this issue.”

In 2013, Roger will be consulting widely with the membership in order to investigate ways of combating the trade in illegal part-worn tyres.

NEWS

www.ntda.co.uk

Regional Chairman Andrew Hodgkinson pictured with his wife Barbara on the night

Northern Ireland TAFF Awards

Nina Wells, Northern Ireland Region Secretary presents Derek Hill of Tyre Call Ltd with his award, whilst his daughter Katie Hill and Roy Nutt, Northern Ireland Chairman look on.

NTDA Ladies’ Christmas Ball A Great Success The NTDA annual Ladies’ Christmas Ball was held at the Hilton Hotel in Blackpool and proved to be a resounding success. Not only was it an enjoyable evening, but an incredible £2,000 was raised on the night for charity.

The beneficiaries were BEN and a charity for sufferers of M.E. This latter charity was chosen by Regional Chairman Andrew Hodgkinson, of Roadrunner Tyre & Service Centre, whose daughter Jade is an M.E. sufferer. Jade gave a heartfelt and moving account of her battle with M.E. and the support and wonderful work that this charity had done for her.

On behalf of the National Chairman and members of the NTDA, we would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the sponsors and suppliers that supported the evening or attended the event. These include: Roadrunner Tyres, B.I.T.S., Micheldever, Tyrebin, Uniroyal Truck Tyres, South Cheshire Tyres, CES, Snap-on, Michelin, Pirelli and Vredestein.

The Northern Ireland region of the NTDA has, for a number of years, held its own Tyre & Fast Fit Awards ceremony, with retail members voting for suppliers in a variety of categories.

Regional Chairman Roy Nutt presented the 2012 NI TAFF Awards at the recent Ladies’ Night, held at the Rosspark Hotel, Kells, Ballymena and the first award, for Tyre Manufacturer of the Year, went to Continental.

Tyre Call Ltd was named Wholesaler of the Year and Apaseal picked up the Tyre & Aftermarket Equipment Supplier of the Year accolade.

A feature of the NI TAFF Awards is a special category named the Chairman’s Award, given for “meritorious service to the Northern Ireland tyre industry”, chosen by the members and the Chairman. There were two winners for 2012; John Murray of Murray Tyres and William Nutt, father of Chairman Roy. The final presentation acknowledges the individual or organisation that has made a notable contribution to road safety and safety awareness in Northern Ireland and the recipient for 2012 was John Hogg, of Enlighten PR, for his outstanding work on the 2012 Tyre Safety Campaign. Congratulations to all the winners and to everybody else, there’s always next year!

A Message From The National Chairman As National Chairman, I would like to thank all members for their continuing support of the Association and wish you all a prosperous New Year. 2013 will, I am sure, be another challenging year for the whole of the tyre industry and the NTDA will continue to represent the important views of the retail sector in all areas that have an impact on our businesses.

Stephen Callow

UK TYRE MARKET

2012 a challenging year for CV sector Conti to launch PressureCheck, third generation tyres

Whilst the market for new replacement tyres continues to slow, Conti says the retread market is holding strong

CONTINENTAL TYRES’ ARTHUR GREGG These new tyres will be engineered for has described the UK and Ireland commercial vehicle tyre market as “challenging” and the manufacturer believes the replacement segment is down around 14 per cent. This drop, the company reported at an event hosted by Mercedes Benz World on the site of historic UK race track Brooklands, even takes into account a healthy coach and bus segment, for which the company has new speciality products, and a comparative recovery in the last few months. Generally speaking the premium sector has been hit hardest, though Conti believes fleet operators are beginning to move away from budget fitments towards the mid-range, as the trend for fuel saving products develops.

Addressing this trend in particular, Conti also previewed its third generation of commercial tyres and its direct tyre pressure monitoring system, ContiPressureCheck, both to be launched at the April 2013 Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC, Birmingham.

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three specific segments: Conti Coach for long distance coach travel, with tyres that offer low rolling resistance and high mileage; Conti CityPlus for regional operations between towns and cities; and Conti Urban for city use with its continuous braking and acceleration. The other new product, ContiPressureCheck has sensors mounted inside the tyre to constantly monitor changes in tyre pressure and temperature. It delivers a warning to the driver via a display in the cab, enabling corrective action to be taken before a failure occurs.

2012 CV size trends Reviewing trends for 2012 in terms of tyre sizes, Conti explained that the top sizes had largely remained consistent, though in terms of the profile 65 series tyres decreased 1.7 per cent on 2011, while 70 and 75 series tyres increased by 2.0 and 1.4 per cent respectively. 80 series tyres, which take up 37.2 per cent of the market, experienced a small decrease of 0.3 per cent.

The one major size to see growth was 215/75 R17.5 on the back of the trend for “double-decker” trailers as hauliers tried to maximise productivity through increased loads. Of course, this equation is complicated by the increase in initial outlay on tyres, since these trailers require additional rub-

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ber. For similar reasons, Conti representatives said they expected an increase in sales of tyres designed to run long distances as a result of potential fuel savings offered by these models.

Another money-saving measure has resulted in the retread market holding strong. Continental has seen significant growth in its sales, which are up over 12 per cent in 2012. “Our response on retreads includes the introduction of new sizes and patterns over the course of 2012 so that we now have a comprehensive line-up that includes long distance, regional, construction, winter and hybrid tyres in a wide selection of sizes to mirror our new tyre line-up,” Gregg said.

“ContiRe tyres provide 90 per cent of the mileage that a new tyre provides at only 70 per cent of the cost. And there is a further and significant environmental benefit with a saving of 80 per cent on raw materials used in… production...” Conti is investing 10 million euros in a new truck and bus tyre retreading plant in Hanover, due to come on stream later in the year.

Affecting the OE tyre market, new commercial vehicle registrations in the UK and Irish markets dropped overall by 3.0 and just over 1.0 per cent respectively, light commercials showing the biggest fall of 6.5 and 2.6 per cent. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and heavy trucks and buses were stronger; in the coach and bus sector UK registrations were up by over 50 per cent.

Greg summarised that Conti is: “in a strong position as we move into 2013.” He pointed to the response to the growing demand for retread tyres; the introduction of “products to meet specific applications, such as our new bus and coach range”; and ContiPressureCheck as demonstrations of Conti’s response to market conditions. sg/akb

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

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UK TYRE MARKET

Conti pioneering U-UHP approach as sizes continue to expand Tyre supplier introduces Mercedes-Benz World “Partner in Excellence” appointment CONTINENTAL presented its estimation that the UK car, 4x4 and van tyre market remains worth around 33 million tyres at the launch of its partnership tyre supply deal with Mercedes-Benz World, a performance demonstration facility on the historical site of the Brooklands circuit.

This number is similar to 2011, though Conti noted several trends affecting the make-up of this figure in 2012, most notably the growth in part worn tyre sales, estimated to represent just under 10 per cent of the total market. Initial signs of the impact of tyre labelling, introduced as a mandatory measure in November, are minimal, with premium segment sales holding up. Conti calls any current definitive assessment too early to truly assess, however premium tyre sales have held up well. Meanwhile the quality segment has come under pressure from aggressive pricing on either side, with brands in this segment struggling to maintain share, according to Conti.

Some trends continued true to those of up to the last decade: the replacement car tyre market declined in rim sizes 13” and 14”, while 15” now represents a reduced share of 24 per cent of the car tyre market. 16” tyres make up almost 30 per cent of the market, while Conti sees continuing trends towards wider tyres with bigger rim diameters through original equipment. This UHP segment accounts for nearly a third of the passenger replacement market. Similarly, W, Y and Z speed ratings – alongside runflats – have increased market share, as V rated tyres joined S, T and H in decline for the first time. 205/55R16 V is still the dominant fitment.

The 4x4 market remains in flux, with Conti recognising a clear shift to sizes 17” and above. The increasing pool of 4x4 on-road vehicles with large alloy wheels,

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focus on improving both such as the enormously longitudinal and lateral grip popular Range Rover in all directions, without Evoque is expected to compromising rolling resisthelp this 17+” segment ance. State-of-the-art conto grow. Conti also revestruction developments will al-ed it has the first high see an angled tyre carcass, volume 22” OE approval resulting in improvements on the new Range to lateral grip when needed Rover in both winter and most.” summer variants.

Meanwhile Conti’s partVan tyres saw the nership with Mercedes16” continuing to The ContiForceContact is one Benz World will see Contiincrease in importance, model with sizes demonstrating nental supply its high perrepresenting 65 per the manufacturer’s new focus on formance tyres for all cent of the market, lar- a growing segment above mere ultra high performance Mercedes-Benz vehicles gely shaped by the Ford Transit; this has precipitated a shift from used in the driving experiences both on the old transit size 225/70R15 to the new the circuits and challenging 4x4 off-road size 215/75R16. Additionally 235/65R16, terrain. Andrew Mallery, commercial fitted to the Mercedes Sprinter and Iveco operations director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, commented that Conti’s “strong engineDaily, continues to see strong growth.

Conti is developing accordingly in car ering heritage and recognised expertise tyres for a future trend towards 19+” fit- in tyre safety” will help to deliver great ments – a segment Burkhard Wies, vice driving experiences. Peter Robb, brand president of passenger tyre line develop- manager, Continental Tyre Group, agreed: ment worldwide, calls “ultra-ultra high “By combining the excellence of both performance”. With 17-19’’ rims no longer Continental and Mercedes-Benz World, reserved for the top specifications, Conti we can offer the ultimate combination of is developing 19’’ and above sizes in pro- products which incorporate high perducts such as the ContiSportContact 5P formance and a shared passion for ultiand ContiForceContact. In addition to the mate safety.” akb new Automated Indoor Braking Analyser at Contidrom, Conti has created a new applied research team in Germany, looking into areas such as grip and friction coefficient, helping the company stay at the forefront of U-UHP tyre development.

Conti is also expanding into motorsport, participating in the 24hr Nurburgring race series for example, as an integrated R&D measure for luxury sports cars.

Wies explains: “Continued deep scientific understanding of friction physics and motorsport involvement will benefit U-UHP tyre development and

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UK TYRE MARKET

Tyres, heat and handmade flip-flops?

Transaid takes tyre training to Tanzania DURING NOVEMBER

AND DECEMBER Michelin Training Instructor Carl Williams visited Tanzania with Transaid to teach muchneeded tyre safety skills. In this exclusive diary feature, he shares his experience with Tyres & Accessories.

ing closely with the country’s National Institute of Transport (NIT) to reduce that figure, with support from many UK companies.

It’s here, more than 4,700 miles away from the Michelin Training Centre in Stoke-on-Trent that the diary begins, reflecting on how transportation operates in one of the fastest growing cities in the world and how UK companies are working with The motivation behind transport industry charity Transaid to deliver valuable training which is helpTransaid’s involvement in African and Tanzania in ing save lives. particular is clear. Road deaths are the third biggest premature killer in sub-Saharan Africa. And this led Sunday 25 November to Carl Williams’ decision to volunteer within Michelin to visit Tanzania, located on the east coast “As soon as I step off the plane at Dar es Salaam of the continent, to help improve road safety. As airport the heat hits me like a tidal wave. It’s only one of the project’s supporters, Michelin agreed to 7am but the temperature is already rising steadily. send Williams on two-week secondment during My thoughts about how hot it might get at midday November and December, are interrupted when I am greeted by Neil Rettie, “We see men removing the side- teaching local driver train- Transaid’s project manager for Tanzania, (and ers and road safety en- Artem Avdeev, a Russian national who is also on walls of the tyres…I’m intrigued to forcers about correct tyre secondment from Norbert Dentressangle). hear they are [making] flip-flops – management and how to Together we hail a taxi and head straight to the improve tyre safety in hotel so I can unpack, freshen up and settle in. Neil recycling in its simplest form.”

Tanzania’s largest city, Dar arranges to pick me up in the afternoon and we es Salaam. visit a resort on the edge of the Indian Ocean. The The country suffers around 4,000 fatalities beach is picture-perfect, however we use our time each year due to road crashes, and Transaid’s here to discuss the task in hand for the coming Hands on tyre training Professional Driver Training Project has been work- fortnight. in Tanzania

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Monday 26 November I am excited to get to the NIT this morning to set up for the first day of training. I’m conducting two five-day courses, and in my first group I have 11 participants including instructors from the NIT and officers from the Tanzanian Police Force. Neil and I decide to split the day into three manageable parts, and once everyone is acquainted we go back to basics and start by discussing the history of tyres. We stop for morning chai, which is similar to a tea break, and I learn

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this is an important part of the day for the people of Tanzania. Afterwards we go into more detail about how tyres are designed and constructed, and what the various sidewall markings mean. The group are very attentive throughout the day and I’m pleased the class has got off to a good start.

Tuesday 27 November We are making good progress with sidewall markings, so in order to give the class some practical knowledge I take them outside to see the different markings and learn about tyre segmentation.

Whilst outside, one of the trainees shows me a tyre which has suffered from under-inflation so badly that it has delaminated. It’s a shocking sight, but it helps us to put some of our theory from yesterday into context.

As the day continues, it becomes very tough for everyone to bear the heat.

We push on to complete the day, and agree that in the afternoons we would do a small amount of theory indoors, which would allow us to keep everyone motivated.

When we head back inside, I notice a man taking photographs of our group. He makes his way into the training room and offers his pictures to us, and it becomes clear he is trying to sell them to make some money for his family. My initial anxiety wanes as I realise he is harmless, and I sympathise with what he is trying to achieve.

Transaid’s Professional Driving Training Project Transaid’s support of the NIT in Tanzania is an extension of a similar project run in Zambia – originally launched by Transaid’s patron, HRH The Princess Royal, in October 2008.

The Professional Driving Training Project is designed to help make commercial drivers and those working in the transport industry better skilled and safer, teaching them a greater understanding of the many risks and creating self-awareness of their impact to other road users. cja surprised to hear they are removing the rubber so it can be used to make flipflops – recycling in its simplest form! I also learn that the leftover casings, depleted of rubber, will be left here for someone else to use, and I’m quite inspired by their innovative thinking. Still, we manage to find some tyres with tread and sidewall rubber intact to examine wear and damage patterns.

Sidewall repairs are also common, so we deliberate and as a result agree that these types of repairs are perhaps not advised due to the flexing of the sidewalls.

After chai we go through tyre fitting procedures and wheel security, which is also much different to back home. At the Michelin Training Centre – and when talking to our Michelin Certified Centres – I’m used to having the best equipment for the job, but in Tanzania the lack of Thursday 29 November equipment means that the only way I’m interested to find out what happens wheels are tightened is using a socket locally when a tyre is damaged, so we and long bar. begin with a conversation about repairs.

It becomes apparent that the group has a Friday 30 November completely different set of ideas as to what’s acceptable compared to UK stan- The class come to work dressed to dards, openly carrying out plug repairs – impress today as it is our final day togetbut most of the time relying on liquid her and they want to look smart for our sealant as a suitable repair measure. group photo. There is a car parked out-

Wednesday 28 November The morning is very productive and we are able to cover wheel types, valves, tubes and fixings. After lunch we move on to wear and damage which sparks a lot of interest from the group. They ask a lot of questions during our theory session and seem enthusiastic to know more, so we take a walk over to a local scrap pile of casings so they can see some examples.

As we approach, we see a group of men removing the sidewalls of the tyres with sharp knives. I’m intrigued and

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Resourceful reuse of tyre sidewalls

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side the NIT and the group notices that something doesn’t look right with the wheels and fixings. Together we discover that the wheels are not the right size for the vehicle and that someone has modified them to fit. It seems this is a big problem in Tanzania, but I’m proud the class is able to diagnose the problem.

A real-life example of the perils of underinflation To finish off the week the class completes a quiz, and they are all finished pair costs 3,000 shillings, which is equivaeager to take home a certificate as evidence of lent to £1.20. I find it amazing to see how resourtheir hard work. I’m thrilled that the group can now ceful they are. see that if they look after their tyres then they can not only extend tyre life, but also maximise road Thursday 6 December safety. I’m looking forward to getting stuck-in with my new group new week!

The humidity is punishing today, so to keep the team’s momentum going we do some classroom work before our chai break, and then continue outMonday 3 December side. I’ve realised that walking around helps to I start my second week with 13 participants, which keep everyone’s energy levels high as the heat in rises to 15 during the course of the day. It’s a large the room can be out of this world, and the air-congroup to keep focused and I’m conscious not to let ditioning struggles to keep up. anyone fall behind.

Friday 7 December Tuesday 4 December News about my class seems to have spread and today the group has increased to 18. It’s comforting to know I must be doing a good job as more people want to attend. We start with tyre segmentation and discuss the theory behind choosing the right tyre for the right job, and then we move on to configurations. The second class is advancing well so in the afternoon I take them outside to put what we have learnt about configurations into practice.

Wednesday 5 December We continue with the course and head outside again to see some examples of wear and damage – a hot topic similar to last week. The same group of men are making rubber flip-flops and I am fascinated to find out more, so one member of our group offers to translate from their native Swahili into English. They tell me the inner sole is made from the tyre’s sidewall, the sole is made from the tread rubber, and the plies are used for straps. A

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My last day of training in Tanzania has arrived so we have a recap of the topics we’ve covered during the week followed by a question and answer session. I held another quiz for the class and they are all very eager to pass. Tyres are such an important part of the overall safety of a vehicle and it’s very positive to see the local people passionate to make a change in their country.

Reflecting at the end of my day, I’m so grateful to Michelin that I have been able to come to Dar es Salaam to share my knowledge and meet some incredible people. Safety and community are two of the values which Michelin holds most dear, and our work with Transaid is a clear reflection of these. It’s great to be part of a company which sticks by its beliefs and actively supports the work of such an important charity.

It has been a challenging fortnight, but hopefully Michelin has been able to help Transaid make a real difference. I hope that in the future vehicle maintenance conditions and road safety standards will improve in Tanzania. cja

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Chancellor axes 3p fuel duty, ATS-E urges decrease UK

CHANCELLOR GEORGE OSBORNE scrapped – or at least, postponed – the planned 3p rise in fuel duty in his Autumn Statement. With reports suggesting that UK mileage is holding reasonably steady, this represents a crumb of short-term comfort for businesses and motorists, though the Office for Budget Responsibility prediction of stagnant growth will keep the pressure on the UK economy. Given the results of a Fleet Leader 2013 Outlook study published by driver performance management company GreenRoad (see textbox), the chancellor’s actions are designed to address the immediate concerns of commercial logistics companies.The study showed that more than two-thirds of fleet leaders expect the price of fuel to rise ‘modestly’ in 2013, and a clear majority say “reducing fleet fuel expenses” is a significant or very significant challenge.

ATS Euromaster Group managing director Ian Stuart

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Though fuel price campaigner Quentin Willson welcomed the news, arguing “money that’s spent on fuel duty is not spent on the wider economy”, it seems likely that campaigns to reduce fuel duty will also continue, since the chancellor will continue to be pressed to take gambles to help kickstart the UK economy. Tyre service specialist ATS Euromaster is amongst those calling for reductions in fuel duty, while PwC’s automotive expert also pointed out that the fuel duty rise is still due to happen on 1 September 2013.

Phil Harrold at PwC commented: “The cancellation of the 3p per litre fuel duty rise that was planned to come in 1 January 2013 will be welcome news for both the motorist and the car industry. However, the Chancellor also said that the 2013/14 increase will still happen, albeit deferred until 1 September 2013. It is quite clear that this is only a temporary reprieve for the already squeezed motorist and the real focus and investment should be driven by Government and industry to develop more cost-efficient vehicles, alternative fuels and extra support for those manufacturers working hard to achieve this.”

ATS Euromaster calls for fuel duty reduction While today’s announcement of cancelled fuel duty was welcomed, ATS Euromaster said Osborne had merely “avoided delivering a hammer blow to the economy”. The tyre service provider suggested “what we really needed to hear was a three-six pence per litre (ppl) reduction in fuel duty to encourage growth and consumer spending, whilst reducing distribution costs to everyone’s benefit.”

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ATS Euromaster Group managing director Ian Stuart argued: “We’re technically out of recession, but the country is still desperately trying to get back on its feet and the cost of fuel is dragging businesses and motorists down. Scrapping the fuel duty increase is a positive step; but a 3-6ppl reduction would have given the country a far bigger boost.”

ATS-E said the chancellor had “bowed to pressure from FairFuelUK and millions of voters by scrapping the planned rise in fuel duty. Operating 1,200 vehicles itself, having recently emphasised mobile coverage in its strategy, ATSE made the point that, including VAT at 20 per cent, “this will help to keep pump prices down by almost [four pence per litre] and comes at a time when motorists are paying near record prices on the forecourt.”

ATS-E also used the occasion of the Autumn Statement to remind motorists of the role tyre checks can play in reducing fuel costs. Michelin says that car tyres under-inflated by 15 psi (one bar) have increased rolling resistance leading to around six per cent greater fuel consumption.

Wheel alignment should also be checked annually, and after any violent shock to a vehicle’s tyres, according to ATS-E. Incorrect wheel alignment results in tyres pulling in different directions, which can mean rapid uneven tyre wear and reduced fuel economy, as well as affecting handling and safety. While Osborne also committed £1 billion to road improvement schemes in his Autumn Statement, the timing of this level of spending is testament mostly to the current shoddy state of Britain’s highways, making the argument for regular alignment checks even more compelling.

Stuart explains: “Tyre condition directly impacts on fuel efficiency. It doesn’t matter whether you are driving a car, van or truck – get your pressures and

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wheel alignment right, and you’ll save ment. The savings are there for the fuel. Checking tyre condition isn’t just taking – it’s a no-brainer to take advanabout vehicle safety; it’s about being tage of them.” akb kinder to your wallet and to the environ-

Survey shows fuel prices biggest worry for fleets in 2013 The GreenRoad study, which was published before the Autumn Statement, shows that the majority of UK fleet leaders, 56 per cent, are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about 2013, only 12 per cent are ‘very optimistic’, and 22 per cent, identify themselves as ‘neutral’ about the year ahead. More than two-thirds, 67 per cent, expect the price of fuel to rise ‘modestly’ in 2013, and a clear majority, 84 per cent, cite ‘reducing fleet fuel expenses’ as a significant or very significant challenge.

The report examines the views of today’s fleet managers and decision makers, representing fleets with fewer than 25 vehicles to those with more than 1,000.

These fleet leaders manage a broad range of fleet types including passenger transport, service delivery vans, haulage and company cars.

Although fleet leaders are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, the underlying reasons vary. 69 per cent cite positive reasons for their outlook, while the balance feel uncertain or negative because of recent trends or a general sense of unease. The positive reasons include adding new, fuel efficient vehicles to the fleet; seeing the positive impact of recent cost-cutting programmes; introducing new technology to help better run the fleet; and having well-trained drivers inplace.

“Overall we are encouraged by the optimism being expressed by UK fleet leaders,“ said Tanya Roberts, senior vice president of marketing for GreenRoad.

“However, they still see plenty of challenges ahead, particularly concern about fuel costs and macro-economic uncertainties. There is interest in new, energy-efficient vehicles and new fleet technology implementations, such as driver performance management, that can mitigate these rising costs.“

2013 Challenges UK fleet managers face diverse challenges in 2013. For over one-third (36 per cent), the biggest challenge is cutting fuel costs. Another 20 per cent cite compliance with regulations while a further 16 per cent believe it is ensuring drivers are driving safely.

Fleet leaders have a broad range of plans for dealing with rising fuel costs in 2013. Sixty-five percent plan to purchase more fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles; 51 per cent plan to implement driver performance management technology; 25 per cent plan to deploy fleet GPS tracking technology; 14 per cent plan to implement fuel cards; and 2 per cent plan to retrofit existing vehicles for alternative fuels. “Fleet leaders are resilient. They are already looking ahead and making plans to help them cope with ongoing cost pressures. Based on what we have learned in this study, we expect many more fleets to turn to fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles and other innovative technology solutions to counter rising operating expenses,“ continued Roberts. pg

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BBC examines the safety of part-worns THE PERILS OF ENTRUSTING your safety to part-worn tyres received the Beeb’s attention last month. BBC Inside Out West Midlands presented a car-themed show on 3 December, with one of three articles asking the question many in our industry already know the answer to: How safe are part-worn tyres?

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For the benefit of those living outside the West Midlands, details of the Inside Out team’s investigation was published on the BBC news website; the broadcaster writes that despite the existence of legal minimum standards for part-worn tyres, what they found on sale invariably failed to meet these. Ten garages across Staffordshire and Shropshire were visited

by BBC Inside Out West Midlands, and seven of these sold part-worn tyres; in each of the seven test purchases carried out, all used tyres sold to researchers failed to meet these basic requirements.

The BBC shares that the purchased tyres were handed over for an independent tyre safety expert for examination.

Coventry University’s Damian Harty, who also works as an expert witness on collision investigations, concluded that none of the seven tyres were legal as not a single one featured the words ‘part-worn’ on the sidewall, as is required by law.

Furthermore, two of the seven were potentially dangerous due to their age and condition. “The obvious stuff to look out for is things like tread depth, it’s important that you can see tread over the whole tyre,” commented Harty. “There’s also the requirement for part-worn tyres to be stamped so that you know what you’re getting and there should be no cuts or rips.”

The Government Used Tyre Working Group estimates the UK part-worn tyre market at around 4.4 million units, an alltime high. And while the BBC points opines that “there is nothing wrong with good quality second-hand tyres,” it con-

cedes that “poor quality ones pose a danger.” The broadcaster gives the example of 25-year old Russell Jones, whose partworn tyre failed when his vehicle was travelling at motorway speeds. “It’s scary enough when you hear a noise and you’re driving on the motorway, but to actually feel your car pulling and to have to wrestle it to keep it in a straight line,” shared Jones. “Had I not pulled over when I had the tyre could well have popped. If I was still going at 70mph then you’re talking about a multi-car pileup.”

It turned out the tyre that Jones purchased – and he thought was brand new – was 16 years old. Trading Standards prosecuted the garage that sold the tyre. As for the garages visited during the investigation for Inside Out West Midlands, the BBC said it has passed the information about the garages to the authorities. sg

Baldwin declares war on illegal tyres MICHELDEVER wholesale director Alan Baldwin virtually declared war on illegal tyres recently, with a media campaign designed to generate considerable media interest. This resulted in him undertaking some 13 radio interviews recently reaching over 1 million radio listeners in the UK. Figures gathered by Micheldever/Protyre through the company’s branch network and involving a check on almost 1,000 vehicles each week paint a picture of tyre neglect. Over 53 per cent of all vehicles checked had at least one tyre below the legal tread depth minimum of 1.6 mm. Of even greater concern is that almost 96 per cent of vehicle checked had at least one tyre with a tread depth below 2 mm.

These figures were collected during the month of September and represent the highest level of illegal and badly worn tyres recorded by the company through its national network during the past five years.

As an example of the shift in the level of illegal and badly

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worn tyres the figures recorded in 2008 showed that 15.3 per cent of vehicles have at least one illegal tyre and just over 64 per cent had one tyre below 2 mm.

“We shall continue to point out the dangers that illegal tyres pose to road safety,” said Alan Baldwin, “as well as revealing other equally shocking issues related to tyres and road safety including the increasing number of part worn tyres coming into the country which must be monitored and motorists protected.”

Micheldever’s Protyre retail chain currently has 64 outlets, including Protyre Motorsport and reportedly continues to grow through new acquisitions. MTS has established a wholesale distribution network of 13 sites around the UK supplying over 4,500 retailers nationwide. MTS is managed by a team headed by Paul Fox and Richard Sawney with backing from Graphite Capital and Royal Bank of Scotland. cja

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MAM’s new product manager MAM SOFTWARE has appointed Lee Cunningham to the position of senior product manager. In this newly created role, he will provide technical support to MAM’s sales department and will be responsible for shaping MAM’s product development strategy.

Cunningham joined the company in 1994, working in the Implementation department installing MAM’s business management solutions and providing initial support. He was later promoted to the head of Implementation North, based in Sheffield, where he took charge of the department implementing systems across the north of the UK. As senior product manager, Cunningham will work closely with MAM’s support, development and implementation departments. In addition, he will provide extensive input into MAM’s product strategy, by identifying development opportunities that reflect the demands and needs of the tyre industry.

“We are pleased to welcome Lee into the position of senior product manager“ said Nigel Clemett, director of sales at MAM Software. “This role has been created as a direct response to our continuing success in the tyre sector. As our workload grew it became increasingly apparent that we required someone to work on an interdepartmental level, tying different aspects of our operation together in a structured way.

“With 18 years of experience at MAM, Lee has the company-wide knowledge that makes him perfect for such a role. He will ensure that our tyre software meets and exceeds market requirements, and will play an invaluable role in helping our customers get the most out of their systems.“ pg

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New head for bodyshop association FRANK HARVEY has been appointed Head of the RMI’s National Association of Bodyshops (NAB) with effect from January 2013. Frank Harvey has worked within the body repair sector for the majority of his working life. After starting his career as a coachbuilder he moved on to become a Staff Engineer at a number of leading motor insurers.

He went on to become Group Operations Director of the Karl Vella Group where he oversaw a number of Bodyshop operations. He specialises in training and support for the body repair industry; skills that will prove extremely beneficial in his new role.

Commenting on Harvey’s appointment, Stuart James, RMI Director said: “I am extremely pleased Frank Havey for Frank on his new appointment, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the position and I know he will continue to drive NAB forward. I wish him all the very best in the role.“ Said Harvey: “My track record within the Body Repair sector shows my strong support for the Industry. I look forward to working with the NAB team in delivering credible representation and services to our members. As the leading trade association in the body repair sector, the NAB is best placed to offer the sector what it needs and I am very pleased to now be part of that.“ pg

John McGlade elected to Goodyear Board The Board of Directors at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company now has 12 members following the election of John E. McGlade. When not sitting on Goodyear’s board, McGlade is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Air Products & Chemicals Inc. “We are pleased to have John McGlade join the Goodyear Board of Directors,” said Goodyear chairman and CEO Richard J. Kramer. “He is a respected business leader with significant operational experience and a background of driving growth in emerging markets.”

McGlade has served as president and CEO of Air Products since 2007 and chairman of the board since 2008. He joined Air Products in 1976 and held various positions within its Industrial Gases division before being named general manager of the Chemical and Process Industries division in 1994 and vice-presi-

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dent of the division in 1996. McGlade was named vice-president and general manager, Chemical and Process Industries and Energy Systems in 1998, vice-president and general manager, Performance Materials in 2001 and vice-president, Chemicals Group in 2003. Later that year, he was named group vice-president, Chemicals Group.

McGlade was appointed president and chief operating officer in 2006 before assuming his current position.

Other commitments include serving on the Board of Directors at the American Chemistry Council and the executive committee of the Council on Competitiveness. McGlade is also a trustee of Lehigh University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering in 1976 and a Master of Business Administration in 1980. sg

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New SMMT Aftermarket Development Manager

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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Williamson as Aftermarket Development Manager. She brings a wealth of experience in the aftermarket sector and will take control of SMMT activities from the end of the year when SMMT’s current aftermarket expert, Bob Davis, retires.

Prior to joining SMMT, Williamson spent many years working both in the commercial vehicle and automotive sectors at Unipart.

Her relationship with key stakeholders and knowledge of topical issues will prove invaluable as SMMT builds-on and develops its aftermarket activities.

Commenting on SMMT’s new appointment, Chief Executive Paul Everitt said, “The aftermarket sector is one of UK automotive’s most diverse and dynamic business areas, so Wendy’s experience and passion for the industry will be invaluable to SMMT’s support for its aftermarket members.“ Williamson replaces Bob Davis who retires after more than 27 years in the industry with SMMT. During his time with SMMT, he was a board member of FIGIEFA, the international body for automotive aftermarket distributors, was influential in the ‘Right to Repair’ campaign and has recently been instrumental in the progress towards digital radio rollout across the sector. pg

Nexen Europe appoints Joo Ho Song as president NEXEN TYRE EUROPE GMBH has in UK and at Samsung Electronics Spain. contribution to achieving the set objective According to the company, Nexen of being one of the Top Ten tyre manuTyre Europe is set to post a 5 per cent facturers by the year 2015,” he added. cja increase in tyre sales in 2012 compared to the previous year. The improvement is corroborated by positive coverage from the press, and good test results.

“This upward trend is to be boosted even further in 2013. We consider ourselves well positioned to do so, thanks to the existing comprehensive portfolio as DriveRight has appointed Jeremy well as new products, such as the N’Priz Wood as its new UK and European all season tyre and the N’FERA UHP sales manager. Wood joined the tyre,” said Joo Ho Song. “We are also DriveRight team in October, bringing planning new product launches for 2013. with him a wealth of experience witNexen Tyre Europe will make a decisive hin IT, including extensive web coding and UI design knowledge. He has a background as a vehicle technician using tailored software systems within Formula 1.

“Jeremy’s proven track record in account management within web centric data collection made him an ideal candidate for DriveRight”, said CEO CHRISTIAN HALBERTSCHLAGER has been Richard Bailey from the company’s appointed marketing manager at Goodyear new UK office in Berkshire.

Dunlop Tires Austria. In his new role, “The EC1222 tyre labelling legislaHalbertschlager takes on responsibility for all tion which is now mandatory has seen consumer marketing activities in the Austrian us fielding a large amount of enquiry market. Commenting on the appointment, for our tyre labelling solution, and we Goodyear Dunlop Tires Austria managing are pleased to have Jeremy on board director Tassilo Rodlauer said: “We are pleato provide support for our clients and sed to be able to welcome a marketing comchannel sales leads.” cja munications expert to our ranks, and we wish him every success in his new position.” sg

appointed Joo Ho Song as its new president. Song has reportedly already started carrying out “a comprehensive package of measures, focusing on Nexen’s ambitious goals in Europe and implementing relevant strategies quickly.” The measures include increasing personnel at the European headquarters in Eschborn.

Joo Ho Song brings with him years of European business experience. Before he came to Germany, he was responsible for global marketing operations at Nexen Tyre in Korea as its senior managing director. Before, he worked for Samsung Electronics at its European headquarters

DriveRight appoints Jeremy Wood as sales manager Europe

New Austrian marketing manager at Goodyear Dunlop

Christian Halbertschlager

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AGRICULTURAL TYRES

Success beckons in niches The agricultural tyre market remains a growth market PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD will always eat bread and rice,“ shared an agricultural tyre supplier some years ago while participating in a panel of experts. However, it isn’t just the passenger car and truck tyre businesses that are vulnerable to negative conditions; the year following the Lehman collapse, 2009, showed that the agricultural tyre business was by no means recession proof. Investments in farming equipment and in tyres for these machines collapsed, however even back then it was clear that the market must bounce back at some stage as people will always need to eat. And that applies around the world, not just here. Because global populations are on the rise – we’ve already passed the seven billion mark – there is a corresponding increasing need for foodstuffs to be grown. Agriculture is a growth industry.

As is agricultural technology. While the world supports only a finite number of arable regions, these regions are being ever more intensively utilised.

This is being achieved in part through chemistry, and these days the agroindustry is accepted as its fertilisers aid in boosting crop yields and insecticides protect against pests. And crop yields are also increasing due to the use of more powerful machinery, equipment that needs to be fitted with tyres to match. In countries that have experienced the largest population growth – China and India are two examples – a great pent-up demand exists for high-power tractors, cultivation machinery and harvesters. And the tyres in these two massive countries, as is the case in many smaller emerging and developing countries, are typically simple cross-ply varieties, often traditional “herring bone” agricultural tyres. These tyres are predominantly fitted to

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non-powered vehicles or non-powered axle positions. The radialisation of agricultural tyre markets may be well advanced in Europe and North America, however in countries where “herring bone” tyres are frequently found this development has scarcely begun. Considerable long-term growth potential thus still exists in this market segment. Compared with the large passenger car and truck tyre market segments (see diagram 1), agricultural tyres are a niche, and even when compared with OTR and industrial tyres (which are, incidentally, also a lucrative growth segment) they only account for one third. Within the massive global tyre market, the agricultural tyre business is valued at less than £2.5 billion.

Tyre majors such as Michelin and Bridgestone (with Firestone, arguably the world’s largest agricultural tyre brand) are present in mature markets

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AGRICULTURAL TYRES

with a full range, however this doesn’t yet apply in emerging regions. Despite their global aspirations, brands such as Pirelli (who is strong in South America) and Goodyear (who has already waved the white flag in America and aims to sell its European business) have already lowered their sights. Therefore, in recent years a number of companies have emerged, including Trelleborg, CGS, Titan BKT and Alliance Tire Group; these firms are specialists with strengths in other off-road segments, such as OTR or industrial tyres.

Europe’s “saturated” market Agricultural tyres continue to be manufactured within the European Union (in Finland, Poland, Spain and the Czech Republic, for example), however little is

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heard about major investments in agricultural tyres here.

According to the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association, 170,000 agricultural tyres manufactured within the EU were exported to other regions in 2010, however almost three million (non “herring bone” varieties) were imported. When including the “simple tyres” as well, the number of imported agricultural tyres reached five million units in 2010.

The value of the “herring bone” tyres supplied in the EU is more than £160 million; almost £50 million worth came from India, £25 million from Turkey and £22 million from Israel. Imports of high value agricultural tyres amounted to £134 million; from this, £58 million worth came from India, £28 million from Israel and £17 million from Turkey (see diagram 2).

The value of the “herring bone” tyres exported from the EU exceeded £90 million; £50 million worth of these ended up in the NAFTA countries, £15 million in non-EU European countries, £7 million in the Mercosur region and £5.4 in Africa.

Exports of high-value agricultural tyres from the EU amounted to £25 million;

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some £7.2 million worth was sent to nonEU European countries, £5.1 million to NAFTA countries, £3.2 million to Africa and £2.73 million to the Mercosur region (see diagram 3).

In relation to agricultural tyres, the trade balance between the EU and India is of particular interest. India is the largest manufacturer of tyres for this market segment, with Balkrishna Tyres – BKT for short – the strongest player. In second place is the Indian-Israeli Alliance Tire Group (ATG), which operates two factories in India and Israel and has offtake agreements with partners in China and Taiwan. A number of other Indian tyre makers also manufacture agricultural tyres, including Vredestein’s parent company Apollo Tyres, which uses the Dutch firm’s know-how to produce Vredestein branded agricultural tyres in India. While it’s no surprise that these three wellknown Indian tyre makers export highvalue tyres to Europe, other familiar names are responsible for “herring bone” exports: Birla, Ceat, JK Tyre, MRF, Superking and TVS. Goodyear also manufactures agricultural tyres in India for the region. According to Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical office, in 2000 India shipped 92,000 agricultural tyres to the EU (60,000 of these were “herring bone” tyres), while ten years later it shipped 1,361,000 tyres, 63 per cent of which were high-value tyres. The EU shipped 2,000 agricultural tyres to India. detlef.vogt@reifenpresse.de/sg

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AGRICULTURAL TYRES

Growing share What’s different about desegmentation in the agricultural sector AS WE HAVE SEEN, the influence of non-premium brand tyre manufacturers and of non-European produced tyres has markedly increased in the wider European market (see previous article “Success beckons in niches” , page 34, for details of how this is reflected in European import statistics). Something else that the data suggests is that a degree of desegmentation has occurred

because all this has been set against a series of financial crises in Europe and its respective national markets. Not only are there opportunities for those entering the right niche at the right time, it would seem that there are opportunities for those entering the market at a different position to the historically dominant players.

mon across the various market segments – that is that external financial pressures have slowed down the market. Being a business to business market, what has taken place in the agricultural segment is perhaps most akin to what to took place in OTR and commercial vehicle tyres in the years since the crash - OE demand dried up and so tyre supply did too. And with cost pressure on the original equipment manufacturers, this also presented an opportunity for lower priced competitors to approach some of the biggest name vehicle makers in the sector for supply deals. This all fitted in with the Opportunities for neo-premium and strategic background for these up-andup-and-coming companies coming companies, which broadly rest in What we can see is that agricultural tyres two categories neo-premium manufactuhave experienced what has been com- rers and up-and-coming companies.

The apparent re-shaping of the market is taking place across three planes. Firstly there is the general desegmentation that has occurred as a result of external economic pressures. Then there is the increasing market share amongst Indian manufactured tyres and therefore Indian tyre manufacturers too. At the same time there has been the development of a couple of neo-premium brands that are seeking to capitalize on this environment.

All of which begs the question what role do Chinese firms play?

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Neo-premium refers to businesses like Trelleborg and Mitas which both have their roots in the history of premium tyre manufacturers (Pirelli and Continental respectively), but have since sought to forge more independent strategies and identities than when they were under the roofs of their respective progenitors. This is particularly the case with Trelleborg, which according to what some industry analysts recently said in conversation with Tyres & Accessories, has been the fastest at transferring the brand value and price point from the historical forefather, while at the same time injecting new life into product range and expounding a lively new approach to the business.

However, there is evidence that other key competitors in this category are also

Neo-premium and up-and-coming brands are making in-roads in the agricultural tyre sector

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

l b a l ai v A Now

e

Infinity LR861

RADIAL tyres with the most modern and advanced technology for your tractor. Infinity始s Agricultural tyres meet the needs and demands of the agricultural workplace in the most economical way.

europatyres the agricultural specialists

AGRICULTURAL TYRES

doing well. Mitas, the trading name of Czech rubber group CGS, is a particularly good example of this with sources now suggesting that its sell-in unit volumes put it at number two in Europe when it comes to agricultural tyres. Like Trelleborg, Mitas has been very successful in gaining high profile OE fitments both with the licensed Continental marquee and with Mitas itself. One example of this is the fact that Mitas signed a contract with CNH-Kamaz Industry LLC, the Russian manufacturer of Case IH and New Holland tractors and harvesters, to supply tyres for these vehicles throughout 2013. Across all its brands (and therefore including the Continental moniker) OE is stronger still, with the company responsible for supplying significant proportions of the tyres required by virtually every leading agricultural OEM in Europe.

All this is said to mean a market share of around 28 per cent in addition to its second position rank in the European sector. Market share is said to be 9.5 per cent in globally, with the company fourth overall.

In each of these cases the strategy offers both marketing and manufacturing volume benefits in a sector where the top five manufacturers have either exited this business or have opted to avoid to heavy direct involvement in OE business in favour of the more lucrative replacement business.

Why no China?

The second category – up-and-coming players - refers to leading Indian-producing agricultural tyre suppliers, which were highlighted in “Success beckons in niches”, on page 34. The influence of companies such as BKT, which demonstrates particular strength in the UK with its BKT and Supreme brands, should not be underestimated with the company claim-ing that it occupies 10-12 per cent market share in Europe and something like 4 per cent globally.

However, what is of particular interest here is the fact that India is the location of factories such as these rather than China. In virtually every other industry

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Infinity launches agricultural tyre range Having recently introduced an agricultural radial tyre range, Infinity Tyres reports that the latest addition to its widening portfolio incorporates tyres suited for the latest advancements for modern agricultural machinery. Infinity agricultural tyres are already available in the UK market and the company formally announced that the tyres can be purchased from Somerset-based Europa Tyres.

According to the company, the agricultural tyres also “meet the needs and demands of the rugged agricultural workplace in the most economical way.” With perennial concerns such as soil compaction in mind, this means that Infinity agricultural tyres are designed to deliver optimum ground footprint to distribute pressure evenly across all surfaces. As well as protecting the soil, this is said to enhance tread life as well as deliver increased driving comfort. Self-cleaning lugs are incorporated in the tread design to improve drive traction and therefore reduce rolling resistance and increase fuel economy. Furthermore, Infinity’s new agricultural range includes a strengthened sidewall designed to reduce the possibility of punctures for greater usage time.

A rapid size development programme is planned to take place during 2013, including a new generation of lower profile drive tyres (65 series) with the stated intention of making sure that the Infinity agricultural tyre programme “fits the widest range of applications possible.” cja segment – especially passenger car and truck and bus tyres – China’s influence on the economy and mid-range segments has been very significant. However up till now this cannot really be said for the agricultural tyre segment. OTR – especially the lucrative large sized radials – have received particular attention from leading Chinese firms, but it is as if farm tyres have escaped their gaze.

Think of China and most people think of cities like Beijing and Shanghai. In the tyre business it might be somewhere in the country’s Shandong “rubber province” like Qingdao; all modern and seemingly continuously developing cities. Go further inland and the rate of progress has been much slower for the entire decade that has transformed the huge nation’s eastern seaboard mega-cities. All this means that, while takes place across large swathes of Chinese countryside, mechanized agriculture is way off the global pace. And, as domestic market OE has in the past tended to strongly influence the output of Chinese tyre manufacturers, this means the sizes and applications of the relatively few Chinese-produced agricultural tyres are somewhat out of kilter with global and specifically European demand.

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But there is certainly huge potential.

Just look at the fact that in 2011 only 41 per cent of Chinese farm work was mechanized, while there is a total 122 million hectares of arable land in China/Western Europe offers 75 million hectares. And this is why Trelleborg bought the former Hebei Starbright facility in Xingtai, China almost two years ago – to position the company for future domestic OE and replacement demand.

What’s more, this development is something that will – for the market as whole – almost certainly develop an export dimension at some point in time. The reality is that generally speaking the market and the manufacturers are not quite there yet.

All this makes the recent statement from top 10 Chinese tyre manufacturers like Triangle and the Infinity brand (which is connected to a few leading factories in the People’s Republic – see textbox for latest news) all the more interesting. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

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facebook.com/TrelleborgAgri twitter.com/TrelleborgAgri youtube.com/TrelleborgAgri flickr.com/TrelleborgAgri

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Keeping legal The responsibilities associated with running agricultural tyres

Ron Wood, automotive engineering manager for Mitas Tyres (UK) Limited

WHETHER THEY KNOW it or not, farmers are under a legal obligation to ensure that the tyres fitted to the agricultural equipment they own and operate are fit for purpose.That means fitting the correct type for a given situation/application and ensuring that they are properly adjusted and maintained. Ron Wood of Mitas Tyres UK Ltd, Matthew Knight of Knights Solicitors and Nigel Bush of tyre distributor B. A. Bush recently shared their insights on the relevant legislative requirements with Tyres & Accessories.

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Farmers and operators are often insufficiently aware of the regulations which relate to the operation of farm equipment on the road and under-estimate the potentially-severe consequences of being on the wrong side of the law. That’s the view of Matthew Knight of Knights Solicitors, a Tunbridge-Wells-based firm which specialises in legal issues relating to the rural community, who emphasises that it is critical for those ‘at the sharp end’ to be familiar with current legislation and appreciate what it requires of them.

“A plethora of complex regulations govern the operation of tractors and equipment on the road,” Knight explains.

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“Contravening any of them, whether knowingly or accidentally, will have consequences, be it in the form of a relatively minor inconvenience such as a fine, penalty points on the driver’s licence, or more serious and expensive legal action.

One also has to remember that the law applies not only to the prime mover but also any equipment used with it.”

Within the EU the main provision in law for the approval of pneumatic tyres for agricultural vehicles and their trailers is Regulation 106, E/ECE/324, E/ECE/TRANS/505, Rev.2/Add.105/Rev.1.

It contains uniform provisions concerning the approval of pneumatic tyres for agricultural vehicles/trailers and provides guidance for markings, application for approval, requirements, modification of tyre types and extension of approval, conformity of production. Essentially, it can be used as a reference point.

The annex to Regulation 106 serves as a practical guide to many aspects of agricultural tyres. It contains a wealth of information, such as arrangements of approval marks, tyre markings for drive wheel tires, steering wheel tyres for tractors, implement tyres, load capacity indices and maximum loadings. It also includes theoretical rim, outer diameter and nominal section width of tyres of certain size, plus designators for low-section, normal section and high flotation tyres.”

Agricultural tyres could be the next to be e-marked But knowing of the law’s existence is not enough. Ron Wood, automotive engineering manager for Mitas Tyres (UK) Limited, underlines the importance of staying on the right side of the law: “The adoption of UNECR Regulation 106 into an EC Directive, which would

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make it mandatory, is currently under discussion. This will eventually require all tractor drive-axle tyres, as well as implement and forestry tyres, to be Type Approved and show an ‘e’ number on the sidewall. This would have the effect of ensuring that all tyres sold into the UK would have to comply with specific regulations, which would ultimately help to ensure that customers received the product they expected, together with better performance and value for money.

Nevertheless, a range of other rules and regulations currently apply.

“Although agricultural vehicles are exempt from many of the regulations which apply to other types of vehicle, that is only the case if they do not exceed 32kmh (20mph), even if they are capable of more. This figure may seem low in relation to potential of modern tractors, many of which are capable of 40kmh (25mph), 50kmh (32mph) or even 64kmh (40mph), but 20mph (32kmh) it is still the maximum speed at which most agricultural vehicle can be operated on the road without contravening this long-established maximum.

“Operating beyond 20mph not only has huge implications in terms of the additional demands on tyres from a performance, durability and safety point of view but you enter another world in terms of the legislation which applies. If you don’t stay below that figure the police could ‘throw the book at you’, particularly in the case of an accident. Though the situation in respect of the roadworthiness of agricultural tractors and equipment has improved a great deal in recent years, there are undoubtedly tractors and equipment in service which are unsuitable for operation at above 20mph.”

When it comes to pneumatic tyres, the law requires that they must be designed and manufactured adequately

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

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to support the maximum permitted axle weight for the axle when the vehicle is driven at a specific speed. It also stipulates that no re-grooved tyres are fitted to an agricultural vehicle if the tyres of a certain size (Regulation 24.1/ item6 and Regulation 25Ag tyre (5) of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986/1078.

Beyond that, tyres must be maintained in such a condition as to be fit for the use to which the vehicle or trailer is put.

According to wood, “this means that they must not have a defect which might damage the road surface, or the person in or on the vehicle, or other persons using the road.

“The maximum gross train weight (GTW) of a tractor, a trailer and its load must not exceed 24,390kg, but, again, this figure is historic and there is an argument that raising it would better reflect the capabilities and safety of modern tractors and trailers. As it is, current legislation encourages farmers to pull larger, heavier trailers using a lightweight tractor to ensure that they stay within the letter of the law, even though this is not the best solution in terms of safety.

“Surprisingly, there is no minimum tread depth limit for agricultural tyres which have contact patch widths of at least 60mm on steered tyres and 150mm on driven tyres, where the weight carried exceeds 3050kg, or 76mm in any other case. Although no minimum tread depth applies in the case of agricultural tyres, those relating to all other tyre standards,

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such as bulges, cuts and inflation pressure, most certainly do.

“Agricultural tyres are not included in the scope of BS AU 159F which covers repairs to car, commercial vehicle and motorcycle tyres. However, if a temporary repair is used on an agricultural tyre then the tyre manufacturer’s warranty may be withdrawn. For this reason it is advisable to repair an agricultural tyre to BSAU159F, the standard which relates to commercial vehicle tyres.

Wood continued: “The other important point to consider in relation to tyres is that exceeding the 3m width limit for vehicles on the public highway could be a problem in terms of the law. This particularly important in the case of combines where extra-wide tyre such as the Mitas 900/60R32 or 1050/50R32 which are offered as a factory fit option by some machine manufacturers to enhance performance. If the width exceeds 3m the police should be informed of every journey unless a special dispensation scheme is in operation in your area where one notification would cover several movements during a certain time period.”

The importance of specialist knowledge According to the panel that contacted T&A, the general downgrading of the technical knowledge base within the agricultural tyre sector means that very few distributors now have the expertise to offer farmers the increasingly specialist advice and service

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that they need. Consequently they often come across examples of “incorrect tyres having been fitted as replacements, whether in terms of type, size, suitability or safety,” says Nigel Bush who represents the third-generation to manage B. A. Bush, a long-established family business which, with 17 branches and more than 150 staff in the East of England, stating: “ISO 9000 and Health & Safety regulations place a heavy responsibility on us as a supplier and because we take our Duty of Care responsibilities very seriously we will only ever fit the correct type of tyre for a given application. For example, if a tractor is capable of 50kmh or 60kmh then the tyres which are used on it, as well as those on any implement that goes behind it, should carry a rating which equates to the vehicle’s maximum potential speed. The other critical aspect when operating at these extremes is that the tyre must be correctly pressured to prevent it from destroying itself, to maximise its operational life and to get the best performance from it during that time.”

“Highly-seasonal demand from the farming industry means that most distributors are unable to justify the investment required to service this sector and less of them are selling agricultural tyres. Of those that do, most will order on an ‘as needed’ basis from a third party, often purely on the basis of low price. The result is that a lot of customers are supplied with lower-quality, non-premium tyres and invoiced for a particular size rather than a specific brand.

In the panel’s view there is something of a dearth of specialist knowledge in the field, so to speak. And what’s more there is a need for greater legal clarity moving forward. The fact that there isn’t an EU Directive regulating the specifications for agricultural tyres means that there are said to be “many unsuitable tyres on the market.” As a result, although the law requires tyres to be ‘fit for purpose’ the legislation effectively only applies post failure.

Whatever else they plough up, both points raise another question: what happens if and when further legislation is introduced in this sector? And what will happen to the tyres currently stocked then? cja

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Agricultural specialist RH Claydon heads for 60th anniversary milestone NOW

IN ITS 60TH YEAR OF TRADING, independent wholesaler R H Claydon aims to offer an extensive product portfolio designed to meet the needs of discerning tyre distributors, service providers and end users in the UK and Ireland markets.

According to business development and purchasing director John Parker, the agricultural or (offhighway) market is where RH Claydon does best and therefore is the area that the industry judges to be the company’s “core sphere of expertise.”

the brand that epitomises the expression “high quality at value for money prices”, according to Parker. The range not only covers both radial and cross-ply construction agricultural tyres, but also plant and construction, industrial, forestry, turf maintenance, ATV, port, earthmover and more.

Looking to the future, BKT is continuing to aim high and is reportedly endeavouring to achieve a 10 per cent share of the “global” off-highway market by 2014/15, which on the face of it seems a very tall order indeed. However, with increases in production combined with an investment programme that continues to fund their strategy of introducing many new sizes, profiles and applications each year (especially in its radial line up), RH Claydon representatives Parker explained: “We have a number of report that the aim looks “very attainable.” key brands that thoroughly cater for this market as in BKT, Continental, Cultor, Duro, Galaxy and Primex range expands Galaxy, Primex, Supreme, Titan Trelleborg and Vredestein. Concentrating on agricultu- RH Claydon’s portfolio is further supported ral at this time rather than the full off- by the Galaxy and Primex brands. These highway product offering, we have BKT for products form part of the Alliance Tire which we are the longest established Group stable and are exclusive to RH authorised distributor for the UK. Claydon for the UK and Ireland markets.

RH Claydon is a strong proponent of “What is really exciting news concerBKT, which – Parker points out that is a ning Galaxy and Primex is that they also result of the fact that this brand has a size, have an expanding product range of sizes, pattern, fitment and profile portfolio that is patterns, profiles and fitments in both radiin the company’s words “second to none”. al and cross-ply for agricultural, trailer, plant As a result, BKT has reportedly become and construction, industrial, small and large

P

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implement, specialist turf maintenance and earthmover for the off-highway market. To re-emphasise the quality theme, we all know that original equipment manufacturers demand the highest quality product to meet their specific need and application criteria. Due to this the Galaxy brand in particular stands out, as it continues to win many OE supply contracts to wellknown prestigious manufacturers. This latter point is hopefully very good news for our tyre distributors/service provider partners in that a replacement market ‘end user pull through’ requirement will be created,” commented Parker, explaining the company’s belief in these brands.

In addition to these brands, RH Claydon offers the Continental, Cultor, Mitas (all produced by CGS Group and sold through it local operation Mitas Tyres UK) and Vredestein, which are also said to have “a high demand factor” due to their extensive size and application portfolios.

In order to cover the physically smaller end of the market such as small implement, barrow, high speed trailer plus lawn and ATV fitments, RH Claydon offers the Duro, Supreme, Titan and Trelleborg brands. And this is all backed up by the company’s Airtite range of own branded tubes. cja With an extensive product offering for the agricultural market, RH Claydon runs sales and service locations in Bury St Edmunds, Falkirk, Scunthorpe, Stockport and Swindon

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KRT launches revamps kingsroadtyres.co.uk

KINGS ROAD TYRES (KRT) has launched valled choice of products from premium a new corporate website, bringing together its full portfolio of brands online for the first time. kingsroadtyres.co.uk is designed to allow customers to identify hundreds of applications for the Truck and Bus, Agricultural, Industrial and Construction, Consumer, OTR and High Speed Crane, Pneumatic Industrial and Tubes and Flaps ranges stocked by KRT. It also provides dealers with access to KRT’s online stock enquiry and ordering system and a facility to lodge trade enquiries.

The new site also includes an introductory video clip highlighting KRT’s 40year track record as a leading UK and Irish wholesaler.

“The website brings our full product offer together online for the first time, demonstrating the great choice we can offer customers, covering every aspect of the market, “ explains Tim Bader, KRT’s purchasing and marketing manager.

“While our highly respected telesales operation will continue to be the main point of contact for many customers, the website will be a valuable complimentary service for instant access to tyre data and stock information.”

KRT offers commercial users an unri-

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OE manufacturers to exclusive distributorships and house brand options. The company’s Truck & Bus range includes brands such as Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Pirelli, with Firestone and Matador TBR in the mid-range sector and the popular Aeolus TBR and Antyre TBR and OTR ranges completing the line-up.

For agricultural and industrial customers KRT is the exclusive distributor for Bridgestone, Taurus AGR, Farmking, Jetire and Wanda. They are also official wholesale partners for Michelin, Goodyear, Trelleborg, Kleber and Firestone and the recently introduced Linglong range of tractor radials.

Completing the offer is KRT’s Kingstone private brand of tyres and tubes for construction, OTR and industrial applications, produced in Europe and Asia.

Kings Road Tyres is among the largest and most successful wholesale distributors of commercial, agricultural, OTR and industrial tyres in the UK. With an outstanding track record stretching back 40 years, it now employs more than 200 members of staff across a national network of eight warehousing and logistics centres. cja

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KRT profiling Taurus at LAMMA 2013 Kings Road Tyres (KRT) has announced that it will open its 2013 programme of trade show and exhibition appearances at the two-day LAMMA show in Newark, Nottingham, on 16 and 17 January.

The company reports that its focus at the popular event, visited by nearly 40,000 farmers and machinery specialists in 2012, will be to increase brand awareness for its Taurus Agricultural range, particularly the new 650/65R42 Taurus Point 65 tractor rear tyre.

“As a member of the Michelin group, Taurus is already a well-known brand in farming circles but it is always important for us to attend shows like LAMMA to support our customers and demonstrate the investment that is being made in popular new sizes,” says Tim Bader, KRT’s purchasing and marketing manager.

Two additional patterns will join the Taurus range in 2013, with the 540/65R28 and 540/65R30 Point 65 tyres due to come on stream by mid2013 KRT is a leading distributor of agricultural and industrial tyres and in addition to Taurus is the exclusive distributor for Bridgestone, Farmking, Jetire and Wanda. They are also official wholesale partners for Michelin, Goodyear, Trelleborg, Kleber and Firestone, and the recently introduced Linglong range of tractor radials.

Completing the offer is KRT’s Kingstone private brand of tyres and tubes for construction, OTR and industrial applications, produced in Europe and Asia. cja

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Petlas doubles radial agricultural tyre capacity Petlas Tire Corporation, which is known for producing the Petlas and Starmaxx brands, has announced that it has made substantial investments into expanding the agricultural radial tyre production capacity of its manufacturing plant.

According to the company, the move reflects growing demand for Petlas and Starmaxx tyres from the European and North American agricultural markets. As a result of the expansion Petlas reports that it reached a annual capacity of 300,000 radial agricultural tyres – double previous levels - as of December 2012.

Petlas’ decision to double the theoretical capacity of its Petlas Tire Industry and Trade Co. factory in Kırsehir, Turkey will also results in a significant increase in the actually output of the plant. This means that there will be an actual production increase of “no less than 50 per cent” from current levels, with production focusing on radial implement and radial tractor tyres. The planned investments also offer Petlas the option to produce larger and wider tyres than before, which means some pretty big tyres as the company’s current portfolio already extends to a width of up to 750 mm and a total diameter of 2 metres.

The Kırsehir plant covers approximately 1,000,000 square metres of land with a 300,000 square metres enclosed area. Production began in 1975. As of December 2012 approximately 2300 employees work at the factory. Current production capacity (again as of December 2012) amounts to approximately 13,000 tons/month.

In June 2012 newspaper reports suggested Petlas was significantly expanding its passenger car tyre production capabilities.

In 2008 the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, reportedly offered loan support of up to US$250 million dollars to the company. cja

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Mäkinen takes on Nordic market responsibility at Mitas FORMER NOKIAN HEAVYTYRES marketing manager Perttu Mäkinen has been appointed by Mitas as its country manager for the Nordic region.

Mäkinen will operate from the Mitas a.s. headquarters in Tampere, Finland, and his responsibilities will include sales and marketing for Mitas and Continental agricultural and other offroad tyres in Finland, Sweden and Norway.

“Mitas is beefing up its presence in the north,” said Mitas sales and mar- Perttu Mäkinen (photo by Emil Houska) keting director Andrew Mabin. “This is in line with promoting its core brands and business areas.” Mitas manufactures and sells Mitas and Cultor off-road tyres and Continental-branded agricultural tyres.

Mäkinen worked for Nokian Heavy Tyres for ten years as marketing manager and key account manager responsible for South America, the UK, Turkey, Middle East, Israel and Africa. In addition, he was responsible for developing IT and sales applications.

“Perttu knows all the ins and outs of tyre-making,” Mabin continued. Mäkinen started his professional career as an operator of tyre-making machines. “This handson experience is what farmers and original equipment manufacturers value,” the sales and marketing manager added. sg

Trelleborg an AGCO EAME 2012 ‘Supplier of the Year’

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Swedish manufacturer Trelleborg has been given the AGCO EAME 2012 Supplier of the Year Award in the ‘collaboration’ category. The award was bestowed during a ceremony held at the AGCO Fendt facility in Marktoberdorf, Germany on 25 September 2012.

“We are extremely proud of this result since it rewards the commitment and the huge efforts Trelleborg is making to support joint-initiatives with AGCO,” stated Paolo Pompei, Business Unit president Agricultural & Forestry Tires, Trelleborg Wheel Systems. “AGCO and Trelleborg share the same vision and strategy for the future of farming. We are planning to extend our long term partner-

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ship, launching several new joint-projects, from product development to marketing and communication, focusing on the needs of modern agriculture.”

Josip T. Tomasevic, vice-president, Global Purchasing and Materials at AGCO Corporation, commented during the awarding ceremony: “Among a panel of excellent nominees, Trelleborg won because of their ability to deliver outstanding and reliable service along with a premium tyre solution. The Trelleborg team, products and processes integrate perfectly within the AGCO organisation, contributing to our common goal of increasing farming efficiency and productivity.” sg

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AGRICULTURAL TYRES

Trelleborg shows new HP products at EIMA 2012 TRELLEBORG IS SHOWING its latest high performance tyres at handlers, backhoes and mini loaders, the EIMA 2012 agricultural exhibition in Bologna, Italy, which runs from 7-11 November. The IF 900/60R42 TM1000 High Power, which will be mounted on the new Trelleborg THK 30x42 inch rim; a 30 inch rim on 42 inch diameter roll-formed in one piece, will take centre stage.

Paolo Pompei, Business Unit President Agricultural & Forestry tyres, Trelleborg Wheel Systems, commented: “As well as the TM1000 High Power, we will also be displaying our innovative TM3000, a new range of tyres specifically developed for harvesting applications, and the TH400 range, our new radial agro industrial line.

Engineered according to the company’s BlueTire technological approach, the TM3000 is described as a new generation of radial. During the course of the exhibition, Trelleborg will introduce the first size in the new range, the IF 800/70R32 CFO. The range will then be expanded over the coming months with three new sizes: IF 800/65R32 CFO, IF 800/70R38 CFO and IF 1050/50R32 CFO. Versatile in several applications, products in the TH400 range are able to operate on the toughest of soils, while coping with the most demanding conditions. The range, which has been designed for use on the latest generations of telescopic

provides high stability even when booms are fully extended to handle heavy loads. The first size, 460/70R24, will be presented at the exhibition. The range will then extend to include eight more sizes by the end of the year.

Trelleborg’s popular 900/60R32 TM2000 for harvesting applications, 750/60R30.5 Twin Radial, 710/70R38 TM800 featuring a new tread design and 710/70R42 TM900 High Power, will also be featured on the company’ stand. cja The IF 900/60R42 TM1000 High Power, which will be mounted on the new Trelleborg THK 30x42 inch rim; a 30 inch rim on 42 inch diameter rollformed in one piece

Firestone boosting farming efficiency at EIMA

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Firestone is presenting its latest agricultural tyre innovations at the EIMA 2012 agricultural fair in Bologna between 7-11 November. The brand says its 201sqm stand (Hall 36, A11) presents the three pillars of Firestone’s business approach

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to the agricultural industry: its tyre innovations, Agri Point, the Europewide network of agricultural tyre service professionals, and E-tools to “make the farmer’s life easier”, such as its new tyre pressure smart-phone application.

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The stand highlights the new Firestone Maxi Traction IF. Built for high HP tractors, Maxi Traction is now available with Increased Flex technology – either to operate at reduced pressure for the same load and speed, or to carry heavier loads at the same pressure – for increased efficiency and higher crop yields.

Firestone also displays new Performer 65, 70 and 85 radials with improved load and speed ratings, offering farmers measurable gains in work time and load capabilities; the Firestone R4000 offering high stability and durability; Duraforce, specially developed for light industrial duty; and the world’s largest agricultural radial, Firestone DT23 with IF (850/75 R42) with a 2.32 m diameter. akb

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Trelleborg launches 3 apps for farming professionals

TRELLEBORG is launching three apps aimed to help farming professionals and tyre specialists get the most out of their agricultural and forestry tyres.

According to the company, Trelleborg’s new Tire Book and Tire iBrochure apps are specially designed for tyre and machinery dealers. In addition, there is the Trelleborg Load Calculator app, which is designed to calculate load per axle according to a tractor’s configuration. The latest version of this includes the ability to recommend the optimum pressure for the selected application.

Roberto Angelucci, Trelleborg Wheel Systems digital marketing manager, commented: “Our new advanced, user-friendly digital tools are designed to drive users in a natural and intuitive journey through the

entire range of Trelleborg products and solutions, from technical data, product performances and test results, to the latest pictures and movies.

“Digital interaction and communications with our customers is becoming a fundamental part of our industry. This is because times are changing and modern agriculture requires that professionals are always up to date with the latest tools, solutions and services available to them, which will help them to run farming operations more efficiently and productively.

“As well as having our new range of interactive tools on stand for visitors to trial, we will be promoting their benefits through TrelleborgAgri, a digital network for farming professionals powered by Trelleborg.

TrelleborgAgri, which includes Facebook, You Tube, Flickr and Twitter, gives farmers the opportunity to share their experiences, best practices and opinions with their peers, to improve the outcome of their agricultural operations.” cja

Firestone app reaches 10,000 downloads FIRESTONE’S AGRICULTURAL TYRE Pressure Calculator app for iPhone has reportedly stormed to 10,000 downloads, confirming demand from farmers for this information to reduce soil compaction and maximise successful germination.

The app simply recommends tyre pressure based upon tyre size and load. In the past tyre manufacturers would typically refer farmers to technical data books, which unsurprisingly they didn’t have. Now the app is available for free to smart phone users, which covers around two thirds of farmers, providing the information when it is most needed.

To demonstrate the importance of using the correct tyre size and pressure, Firestone recently conducted a test in collaboration with John Deere, to accurately measure working time and fuel consumption, both on the road and in the field. The results clearly demonstrated that choosing the right tyres based on the most severe application and pressure maintenance. Firestone’s latest generation Performer and Maxi Traction tyres will be fitted across the John Deere 6M series tractor range maximising the soil compaction and fuel saving benefits.

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Firestone’s Barry Coleman commented: “Our aim is to provide farmers with right information in a timely manner so they can maximise their tyre life and minimise damage to the soil structure.

The combination of our low compaction products and readily available technical information through the app will help us to achieve this.

The success of the app simply confirms that we are in line with our customers thinking”. cja

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bkt-tires.com

The valuable choice for your growing needs

AGRICULTURAL TYRES

Much more than a technological answer to the specific needs of modern farming: an innovative project that evolves the performance in terms of operational efficiency, safety and comfort. The value of BKT’s research is concentrated in Agrimax. In its structure, that is more resistant to enhance performance. In its compound, to prolong life and reduce operating costs. In its tread design, developed to trace new standards of comfort and handling, even on the road.

BKT Agriculture Tyres: innovative solutions, with the most comprehensive and competitive product range in the market.

Distributor for UK: Speke Hall Avenue, Speke, Liverpool L24 1UU, England Telephone: 0870 242 8800 - Email: sales@kirkbytyres.co.uk www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

Visit BKT at SIMA; Paris

24-28 February; Stand 6A-113

MOTORCYCLE TYRES

Scooters, adventure sport holding their own in weaker motorcycle market The past decade or so has not been kind to the motorcycle market. In the first year of the new millennium, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) recorded a total of 187,000 new motorcycles of all types registered in the UK. By 2007 this had declined to 146,000 new registrations – and then the financial crisis that began with the US sub-prime mortgage business knocked the market for a six. By 2010, total registrations were sunk to five figures, with 95,921 new registrations recorded for the year. Since then the market for new motorcycles has remained down; between January and the end of November last year (December figures were not available at the time of writing), 89,968 new motorcycles were registered in the UK.

Last year was, in terms of overall registrations, a flat year. According to the MCIA, total registrations (as of November) increased 0.1 per cent year-on-year to 89,968 new registrations.

Registrations of the larger and smallest engine bands were all down on 2011; only the 51-125cc band, which enjoyed a 9.3 per cent yearon-year growth to 34,010 units (as of November), bucked this trend. And while new registrations in this band were lower than in 2007, when 39,926 new registrations were recorded, this band’s share of total registrations increased from 27.6 per cent to 37.8 per cent in the last five years.

When measuring changes in popularity of specific motorcycle styles, it can be seen that the sport/touring and the supersport segments were the biggest losers. MCIA figures show that between 2007 and 2012 (using January-November

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figures for the current year), the sport/touring segment declined from 9.19 per cent of total motorcycle registrations to 5.55 per cent, while supersport decreased from 21.58 per cent of total registrations to 15.45 per cent. Segments increasing their share of the total over the last five years were scooters, which went up from being 18.74 per cent of the total to 25.98 per cent, and the adventure sport segment, which grew from 10.29 percent to 14.67 per cent of the motorcycle total. Actual registrations for these two segments have admittedly not risen since 2007 – but they haven’t dropped off, either.

Moped registrations, which the MCIA calculates separately, have also markedly declined in the last five years. In 2007, new registrations of these under 50cc two-wheelers reached 24,598 units; between January and November 2012, only 12,756 registrations were recorded.

The MCIA says that of the 3 million motorcycle license holders in the UK, 1.2 million ride regularly, with more than 60 per cent of journeys made for practical purposes, such as commuting. Results of the Department for Transport’s National Travel Survey 2010 show that the average motorcyclist made eight trips per week, travelled around 88 miles and spent three hours and 20 minutes travelling on their motorcycle.

Under licensing regulations that take effect on 19 January 2013, motorcycles 125cc and under can

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be ridden by 17 year olds, with Annual new UK moped & motorcycle registrations the A2 license available from age 19 and the full A license after a further two years, or at age 24. Yet younger riders make up only a small percentage of the country’s motorcyclists: according to the 2010 National Travel Survey, the 16 to 19 year age group accounted for only 11 per cent of all riders, and those aged between 20 and 24 a further seven per cent. The highest proportion of licensed Quelle: MCIA Tyres & Accessories 1/2013 riders (18 per cent) was found in the 45-49 year age bracket, with those aged 40-44 and 35-39 Annual new UK motorcycle registrations by CC each accounting for 14 per cent of licensed riders. With 70 per cent of all riders aged 35 or over, motorcycling is a ‘greying’ pastime in the UK. To counter falling registrations and a lack of fresh blood, the MCIA is promoting the benefits of riding in its “The Case for Motorcycling” campaign. The association argues that motorcycles and scooters have the potential to address Tyres & Accessories 1/2013 Quelle: MCIA many transport problems, while helping to reduce social exclusion, transport CO2 age, reductions in journey time – the MCIA says a and improve quality of life. MCIA figures indicate motorcycle can take approximately 16 to 46 per that the average CO2 output of the current new cent less time to cover the same trip through conmotorcycle fleet is 110g/km, 30 per cent lower gested traffic as a car – and requires a parking area than the car average, while smaller motorcycles only 20 per cent of the area a car occupies. often produce less than 80g/km. Bikes also requstephen.goodchild@tyrepress.com ire far fewer resources during manufacture. Other stated benefits include lower infrastructure dam-

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MOTORCYCLE TYRES

Pirelli and Metzeler unveil their latest New products targeting the adventure, sport touring segments IN THE

MOTORCYCLE SEGMENT,

Italian firm Pirelli offers something its competitors don’t; not one, but two unique brands – and one of these is Metzeler, the industry’s only twowheel tyre specialist. Jim Worland, who is the product and marketing manager for Pirelli Tyres Ltd’s Moto business unit, recently spoke to Tyres & Accessories about the latest products and developments from both brands.

We started off by discussing motorsport.

Pirelli’s Moto business unit is engaged in a number of motorsport supply arrangements, including for the World Superbike Championship. Worland opines that series’ nature enables Pirelli and Metzeler to learn from their experiences.

“Because we’re present in productionbased championships, we need products that work on bikes that are not so far from street bikes. This is a real advantage for us. We can really draw upon our experiences in these championships for our road bike products. In 2013 we are also moving to 17-inch tyres in the World Superbike Championship, and this gives us an even better opportunity to apply our experiences to product development.”

Worland adds that motorsport is not about developing one-off specials: “We can and prefer to develop products for a variety of bikes and riding styles, and this is also to our advantage when it comes to our road bike product development.”

Pirelli Angel GT Addressing the subject of product development, Worland also noted that while Metzeler and Pirelli share experiences on a developmental level, the two brands do not simply develop the same products with different badges. This means Pirelli can develop a product for the sport tour-

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Pirelli’s Angel GT has been approved as OE on the Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo

ing segment – and end up with a tyre that complements its Metzeler counterpart rather than competes directly against it.

Pirelli’s new tyre for this segment is the Angel GT, or Gran Turismo. “The Angel GT visually resembles the existing Angel product – the tread pattern is similar, giving the new tyre an Angel ‘family feeling’ – but the compounds used are new,” says Jim Worland. “We’ve gone with a dual-compound solution for the Angel GT. We like to use dual-compound when we think it offers a technical benefit.” The centre compound is harder to obtain high mileage, while the compound on the shoulders has higher silica content in order to guarantee wet performance.

The tyre will be available as of January and has already been homologated for the Multistrada 1200 S Granturismo. The Pirelli product and marketing manager says it will deliver a big increase in mileage over the existing ST along with a similar level of sporty performance and a large increase in wet grip. In a press release previewing the

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Angel GT, Pirelli claimed a 15 per cent or greater improvement in mileage over the Angel ST. “In fact, the unique nature of the Angel GT lies precisely in the fact that its excellent characteristics suffer limited deterioration as it eats up kilometres, all the way to the end of the product’s life cycle,” the tyre maker wrote. “Pirelli sums up this property as ‘Performance Mileage’.”

Roadtec Z8 Metzeler’s key product in the sport touring segment, the latest version of the Roadtec, was introduced last year. “Sport touring is the biggest segment in the market, therefore the Roadtec Z8 Interact is an important product for us,” Jim Worland comments. “It is the third edition of the Roadtec range, following on from the original Z6 and then the improved Z6 Interact. The Z8 is an all-new, totally different tyre. As with the Pirelli Angel GT it is a dual-compound tyre, and it has a significantly upgraded, high tech wet

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weather compound. We want to give riders more confidence and security – our aim wasn’t just to offer a fast tyre.”

Soon after its release the Roadtec Z8 Interact’s credentials were given a sizable boost when it won Motorcycle News’ Tyre of the Year award. After conducting a series of tests on wet roads, MCN declared: “Wet roads just got a lot less scary – a test of five sports touring tyres shows the new Metzelers have lifted the bar with phenomenal grip in the wet.”

Indeed, MCN had already awarded the Z8 ‘best in test’ because the tyre showed a two second a lap improvement over the next best performer.

“MCN experts thought long and hard over what products should be considered for this prestigious award,” confirmed MCN director Andy Calton. “Staffers who ride bikes huge distances day in and day out, in all sort of conditions, came to a unanimous decision on the products of the year. Many things are taken into account when deciding which products should receive the annual MCN accolade.

Things such as innovation, relevance to the market, price and simply just how well the product performed. The Metzeler Roadtec Z8’s score highly in all of these discussions. A tyre that really does perform well on a vast variety of bikes, in many different situations cannot be ignored. And at about £200 a pair, the Metzeler’s attracted a lot of attention. In

all of MCN’s tests and riding experiences the Metzeler’s performed superbly well and lasted a long time. Hard to fault and relevant to the broad interests of the motorcycling market. So an easy choice in the end.”

with a harder compound in the centre for straight line driving and a softer compound shoulder area for superior grip in corners.

Tourance Next

Adventure bike riders who prefer to leave the tarmac have another Metzeler option at their disposal. “Most riders stay onroad and therefore find the Tourance Next, which was designed for the tarmac, a good choice,” the product and marketing manager elaborates. “But some adventurers look for something that will serve them on and off-road, and the Karoo 3 was developed with their requirements in mind.”

This successor to Metzeler’s Karoo and Karoo T will be available in spring 2013, the tyre maker reports. The motorcycling world gained a sneak preview of the new Karoo 3 at last November’s EICMA motorcycle show in Italy, and when it hits the road the tyre will be available in three front wheel and six rear sizes.

Metzeler says the Karoo 3 will deliver high mileage, an important quality for riders favouring mid to long range travel, plus excellent off-road grip, top of the line stability and excellent handling. “These are all important elements if we consider that riders must often travel for many kilometres over asphalt in order to reach their off-road destination,” the tyre maker points out.

Another important new product from Metzeler, the Tourance Next, is aimed at the adventure bike market. “The adventure market is a growing market in the UK,” comments Worland. “In a world where sales are decreasing, we’re seeing double-digit growth in the adventure market.

It’s becoming an increasingly important sector.”

Therefore the product and marketing manager says Metzeler is very happy to see the tyre’s adoption as original equipment on the latest BMW R1200GS, which goes on sale in January. “The BMW R1200GS is a premium bike from a premium brand. We’re very pleased to be associated with the R1200GS.” Metzeler has, incidentally, developed adventure bike tyres together with BMW since 1980.

A January 2013 release is planned for the Tourance Next. Worland shares that wet grip is much improved in comparison with its predecessor, the Tourance EXP, and mileage is also up. He adds that rear tyre fitments feature a dual compound,

Karoo 3

Room for growth

Metzeler has partnered with BMW in tyre development for several decades

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Jim Worland agrees with the consensus that 2012 was a tough year for the motorcycle industry. He confirms that “the market was down a bit on the previous year.” Nevertheless, the product and marketing manager retains a positive outlook. “Despite the current market, there’s always room for growth. Bike sales were down but the bike parc has increased. It’s still a sizable market and the UK is perhaps the most stable of all European markets. We don’t expect the aftermarket to decrease in 2013.” stephen.goodchild@tyrepress.com

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MOTORCYCLE TYRES

Scooter, small motorcycle sales remain stable in depressed market Tyres and Accessories speaks with Bike Tyrestore LATE

LAST YEAR TYRES & ACCESSORIES spoke to Peter Smith, joint managing director of one of the UK’s leading motorcycle and scooter tyre wholesalers, for an overview of the ‘PWT’ (powered two wheeler) replacement tyre market in 2012 as experienced by Bike Tyrestore.

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During a similar conversation at the end of 2011, Smith indicated that the market for bike tyres generally had been in decline since the heady days of 2008, before the recession took effect.

Unfortunately, the news was also not so good this time around; in 2012 the trade suffered a doublewhammy of prolonged depression due to the economic downturn, and a record breaking spell of inclement weather.

“Manufacturer’s market shares haven’t changed much it seems, but volumes of product sold have been slashed due to the simple facts that consumers aren’t spending, and riders aren’t riding,” Smith commented. He added that motorcycle insurance renewals are said to have collapsed this past year, indicating that owners have simply garaged their machines, hoping for a financial and temperate climate that will tempt them back onto the roads.

As has been the case for the past couple of years, the sport/touring segment has attracted those who previously opted for sport and hypersport products. Peter Smith says owners of larger machines “have moved en-masse” from these to sport/touring alternatives. “With the average miles ridden annually said to be in the region of a paltry 600, and leading manufacturers’ products capable of returning ten times those miles, tyres are not being worn out,” he noted.

On the bright side, sales of scooter and light motorcycle tyres have remained steady, even showing some growth, with a surprising surge in demand for older bias and cross-ply tyres. “Those in the know believe that tyre manufacturers are

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going to have to re-focus away from larger size high performance tyres, to penetrate the only evident growth area,” commented the joint managing director.

Bike Tyrestore was the original UK importer of Bridgestone’s two-wheel market products, and Smith confirms that the Japanese brand continues to dominate the UK replacement market and retains its slot as market leader, despite strong competition from the other household names.

“With a new hypersport offering now well established, and an addition to its sport/touring line-up due early next year, Bridgestone remains Bike Tyrestore’s number one brand, and Smith says that won’t change, whatever the overall market does in terms of volume,” he commented.

Exclusive to the wholesaler in the UK is the Sava family, which is produced in Slovenia. This manufacturer is very strong in scooter and light motorcycle tyres, the latter on and off-road, and is about to enter the sports and, in time, sport/ touring battlefields with a new radial, the Sportforce. Bike Tyrestore is launching this product to the UK Trade at the Motorcycle Trade Expo 2K13 in January.

Meanwhile, Smith told Tyres & Accessories that Bike Tyrestore has another UK-exclusive arrangement, again with a European manufacturer, in this case Rubena, from the Czech Republic.

Rubena is a market-leading producer of bicycle tyre products. “Whilst many motorcyclists also have a mountain bike in the garage at home, the whole cycle market is blossoming, to some degree in the wake of ‘Brit’ riders’ competitive success at the Olympics and elsewhere – thanks in part to one Bradley Wiggins,” shares Peter Smith. The UK aftermarket spend on cycle related products is said by some to be in excess of £850 million per annum. Smith’s company wanted a slice of that action, hence the deal with Rubena. The Rubena range is huge and Smith praises “the quality of innovative design coupled with European knowhow which has seen sales already making a big

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MOTORCYCLE TYRES

contribution to our business, with much more to come.“

And the future for PWT replacement tyres?

Smith believes that if confidence returns to retail generally, and 2013 is blessed with a long period of fine dry weather, the industry will see a boom period as customers who have not bought tyres for a long time, begin to ride, and spend, again.

He adds that long-term action is needed to encourage people to consider the benefits of two, as opposed to four, wheel travel. And, particularly, younger riders need to be attracted by the excitement and independence of motorcycling. The alternative, Smith speculates, is that the industry as a whole will ultimately die of old age. sg

Bike Tyrestore joint MD Peter Smith (l) with Sava products

UK launch for Sava Sportforce As Peter Smith shared, Bike Tyrestore will introduce the Sava Sportforce to UK customers at the Motorcycle Trade Expo show in Birmingham in the second half of January. The radial range is aimed at riders of sports, naked and Supermoto motorcycles as well as for riders of sports touring machines who enjoy dynamic rides.

According to Sava, the goal when developing the Sportforce was to produce a user-friendly tyre that assures carefree and easy riding in all conditions and assists in riding through the corners. The tyre maker says that the ease of steering with the Sportforce means the tyre makes “a valuable contribution to driving a vehicle into the corner or to timely changing the driving direction on the exit from the corner without requesting a strong steering impulse from the rider.” These are qualities that significantly enhance riding safety, which the tyre maker observes is “of vital importance for inexperienced riders.”

The new product uses a number of new technologies that have snappy initials, including OGT 3D, SCT and FEA: OGT 3D (3 Dimensional Optimum Groove Technology): OGT-3D technology is an upgrade to Sava’s tread groove design technology Stated key features are optimum tread groove direction,

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

optimum groove depth direction and less compound overheating.

SCT (Strong Carcass Technology): Motorcycle tyres perform best when they are new and not worn, their shape still optimal. Driving characteristics begin to gradually deteriorate through tread wear since the shape of the tyre tread changes, becomes stepped-like and loses its roundness. SCT technology aims to keep carcass rigidity at a high level as the tyre wears, thereby prolonging optimum riding performance throughout the tyre’s service life.

FEA (Optimised Footprint): To obtain the highest road grip, the greatest possible footprint has to be achieved between the tyre and the road surface in the area of the highest lean angles. Using final elements analysis (FEA) and specific computer-assisted simulation software, Sava says an optimum tyre construction was reached; the result is a tyre that is deformable to achieve the highest grip while at the same time is rigid to achieve riding stability.

The Sportforce will be available in the UK from February 2013, in 120/70ZR17 58W and 160/60ZR17 69W. By the middle of 2012 the range will include the six most popular front and rear tyre sizes, with two more to follow in early 2014.

Front and rear Sportforce fitments

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Trail, classic products to join Conti portfolio in 2013 AFTER A YEAR of steady sales increases in 2012, Conti says it is ready to ‘Attack’ in 2013 and is looking to maintain the company’s position as the UK’s fastest growing motorcycle tyre brand. UK Product mix demand has changed dramatically in the last few years and Continental believes its product range is well suited to the wide variety of tyres now being purchased.

Quality products backed by first class customer service are viewed by the tyre maker as essential ingredients to achieving further Continental success in a tightening market. The company says its 2013 pricing programme will offer both premium hi-technology products as well as economic entry levels where appropriate. Strong association with the highly regarded California Superbike School will also continue through 2013 giving the opportunity for riders to find out for themselves the benefits of riding on the very latest RaceAttack and SportAttack products.

New product development is key to maintaining brand loyalty, therefore in 2013 Continental will release a new tyre line for the increasingly important market adventure sport segment. The Conti TrailAttack 2 will feature all the very latest design elements from the German manufacturer, including Traction Skin, for quicker break in time and Continuous Compound, for both grip and mileage.

The strongest development in this new tyre is said to have been achieved through the addition of Continental’s ‘Black Chilli’ compound; Conti product designer Thomas Zoeler reported “the increase in wet grip is outstanding.”

A reflection of the new tyre’s capabilities is that it has been chosen as OEM fitment on 100 per cent of the new KTM 1190 Adventure models and also on the new BMW 1200GS. Both new bikes feature completely new sizes that have been developed in conjunction with both manufacturers. The tyre maker also says that round the world travellers who already appreciate the high mileage capability of Continental Tyres, such as world record breaking Nick Sanders, will now have increased performance without any compromise on tyre life.

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To meet with the increased demand for tyres for older motorcycles, in 2013 Continental is reintroducing the classic range of TKV11 and TKV12 tyres

Despite some decline in the sports bike segment, one area of growth in the market has been the restoration of classic and vintage bikes. To meet with the increased demand for tyres for older motorcycles, in 2013 Continental is reintroducing the classic range of TKV11 and TKV12 tyres, which were a very popular fitment on classic motorcycles. Another recent introduction is the Conti Classic Attack, radial tyres for classic bikes.

“This entirely niche product is for riders wishing for the ultimate in performance and handling on their lovingly restored motorcycles,” the tyre maker comments.

Continental brand manager for the UK, Graham Matcham, is expecting a busy year. He reports “total miles ridden by UK consumers has been disappointingly low in 2012, with better weather anticipated bikes will be in more use and we are in a strong position to meet new tyre requirements.”

He went on to say “The market will continue to be challenging but by focusing on the traders requirements I believe we can reach new levels of business.” sg

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Fit the right motorcycle tyres, says Avon PEOPLE STILL NEED EDUCATING when it comes to using the right tyres for the right job, opines Avon Tyres. The manufacturer says that tyre distributors often receive feedback from people complaining they’re not getting good mileage out of a hypersports tyre, or have poor wet weather grip. Such comments highlight a problem; many riders don’t realise that they need to choose the right tyre to suit their riding style or their machine.

Peter McNally was Avon Tyres’ technical product manager for motorcycle tyres and is now general manager for the company’s European Technical Centre. He stresses the importance of picking the right tyres for the correct use: “Many guys on sports bikes today may well over-tyre their bikes on the road.

This means they’re using machines with tyres that are effectively race tyres but using them on the road or on the occasional track day. The problem being that these tyres may not get up to the proper working temperature, whereas tyres designed for high-performance motorcycles on the road – like our 3D Ultra Supersport and 3D Ultra Sport tyres – are designed to work across a broader temperature spectrum and last better, too.”

Rob Jones, chief instructor for Castle Combe Race Circuit agrees: “I see many people using what are literally race tyres on the road or track day, when something like the 3D Ultra Sport is all they would ever need as it would work over a broader temperature range and would be longer lasting.”

But Avon adds that the secret is not just choosing the right sports tyre from the 3D Ultra family for the right use – it’s also about using the right tyres for the time of year. Recent harsh winters have seen some car drivers swap to dedicated winter tyres for this time of year, but some motorcyclists will use their summer tyres during winter months – which could cause problems as they may not have the tread pattern to move large volumes of water or not work as well in 3D Ultra Sport front (l) and rear colder temperatures.

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Tyres such as the Avon Storm 2 Ultra are ‘winter-friendly’ tyres, designed to work across a much broader temperature range from summer through to the depths of winter. They have quick warm-up times, thanks to a silica-rich compound, and Avon says they’re a firm favourite with all-weather bikers, having been popular in both readers’ surveys and back-to-back tyre tests.

Journalist Benjamin Kubas Cronin from Fast Bikes magazine stresses the importance of using the right tyre for winter.

He says: “The Avon Storm family has long been a favourite of mine and doing all the miles I do throughout the year, I make sure that I’ve got the right tyres for the conditions on my bike.

In winter it stands to reason that you’ve got less grip out there on the roads, so you need to have tyres that work and work well in those conditions.”

The need to have the right tyre for the right road and weather conditions is the reason why Avon has a large range of tyres, for all types of motorcycle and for all conditions, with some tyre lines broken up into different versions. In March 2012 the 3D Ultra sport bike range was launched. This comes in three versions: 3D Ultra Sport – Avon describes this as the perfect compromise between grip and tread life for road-going sports machines; 3D Ultra Supersport – a soft-compound version of 3D Ultra Sport for road and track; and the 3D Ultra Xtreme – for track days only.

All three types were well-received by the motorcycling press, and the tyre maker comments the 3D Ultra proves how tyre technology has moved on in recent years.

Writing in Motor Cycle News, road tester and ex-British Superstock racer Rob Hoyles said of the 3D Ultras: “Stability is good and the front is impressive under braking, steer-ing well when loaded up and turning. There’s a feel-ing of security with the rear too. This rubber is rolling proof of how technology has moved on – five years ago this would have been lauded as a great race tyre.”

That’s how things have moved on, and the improvements in road tyres can be seen in other markets too, such as the classic bike market. With sales of new bikes falling, more people are looking back to motorcycles from their youth, or more affordable machines from 20 or 30 years ago.

This is the real growth area of motorcycling at the moment.

Many older bikes benefit from tyres like 3D Ultra, Storm 2 and Avon’s Roadrider. So, as Avon shares, modern tyres are out there for your machine – but you need to get the right tyre for the job. sg

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New technology for classic bikes Dunlop launches the StreetSmart touring tyre DUNLOP says it has completed its current touring segment offering with the introduction of the StreetSmart. This new range, which was introduced on 1 January, has been specifically designed to meet the fitment needs of classic bikes, targeting a market that is growing year-on-year.

Recent research shows that classic bikes are making big waves in Europe. In Germany alone, figures indicate that the average age of bikes on the road has moved from 12 to 14 years in a mere four years. The move towards classic bikes is being driven by an increasing number of riders in their 40’s and 50’s who are taking to two wheels primarily as a hobby. The data following this trend is supported by sales figures that show classic bikes now claim over half of all sales in key European markets. Growing demand in this segment is fuelling a need for tyres that deliver up-to-date technological capabilities.

“The market figures tell us that a majority of riders out there are StreetSmart riders,” says Sharon Antonaros, director Dunlop Motorcycle Business Unit EMEA. “As we observe a large segment of the European population reach their 50’s, we are seeing an increasing demand for classic bikes. This group then is, in part, fuelling a demand for state-of-the-art products to support a hobby, and StreetSmart plays on this demand.”

New technology for the classics Built as an upgrade of the Arrowmax GT501 crossply touring tyre, the StreetSmart also replaces the Arrowmax D103. The new tyre thus combines a successful design with an additional value: the latest technologies in casing materials and compounding. Dunlop says these deliver highly improved handling, combined with a superior comfort not often found in this segment. The tyre consists of a new generation of silica tread compound for improved grip in cold and wet conditions.

“We wanted to deliver tyres for classic bikes with all the benefits of newly developed ones. The result is that Dunlop’s StreetSmart is now on the

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market to meet the demand for classic, yet highly performing tyres,” Antonaros commented.

Less weight, more mileage The profile and construction of the StreetSmart is new. Overall tyre weight has been reduced by up to 25 per cent compared with its predecessor, and Dunlop says this helps to improve handling and comfort. Larger tread grooves are also present to ensure an enhanced wet grip. Furthermore, the rear tyre has been constructed to offer an increased tread depth, while both the front and rear feature a cosecant curve profile design for reduced wear. Completing the picture is the front tyre, which features continuous centre grooves, enabling improved wet grip and steering.

StreetSmart not only includes some of the latest technologies – it was also designed by the latest computer generated modelling tools. This technology enabled its developers to ensure the shape of the inflated tyre was close to the shape of the non-inflated tyre; Dunlop says doing so has significantly reduced overall carcass stress. The new tyre has been designed to deliver a comprehensive pressure distribution contact patch, thereby reducing uneven forces by as much as 16 per cent compared to its predecessor.

“In short, we have built a tyre that delivers some of the latest innovations, encased in a classic design to suit the specific needs of a majority of Europe’s riders,” Antonaros concluded. sg

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Michelin starting 2013 with several new additions ALTHOUGH THIS YEAR’S motorcycle tyre feature was produced just a tick too early for Michelin – the French manufacturer plans to launch several products slightly after the January magazine’s production deadline – Michelin Tyre PLC public relations manager Paul Cordle outlined the new additions to Tyres & Accessories.

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Available from the start of 2013 is the replacement for Michelin’s Power One Track, the Power SuperSport. The new tyre is said to slot between the Street and Power One Power Cup in Michelin’s motorcycle line-up, and be intended for 50-50 road/track use. One front wheel size – 120/70-17 (58W) – and four for the rear wheel – 180/55-17 (73W), 190/50-17 (73W), 190/55-17 (73W) and 200/55-17 (78W) – have been announced.

Two further new additions joining the Michelin moto family in January 2013 are the Pilot Power 3 and the Anakee 2. Cordle shares that the Pilot Power 3 is a sports tyre that will replace the Power Pure. The Anakee 3 is a trail tyre that replaces the Anakee 2. This tyre will be available in 120/70 R19 and 170/60 R 17 sizes to fit the 2013 BMW R1200 GS and KTM 1190 Adventure.

Those waiting for the new Michelin Pilot Street, a tyre designed for sub-500cc motorcycles, will have to wait a little longer; Cordle says the Pilot Street will be available from April 2013.

The tyre was introduced as a replacement to the Pilot Road 2 early in 2011. Michelin reports the latest tyre surpasses its 2007-launched predecessor in terms of the grip it provides on wet roads and the consistency of performance it delivers over time. Alongside this, the tyre maker adds, is a combination of “unprecedented performance with the marketplace’s best-balanced overall performance package.” sg

Pilot Road 3 Now to a tyre that’s been on the market for a while now but will continue as a key part of Michelin’s motorcycle portfolio throughout 2013. Cordle reports that the Pilot Road 3 range will be largely unchanged this year, save for the release of a special version designed to fit the BMW K1600 GT; this will be available at the end of the first quarter.

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Power SuperSport

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MOTORCYCLE TYRES

Range and service two major Cambrian strengths IN ITS MORE THAN FOUR DECADES in the business, family-run Cambrian tyres says it has always taken pride in the quality and speed of the service it offers and the friendliness of its approach. This service is provided by a team that boasts an impressive 225 years of combined experience in the motorcycle and tyre industries. Cambrian says its team’s experience gives it a “massive lead” over its competitors when it comes to tyre, motorcycle, technical and industry knowledge; several of the company’s staff have worked at senior levels at motorcycle tyre manufacturers.

But all of this knowledge is worth nothing without sufficient stock to enable supply to customers with a next day service, Cambrian observes, and this is why the company carries over 100,000 tyres in its warehouse for the majority of the year. Even during the quieter winter months this figure only falls to a minimum of 75,000 tyres. One of Cambrian’s favourite remarks is that if they don’t have it in stock, it’s simply not made!

In addition to being the largest part-

ner for all of the main two-wheel tyre manufacturers, Cambrian Tyres has been the sole importer of Continental motorcycle and scooter tyres for over 20 years, and for the past two years Conti has been the fastest growing brand in the UK, with many new, highly acclaimed tyres joining the range.

In line with many other sectors, the motorcycle tyre industry has seen many changes in recent years and this is reflected in the type of tyres consumers are requesting. While the very latest, high-technology, premium-priced tyres will always sell to those wanting the best, many more riders are now cutting their cloth to suit the ongoing financial climate and demanding cheaper tyres, albeit ones from recognised manufacturers.

Fortunately, Cambrian Tyres was an ‘early adopter’ of this category of tyre and foresaw potential growth in this area almost ten years ago; the company says it championed ‘second-line’ and later ‘third-line’ tyres before anyone else. The result is that Cambrian always has a large selection of special offers from many manu-

facturers, and uses these to enable dealers to maximise their profit whilst also offering the consumer a good deal on a known brand.

Cambrian Tyres reports strong performance in 2012, maintaining sales numbers in what is currently a declining market – down approximately 10 to 15 per cent on sell out compared to 2011. This consolidation is attributed to both its many loyal customers and a continually growing customer base.

No tyre retailer or motorcycle dealer should be without a copy of the Cambrian Tyres catalogue, the company opines.

The only document of its kind, it lists the full range of tyres available from all leading manufacturers as well as an accessories section, technical guidance and an easy-to-read fitment guide that covers motorcycles going back more than 40 years. The new 2013 version of this guide will be available in February; a copy can be obtained by contacting Cambrian directly. sg

Goodyear Dunlop implements US moto division changes CHANGES TO GOODYEAR DUNLOP TIRES North America’s motorcycle division took effect on 1 January 2013. Last November the company announced that certain of its administrative functions would relocate from Buffalo, New York to Goodyear’s headquarters in Akron, Ohio. These include nonfield sales positions, marketing, customer service, supply chain and non-factory related human resources. Goodyear Dunlop says the move allows the business to enhance its customer service while also adding resources to the motorcycle division. Dunlop’s Research and Development department remains in Buffalo.

From an organisational standpoint, Mike Buckley has been promoted to senior vice-president of Sales, Marketing

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and R&D, and assumes the additional management responsibilities for R&D at the tyre maker’s Buffalo plant. In addition, Mike Manning has been promoted to the newly created position of general manager marketing. In this new expanded role, he will oversee all aspects of marketing in each of the targeted market segments and report directly to Mike Buckley.

“Dunlop has always delivered market-driven, industry leading products to powersports customers,” said Chuck Mick, president and chairman Goodyear Dunlop Tires North America. “These organisational changes will lead to even better and more timely new products.” sg

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Extra languages, markets added to Bridgestone moto website

Bridgestone has expanded its new motorcycle tyre website across Europe with the addition of six new country versions and eight new languages. The site was launched in June 2012 in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish, with content adapted to Europe’s five largest markets. As of 1 December the site has been available in a total of 13 languages, with Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese and Swedish added to the initial five languages. At the same time, specific product-related country versions have been added for Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and Ireland.

“Bridgestone is a leader in motorcycle radial tyres throughout Europe and this user-oriented website now carries local product information and news to all corners of the continent,” shared Vincent Van Houtte, manager Motorcycle Tyre Products, Bridgestone Europe.

The site, http://moto. bridgestone.eu, aims to bring a fresh, userfriendly approach to bikers with everyday language. To provide the most relevant information, when arriving at the site bikers are first asked to identify how they use their bike. Website content is then driven by this profile, or by other criteria chosen by the visitor.

Before starting to develop the site, Bridgestone carried out consumer research in which it asked bikers in the five major European markets what they expect from a website. Their response was clear: “relevant product

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information” and “a minimum of gimmicks”. The research also identified seven specific types of biker, highlighting “riding styles”, from fanatical racers through to scooter commuters.

After bikers have chosen their ‘riding style’ on the home page, information tailored to this profile is delivered with site content organised around three main areas: motorcycle tyres (tyre ranges, your bike, your size), knowledge (tyre reviews, news and advice) and a dealer locater application, all, Bridgestone stresses, produced in simple, everyday language with easy navigation. Other than riding style, Bridgestone also gives bikers the possibility to find tyres by size, tyre range, tyre name or by selecting the actual motorcycle or scooter they ride.

“This website is inspired by motorcycle riders and designed for them.

Starting with the identification of their riding style, bikers are brought into a familiar environment which allows them to easily find the information they seek in a few clicks,” continues Van Houtte. sg

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Metzeler returns as GS Trophy supplier Metzeler has again served as sole tyre supplier to the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy, which ran in South America from 24 November to 2 December. The rally-raid is organised every two years by the German motorcycle maker to allow its best and most competent customers to test the off-road qualities of BMW bikes. After the first edition in Tunisia in 2008 and the second in South Africa in 2010, the “Two-wheeler specialist” was chosen by BMW as the ideal technical partner to take on the hard trials scheduled.

This year the event took place on the slopes of the Andes between Chile and Argentina and saw 15 teams participate, a total of 45 riders from 19 different countries; riders battled one another in specific tests, physical trials and team competitions. Victory went to Team Germany, which racked up 256 points in the standings, followed by the French team with 238 and the Italian team, which took the third step of the podium with 222 points.

As always, the tyres played an important role in the success of this team competition.

All the bikes, the F 800 GS used by the teams plus the R 1200 GS Rallye and G 650 GS Sertão used by the staff, marshals and for a few of the special trials, were equipped with Metzeler MCE Karoo tyres, knobblies designed specifically for the highest performance enduro bikes and developed by Metzeler to meet the needs of the most demanding and adventurous, particularly those who love to use their bikes off-road.

This year’s route covered 2,000 kilometres travelled in a week and three trials per day, and Metzeler notes it was demanding in terms of tyres, which were often forced to handle conditions of extreme use, for example going from difficult rides fording small torrents with bumpy stone beds to sand and then to mud in the lake areas of Patagonia.

Thanks in part to the feedback received from the participants in the first three editions of the GS Trophy, Metzeler is now preparing for the public launch of what it calls a “worthy successor” for this tyre– the Karoo 3. The tyre maker says the new tyre is a candidate for the next GS Trophy. sg

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COMPANY NEWS

Conti opens Automated Indoor Braking Analyser Biggest investment in a facility for 20 years to “revolutionise modern tyre testing procedures”; forms part of Conti’s “Vision 2025” strategy

Continental head of tyre line development worldwide

CONTINENTAL HAS OPENED the first fully-automated tyre testing facility in the world at Contidrom, near Hanover. In addition to the ability to perform braking tests without drivers, helping to test consistently for longer hours, Conti has built a 300x30m air conditioned hall to house the Automated Indoor Braking Analyzer (AIBA), reducing the influence of atmospheric conditions on test results.The manufacturer will also be able to control the friction coefficient, as the hall enables the company to switch the 75m surfaces used as a braking area, in addition to using a low temperature hall for testing on ice.The main hall is also fitted with a sprinkler system for wet testing. Conti estimates that the AIBA will perform around 100,000 braking procedures, on passenger car, van, and 4x4 summer and winter tyres, when fully operational.

“With this new facility at our test track, we benefit from the most accurate braking test procedures in the world,“ says David O’Donnell, head of R&D for passenger and light truck tyres at Continental. “Here, we can combine the advantages of laboratory testing with those of outdoor testing for vehicles. This has enabled us to improve reproducibility by 70 per cent, which means that we can measure development progress

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with an optimum degree of precision.

“Previously, tyre testers had to carry out their tests under fluctuating environmental conditions such as temperature and wind on a Contidrom test track exposed to the elements. The AIBA enables us to conduct tests all year round under fully airconditioned test conditions on interchangeable road surfaces with constant friction coefficients.“ In addition to the somewhat distorted results due to the reaction times and forces exerted, the air and track temperatures always produced a degree of scatter in the results.

“We can now completely avoid this systemrelated interference,“ says O’Donnell. “Another positive effect is the considerably reduced physical strain on our test drivers and of course our ability to conduct testing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.“ In previous braking tests, vehicles were guided along a set of rails and the tyre testers had to apply the brakes themselves at a specific point, even in the ABS range. And, being in Hanover, low temperatures made it impossible to carry out summer tests at Contidrom during winter.

During a highly detailed presentation on AIBA, Dr Burkhard Wies, Continental head of tyre line development worldwide explained how the facility’s “rollercoaster technology” – a railed linear drive acceleration and braking system, with turntables at either end of the 300m hall – would improve testing quality in terms of reproducibility, stability or “trend” as Wies put it, and most of all precision. Conti says AIBA will see repeated tests yield results with a deviation of only 1.5 per cent, compared to the current deviation in results of around five per cent. In terms of the stability of results in repeated tests, Conti says AIBA helps to reduce deviation from over two per cent to under one per cent, while the accuracy of measurements are said to be more than twice as good.

Exemplifying the facility’s accuracy, Conti ran a series of eight braking tests, measured under a controlled temperature between 20.1 and 20.2 degrees Centigrade. The vehicles entered the brak-

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COMPANY NEWS

testing facilities. Dr Wies made the point that existing test procedures for the purposes of labelling allow manufacturers to achieve result sets covering multiple grade bands: “Without precision there is the potential to grade a tyre between A and C depending on track surface and temperature.”

While some manufacturers may use the current testing procedures to yield an improved result – indeed, it could be argued that it makes sense for tyre-makers to make the most of the chance to optimise their label grades – Conti argues that it is more important to the company to obtain the most accurate picture of its tyres’ performance characteristics.

In increasing the accuracy of the testing procedure, Conti has also developed another important device to ensure the Conti’s Automated Indoor Braking Analyser has a linear acceleration control of the surface system based on rollercoaster technology, as well as 75m long bratemperature and king surfaces, which can be changed in around eight minutes friction coefficient: ing measurement zone with velocity in the High Speed Linear Friction Tester. The the range 84.78-85.10kmh, while the final HS-LFT, as Conti snappily calls it, effectibraking distances – the amount of tarmac vely scrapes a tread block sample across covered between 80 and 20kmh – of the the road surface at high speed. Conti eight cars ranged between 25.70 and showed a portable version of the device, 26.37m; when out of “preparation mode” developed in conjunction with the and working at full pace Conti expects to University of Hanover, to visitors to the achieve a deviation from the mean result Contidrom – the portable linear friction tester represents an improvement in the of ±20cm.

This level of precision is particularly precision of data obtained against that of relevant given the requirements tyre the extant pendulum method, the comlabelling has placed on manufacturers’ pany says, in addition to the speed in

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determining the friction coefficient of different rubber compounds and surfaces.

Conti suggests the LFT could be applied to fields such as accident investigation too.

Increased testing efficiency is described by Conti as a necessity too, as demand grows alongside the diversification of the sector. Conti has four standard summer and winter tyres for passenger cars, SUVs, transporters, and vans, but specially designed tyres are also required for different vehicle types, applications, and regions of operation. And then there’s the original equipment market to supply. “It takes a lot of work to test all of these models,“ explains O’Donnell. “The increased capacity achieved by AIBA therefore represents a very welcome reduction in our workload. Furthermore, the AIBA technology will enable us to make further advances in improving braking distances even more.“ Conventional dry-road braking tests are conducted at 100 km/h, and standard wet-road braking tests at 80 km/h. The brakes are engaged remotely using the standard Digitalker 3 system combined with the control centre communication unit and the vehicle’s ABS. The braking procedure is recorded by various sensors fitted on the wheels and inside the vehicle. One test run – which involves everything from fitting the tires and driving to the starting line to accelerating and braking to a standstill – takes four minutes to complete. Theoretically, 15 test runs can be done every hour, 24 hours a day.

“Thanks to our new facility, we can now perform even more accurate and flexible tests at more than double the capacity,“ boasts O’Donnell.

45 Years of Contidrom In its 45 years, the company estimates that Contidrom has tested almost two million tyres. Opened in 1967, it initially consisted of the high-speed oval with two test straights. Along with the full range of tracks added at Contidrom, the company has established testing centres around the world, such as those at Arvidsjaur in northern Sweden, Idiada in

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Conti’s “Vision 2025” strategy as balancing growth, In addition to the opening of the AIBA, the head of value creation, and technolothe Tires Division at Continental AG, Nikolai Setzer gical leadership. gave a rundown of the division’s “Vision 2025” straConti currently has 17 tegy during the Conti Technik Forum. “Tyres,” Setzer plants in 15 countries, inclusaid, “are a strategic pillar which we want to grow ding recent investment in and extend” reflected by the “solid results” achieved Hefei, China and Brazil. In in 2011 by the then-separate passenger and commerChina particularly, Conti is “in cial tyre divisions. Combined on 1 August 2011 with ramp-up mode” with a “four 42,814 employees, the tyre division accounted for million tyre plant” ramping up 8.8 billion euros, or 28 per cent of Continental to eight million, approved this Corporation’s 2011 sales. In the first nine months of year. Conti has a total of 2012 Conti’s tyres achieved 7.2 billion euros in sales – three plants in the works in “we will definitely be up this year,” Setzer said.

China, Moscow and South Cooperation between commercial (CVT) and pasCarolina scheduled by 2015. senger (PLT) units has benefitted the company, Setzer said growth in the US Setzer explained, with formerly specialised PLT The head of the Tires Division at market in particular has made taking the overall lead in territories such as Brazil, and Continental AG, Nikolai Setzer the company “desperate for CVT doing the same in India, for example. “Wherever this plant” to come on line some time in 2014, helping it to it’s synergetic, we do it,” Setzer said, though where customer fulfil this increased demand. In addition to the billion euro interaction demands specific service from one side or the fund for these developments, Conti also invests 350m euro other “we stay dedicated”. per annum in expansion projects.

Conti currently finds itself in the central portion of its Explaining that Conti still depends on Europe for around three-part, 25 year strategy – or “Vision 2025” – having com70 per cent of its sales, Setzer concluded that “there is still a pleted the value creation objectives of stage one in 2010. long way to go” in achieving a globally balanced footprint, Between 2011 and 2015, the company is focusing global splitting passenger, truck, speciality consumer and speciality growth acceleration on the large, newly economically advancommercial segments in more equal proportions between ced BRIC countries. While improving its technology to comthe Americas, EMEA and APAC regions. For example, paspete at the top end – Setzer stressed the importance of senger and light truck tyres are currently split proportionally being “the braking company”, referencing AIBA as a means of 21:74:5 (Americas:EMEA:APAC); Conti wishes to reduce the achieving this – Conti will also attempt to “leverage its cost EMEA share to under 50 per cent, growing steeply in APAC, position”. The final stage, between 2016 and 2025 is to and slower in the Americas by 2025. In truck tyres, it is a “enhance value”, which Setzer characterises as “basically similar story, though with APAC only accounting for four per copy-paste”, balancing its global footprint, with increased acticent of current sales, market share growth will be focused on vity in Asia for example, and achieving “podium position” in this region exclusively. worldwide technology. Ultimately Setzer characterises the andrew.bogie@tyrepress.com

Spain, and Wanaka in New Zealand. At tracks in the US and Japan, Conti test engineers perform tests to check Hanover developed tyres meet the requirements of end users and vehicle manufacturers. Contidrom currently has a staff of 90, ranging from test engineers to tyre installers.

Conti says Contidrom has become an indispensable part of its R&D department, with almost two million passenger car, truck, and motorbike tyres tested since 1967. At the test track in Uvalde, Texas, owned by the Conti brand General Tire since 1989, exact replicas of the

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small handling course, the large and small circles, and the rail-guided system have been built to make the test results transferrable and create comparable working conditions for test engineers.

Tests taking place between spring and late fall involve test engineers in WietzeJeversen traveling around the world to scrutinise new tyres and new chassis components produced by the Continental Automotive Systems division. AIBA is designed as the future of high-tech facilities at the Contidrom.a n d r e w. b o g i e @ t y r e press.com

Conti’s portable friction tester

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COMPANY NEWS

TWS opens logistics centre for key OEM customer RECENTLY TRELLEBORG WHEEL SYSTEMS (TWS) INAUGURATED a new logistics centre Mönchengladbach, Germany. This new facility will supply its customer, Nacco Materials Handling, with industrial tyres on a just-in-time basis. tyres it needs, both TWS and Interfit receive a list covering Trelleborg products and Nacco’s production planning, and on the other brands from basis of this the five employees in the different manufacturers, approximately 2,400 square metre wareaccording to customer house/logistics centre can prepare and requirements. “Our new mount the correct tyre and wheel combinafacility is the first of its tion. “Suitably loaded stillages are trucked kind within the to Nijmegen up to twice a day,” explains Trelleborg group,” sha- Andreas Karnein, who according to Nollé res Nicolas Nollé, direc- significantly propelled “project “Anyone can manufacture tor global OEM for the Mönchengladbach” and also drove the products. We want to distinguish ourselves with Industrial Tires business 2010/11 integration of industry tyre firm unit at TWS. However he Watts into the company. our service,” comments Nicolas Nollé, director christian.marx@reifenpresse.de/sg makes no secret of the global OEM for the fact that the concept Industrial Tires business could set a precedent Ten forklifts leave the Nacco Materials unit at TWS Handling plant a day for collaborative work with other customers and the supply of The Nacco plant is located some 100 kilo- their tyres. TWS views this as a step that metres away from Mönchengladbach, in goes beyond just tyre manufacture. As is Nijmegen, The Netherlands. The factory also reflected in the new slogan “going furtthere produces forklifts and lift trucks under her”, the company intends to incresingly the Hyster, Yale and Utilev brand names. Or, grow in its role as service provider for its as plant manager Wim van Dam observes, customers. After all, Nollé shares with Tyres perhaps “produces” is not the right word, as & Accessories that some of the tyres now Nacco doesn’t manufacture a single vehicle coming from the Far East are good procomponent itself and “merely” assembles ducts, and therefore companies like TWS all the delivered components. “In this have been confronted to a certain extent respect we are of course completely with growing competition. dependent upon our suppliers that pro“Anyone can manufacture products. We As Andreas Karnein shares, every day ducts, for example tyres, arrive with us in want to distinguish ourselves with our seraround 60 tyre-wheel combinations are prethe factory at the right time,” explains the vice. We thus offer our OEM customers pared for Nacco Nacco manager. This is particularly the added value,” he explains. In the case of case as vehicles cannot be built “in advan- Nacco, for example, TWS has created ce”, rather the plant produces only as many efficiency for the Dutch firm. Forklifts as customers order, and to their specificati- and lift trucks are amongst the most ons: According to van Dam, ten vehicles are important pieces of machinery in the assembled every day. Andreas Karnein from world, and TWS ensures that the vehiTrelleborg Wheel Systems Deutschland cle manufacturer can produce what GmbH explains that this means 60 tyres – its customers expect: Delivery of the six per vehicle; four at the front and two at vehicles they’ve ordered at the right the rear – are needed daily. time. In order to ensure that everyThis is where TWS and its 100 per cent thing runs smoothly when it comes to subsidiary Interfit Industriereifen und fitting tyres, both parties work closely Service GmbH comes into the picture. The together and have established, for Celebrating the new facility’s official opening were company’s brand new Mönchengladbach example, a joint quality management TWS president Maurizio Vischi (left) and Nacco plant warehouse supplies the Dutch firm with the system. Furthermore, once a week manager Wim van Dam

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COMPANY NEWS

Joint venture seeks new tyre applications for urethanes USE IN TYRES, PARTICULARLY in harsh environments such as underground mines, is just one of a number of areas the product of a new partnership will be applied to. Specialty chemicals company Chemtura Corporation and machinery firm Caterpillar Inc. have announced their entry into a joint venture agreement to explore “novel applications” for Chemtura’s Duracast hot-cast urethane pre-polymer technology for construction and mining equipment.

“Duracast technology is an ideal material for this type of innovative program with varied end-use possibilities,” said Matthew Hellstern, general manager and president of Chemtura’s Urethanes business. “Its versatility and superior abrasion characteristics lend it to a wide range of potential new applications. Its ease of use, low-waste characteristics, and adaptability to automation yield higher productivity, and efficiency, providing significant added value to end-use customers in niche segments. The multiyear

joint development programme supports Chemtura’s philosophy to bring greater value to our customers through product and application innovation.”

The joint development agreement focuses on several Field evaluation of non-pneumatic tyres for certain Cat applications in construction and machines is scheduled to start in early 2013 mining equipment where urethanes have not previously been used, “We’re focusing first on tyres for applicawith the objective of providing significant tions in some of the harshest operating value through productivity and efficiency environments. Non-pneumatic tyres have gains. Initial products to be jointly develo- proven durable in job sites like underped include non-pneumatic tyres for cer- ground mining, where there is a high risk tain Cat machines. Prototype develop- of cuts and punctures. If we can give our ment is under way with field evaluation customers another choice that is both durable and sustainable – because uretexpected to begin by early 2013.

“Caterpillar is constantly looking for hane tyres have high reusability potential ways to differentiate our products and – then we’re delivering value to our cusprovide solutions that help make our cus- tomers.”

Under the agreement, other potential tomers more successful, and this partnership with Chemtura is an example applications of Duracast technology may of that commitment,” said Greg Folley, include debris guards for use behind vice-president of Caterpillar’s Remanu- tyres, ground engagement accessories facturing and Components Division. and wear reduction coatings. sg

Time honours Goodyear Air Maintenance Technology as 2012 ‘Best Invention’

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The USA’s Time Magazine has awarded The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s Air Maintenance Technology (AMT) with the title of one of its “Best Inventions of the Year 2012”. AMT is designed to help drivers maintain optimal tyre pressure, helping to increase the longevity of the tread and the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. All of AMT’s components, including a miniaturised pump, will be fully contained within the tyre. Time’s technology editors listed AMT alongside the Tesla Model S electric car amongst others as one the year’s 25 “most important innovations.”

“As soon as the pressure in these Goodyear tyres gets too low, they know it,” Time’s editors wrote about Goodyear’s AMT. “An internal pressure regulator opens to allow air to flow into a pumping tube, and as the wheel turns, the flattened part helps

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squeeze air from the tube through an inlet valve into the tyre.”

“We are honoured to be named as one of Time magazine’s ‘Best Inventions of the Year 2012,’“ said Goodyear chief technical officer Jean-Claude Kihn. “This award recognises the outstanding work of our engineers in and , as well as our efforts to bring innovative new products to market.

“A tyre that can maintain its own inflation is something drivers have wanted for many years,” Kihn added. “This is the kind of technological breakthrough that people will recognise.”

Popular Mechanics and Car & Driver magazines have both previously presented AMTwith awards; in October, Popular Mechanics named AMT a 2012 Breakthrough Award winner, while in December 2011, Car & Driver selected AMT as one of its ten “most promising future technologies.” akb

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COMPANY NEWS

2012 new car market hit four-year high “MORE THAN TWO MILLION NEW CARS were registered in the UK during 2012, up 5.3 per cent on the previous 12 months and the best result since recession struck in 2008,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “Boosted by strong consumer demand, the market grew at its fastest rate for 11 years with innovative, fuel-efficient cars keeping buyers in showrooms.

Looking ahead to 2013, we anticipate the market will hold firm, with manufacturers and dealers working hard to deliver quality and value to motorists.”

Growth in 2012 stemmed from a 12.9 per cent, or 106,346 units, rise in private registrations. Regular replacement cycles, offers and incentives and some buyers shifting from buying used to new cars could have contributed to the upturn.

Demand was said to have been strong for Mini (+54.2%), Supermini (+5.6%) and Dual Purpose (+21.1%) segment cars in 2012. The Ford Fiesta was the best selling model of 2012, retaining the position held since 2009. And UK-built cars saw volumes rise 11.1 per cent in 2012, boosting their market share to 13.5 per cent.

Jaguar Land Rover is perhaps the clearest example of this kind of success. UK vehicle sales rose 19.7 per cent in 2012 in general and the Land Rover brand reported a record year in the UK, with sales up almost 25 per cent to 54,480 vehicles, boosted by the popular Range Rover Evoque.

Registrations of the Jaguar brand increased 2.4 percent to 14,105 vehicles, despite "increasingly competitive market conditions", the company said, helped by a 10 per cent rise in sales of the Jaguar XF saloon.

At the other end of the spectrum, there was also growth of the relatively new and non-British manufacturers. Kia Motors (UK) Limited, for example, set a new record sales total with 66,629 cars delivered to customers during 2012 - compared to 53,615 in 2011 - and is aiming to continue that performance by selling 70,000 units in 2013. This gave Kia a 3.26 per cent share of the UK new car market - up from 2.76 per cent in 2011.

Diesel cars took a record 50.8 per cent market share, just up on 2011’s 50.6 per cent. Meanwhile registrations of alternatively-fuelled cars rose 9.4 per cent in 2012 achieving 1.4 per cent market share, which is said to be a new high. Perhaps as a result of these two developments as well as technological developments in engine construction, aver-age new car CO2 emissions fell to new low of 133.1g/km, cja 22.7 per cent down on a decade ago.

Retail demand fuels best UK car sales figures for five years Sales of new cars in the UK in 2012 topped more than two million, giving the best sales figures since 2008.

Commenting on the SMMT's car registration figures Sue Robinson, director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, said: "Retail demand drove the UK car market in 2012 whilst fleet sales were flat."

The sales figures show sales rose 5.3 per cent in 2012, giving a total mar-

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ket of 2,044,609. Retail registrations in December 2012 increased by 12.5 per cent whilst fleet registrations fell by 0.3 per cent and small business users fell by 9.5 per cent. Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) saw a decline of 11.2 per cent in December indicating that private buyers are still not convinced of the benefits of these vehicles.

Sue Robinson continued: "The overall market for 2012 showed encouraging progress. It indicated that competitive offers by manufacturers where persuade retail buyers into the show-

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rooms. Strong finance offers are also winning over consumers, particularly in the form of Personal Contract Purchase Plans.

"Looking into 2013 consumers will still need strong encouragement to commit to big ticket purchases such as cars. Consumer confidence is still fragile and competitive pricing and strong incentives will be important in convincing customers to buy a new car." pg

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COMPANY NEWS

Trelleborg to alter organisational structure At its Capital Markets Day earlier this month, Swedish firm Trelleborg outlined a new organisational structure. As of 1 January 2013, the Trelleborg Group will be divided into five business areas; Trelleborg Coated Systems,Trelleborg Industrial Solutions,Trelleborg Offshore & Construction, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems.The company says the new arrangement makes for a “more focused” organisational structure.

“We have always had a market-driven approach,” commented Trelleborg Group president and CEO Peter Nilsson. “Our more focused organisational structure affirms that and makes our focus on selected segments more visible to our stakeholders. Fundamental to all we do is accelerating our customers’ businesses and we do that by providing solutions that give a better function, lead to better business, with better sustainability.

“Our solutions are based on polymer engineering,” Nilsson continued. “This is part of our core capabilities, as are our applications expertise, customer integration, local presence with global reach and our position as a business accelerator.

We have emerged from a conglomerate into a focused polymer group with clearly defined strategic markets. Our evolution is powered by an improving geographic balance, a market-driven structure, optimisation of our portfolio of offerings and excellence in all we do.”

The company also released its new financial targets. These are, it says, “in line with Trelleborg’s ambitions to increase value creation and to be a world leader in selected market segments and geographic markets.” The Swedish firm stated it

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will pursue five per cent or above organic growth and a before interest and tax operating margin of 12 per cent or above of sales. Return on shareholders’ equity is set to be 15 per cent or above.

“Trelleborg's new financial targets shall be seen as realistic, reachable and in line with responsible risk taking,” shared Nilsson. “We have exceeded our previous financial targets and our ambition is to exceed these new targets as well.”

During the Capital Markets Day, Trelleborg highlighted its progress towards an improved geographic balance.

While sales in Western Europe, where Trelleborg has traditionally been strong, show a seven per cent increase from 2006 to third quarter 2012, sales in emerging markets have boomed percentagewise. The South and Central Americas region has seen an increase of 88 per cent, Eastern Europe a 71 per cent growth and Asian sales have almost doubled, at 181 per cent.

“Organic growth and investments in emerging markets have been key to improving global balance,” commented Nilsson. “For instance, in 2005, Trelleborg

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Trelleborg CEO and president Peter Nilsson says the company’s new organisational structure affirms its market-driven approach had only two locations in China. Now there are six manufacturing and development sites along with many sales and engineering facilities. Similarly in Brazil, we have expanded our presence to more than ten manufacturing, development, engineering and sales locations that represent all parts of the Trelleborg Group.

“Getting the balance right in terms of geography and our portfolio of solutions has been achieved through organic focus on the right segments and geographical areas as well as strategic divestments, acquisitions and investments,” the president and CEO added. “Our new organisation focuses on selected segments with growth opportunities and will act as the perfect platform for the next successful leap in Trelleborg’s evolution as a global leading force in polymers.” sg

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COMPANY NEWS

Styron adds SSBR production line in Germany STYRON

HAS

ADDED

AN

SSBR ness within Styron and is core to the com- automobile producers and tire producers

(Solution Styrene Butadiene Rubber) production line aimed at supplying tyre manufacturers to its factory in Schkopau, Germany. According to the company, Dr. Reiner Haseloff, minister-president of Saxony-Anhalt Germany and other dignitaries celebrate the opening. The new production line introduces an additional capacity of 50,000 metric tons at the production facility in Schkopau, Germany.

Marco Levi, Styron’s vice president and general manager for Emulsion Polymers, described this expansion as a continuation of Styron’s history of growth in the rubber arena, with the most recent expansion in 2009 when the company brought another new SSBR train on stream.

“SSBR is a valued and strategic busi-

pany’s growth plans. Since the company’s formation, the rubber business has been the top recipient of new capital investment,” said Levi. “Styron is dedicated to partnering with its customers to design and develop rubber technology that will help them upgrade their line of tyres to address global trends and regulatory standards. We are innovating for tomorrow, on a platform of 75 years of rubber expertise.”

According to Francesca Reverberi, business director for Rubber at Styron, Styron built this new train in response to the clear and increasing market need for high performance tyres.

“Motivated by sustainability goals, driven by economical advantages and pushed by legislation and regulations,

need to develop products with long life, fuel savings and safe technology.

Accordingly, there is a need for tyres with low rolling resistance combined with excellent wet grip and abrasion resistance in the tread,” explains Reverberi. “Using SSBR in the compounds is seen as a key enabling technology for delivering these three contradictory characteristics. Our people have the know-how to design the polymer but also to produce it on a big scale. Thanks to our R&D capabilities in Schkopau, the second generation SSBR technology, reduces the rolling resistance indicator up to 35 per cent versus Generation 1 SSBR. We have an ongoing commitment to continue innovating for our customers and are already developing the third and fourth generation.” cja

Michelin head of environment awarded OBE Paul Kinkead, Head of Environment and Protection at Michelin’s truck tyre plant in Ballymena, has been awarded an OBE in The New Year’s Honours List for services to environmental protection in Northern Ireland.

A PAST PUPIL OF ROYAL SCHOOL DUNGANNOn and a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, Paul Kinkead is a Chartered Chemical Engineer and has worked at Michelin’s Ballymena site since 1986. In 2011, he was appointed to the senior management team with specific responsibility for managing the Environment and Protection Department for the site.

He is also the Michelin UK Country Manager for Industrial Hygiene and Chemical Safety.

The honour was awarded to him in recognition of his achievements in the environmental field, both within Michelin and on a national level. As well as his work within the company, Kinkead was also an active board member for the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP) for three years, and has delivered his Recycling Methodology to more than 200 companies in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Kinkead is also an industrial member of the CBI for Environmental matters, annually hosting and facilitating several seminars on Sustainability, Environmental Regulation and Zero Waste to Landfill at the Michelin site in Ballymena.

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In September 2010, he was appointed to the Northern Ireland Waste Programme Board whose mission is to raise the NI recycling performance to at least 50 per cent. He chairs the Commercial & Industrial Waste Task Group on this Board, on Paul Kinkead behalf of the Environment Minister.

On receiving the OBE, Paul Kinkead commented: “It is a prestigious honour to be personally recognised for my on-going environmental work. Working at Michelin for the past 25 years has enabled me to expand my career from engineering into environmental management and I am lucky to have had so many opportunities to work in a field which I am truly passionate about.” cja

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COMPANY NEWS

Tyre makers keen to work with materials manufacturers, says Lanxess The results of a study involving questionnaires and faceto-face interviews with more than 70 experts from 32 tyre makers, including all top 20 suppliers, show 85 per cent of the companies questioned expect the new EU tyre labelling regulation will significantly impact their daily businesses. Most of those questioned also view the regulation as an opportunity rather than a burden.

C

Chemical manufacturer Lanxess appointed consulting company Stratley Portfolio Performance Incorporated to carry out the survey of decision makers from the marketing and development departments at 32 tyre makers, a group whose combined annual sales amount to around US$130 billion, the equivalent of 84 per cent of global tyre sales. Not surprisingly, the survey focused upon the changing relevance of Lanxess products such as styrene-butadiene rubber grades (SSBR) and Neodymium based Performance Butadiene Rubber (Nd-PBR) to the industry.

Lanxess reports that those interviewed as part of the study consider SSBR to be an “absolute must” in the production of high performance tyres, particularly in

combination with silica fillers. It adds that the study’s findings led the company to SSBR – an “absolute must“ for high performance tyres believe that within a few years SSBR will have “significantly over- ance of the products manufactured from taken” conventional emulsion-styrene- them but also by questions of processbutadiene rubber (ESBR); Lanxess pro- ability, the specialty chemicals manujects that in five years’ time, twice as facturer adds. Furthermore, Lanxess says much SSBR will be used in car tyres as those surveyed are “extremely interesESBR. “It seems paradoxical, but cheap ted” in how the SSBR grades currently tyres made only of conventional types of available will continue to develop, as the rubber have simply become too expens- supply of ever better green tyres will ive for cost and environmentally con- largely depend on the provision of inscious consumers,” commented Joachim creasingly refined SSBR grades. It says Grub, head of Lanxess’ Performance the sector is therefore “very much in favour” of working closely with raw Butadiene Rubbers business unit.

A significant role in the assessment material manufacturers such as Lanxess. of SSBR high performance elastomers is sg played not only by the improved perform-

Solvay silica production capacity in France Solvay has inaugurated its newly expanded Collonges-au-Montd’Or site in France, which produces highly dispersible silica. The investment follows a similar volume expansion last year in the US and the start-up in 2010 of a new plant in China. According to the company, these three investments required 74 million euros in total.

“Our worldwide highly dispersible silica production capacity now exceeds 400,000 tons,” commented Tom Benner, president of Solvay’s Silica Global Business Unit. “Demand for highly dispersible silica is pulled by a growing need for safer and more energy-efficient tyres and the new European tyre labelling legislation applicable from 1 November,” he added.

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“We can now meet our customers’ needs globally as this new legislation takes effect.”

The investment in Collonges includes important upgrades in control technology as well as a modernized R&D facility. “The refurbishment provides more flexibility, increases productivity, and raises our best in class standard, enabling us to better serve our customers worldwide,” added Site Manager Sabine Gouvernel.

Solvay’s Zeosil and Zeosil Premium ranges are said to offer up to 30 per cent reduction in rolling resistance, thereby decreasing fuel consumption by up to 7 per cent, while improving traction. cja

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COMPANY NEWS

Organisational changes planned for Goodyear Dunlop’s ‘D-A-CH’ region

Conti opens Berlin public affairs office HARRY ROGASCH is reporting to Berlin as head of Continental’s

GOODYEAR

DUNLOP

has announced organisational changes in its ‘German-speaking’ markets. As of 1 February 2013 changes will occur in the leadership structure of the so-called “DA-CH cluster” (Germany, Austria and Switzerland cluster), the business formed at the start of 2012 from the three Frank Titz will lead an integrated consumer replacement sales and respective national opermarketing organisation in the Dations. The tyre maker A-CH region says a key element of this will involve the creation of an integrated consumer replacement segment sales and marketing organisation under the leadership of Frank Titz, who is currently director of the D-A-CH consumer replacement business. In his new role, Titz will coordinate the tyre maker’s entire sales and marketing activities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

As before, Titz will report to Dr. Rainer Landwehr, group managing director for the three countries.

Frank Hohmann, currently D-A-CH director of marketing and strategic development, will as of 1 February take on the position of director marketing operations EMEA. In this position Hohmann will have a leading role in Goodyear Dunlop’s European marketing.

Norbert Hecking, at present market supply chain director for the UK and Ireland, will take over as director supply chain D-A-CH. He replaces Stefan Bodeit, who will lead the consumer replacement sales operation team. Hecking’s successor has not yet been named.

“The new structure of the consumer replacement business is an important step to efficient management of the D-A-CH cluster while at the same time respecting country-specific differences,” commented Dr. Landwehr, group managing director D-A-CH. sg

new Liaison Office for Public Affairs. The office opens for business in the new year and Rogasch’s responsibilities will include representing the legislative and regulatory interests of the company’s Rubber and Automotive Groups and engaging in dialogue with political, administrative, and regulatory institutions in the German capital.

“With our new office, we will steadily intensify and enrich our increasing dialogue between Continental and Berlin’s governmental and nongovernmental institutions,” said Dr. Elmar Degenhart, chairman of Continental’s Executive Board. “We are convinced that we can make substantial contributions to the public discussion of all topics across mobility and transportation thanks to our wide-ranging systems expertise and innovation know-how.”

With the same goals in mind, Continental opened a liaison office in Brussels only four months ago, in order to promote dialogue with the European Union. This is in addition to the company’s recently opened Washington DC office, which aims to contribute to political dialogue in the American capital.

Harry Rogasch is described by Continental as “a proven expert with a comprehensive background in governmental and political relations.”

Before joining Continental he was employed by Bosch GmbH, first in sales and then as the head of the company’s department of External Affairs, Governmental and Political Relations. Most recently, he worked at Bosch-Rexroth in Laatzen, Germany as vice-president of marketing, responsible for representing the interests of all the company’s sites in the state of Lower Saxony.

“We are pleased to welcome Harry Rogasch to our team,” stated Dr. Felix Gress, senior vice-president of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Continental in Hanover.

“We will benefit from his broad knowledge and his experience with the political and regulatory processes in Berlin. His representation is just element of a comprehensive public affairs strategy that we have been pursuing for some time with the goal of strengthening the bridges between politics and business.” sg

Harry Rogasch

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MOTORSPORT

Pirelli previews competitive BSB grid, following largest commitment to series favourite Chris Walker returns with the now officially supported Quattro Kawasaki team, partnered with the youngest rider on the grid, Danny Buchan.

Having joined the Splitlath-Redmond Aprilia squad for the final three rounds, former World Superbike rider Jakub Smrz will be competing for the full season in 2013 along with Aussie Mark Aitchinson.

Jon Kirkham and James Westmoreland complete the Buildbase BMW line up while Dan Linfoot and Peter Hickman Shane Byrne won the 2012 BSB Championship have signed up to ride for the GB Moto team. Fastest lady around the Isle of Man Jenny Tinmouth will also be returning PIRELLI says that the way the grid for the with her Two Wheel Racing Honda.

British Superbike Championship is shaThe British Superbike class will use ping up, 2013 should be another compethe 16.5” Pirelli Diablo Superbike slick titive season. Reigning champion Shane tyres again, while the ‘Shakey’ Byrne will go head-toBritish Supersport, head with the returning Ryuichi 2013 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship in Superstock 1000 and 600, Kiyonari as title contenders, and association with Pirelli calendar Ducati 848 and Triumph Pirelli says that the battle will deciTriple Challenge race de the most successful rider in 5/6/7 April Brands Hatch Indy (Kent) series’ will benefit from BSB history. The Italian tyre sup12/13/14 April Thruxton (Hampshire) the race proven latest plier now supports Superbike, 4/5/6 May Oulton Park * (Cheshire) generation Pirelli Diablo Supersport, Superstock 1000, 14/15/16 June Knockhill (Fife) Supercorsa V2 treaded Superstock 600, Triumph Triple 5/6/7 July Snetterton 300 (Norfolk) tyres. Superstock 1000 Challenge and the Ducati 848 19/20/21 July Brands Hatch GP (Kent) will utilise the new Challenge classes as sole tyre 9/10/11 August Oulton Park (triple header) (Cheshire) Supercorsa SC 200 sectisupplier, making 2013 its most 24/25/26 August Cadwell Park * (Lincolnshire) on rear tyre, as used in the committed year in the prestigious 6/7/8 September Donington Park GP (Leicestershire) European Superstock championship.

20/21/22 September Assen (The Netherlands) series. The Triumph Triple With three titles each and only 4/5/6 October Silverstone GP (Northamptonshire) Challenge and Superstock two wins separating them in the 18/19/20 October Brands Hatch GP (triple header) (Kent) 600 will use the Pirelli all-time standings, Byrne and Diablo Supercorsa 180/60Kiyonari are the headline story, though they will face tough competition Kawasaki team. Shaun Muir’s SMR 17 (SC2 compound) and 120/70 -17 front from a field of riders eager to make the squad has brought in Milwaukee Power (SC1) as currently used in British Showdown. Josh Brookes remains with Tools as sponsor, while James Ellison is Supersport and FIM Superstock Cup. The the Tyco Suzuki squad and after pushing joined by two-time Australian Superbike Ducati 848 Challenge will again utilise Byrne to the final race this season, he Champion Josh Waters. Veteran fan 180/55 rear tyre size. akb enters 2013 as a title favourite. Young New Yorker PJ Jacobson, who surprised the paddock by taking wins in both the Superstock 1000 and Supersport, categories in his first year in Britain will join Brookes in the “New World” contingent for the increasingly international field.

Silverstone double victor Alex Lowes moves to the Samsung Honda team to partner Kiyonari and will be hoping to once again make the top six Showdown, whilst Superstock 1000 champion Keith Farmer will be learning from Byrne in the Rapid Solicitors

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MOTORSPORT

Ferrari F1 Show Car on display at Australian motor museum BRIDGESTONE AUSTRALIA has provided its Ferrari F2004 Formula One show car to the country’s National Motor Museum on a long-term loan. The car, an exact replica of the racer that won 15 out of 18 races in the 2004 Formula One season and scored 12 pole positions at the hands of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, was officially unveiled at the Adelaide-based museum on 12 December.

Andrew Moffatt, managing director of Bridgestone Australia Ltd, said it was fitting for the show car to go on display at the museum. “Bridgestone Australia is proudly headquartered here in Adelaide and we can trace our history here back more than 70 years,” he said. “We are very pleased that the Ferrari F2004 show car will now be a feature of the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, enabling many more people to learn more about an important part of motor racing history.”

Unveiling the F1 show car Designed by Rory Byrne, Ross Brawn and Aldo Costa, the F2004 powered Schumacher to his seventh World Championship while Ferrari also easily secured its sixth straight Constructors’ Championship.

National Motor Museum director Marianne Norman said she and her team were excited to have the Ferrari F2004 in time for Australia’s summer school holidays. “It will be a great drawcard for Formula One and Ferrari enthusiasts of all ages,” she said. “We’re very pleased to

be able to share it with the community thanks to Bridgestone.“ Also going on display at the National Motor Museum is an item some former Bridgestone Australia employees may rather not reminisce over – the museum will house a specimen from the last set of Bridgestone tyres ever manufactured in Australia, prior to the closure of the company’s Salisbury facility in 2010. sg

Pirelli names F1 Experience winner Pirelli UK has announced the winner of its Formula One Experience. The top prize of tickets to the 2013 Formula One British Grand Prix and a trip for two to the Red Bull Racing factory has been won by Ben Flynn from Warrington.

The competition was run by Pirelli Performance Centres (PPCs) and entered customers who purchased two or more Pirelli tyres at a PPC during September and October into the prize draw. The top performing PPC branches also received an F1 experience package for their depot staff.

Ben was picked at random and in addition to winning a pair of F1 tickets and Red Bull factory tour, he receives official Pirelli merchandise. “As someone that has never really won anything in their life I was absolutely delighted to receive the phone call from Pirelli,” said Flynn. “My girlfriend and I are huge F1 fans and we are really excited about going to our first ever grand prix at Silverstone. I’ll be taking my dad along to the Red Bull factory tour which should be really nice having

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spent many an afternoon watching F1 with him as a child.”

The PPC depots that took in the most promotion entries and received an F1 experience were STS Tyre Pros in Huntingdon, Discount Tyre Direct in Worthing, Merityre in Witney and Jeffreys High Performance Tyres based in Warrington. Each of the four PPC branches have been rewarded with two places on the Red Bull Racing factory tour in December as well as two tickets to next year’s British Grand Prix.

“It’s always nice to reward our customers and our Pirelli Performance Centres who work incredibly hard throughout the year with some great competition prizes,” commented Pirelli UK trade and consumer marketing manager Catherine Kirk. “The Red Bull Racing factory tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m delighted that the prize has gone to Ben who is a big Formula One fan.” sg

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AF Corse takes second Gulf 12 Hours win on Avon tyres

ITALIAN RACING TEAM AF Corse claimed its second Gulf 12 Hours win on Avon tyres in 2012 at the Yas Marina Circuit last week, in the final race of the Cooper brand’s 2012 motorsport season. The AF Corse team, which recently announced its entry to the AvonTyres British GT Championship in 2013, took the spoils by the excitingly small margin of 2.6 seconds in the first Gulf 12 Hours Race, held at the Herman Tilke-designed circuit back in January. Victory in the second event of the year was decidedly more convincing, with the lead AF Corse Ferrari crossing the line nearly half a minute clear of the rest of the field in its second visit to the Emirati capital.

With the first six-hour stint completed, it was Swiss outfit – Kessel Racing – which led the way over a close field. As the lights went out for the final six-hour race, a disastrous start for the team saw both of its Ferraris forced to take unscheduled pit stops, dropping them out of contention. It was the lead cars of AF Corse, AF

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Waltrip and Autorlando which capitalised on the erstwhile leaders’ misfortune, moving up through the order, with the lead AF Corse Ferrari stretching out a 20second lead at the eight-hour mark.

AF Corse then took two of its four remaining mandatory pit stops under the safety car, which was deployed following a crash for the MRS Mollitor McLaren MP4-12C at the final corner. With around 90 minutes left on the clock, the outcome was still in the balance with AF Corse, AF Waltrip and Autorlando all in with a chance of victory.

After two stops, the lead AF Corse Ferrari – driven by Gianmaria Bruni, Toni Vilander and Gaetano Ardagna – trailed the leading duo by 40 seconds. With their pit stop strategy guaranteeing maximum track-time for the remainder of the race, the gap was in no way insurmountable and a sensational final stint for the AF Corse Ferrari 458 saw the team overhaul the 40-second deficit to eventually cross the finish line over 25 seconds clear of the AF Waltrip Ferrari after 309 laps.

The podium line-up was completed by Autorlando Porsche of Jeroen and Sabastiaan Bleekemolen and Emilio Di Guida.

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In the prototype class it was the Avelon Formula car, driven by Alessandro Latif, Juma Ali Al Dhaeri and Ivan Bellaro, which took victory, while the GTX class was won by Nova Race’s Roberto Rayneri, Luca Magnoni, Luis Scarpaccio and Matteo Cresssoni.

Speaking after the Gulf 12 Hours, Paul Coates – general manager, Avon Tyres Motorsport said: “It’s been another hugely successful year for Avon Tyres in motorsport and I feel that it was fitting for us to end the year with such a fantastic close-fought event. Endurance racing is extremely demanding – both for the drivers and cars, but also for the tyres – and Avon’s performance over this event has again demonstrated why we’re one of the world’s leading motorsport tyre suppliers.

“The Gulf 12 Hours has once again proven itself to be a worthy addition to the motorsport calendar. Despite it being new for 2012, the field has been rich in talent and heritage, with some of motorsport’s biggest names being part of this great event. The racing was superb and I’ve no doubt that the race will continue to grow in stature.” akb

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06/11/2012 14:16

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Goodyear Coach tyres designed to meet market demands Manufacturer introduces new products at Mira product innovation event GOODYEAR LAUNCHED ITS LINE of specialist coach tyres at an event hosted by Mira in the Autumn of 2012, and designed to present the brand’s commercial vehicle tyre activities over the course of the year. In addition to providing a look at the Marathon Coach and the Ultra Grip Coach winter tyre, Adam Stanton, commercial marketing manager, Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK, showed the benefits of specialist winter products on other commercial vehicles, advising fleet managers to “look beyond the label” when selecting seasonal products. The company also announced its distribution partnership with Zafety Lug Locks, a Canadian innovation developed to prevent wheel loss accidents. Zafety Lug Locks secure adjacent wheel nuts to each other, creating resistance between two wheel nuts to minimise their ability to rotate and reduce the risk of wheel loss.The product is offered as part of a bespoke fleet proposal to customers of TruckForce.

The Goodyear Marathon Coach

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The Goodyear Marathon Coach and Ultra Grip Coach winter drive tyre are the manufacturer’s first dedicated coach tyres in Europe, following Goodyear research showing that 89 per cent of interviewed bus and coach fleets see rising fuel costs as the main challenge in the road transport sector.

The survey also showed that cost per kilometre Goodyear’s new speciality commercial tyres, the Marathon Coach and Ultra Grip Coach was the most important characteristic that operators look for in coach and bus tyres generally, with 64 TravelMax technologies per cent of participants listing this as top priority or very important. Second was Both coach tyres feature a combination of fuel efficiency / rolling resistance (62 per technologies, which Goodyear has labelcent), with mileage coming in third (58 led “TravelMax”. These technologies per cent). Comfort and wet grip followed include Silefex tread compound, an with 54 per cent and 48 per cent asymmetric design and latest carcass respectively. designs, as well as an increased load carThe Marathon Coach is an all-position rying capacity in the 295/80R22.5 size asymmetric tyre for year-round use, offer- resulting in a load index of 154, which ing more even wear and greater mileage represents 3750kg. with a high comfort level, according to Before introducing the new tyres to the manufact- urer. Addressing what it the market, Goodyear ran customer trials sees as a serious problem for tyres on on the Goodyear Marathon Coach tyres modern coaches, Goodyear says the for nearly two years, involving six differasymmetric design of the tyre has been ent European coach companies between developed specifically for the Marathon 2010 and 2011. A total of 28 vehicles were Coach. involved in these trials. It also carried out The Ultra Grip Coach winter drive tyre customer trials of the Goodyear Ultra provides enhanced snow traction, and is Grip Coach tyres. The trials involved a aimed at coach operators in areas such total of 15 coaches in different European as the Nordics and in Alpine regions, countries with five operators. Stanton where icy roads are common and sud- said the trials had been successful in den snow falls can cause serious delays. showing the importance of TravelMax The tread design and width are designed technologies in conjunction with modern to increase winter grip and traction and coach designs and sophisticated indelower noise levels for enhanced custom- pendent suspensions featured on most er comfort. top-line vehicles today.

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

“We are very excited about the positive feedback that we have received from the operators who have been testing our new Marathon Coach and Ultra Grip Coach tyres”, said Boris Stevanovic, marketing director Truck Tyres, Goodyear Dunlop EMEA. “Our recent survey confirms that the performance criteria we have been concentrating on in the development of these tyres meet the demands of coach operators.”

A-grade fuel efficiency “since 2010” Stanton also focused some attention on the EU tyre label, saying that the company has already achieved the top fuel efficiency grade in two sizes of its LHT II trailer tyre, both of which have been on the market since 2010. The Marathon LHS II + steer tyre and the Regional RHT II trailer tyre have achieved B in both fuel efficiency and wet grip in numerous sizes, while the Regional RHS II steer tyre has achieved a C for fuel efficiency and an A for braking performance on wet roads in one size and B/B in another.

Stanton said around 50 per cent of current Goodyear and Dunlop truck tyres score a C/C or better.

“The introduction our EU tyre label grades illustrates Goodyear’s long-term commitment to offer customers the highest levels of performance – particularly in terms of fuel economy.” said Stevanovic.

“We are proud of the label grades of our tyres. The fact that in some cases we have offered these performance levels for years proves once again our commitment to our customers’ needs in providing tyres that cut fuel consumption and have excellent wet braking capabilities.

However there are many other performance areas that we concentrate on; not least mileage, retreadability and durability, to ensure that our tyres provide excellent value for money.”

Goodyear also showcased its first AA-labelled concept truck tyre, in size 385/55R22.5, first unveiled at the 2012 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany in September. The tyre uses proprietary technology developed by Goodyear at its Innovations

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

Centre in Luxembourg, including new compound technology, an improved tread structure and an adapted manufacturing technique. Having said this, the tread design remains under wraps for the moment.

Henk Van Tuyl, director tyre technology Commercial Tyres EMEA said: “The new tyre is a technological breakthrough that will deliver improved levels of wet grip performance and fuel efficiency to Europe’s fleets.” He said the tyre could reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent compared to F-graded tyres, representing “around £5500 per year”, while the same comparison makes for a braking distance 30 per cent shorter, or “up to 25m shorter” for a truck travelling at 80kmh.

Winter tyre information campaign Goodyear launched an information campaign to commercial vehicle owners and fleets on winter road safety at Mira, following 2010 Department of Transport statistics showing 568 accidents involving heavy goods vehicles were due to snow or ice. “With increasingly unpredictable European weather conditions and stricter tyre legislation, Goodyear is advising all commercial vehicle operators to ensure that they have the right tyres before the start of winter,” said Stevanovic, arguing that following German legislation, “Winter tyres are not an option, they are a need.”

The Goodyear brand Ultra Grip range, comprising the Ultra Grip WTS steer tyre, WTD drive tyre and WTT trailer tyre, is designed to meet this need. The Ultra Grip WTS steer tyre has a wide, deep tread pattern, with Z blades and a tread compound suitable for winter conditions, helping increase grip and mileage on wet, snowy and icy roads. Likewise, the WTD drive axle tyre features tread compounds and carcass constructions with a specific blading technology, while the WTT winter trailer tyre, developed for use on paved roads as well as on unpaved and forest roads, has a robust carcass to protect against external damage.

Goodyear Dunlop also advises commercial vehicle operators to look beyond the new EU label grades when purchasing winter tyres, since it is widely acknowledged that the label does not provide an accurate indicator of a winter tyre’s quality in comparison with summer products. The differing performance criteria, including grip and traction, in snowy and icy conditions are most important and are two of 50 different criteria that Goodyear Dunlop assesses when developing commercial vehicle tyres. akb

The new specialist coach tyres are designed to meet the needs of the newest premium models

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Sumitomo debuts ‘ultra-high precision’ manufacturing system THIS YEAR

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of the first car tyre manufactured in Japan. Sumitomo claims the honour of producing this premiere Japanese tyre, and almost a century on the company reports it has finished developing a whole new tyre manufacturing system, which it calls NEO-T01. This new system has been created “in the pursuit of ultra-high precision tyre production technology,” said Sumitomo.

MARKS THE

ANNIVERSARY

The technology has its roots in the development of Sumitomo’s “Taiyo” space-saving, fully automated production system, which began in 1996. The tyre maker says Taiyo has continually evolved and expanded over the last 16 years and produced more than 36 million tyres in total. Taiyo is represented in the new technology’s acronymic name: NEO stands for Next (generation), Elaborate and Orb, while the letter ‘T’ means taiyo – Japanese for sun – as well as technology and tyre. The numerals ‘01’ stand for “for the ‘first iteration’ of our next generation manufacturing system,” Sumitomo Equipment used in the NEO-T01 production process added.

Work on NEO-T01 began several years ago. “Our company has worked tirelessly to advance the state of tyre pro- on by allowing for the optimal distribution of weight among tyre duction technology over the course of a century,” the tyre components. “This is made possible through the use of a commaker shared in a press statement. “Nevertheless, with the puter control system that manages every step of the tyreprogress of motorisation showing no end in sight, we anticipa- forming process – from the formation and processing of strip te that tyre performance demands will continue to grow ever components to their affixation to the metal core – with high higher in the future. Therefore, our company undertook a new precision, accurate to 0.01mm.”

The third of these key technologies, High-Rigidity Structure, project in 2008 with the aim of developing a new manufacturing system, one that would surpass Taiyo to achieve ultra-high allows for the use of harder stiffening materials than those that precision. This project has recently culminated in the develop- have been usable in conventional tyre manufacturing systems. ment of our next-generation manufacturing system, NEO-T01.” “This is achieved by performing the entire tyre production proNEO-T01 incorporates three key technologies: Metal Core cess, from formation to vulcanisation, around a metal core that Process, Fully Automatic Connected Control and High-Rigidity has been made to match the exact shape and size of the tyre’s design. With this innovation, we have succeeded in significantStructure.

Sumitomo calls Metal Core Process the “greatest feature of ly reducing tyre deformation during high-speed driving.”

By combining these three key technologies, Sumitomo says “NEO-T01.” It explains that tyres are formed using a cylindrical drum in conventional manufacturing systems, with each of the NEO-T01 is able to produce higher performance tyres, achietyre’s components affixed to this drum and joined together to ving a 70 per cent improvement in terms of “high-speed uniforform a tyre. “By contrast, in order to achieve ultra-high precisi- mity,” a ten per cent weight reduction and a 50 per cent reduction for NEO-T01, we have developed the ‘Metal Core Process,’ on in “deformation during high-speed driving” compared with a tyre manufacturing process in which the various components conventional tyre manufacturing systems.

The first commercial product based on the NEO-T01 system of a tyre are affixed to a metal former (core) that has been made in the exact shape and size of an actual finished tyre’s is planned for 2014. Sumitomo says this initial tyre line will be a “next-generation run-flat tyre that provides an excellent balaninterior.”

The second of these key technologies, Fully Automatic ce between lightness, safety and driving comfort.” sg Connected Control, is said to achieve significant weight reducti-

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Exide launches battery training programme IN ORDER TO FURTHER its customers’ knowledge about the battery business, Exide Technologies has launched what it calls ‘Exide Academy’. This new programme covers a broad range of commercial and technical topics, including margin optimisation and start-stop technology.

Customers can learn directly on their iPad or by downloading material to their computer. They can begin by learning the basics of battery technology, then progress to more complicated areas, such as how HVR prolongs battery life in AdBlueequipped trucks.

The learning material is split into a series of books that can be downloaded from ExideAcademy.com. Acquiring them is as simple as a visit to the website on your iPad and downloading the books you want – these will then appear in your bookshelf within the iBooks app.

“We wanted to create a truly immersive learning experience, and the iPad made that possible,” commented Magnus Ohlsson, vice-president aftermarket sales and marketing at Exide.

“Sometimes customers will carefully go through the material from beginning to end, and other times they’ll use it to quickly find the answer to a question. We’re giving customers full control over what they learn and where they learn it, and giving them the knowledge they need to grow their business.”

Exide Technologies has trained its sales team to guide customers through the learning process. As well as helping to answer questions, they will offer advice on reducing labour costs, protecting market share and selling more higher-margin products.

Batteries are changing at unprecedented speed, notes Exide Technologies.

With the increase in start-stop and regenerative braking systems, batteries are becoming more closely tied to the overall architecture of the car. Because the market is changing so quickly, Ohlsson believes Exide Academy will create more opportunities for resellers to increase their sales and profitability.

“Consumers are seeking out expertise in the latest battery technologies,” he continued. “So we’re making sure Exide resellers will be best prepared to service the fastest growing segments of the car parc. Our goal is to help our customers outperform their competitors and become tomorrow’s leaders in the battery business.” sg

Apollo launches 57-inch OTR tyre

The 11th International Mining and Machinery Exhibition (IMME) took place in Kolkata, India between 5 and 8 December. During the show Apollo Tyres launched the largest OTR tyre produced in the country, the XTRAX The XTRAX 40.00 57 towers over an Apollo stand representative at IMME 40.00 57.

Intended for use on 240 tonne dumper trucks, such as those operating in mining applications, each XTRAX 40.00 57 tyre is manufactured using 1.9 tonnes of rubber, 750 kilogrammes of carbon black, 350 kilogrammes of nylon fabric and half a tonne of other rubber chemicals. The 57inch fitment is produced at Apollo’s Limbda, Gujarat State plant and each tyre weighs 3.5 tonnes and has a total height of 11.7 feet (3.6 metres). sg

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Maxxis offering ‘e-Marked ATV tyres for on and off-road use’ MAXXIS

REPORTS that it “remains at the forefront of ATV tyre development” with its range of utility, ATV and specialist sports quad tyres, renowned for delivering superb allround performance across a variety of applications. And, of course, all these are useful in farming and agricultural applications. With all this in mind, it probably won’t come as a surprise that Maxxis is an accredited OE supplier to all the top ATV manufacturers, including Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris and Suzuki.

According to the company, the premium range of Maxxis E-Marked ATV products includes the M917/M918 Bighorn Radial.

As well as an “aggressive” tread pattern, this product’s construction reportedly offers a significantly smoother ride over rough trails, making it a choice for recreational riders as well as ATV/Side by Side racers who appreciate the superior ride quality. All sizes available in the UK – from 25x8.00-12 to 27x11.00-14 – are EMarked, ensuring the Bighorn meets legal requirements for road use.

Another tyre, the 6-ply Razr2 is said to be the culmination of extensive research and development by Maxxis as well as input from race champions. The increased lug depth is designed to offer increased skid and traction control, while the aggressive angled tread pattern improves steering and braking. Developed to provide the optimum set-up in all kinds of weather conditions, the Razr2 is also EMarked street legal.

As well as being market leader for ATV tyres, Maxxis reportedly has the reputation of being one of the world’s top three providers of tyres for the amenity market. The market-leading Turfmaxx was the first road legal turf tyre to go on sale

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highway and are already in stock.

CST brand tyres are produced by the Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co. Ltd. (Cheng Shin Tire).

Employing more than 20,000 people, and distributed in more than 150 countries, the CST brand covers a wide range of market segments. CST products include tyres and tubes for bicycles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, autos, trucks, forklifts, agricultural and lawn The new Ancla and Abuzz tyres are recent additions to Maxxis’ and garden equipment.

ATV line up The Abuzz CU01/ in the UK and is purpose designed to CU02 features lightweight construction address the safety issues associated for light steering quick braking and rapid with the extra roadwork implements acceler-ation, while its 6-ply build and cover between jobs. load ratings are designed to deliver superIn addition Trailermaxx is Maxxis’ ior durability and extra load capacity. The range of high speed trailer tyres which Abuzz is available in sizes from 24x8.00aim to deliver improved fuel economy 12 to 26x11.00-14. and enhanced tread life along with low An OE fitment on many machines, noise and a smooth ride. They are availa- the new CST Ancla C9311/C9312 delivers ble in a large number of sizes and speed a sure-footed, comfortable ride on hardratings, from the CR966 145 R10 82/84N pack and benefits from an aggressive, 8pr – which is designed to carry big loads sweeping tread design for superior tractand exceeds the load capacity of some ion on all surfaces, particularly mud. The competitor tyres – to the 5.00-10 8pr, the Ancla is available in sizes from 24x8.00155/70 R12C and the 185/60 R12C. 12 to 28x11.00-14.

With facilities including three factories in Xiamen, China, Cheng Shin adheres CST strengthen road legal ATV and to international standards and has attainutility tyre line-up for UK ed certificates and awards including DOT In addition sister brand CST is strength- (US Department of Transportation) ening its position in the farming and certification, ISO9001, E-Mark, and TS utility market with the launch of a series 16949. cja of innovative street-legal patterns, distributed in the UK through Maxxis International. The Abuzz CU01/CU02, Ancla C9311/C9312 and Ambush C9308/C9309 comply with UK legislation governing the use of ATVs on the public

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COMMAND PERFORMANCE

www.kumhotyre.co.uk To find out more about selling KUMHO tyres through the ECSTA Performance Centre programme, contact: Neil Schmid at Micheldever Tyre Services on 07775 676929 or Bonnie Adams on 01926 816826 For Kumho sales in Northern Ireland, contact Modern Tyre Service on (028) 6632 2299/3025 9300

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Yokohama unveils drag-reducing ‘tyre fin’ technology Achieving maximum aerodynamic efficiency is always good, right? Not necessarily so.

Sometimes being a drag isn’t such a bad thing, as Yokohama Rubber has discovered. The Japanese manufacturer shares that it has developed a tyre that increases a car’s aerodynamic qualities – by making those of the tyres worse.

Air flow in wheel wells with and without fin tyres – analysis by aerodynamic simulation

On a car fitted with standard tyres, air flows turbulently within the wheel wells as the car drives along, and some of this air flows out alongside the vehicle and causes aerodynamic drag to worsen. The tyre Yokohama has designed utilises fins to lower vehicle aerodynamic drag Tyres & Accessories 1/2013 Source: Yokohama Rubber by improving the flow of air around the tyre. The company’s researchers employed both aerodynamic simulatFin tyres cause air to flow in a spiral in the direction of wheel rotation. This alters air ions and wind tunnel testing to tackle the problem; in pressure in the wheel well and imparts forward force on the vehicle 2010 it developed aerodynamic simulation technology to simulate the flow of air around tyres in actual use conditions, and Yokohama reports that the scope of simulation is presently being expanded to include the entire vehicle.

These simulations and wind tunnel tests resulted in a tyre design where fin-shaped protuberances are present on the side facing inwards toward the wheel well when mounted. Test results showed that while drag on the tyre itself was worse than on a standard tyre, drag on the vehicle as a whole was considerably reduced.

Overall drag was lowered due to changes in pressure within the wheel wells caused by the presence of a flow A Yokohama-sourced computer animation compares of air spiralling in the direction of the tyres rotation – a a standard tyre (l) with a ‘fin’ tyre flow induced by the fins.

The technology was unveiled on 19 December at the 26th Cologne, Germany. Going forward, Yokohama says it will conComputational Fluid Dynamics Symposium in Tokyo, and it will duct further research on the relationship between tyre shape also be presented at February’s Tire Technology Expo 2013 in and air flow and assess tyre performance on actual vehicles. sg

OE for Mii – Falken to supply Seat city car Falken Tyre Europe reports that its Sincera SN831A Ecorun, which is already supplied as original equipment for the Volkswagen Up!, has now been chosen by the Volkswagen Group for fitment on the Seat Mii. As is the case for the Up!, the small Seat will receive the Sincera SN831A in size 165/70R14 81T. “We are supplying two of the arguably most successful European vehicle brands in the small and mid-size segments,” commented Markus Bögner, sales director Falken Tyre Europe GmbH. “This is a great success for us and signifies our products’ value for money.” sg

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Nokian voices support for Swedish winter tyre rule Unsuitable tyres are to

SWEDEN’S

GOVERNMENT has decided that from the start of

2013, trucks operating within the country must have tyres with at least 5 mm pattern depth and winter tyres on their drive axles between 1 December and 31 March, whenever winter conditions occur. This new requirement has been applauded by Nokian Tyres, which says it “can be expected to substantially increase road safety during the winter season.”

The law, the Finnish tyre maker comments, has its background in the “unfortunate statistics from previous winters concerning traffic accidents where trucks with worn out tyres were involved.” Nokian refers to a study performed by the Swedish Transport Agency, which showed 45 per cent of foreign truck and trailer combinations involved in run-off-road

collisions had poor pattern depth in blame for numerous accidents and traffic disruptions their drive axle tyres. It also says that, in addition to accidents, many trucks with poor tyres “have caused severe traffic delays by running off the road or getting stuck on slippery uphill routes.”

“This is a very important and respectable decision from the Swedish Government; they are taking the initiative in ensuring road safety and fluent transport,” stated Pontus Stenberg, vicepresident, Truck Tyres at Nokian Tyres. “It is essential that all transport companies driving in Sweden notice this new requirement, regardless the country of origin. Winter conditions can be extremely severe in Nordic countries and it is essential that proper tyres in all axles are used.” sg

Norgesdekk buys P. Holth Norgesdekk AS has bought P. Holth AS in a move that sees the company expand to five locations. The business already has operations in Bergen, Jaeren Kristiansand and Tonsberg, Norway. According to the company, the expansion takes effect on 1 January 2013.

Norgesdekk is already one of the largest independent wholesalers in the Norwegian tyre and wheel market. The latest acquisition is said to be part of a longterm strategy to be a wholesaler that serves its customers with same day deliver and “excellent” service. The P. Holth purchase significantly increases the level of service the company is able to offer in the Oslo area.

Norgesdekk itself was purchase from Dekk1 Holding AS in 2011 by its original founder Arne Stangeland and his colleagues of many years, Sveinung Uelan, Jone Stangeland, Lars K Skaar and Alf B Haarvei. They had been active in building up the company’s Dekk1 retail and wholesale

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businesses since 2006. In 2008 they sold 50 per cent of their business to private equity firm Borea Opportunity. In 2011 Borea and the founders parted ways after they realised they had different opinions about the future strategy for the company. And it was at this point that the company was split in two. Borea Opportunity continued with the Dekk1 retail business, while the current owners continued with Norgesdekk.

P Holth was found in 1992 by Petter Holth. He built the business into a 110 million Norwegian krone business. Following the acquisition Petter Holth will become an active shareholder in Norgesdekk AS. It appears that P Holth’s Falken and Sailun agencies will go with it to Norgesdekk.

P Holth’s Dekkmestern retail business will be taken over by Jan Rune Jvamme. cja

Goodyear a Thomson Reuters “Top 100 Global Innovator” THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY has been named a Thomson Reuters 2012 Top 100 Global Innovator for the second consecutive year. “This recognition is further evidence that Goodyear is continuing its drive as the tyre industry’s innovation leader,” stated chief technology officer, Joseph Zekoski.

“Whether it’s the innovative tread zones and evolving traction grooves in the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Season tire or future breakthroughs such as Air Maintenance Technology, Goodyear is leading with innovative products that consumers need and want.”

Thomson Reuters honours global companies based on a series of proprietary patent-related metrics.

“Innovation is the foundation for economic prosperity and technological advancement,” said David Brown, managing director, Thomson Reuters IP Solutions. “We congratulate the Thomson Reuters 2012 Top 100 Global Innovator companies and their leaders for recognizing the important role innovation plays in the successes of today and of tomorrow.”

The full report and list of the Thomson Reuters 2012 Top 100 Global Innovators is available at the website, www.top100innovators.com. akb

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INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET COMPANY NEWS

Ferrari display atPirelli, Australian motor museum

by Gio Ponti stands opposisons, Piero and Alberto returned to per designed world and its F1 value Show is estimatedCar at 2.27on billion euros. In 1922, Pirelli & C. was list- run the company.

In 1948F2004 the “Rivista Pirelli” magazine ed on the Milan stock exchange and in its Ferrari Bridgestone Australia has provided Formula One show was created.

It was oneloan. of the 1929 became the first Italian company car toitthe country’s National Motor Museum on a long-term Themost car, important of a company publito exact be listed on the Newracer York that stockwon an replica of the 15 outexamples of 18 races in the 2004 cation aimed at public, with exchange.One In 1929 the company also built Formula season and scored 12 pole positions at the the general hands of Michael its first factory in Brazil, a country of fun- the goal of combining technical and Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, was officially unveiled at the damental importance for the group, and humanist culture. In almost 30 years’ Adelaide-based museum on 12 December.

where today it has five production facilities. of director Moffatt, Andrew In 1924 Pirellimanaging obtained the copyright fitting wascables it the Ltd, said in Australia Bridgestone for an innovative technology at the go on display car to show that the From for field. moment, nearly all the is proudly Australia “Bridgestone museum. high tension power lines of the world here in Adelaide and we can headquartered used Pirelli technology.

70 more than here back our historyfounder trace Company Giovanni Battista the that setpleased areinvery said. “We years, Pirelli” he passed away 1932.

Further feature be aSecond now the car will show Ferrari backs F2004 awaited Pirelli during in Birdwood, Museum Motor its the National ofWorld War, when factories in Milan learn– more more people many damaged. enabling were heavily In to1946 after racing important part about being an administered for ofa motor year by the history.

Allied” Forces government – Giovanni’s

publication, the magazine hosted many great names of literature, graphic design Brawn Ross Byrne, Rorythis andDesigned art. It is by during period that the powered F2004 Costa,of the Aldo traits and distinctive Pirelli’s communicatiWorld seventh Schumacher on took form, to withhis important contributisecualso easily Ferrari whileand Championship ons from artists designers such as straight sixth and itsMendini red Mulas, Guttuso.Constructors' Championship.

In 1953 the Cinturato, the tyre that director Museumradial Motorof Pirelli’s National marked the debut techsaid she and her team Norman Marianne nology, was introduced. in F2004 FerrariPirelli the Piero have1956, to7th, excited wereOn August died holidays.

Australia’s time and for Alberto took summer over as school chairman.

Four One for Formula drawcardnew a great will be “It years later the Group’s Milan headsaid. of all ages, enthusiasts Ferrariwere and quarters inaugurated.

The” she skyscra-

te Milan’s central station.

In 1964 the first Pirelli calendar was produced, with images by Robert Freeman, photographer of The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour. The calendar proved to be an immediate success and quickly achieved cult object status. The 2013 Calendar - photographed by Steve McCurry – will be the 40th edition.

Unveiling the F1Alberto show carPirelli, aged 83, was In 1965 appointed the group’s honorary president to sharetoit to be able very pleased “We're and handed the executive presidency to Bridgestone." the community withson his Leopoldo, thanks who remained at the the National at years.

Also going company’s helmonfordisplay over 25 an item Motor In Museum the 1970sisPirelli and some Dunlopformer interather Australia employees Bridgestone grated their respective industrialmay activities will house – the museum over not reminisce and took cross shareholdings.

During this of Bridgestone the last a specimen period Pirellifrom reports thatset a “technological to Australia, tyres ever leap” tookmanufactured place, the in results of prior which Salisbury the closure were seen of in the the company’s Cinturato P7 , P6 andfaciliP8. sg ty in 2010.

Pirelli’s expansion continued in the 1980s

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INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Techking’s Heze plant ready for production TECHKING TIRES has announced the in the new factory will completion of the greenfield factory that it, along with an unnamed partner, erected in China’s Shandong province.

The plant is located in the city of Heze and will produce passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres. Techking says the plant will have an end annual capacity of ten million tyres, an output that will be reached in two phases over a period of five to seven years. The Heze plant began trial operations in November 2012.

The project to build the new plant was known as ‘Spark’; prior to initiating the project, Techking reports it invested significantly in collecting market information within China and studying tyre demand. The first products manufactured

target certain original equipment and replacement market segments within the Chinese market.

These will, says Techking’s new Techking, deliver Heze plant “application specific” PCR products to the domestic market, something it claims as an industry first. A given example of such application specific products is the first tyre planned for the project, a low rolling resistance tyre designed for electric vehicles. The second tyre intended for production will service the minivan market in China, an area where cross-ply tyres are traditional-

ly used; Techking says its radial minivan pattern will reduce punctures and enhance driving comfort and safety.

Overseas market will also be served with passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres from the new plant, starting from the second quarter of 2013. sg

Maxxis partner expanding retreading operation

K

Kian Hon Tyres Sdn. Bhd., the sole Malaysian distributor of the Maxxis tyre brand, is placing a greater focus on retreading the Taiwanese tyre maker’s products with the opening of an expanded retreading facility. The company says it has received the “full support and involvement” of Maxxis to construct a tread rubber production line and expand its retreading plant in Penang. Total capacity at the plant, which first entered operation in 1980, will increase to 120,000 retreads a year and 15,000 tread liners per month.

The plant will be the primary retreading and tread liner production site for the Maxxis brand within the region.

The expanded Malaysian plant will serve as a benchmark for the establishment of further retreading plants in Indonesia and the Philippines in 2013; these will be established by local Maxxis partners with the assistance of Kian Hon. In addition to the plant itself serving as a benchmark, the marketing activities Kian Hon has undertaken for Maxxis tyres in Malaysia will also be applied in other markets.

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Kian Hon Tyres and Maxxis Intern- retreading plant involve a total investational are also partnering to establish ment of US$20 million and will create the Maxxis Asia Education Centre for 200 to 400 new jobs.

Kian Hon chairman Tan Yang Nam said truck and bus radial tyres. The Malaysian company says it was chosen for this new that, with the plant’s opening, the compaventure because of its” remarkable per- ny now anticipates a turnover of MYR200 formance and aggressive expansion million (£40 million) in 2013. “This year plans for its retreading plant.” The new our business turnover is RM150 million centre is located at Kian Hon’s new buil- so we will expect an increase next year,“ ding in Nibong Tebal, which opened in he said. Tan reports the company has December, and will feature state-of-the- been experiencing an annual growth of art infrastructure and first-class equip- ten per cent. sg ment. A main aim of the centre is to help Maxxis’ Asian partners upgrade their TBR professional knowledge through regular interactive training and information on the industry’s best practices. The programmes will be conducted by specialists, engineers and trained speakers.

Kian Hon is increasing its This establishment annual retreading capacity to of the centre and 120,000 units upgrades to Kian Hon’s

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INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Award acknowledges Bridgestone’s energy efficiency efforts BRIDGESTONE’S ROME-BASED Technical Center Europe (TCE) has won the Italian “E.ON Energia Award” for distinguishing itself in energy efficiency during 2012. The award, first given by the power and gas company in 2011, was received by Gianni Lampazzi, director of Tyre Development Operations on 29 November 2012 at the “Sette Green Awards” event held at the Triennale Design Museum in Milan.

In line with the tyre maker’s policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improving energy efficiency, in 2010 the TCE began implementing an energy management system for

The award was received by Gianni Lampazzi, director of the TCE’s Tyre Development Operations

its production processes. This system improves process efficiency through the systematic planning of activities aimed at reducing consumption, in order to achieve precise energy efficiency targets. The system is currently certified by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance according to international standard ISO 50001:2011, and the TCE is one of the first Italian companies to have obtained this certification. To initiate the improvement programmes, TCE carried out an audit on the efficiency of the plants and began monitoring consumption in detail. Most of the efforts have been concentrated on reducing electricity and methane consumption without affecting productivity.

The TCE serves as the cornerstone of all research activities carried out by Bridgestone in Europe during the phases of tyre design, material procurement, prototype production and advanced testing. Its initiative is linked to Bridgestone’s longterm goal of achieving a 50 per cent reduction in its CO2 emissions by 2050, and to meet this target the Japanese company has adapted its activities according to the forecasts of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and international scholars. Bridgestone has also set itself two mediumterm targets for 2020: a 35 per cent cut in total CO2 emissions, and a 25 per cent improvement in the rolling resistance of its tyres.

“This award represents a further recognition of Bridgestone’s contribution to sustainable development and a healthy society. These are fundamental values for the Group, which are reflected in our support for CSR activities and in the development of our products,” stated Lampazzi. sg

Partnership gives Lehigh greater access to Latam markets A new distribution partnership between Lehigh Technologies and specialty chemicals and logistic solutions provider Andes Chemical Corporation will expand Lehigh’s geographic reach into Latin America and give the US-based company increased opportunities to meet growing demand for its micronised rubber powder (MRP).

“Geographic expansion is a key component of our growth strategy,” said Lehigh Technologies CEO Dr. Alan Barton.

“Andes’ reputation in the chemical industry along with its technical and solutions-oriented approach supports our technology strategy and facilitates our expansion into new geographies.”

Lehigh Technologies transforms end-of-life tyre and postindustrial rubber into new materials that are suitable for use in the production of high-performance tyres, consumer and industrial plastics goods, asphalt, coatings and construction materials. Stated benefits of Lehigh’s MRP are reduced raw material costs and an increased sustainability profile of end products

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without a compromise in product performance. Lehigh shares that its customer base includes the world’s largest tyre makers, and so far more than 150 million tyres have been manufactured using its MRP technology.

“Andes is committed to bringing innovative solutions to our customers, especially sustainable solutions that do not sacrifice quality, cost, or performance,” said Andes Chemical Corporation president Fernando Espinosa. “Lehigh’s technology position will allow the company to continue with this commitment. There are significant growth opportunities for Lehigh’s technology in the Latin American region.”

MRP is produced using Lehigh’s energy efficient cryogenic turbo mill technology, which breaks down waste rubber to micron scale powders. The Georgia, US-based company is privately held and backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Index Ventures, NGP Energy Technology Partners and Leaf Clean Energy. sg

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 1/2013

INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Mesnac establishes global sales and service network CHINA’S QINGDAO MESNAC CO., LTD,

Oliver Rubber celebrates centenary LATE LAST YEAR, Retreading materials supplier Oliver Rubber commemorated its 100 anniversary. The US firm was founded in Oakland, California in 1912 by engineer Marion F. Oliver, and believes it may well be the first company to retread tyres using pre-cure rubber; it accomplished this feat in 1916. In that same year Oliver Rubber became one of the first in the industry to work with organic accelerators and use carbon black as a reinforcing pigment.

During the 1930s, Oliver’s technical engineers worked with US government scientists and colleagues from within the industry on the development of fast curing gum and SBR rubber, and during the Second World War the company made its own small but valuable contribution to an Allied victory by shifting production from tread rubber to items needed for the war effort, such as moulded and extruded products. The big growth in pre-cure retreading didn’t take place until the 1960s, however, after the introduction of radial truck tyres in the US. By 1990, more than 20 patents had been awarded to Oliver Rubber for its development of pre-cure retreading equipment, compounds and tread designs. The company was acquired by Michelin North America in 2007 and is now a whollyowned subsidiary of the tyre maker.

“Oliver Rubber’s original goal was to provide its customers with quality tread rubber and value,” said Vic Koelsch, chief operating officer for Michelin Americas Truck Tires. “Now, 100 year later, Oliver continues to execute the strategy that has made it successful from day one and we are proud that the company is part of the Michelin family.”

Today, Oliver offers a wide variety of pre-cure and mould cure tread rubber.

Its product line of rubber compounds and tread patterns includes highway/rib, traction/lug, wide base, light truck, specialty, and ultra-low profile wide base.

Additionally, Oliver provides tyre repairs and performance consulting, emergency road service, and national account and warranty programmes. sg

the company said to be the world’s second largest supplier of tyre and rubber manufacturing equipment, has set up a new global sales and service network. Mesnac says rapid growth in China, Asia and internationally since the firm’s founding in 2000 made the establishment of the new Mesnac Global Sales and Marketing Company (SMC) necessary. Zheng Jiangjia, executive vice-president of Mesnac, has been appointed president of the new operation; Zheng will lead five regional sales and marketing teams, which will be located in China, Southeast Asia, India, Europe and North/Latin America.

Each of these teams will include sales, marketing and service functions to support customers in each region, and each region will be able to call upon the appropriate product support specialists to provide the level of engineering and technical expertise for the various Mesnac product lines and brands.

In announcing the new company’s formation, Zheng said “we have now reached a 2013 3 -15, stage in our development 1 .

A v o N · CHIN GHAI where the global reach to our SHAN cust-omers has to be changed from the headquarters in Qingdao to a regional basis. We recognise that real time communication and Messe Essen speed of service is something that our global customers expect. With our recent expansions and acquisitions we are now in a position to utilise our international experFurther information: tise to provide such a global Messe Essen GmbH · Phone: +49 201 72 44-727/-394 · Fax: +49 201 72 44-435 E-Mail: reifen.china@messe-essen.de · www.reifen-china.com service.” sg China United Rubber Corporation Phone: +86 10 5865 0277 · Fax: +86 10 5865 0288 E-Mail: reifen.china@chrubber.com · www.reifenchina.com

3333AnzTyreAccess135x92_rz.indd 1

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Abrasives www.olivercorp.com

Associations www.btmauk.com www.etrma.org www.itdn.org.uk www.itma-europe.com www.ntda.co.uk www.tireindustry.org www.tyrerecovery.org.uk www.tyresafe.org

Breakdown Services www.itdn.org.uk

Earthmover Wheels www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

E-Commerce www.etyres.co.uk www.oddballtyres.co.uk

Exhausts/Silencers www.cesuk.com www.klarius.eu

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

Fleet Management Systems www.advancedidcorp.com www.pneu-logic.co.uk

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Importers/Wholesalers www.tym-international.com

Industrial Tyres www.solideal.com

Lifting Equipment www.jiglift.com www.ecolift.cn

Locking Wheel Nuts www.dynomec.co.uk

Materials/Accessories www.gogommasrl.it

Miscellaneous www.traxjh.com

Motorcycle Tyre Wholesalers www.cambriantyres.co.uk www.worldofbiketyres.com

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

Retreading/Recycling/Disposal www.credenv.com www.cmshredders.com www.dmetyres.co.uk www.environment-agency.gov.uk/tyrewatch www.kraiburg-retreading.com retreading.marangoni.com www.sapphirerecovery.co.uk www.treadsdirect.com www.watts-rubber.com

Software www.mamsoft.co.uk/tyres

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Testing Services www.dunloptyretesting.co.uk

Truck Tyre Retreading www.bandvulc.co.uk

Truck Wheels www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

Tyre Compounds www.vipal.com.br

Tyre Computer Software www.teamsystems.co.uk

Tyre Distributors/Wholesalers www.aeolus-tyres.eu www.bitsuk.co.uk www.blackcircles.com www.bridgestone.eu/truckpoint www.dalytyres.com www.cooperbros.co.uk www.deldo.com www.deklokbanden.com www.dessimpson.co.uk www.euro-tyre.com www.fieldens.co.uk www.fulda.co.uk www.glanworthtyres.com www.gold-spark.com www.goodyear.co.uk www.gripenwheels.com www.grouptyre.co.uk www.gt-tires.com www.haemmerling.de www.herculesinternational.com www.heuver.com www.internationaltyres.com www.inter-sprint.nl

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www.kenda.com.tw www.kingdavidtyres.co.uk www.kirkbytyres.co.uk www.kumho-euro.com www.lassa-europe.com www.lexanitire.com www.lctyres.ie www.lytire.com www.magnatyres.com www.maitechtire.com www.marangoni.com www.mastercrafttyres.co.uk www.matador.sk www.midlandmobiletyres.co.uk www.micheldever.co.uk www.mickeythompson.co.uk www.mrftyres.com www.nankang.com.tw www.nete.co.uk www.nexentire.co.kr www.northwesttyres.com www.pirelli.co.uk www.sd-international.cn www.sentaida-international.com www.silverstone.com.my www.sintontyres.co.uk www.southam-tyres.co.uk www.starco.com www.stapletons-tyres.co.uk The fast and direct way to your homepage: Web Directory in Tyre & Accessories & the Link section in www.tyrepress.com To appear in thisWebsite Directory for 12 months – which will include hyperlinked entries on the Tyres & Accessories website – please contact: info@tyrepress.com

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www.techkingtires.com www.toyo.co.uk www.treadwayscorp.com www.trelleborg.com www.tribatyre.com www.tyres-bernaerts.com www.tyrespot.co.uk www.uniroyaltruck.co.uk www.viking.co.uk www.vredestein.com www.yokohama.co.uk

Tyre Exporters www.china-tyre.com

Tyre Manufacturers www.bkt-tires.com www.bridgestone.eu/truckpoint www.cgs.cz www.conti-online.co.uk www.coopertire.com www.dunloptyres.co.uk www.eptyres.com www.hankooktire.eu

Tyre Moulds www.jwinc.co.kr

Tyre Repair/Inflation www.airbosstyre.com www.harvieprema.co.uk www.monaflex.com www.schrader-valves.co.uk www.smartronics.co.uk www.punctureproof.com www.uniflate.com

86

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

Wheels www.afan-tyres.co.uk www.alcar.co.uk www.elitedirect.com www.imagewheels.co.uk www.mswuk.com www.overfinch.com www.performancealloys.com www.tsw-wheels.co.uk www.trelleborg.com/wheelsystems-uk

Wheel Balancers/Accessories www.dionys-hofmann.com www.haweka.com

Workshop Equipment www.agequipment.co.uk www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk www.beissbarth.co.uk www.butler.it www.cosengautomotive.com www.innotecworld.com www.pro-align.co.uk www.reinheimer-stitcher-roller.com www.sunbornsolutions.com www.supertracker.com www.tip-top.co.uk www.tsissg.com www.tyre-equipment.co.uk www.wheelalignmentuk.com

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SAleS MAnAger – tyreS Southern Europe

We are searching for a Sales Manager with know­how and experience from the Southern European Tyre business for a newly established position.

Job profile • As our new Sales Manager you will introduce, market and establish a network of dealers by selling a strong private brand programme in Southern Europe for PCR, LTR and in the near future SUV tyres.

We can offer • A strong and competitive product range.

• A professional export department in Denmark as support.

• Good opportunities for personal and professional development and growth.

• Your markets will be Spain, Italy, France • Salary according to qualifications and and other Southern European countries. experience.

• The position will involve some travel activity in the defined markets.

• You will arrange and participate in international exhibitions.

We expect • That you have a considerable know­ ledge and skills in selling a private brand and experience from a similar position in the tyre business.

• That you have excellent linguistic skills in English, French, Spanish and/or Italian, and that you know the market and the culture in those countries.

• That you are independent, motivated, committed and result oriented.

• That your home base gives you easy access to the markets. Where you live is not so important.

Start • As soon as possible.

Applications Please send your application, CV and other relevant information by mail or email to: job@ndi-dk.com.

In case of inquiries about the position please contact Export Manager, Carsten Andersen, tel: + 45 20 20 92 03

NDI with headquarters in Broerup, Denmark is the largest tyre company in Scandinavia with 80 branches/ outlets in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany and Finland. The group markets, sells and distributes tyres, tubes, wheels, batteries, oils and parts for the automotive business, industry and agriculture. The group employs 750 people and has experienced an excessive growth during the years. NDI expects further growth and development in the years to come.

Merkurvej 7 · DK-6650 Broerup · DenMArK

www.ndi.eu

company West Yorkshire, WF10 3EW 1 05/12/2012 16:14 Page 1 ent to 7.2 2520_TYRES&ACCESSORIES-1-4ppmk2_Layout uro turnosegment, WWW.TYREPRESS.COM 123 will increa. The tyre

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I TPMS/Diagnostics I The label may have been the industry’s number one topic in 2012, but the year also saw the introduction of regulations covering Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems; as of last July, all newly-homologated car models must have TPMS fitted, and in 2014 this will be extended to cover all new cars. Next month we cover this important subject in a feature that also includes diagnostic systems and equipment.

I Light commercial vehicle tyres I Van and other light commercial operators place particular demands on their vehicles – and their tyres. Therefore a specialised segment catering to these specific needs has emerged. In our robust, kerbing resistant February feature, Tyres & Accessories presents the latest tyres aimed at light commercial vehicle operators.

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Bank Transfer/BACS National Westminster Bank plc, 10 Station Road, Clacton on Sea, Essex CO15 1TA UK Account Name: Tyre Industry Publications Ltd Account No: 70304440 Sort Code: 60 05 33 Swift Code: NWBKGB2L IBAN Code: GB79 NWBK 6005 3370 3044 40 Cheques Made payable to ’TYRE INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS LTD‘ and crossed ’A/C PAYEE‘ and posted to Julie Wilshaw, Tyre Industry Publications Ltd, 6a Salem Street, Etruria, STOKE ON TRENT ST1 5PR UK

ORDER CONFIRMATION Once your subscription order has been set up you will receive an email containing your receipted invoice for your records. This shows a summary of your order, payment details, an order reference number and contact details for enquiries.

For any further information please contact Julie Wilshaw at julie.wilshaw@tyrepress.com or Telephone 44 (0) 1782 214224 or visit our website at www.tyrepress.com