Tyres & Accessories February 2009 by Tyres Industry Publications Ltd

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February 2009 Tyres & Accessories February 2009

O F F

T H E

R O A D

T Y R E S

MSV01

MS301

MS302

MS401

Highway Service

E3/L3

AGGRESSIVE SELF CLEANING TREAD DESIGN PROVIDES EXCELLENT TRACTION AND DURABILITY IN THE TOUGHEST OF APPLICATIONS. Produced by MAI (Shandong) Radial Tyre Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Italian MAI Group. MAI (Shandong) Radial Tyre Company, which is headquartered in Shandong Province China, is a technically advanced radial tyre manufacturing plant with a highly skilled management team

and workforce utilizing the very latest manufacturing techniques, materials and production equipment to produce radial OTR tyres in a range of sizes from 25” through to 35” of the highest quality capable of performing in the toughest of applications.

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Mai International S.r.l. Italy • Via Conche, 1151 • 37050 Isola Rizza VERONA Tel. +39 045 6970505 • Fax +39 045 6971377 • info@maxamtire.com

www.maxamtire.com

EDITORIAL

Spending Their Way Out of Recession

pend or save, that is the question. Watching newly inaugurated US President Barack Obama fight to push his trillion-dollar public spending plans through congress exemplifies the divide between the two opposing schools of thought on how to deal with the current financial crisis. Conservative politicians holding opposition office (both here and in the US) appear to advocate lowering taxes and argue against the high levels of borrowing Gordon Brown and Obama are embarking on. But in practice the majority of both left and right governments around the world are doing similar things to Brown and Obama and advocating economic stimulus plans – albeit to a greater or lesser extent. But how do tyre businesses get out of slump? Can this market spend its way out of recession? The well-reported Schaeffler/Conti saga aside, the largest tyre companies are not acting like most of the nations in the western world and seeking to heavily increase their borrowing in order to invest. However, neither are they cutting off all their spending. Shrewd businesses know that while they may have to tighten their belts in tough times, cutting off spending in a downturn can do more harm than good. Premium tyre manufacturers for example are now be seeking to defend their market positions from the de-segmentation trend (cost conscious consumers switching to mid-range) that was predicted by a range of analysts at the end of 2008. With this in mind, Bridgestone’s decision to sponsor American Football’s Super Bowl XLIII is particularly interesting. Often dubbed “advertising’s biggest stage,” viewers on 1 February saw two new adverts by Bridgestone, broadcast alongside the NBC network’s coverage. Not only is it advertising’s biggest stage, but at $2-3 million dollars for 30 seconds of airtime, it is also the most expensive. The Superbowl’s famous Halftime Show was also sponsored by the manufacturer. Both adverts represent an attempt to reinforce the company’s strap line - “For drivers who want to get the most out of their cars… it’s Bridgestone or nothing.” “When it comes to getting your message out there, no advertising opportunity compares to the reach and impact of the Super Bowl,” said John Baratta, president, Replacement Tire Sales US and Canada, Consumer Tire Sales Division. However, as Tyres & Accessories went to press, news broke that the Japanese based manufacturer was also making symbolically significant cuts in its motorsport spending. Having earlier signed a three-year control tyre supply deal for MotoGP, Bridgestone is apparently walking away from two decades as headline sponsor of the All-Japan F3 Championship. Korean manufacturer, Hankook is poised to take over. Hankook Tire is obviously set on taking strides towards to increasing its market presence despite the market conditions and will no doubt see the All-Japan F3 deal something of a coup, as it is the only series in Asia able to award an FIA F1 superlicence to its champion. But while some companies are strategically refocusing their motorsport sponsorship, and at the same time by default allowing competitors in to replace them, other companies continue to see motorsport tyre supply as an income stream rather than an expensive marketing luxury. Take Dunlop UK’s motorsport wing for example. T&A recently learnt that far from grinding to a halt due to amateur and professional drivers having to count their pennies, it was actually the fastest growing part of the company’s business in 2008 with sales up 5 per cent year-on-year. So is spending or saving the answer? If Bridgestone’s recent sponsorship decisions are anything to go by, can’t it be both? Let us know your views by taking part in our latest online poll in the News/Question of the Month section at www.tyrepress.com.

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

February 2009

Contents

46 Features

News • Editorial Spending Their Way Out of Recession 3

• News in Brief

• NTDA News

Conti Rubber to Be Separated Cartel Parties Fined by EC Truck Tyres for Obama’s Limo

50 54 56

• International Tyre Market

• UK Tyre Market HiQ Aims for 275 Locations by 2013 16 Brityrex 09 Doing ’Buoyant Business’ 26 Top of the Tree

• Company News Work in Progress

Nankang Celebrates 50 years Bottom Dropped Out for Loadstar Malaysia Cutting Rubber Exports

78 80 81

• Product 18 New Toyo Sizes Maxxis Seeking Distributors Bridgestone EU Launches Ecopia Summer Launch for Matador Range

82 83 84 86

• Recycling Michelin Sells Sapphire Share Before Chipping: Crushing & Cutting Having a Bale of a Time The Daily Grind

40 42 43 44

• Tyrexpo Asia Tyrexpo: Chance to Secure Business 58 BKT Bringing New Rangers 64 Tyrexpo a “Very Efficient Platform“ 68 Euro-Tyre Supplying Infinity Brand 73 Stamford Bringing New Lines 75 AME International Tyre Changing 76 Vee Rubber Caters to Export Markets 77

88 Web Directory – 91 Classifieds – 93 Advertisers Index – 95 Preview – 95 Impressum

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tyres Northampton is Pirelli Performance Centre of the Year Award 2008 Nokian Announces Further Redundancies, Layoffs Nokian Car and Van has responded to reduced demand with a raft of job cuts and temporary layoffs. The company has eliminated a total of 232 jobs, of which 106 are to be covered by pension arrangements. In addition, a further 440 people will be temporarily furloughed in 110 batches over a nineweek cycle, plus 62 more are to be laid off until further notice. Car and van tyre production will change from a three-shift seven-day working week to a three-shift five-day working week arrangement. Annual production capacity at Nokian’s passenger and van tyre production facility will decrease from the current level of six million tyres to approximately four million tyres in 2009. sg

Blackcircles Appoints New PR Agency Blackcircles.com has given Liverpool/Manchester based PR agency Paver Smith responsibility for the company’s public relations programme. Following the appointment, managing director Michael Welch commented that “we're delighted to bring Paver Smith onboard and look forward to developing a successful working relationship.” According to Paver Smith managing director Dougal Paver, “our focus for Blackcircles.com is to target van drivers and mums using national consumer media. They’re two very distinct audiences with very different needs and reasons for renewing tyres and it’ll be a great showcase for our thinking.” sg

Pirelli Tyres has crowned Tyres Northampton as its Pirelli Performance Centre (PPC) of the year for the second year running. The award is the culmination of a four month assessment programme which included the PPC technical audit followed by an onsite video “mystery shop”. The PPC technical audit covers a wide spectrum of areas including working practices, standard and maintenance of equipment, housekeeping and tyre/wheel removal procedures. In contrast, the video “mystery shop” focused on the consumer experience and levels of customer service. Tyres Northampton fought off tough competition as the 56 depot PPC network was finally whittled down to three outstanding sites. The two other finalists, ETB Worcester and Eclipse Tyres at Alcester were narrowly beaten by the eventual winner. Wayne Nickless, Pirelli marketing director was delighted with the high standard of scores: “The constant evaluation and auditing that our PPC’s go through, results in a network that truly reflects the high performance ethos of the Pirelli Brand. Congratulations must go to Tyres Northampton for being the best of the best and becoming our PPC of the Year 2008”. “Winning this award two years running pays tribute to the unwavering commitment and hard work shown by the entire team,” Malcolm Andrew of Tyres Northampton commented, We are delighted to win this prestigious award again and look forward to delivering the best possible customer service in the future.” cja

Bridgestone a Strong Performer in Magazine Motorcycle Tyre Tests 2008 ended on a high note for Bridgestone UK, with the company’s products fairing well in recent tests performed by RiDE and Bike magazines, which put a range of motorcycle tyres through their paces. RiDE magazine’s RiDER Power survey, the largest consumer survey of riders on all aspects of motorcycling, from top dealers to the bikes themselves, assessed the tyres on a range of criteria from grip to longevity. Bridgestone reports its tyre came top in several categories, including tyre life and wet and dry grip. Bridgestone’s Trial Wings and Battle Wings tyres dominated the top ten in the tyre life category, scooping the top spots in the front and rear categories respectively, with the BT-045 and BT-057 also making the top twenty. The BT-090 topped the tables for dry grip and a number of other tyres in the range also rated highly in the wet and dry grip categories. In a second success, Bridgestone’s BT-020/21 also won Bike magazine’s regular ‘tyre test’ for Adventure Sports Bikes, gaining the maximum five stars offered by the evaluation. For the test, Bridgestone recommended a BT-020/BT-021 front and rear combination, which were scored highly for feel, stability, comfort and warm-up. “Bridgestone is always looking for feedback on its products and to have such a positive outcome in these tests was excellent, particularly as the RiDE rankings were influenced by riders themselves,” said Gary Hartshorne, motorcycle sales and technical at Bridgestone UK. “The Adventure Sports market is the largest growing market in the UK and the RiDER Power results along, with the Bike magazine win, puts us in a very strong position for all types of product, whether that be a dual purpose tyre, Trail Wings, an off road looking tyre with little off road performance, Battle Wings, or indeed pure road tyres with the BT-020 and BT-021. However we are also constantly developing our products and will be looking to build on this success in 2009.” sg

Tyres & Accessories 02/2009

7318-STS Thousands trade ad

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TYRES. THOUSANDS OF THEM. The widest range of tyres, from budget to high performance premium.

CALL US ON

0870 60 54321 to join the success story

www.stsprofitlink.co.uk www.stapletons-tyres.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tyre Industry Publications New Address Thanks to a successful 2008 – in which the newsletter circulation grew by more than 40 per cent – Tyre Industry Publications, publishers of Tyres & Accessories magazine and the Tyrepress.com eNewsletter, has moved to a new address. From the start of 2009, the company’s editorial office will be at 6A Salem Street, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 5PR. Telephone numbers and email addresses will remain unchanged. Editor Chris Anthony said, “we are very excited about 2009 as we look to build upon a great year for the newsletter, which has seen a massive jump in circulation following the move to html formatting. The new year will see the launch of a new website at www.tyrepress.com and our newly expanded office space reflects the exciting period of growth we hope to continue.” akb

Federal Acknowledged by MSA in UK Federal Tyres has joined the Motor Sports Association (MSA) as a fully endorsed member. The company states, “we are dedicated to innovation and deliver industry-leading products in the high performance end of the market.” Federal’s 595 and RPM asymmetric tyre were accepted in the category 1a for road tyre; along with 595EVO as well as 595RS-R race-proven tyre in the category 1b for road legal competition tyres. The Motor Sports Association is recognised as the sole motor sport governing body for the United Kingdom. It controls the technical and sporting rules across the various disciplines with over seven hundred motor clubs choosing to share agreed codes of practice under one umbrella. Related information will be officially published in MSA’s 2009 Year Book of Regulations. akb

Yokohama Announces New ADVAN Launch in 2009 Neova AD08 will pitch between brand’s Sport road tyre and A048 coming to shops in mid-year

okohama has announced the launch of a new addition to its premium high performance ADVAN range for the UK in mid-2009. The ADVAN Neova AD08 will hit the UK shores midway through the year, bridging the gap the Japanese manufacturer sees in the range between the flagship ADVAN Sport road tyre and the track-day inspired ADVAN A048. ADVAN is Yokohama’s flagship range and the Sport is presented as the brand’s everyday road car tyre. It is an OE fitment for models from Porsche, Bentley and Mercedes tuner, AMG. The A048 on the other hand, is a road-legal track day tyre, aimed squarely at those drivers wishing to take high performance cars on the track as well as the road. The A048 is OE on a number of cars built for this purpose, including the Lotus Exige, Aston Martin Vantage V8 N24 and the Ariel Atom. The Neova AD08 builds on the AD07 as a previous model to The ADVAN AD08 will become what Yokohama describes as its “strongest” road tyre. The be available in mid-2009 construction has been designed to give greater response and stability than the Sport while the tread pattern and compounds have both been developed to provide the driver with greater degrees of grip and safety in all weather conditions. Yokohama says that the Neova AD08 is road legal, but also “gives performance close to semi-slick race tyres.” The company has a high level of experience in the intersection of road tyres and track rubber and provides the control tyres for the world’s premier touring car race series, the FIA World Touring Car Championship. The AD08 will be available from the Yokohama dealer network or direct from the UK distributor, Yokohama HPT Ltd from the second quarter of 2009. It will be available in a range of sizes, from 15” to 19” and prices will be confirmed at launch. akb

Dunlop Launches New Tyre Testing Website Dunlop have been testing tyres at the Fort Dunlop testing facility in Birmingham since 1923, but this department recently joined the information superhighway with a web site of its own - dunloptyretesting.co.uk. Tyre testing in Birmingham has come a long way since the first tyres were observed on simulator roads at 10 miles per hour. Today the company boasts speed tests of up to 400 km/h. “At Dunlop, we test not only for durability but also for performance. We have recently acquired ISOIE/17025:05 accreditation meaning we are classified as a laboratory standard facility,” website literature explained. Currently the facility is equipped to carry out the following tests: ECE 30, ECE 54, ECE 75, ECE 108, ECE 109, FMVSS 109, FMVSS 119, Gulf standards, Saudi Arabian, Australian, FMVSS 139 (when required), rolling resistance to ISO18164, high and low speed uniformity, accelerated ageing, long term endurance testing, high speed camber testing, high speed variable slip angle, pulse braking, burst testing, laser tyre profile measurements, tyre dissection, load deflection, dislodgement. cja

Tyres & Accessories 02/2009

MAXXIS-09-103 VICTRA Z4S

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The new standard in all-season ultra-high performance technology THE NEW

ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE ALL-SEASON RADIAL Specially-formulated Silica Tread Compound brings fuel economy and traction – both wet and dry – to a new level

LIFETIME GUARANTEE see www.maxxis.co.uk

Jointless spiral-wrapped bead wire design provides strength and comfort

Reinforced steel belts offer superior high-speed stability and longer tread life.

Reinforced casing and body-ply structure provide excellent handling and stability

MAXXIS TYRES DELIVER

Hard bead filler compound for excellent cornering acceleration and handling

Quality ■ Range ■ Availability ■ Guarantee ■ Profit ■

Jointless spiral-wrapped full nylon cap enhances tyre uniformity for smooth ride and improved durability

Developed with VIP* technology, the new Maxxis Z4S is the brand new ultra high performance radial from Maxxis. Available in some 200 sizes, it is designed to take grip, handling and fuel economy to all new levels. For technology, quality, choice and profit opportunity, choose Maxxis – tyres you can rely on.

Performance through VIP* Technology

MAXXIS International U.K. Carr Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk IP11 3RX England Tel: 08704 282728 Fax: 08701 126614 maxxis.co.uk

*Virtual Intelligent Prototyping

CAR • 4x4 • VAN & TRUCK • TRAILER • ATV • MOTORCYCLE • TURF

NEWS IN BRIEF

Flat Tyre a Favourite Excuse The new book from author Tracey Turner, whose previous works include ‘The Disgusting Dictionary’ and ‘The YUK Factor’, details “excuses for every occasion” including the revelation that having a flat tyre is a favoured pretext for missing an exam. However, also included is the cautionary tale of a group of undergraduates in the USA sitting an assessment a day late on account of deflated rubber. Smelling a rat, the students’ professor changed the second question on the paper to, “Which Tyre?” ‘The Big Book of Excuses’ is available now from booksellers. akb

Bike Tyrestore Receives Expo Merit Recognition Bike Tyrestore, one of the UK’s leading motorcycle tyre wholesale operations, received a merit award in the British Dealer News 2009 reader survey. Bike Tyrestore was again nominated in the "Best Trade Service" category, having won the trophy outright last year. Bike Tyrestore MD, Peter Smith, commented: "It's very unusual for any company to receive an award in the same business area two years running, so we're very pleased that the BDN readership enjoy dealing with us so much that they rewarded us again in 2009." Bike Tyrestore received the merit award on the opening day of the Motorcycle Trade Expo at the NEC in January, where the company had a centrally positioned stand. The wholesaler’s booth focused on Enhanced "B2B" services, which already account for roughly a third of the company’s sales, iconic" bikes and "freebies" galore. cja

Formula One Releases Cost-Cutting Details Tyre information to be shared and a ban on mechanical purging announced The December meeting of the FIA World Motorsport Council in Monaco resulted in the agreement of several new measures, though Max Mosley’s controversial standardised engine policy did not make the final cut. 2009 will see lower cost engines, lasting twice as long, while in 2010 there will be a ban on refuelling and Grand Prix could be made shorter, “subject to market research”. Overall, the FIA believes that the new measures should save teams around 30 per cent of their 2008 budgets. In terms of tyres, race weekends will now see the teams sharing information, “eliminating the need for ‘spotters’,” says the FIA press release. There will also be the ban on tyre warmers – a measure that was already in place before the meeting – and the mechanical purging of tyres. From 2010, there will also be a ban on “tyre force rigs (other than vertical force rigs).” While engines will not be standardised, the FIA is to use standardised radio and telemetry systems from 2010, while it also plans to compose a standard parts list for the chassis. The body will also research the possibility of standardising transmission, with a view to introducing the rule in 2010. Engines will be limited to eight per driver for the season, while another four can be used for testing. They will also be limited to 18,000 revs per minute. From 2010, the same engine will be used for three seasons. The press release also opens the door for a new energy efficient development in 2013, with the FIA and Formula One Teams’ Association investigating new, more eco-friendly engine and transmission options. akb

Suzuki Withdraws WRC Team Japanese manufacturer Suzuki has announced that it will not take part in next year’s World Rally Championship including its Junior counterpart, having competed in each of the last seven series. The company says that business concerns “caused by recent global economic turmoil” have caused it to review its financial commitment to the tournament. A company statement said that “the organisation reviews every aspect of the operations and decided to focus on the core business functions such as the manufacturing system, environment technologies, and development of new-generation powertrains for cars. As a result, Suzuki concluded to suspend the WRC activities from 2009.” The team’s sponsors, which include Italian tyre giant Pirelli among their number, have agreed to end their current deals with the team. akb

Tyres & Accessories 02/2009

Tyrexpo A4 08 Trio

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Manchester Central (G-mex) England 22nd, 23rd, 24th SEPT, 2009 Specifically targeted at tyre manufacturers, tyre wholesalers, tyre importers and retailers, Brityrex International’09 will feature tyres and tyre technology, retreads, tyre production equipment, tyre repair and changing equipment, fast-fit and garage equipment, wheel alignment and balancing technology, alloy wheels, valves, tools, workshop management, software and tyre recycling disposal technology. Brityrex’09 is recognised as the tyre industry’s leading UK event which offers visitors and exhibitors an invaluable environment in which to meet and evaluate the latest tyre technology developments.

Sandton Convention Centre Johannesburg, South Africa 4th, 5th, 6th MARCH 2010 After more than a quarter of a century since the last tyre show was held in South Africa, Tyrexpo Africa’06 highlighted the need for an independent, established tyre trade event. With over 110 national & international exhibitors including Bandag, Ceat, Continential, Leaderquip, Malas, Maxxis, Michelin, Silverstone, Stamford & Vipal and over 2738 quality tyre trade visitors from over 44 different countries the 2006 show has set the pace for a regular biennial event. Join us at Tyrexpo Africa'10 which marks the third in the series of Tyrexpo Africa events!

Singapore Expo Centre Singapore 24th,25th,26th MARCH, 2009 With over 130 exhibitors including tyre & tube manufacturers, tyre wholesalers, garage equipment suppliers, tools and accessory suppliers as well as manufacturers of rubber and equipment for there treading industry, a record number of visitors attended Tyrexpo Asia 2007 with over 3500 visitors from a total of 88 different countries were recorded highlighting the best show yet. Tyrexpo Asia 2009 is set to beat this record!

ECI International Ltd, Speldhurst Business Park, Langton Road, Speldhurst, Kent, TN3 ONR, England T: + 44 (0) 1892 863888 F: + 44 (0) 1892 863828 E: sales@eci-international.com www.eci-international.com

NEWS IN BRIEF

Goodyear Endorsed Charity Journey Begins Stapleton’s 5th Largest Retail Network Following Central Tyre Acquisition Stapleton’s nationwide chain of workshops has jumped to 101 outlets following the acquisition of 56 Central Tyre outlets from Pirelli UK. The deal, first announced last year, sees Stapleton’s Tyre Services become the fifth largest retail tyre chain in the UK, in terms of network size, behind Hi-Q, National Tyres, ATS and Kwik-Fit. It also marks Pirelli’s exit from direct retail operations in the UK. The deal has been described by NTDA director Richard Edy as a major development for the UK and a big step forward for Stapleton’s. “The market is pretty fluid as far as small acquisitions go,” he said. “But it’s quite unique to be able to buy an established, large chain like this. In one fell swoop Stapleton’s has moved up the ladder considerably.” sg

Conti Producing Tyres for Yokohama in Brazil Yokohama Rubber and Continental AG have entered into a tyre production partnership in Brazil, reports Asia Pulse’s Asia in Focus. Under the partnership, the Japanese manufacturer has begun receiving a supply of Yokohama branded passenger car tyres, in small car dimensions, from a Continental factory in the Brazilian state of Bahia. The number of tyres being produced under this agreement has not been disclosed. sg

Fundraisers travelling from Birmingham to Timbuktu in four weeks Beginning at Goodyear’s Birmingham head office, 20 fundraisers set off on an epic journey to Timbuktu, distributing supplies to various charities across Africa, supported by the manufacturer. During The team prepares to set off from Birmingham January a team of drivers gave educational, medical and general supplies to schools, hospitals and charities. Their eight vehicles involved in the challenge have been donated to good causes including Opera Africa, Sight Savers, Village by Village and Sabre Trust to help support their vital community work. Goodyear is a key supporter of this charity event, with all of the vehicles kitted out with the brand’s market-leading 4x4 tyres. With a range of often challenging terrain to tackle, Goodyear’s off road tyre, the Wrangler MT/R, helped the team on its travels. Using reinforced sidewall technology, an aggressive tread block design and shoulder blocks the company says the tyre will increase traction and mud dispersal in all conditions. Its sidewalls protect the tyre from punctures or damage, resulting in a tyre which really can cope with the demands of the most hard core environments. Before setting off, Glenn McKeith, expedition organiser said, “I have been off road racing on Goodyear tyres for over 16 years and use their tyres everyday at my off road driving school. So its no surprise that I wanted Goodyear tyres for our trip. We are all really excited about the expedition and although we will experience some really tough driving conditions, it will all be worth the effort when we help these worthy causes.” Anna Stanley, Goodyear spokesperson continued, “We are thrilled to be supporting this charity event. It is events such as this which help change the lives of so many communities in Africa and it’s thanks to dedicated teams like this which really make a difference. Goodyear is pleased to be helping the team every step of the way.” akb

Protyre Motorsport Becomes Sole UK Michelin Track Tyre Supplier As of the start of January 2009 Protyre Motorsport has stepped into the role of sole UK supplier for Michelin track tyres. Protyre Motorsport will also act as the official trackside tyre supplier for a number of high profile championships, including the Porsche Carrera Cup, the Porsche Club & Open Championship, Ginetta G50 Cup, Ginetta Juniors and Ginetta G20 Seniors, Formula Renault & Renault Clio Cup. The Michelin track tyre deal involves the provision of a fully equipped mobile Protyre Motorsport race/track day tyre fitting workshop facility at all major race meetings in 2009, with special rates offered to affiliated partners. The company is now also the official supplier of the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup road legal track day tyres. Commenting on the developments Simon Hiorns, retail director at Protyre, said, “We are delighted to become Michelin’s sole UK supplier of track tyres. I think that this underlines Protyre Motorsport’s commitment to UK motorsport, which we have consistently supported for many years. I believe that our trackside service is second to none and increasingly we are becoming the choice of champions.” sg

Tyres & Accessories 02/2009

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.EW 4YRES TO THE &RONT OR 2EAR !DVICE FROM -ERCEDES TO OWNERS OF THEIR NEW # CLASS HAS RAISED DOUBTS ABOUT THE LONG ESTABLISHED 4YRE )NDUSTRY VIEW THAT NEW REPLACEMENT TYRES SHOULD BE l TTED TO THE REAR )N A LETTER TO -ERCEDES THE 4YRE )NDUSTRY &EDERATION STATED hTHE ADVICE IN THE VEHICLE HANDBOOK OF THE NEW # CLASS -ERCEDES IS THAT IF TYRES OF THE SAME SIZE ARE l TTED ON THE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS WHERE NECESSARY SINGLE NEW TYRES SHOULD BE l TTED ON THE FRONT WHEELS l RST 4HE 4)& WARNED h4HIS IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE ADVICE OF THE TYRE INDUSTRY TO THE EFFECT THAT IN GENERAL WHEN NEW TYRES ARE l TTED THEY SHOULD BE l TTED TO THE REAR IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS FRONT OR REAR WHEEL DRIVE v

TH %DITION OF .4$! $IRECTORY 0UBLISHED #OPIES OF THE $IRECTORY HAVE NOW BEEN CIRCULATED WIDELY THROUGHOUT THE TYRE TRADE AND EVERY MEMBER DEPOT IN MEMBERSHIP SHOULD NOW HAVE RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS INDISPENSABLE REFERENCE BOOK )F NOT PLEASE CONTACT !YLESBURY 4HE $IRECTORY WHICH THIS YEAR CELEBRATES YEARS SINCE IT WAS LAUNCHED IS THE ONLY COMPREHENSIVE $IRECTORY AND 9EARBOOK FOR THE 5+ 4YRE )NDUSTRY AND PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE .4$! S COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY 4HE EDITION INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH INDUSTRY l GURES AND ALSO A DETAILED REVIEW OF THE .4$! S WORK OVER THE PAST YEAR !RTICLES ON 4YRE 3EALANTS (EALTH AND 3AFETY AND A MARKET REVIEW ARE JUST SOME OF THE ARTICLES INCLUDED IN THE $IRECTORY MAKING IT THE PREMIER DATA SOURCE FOR THE 5+ 4YRE )NDUSTRY #OMMENTED .ATIONAL #HAIRMAN 0ETER 'ASTER h$ESPITE SEVERE BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS ON MARKETING SPEND MOST OF THE 5+ LEADING TYRE MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS HAVE SUPPORTED THE PUBLICATION AND WE ARE INDEBTED TO THOSE COMPANIES WHO HAVE PROVIDED US WITH THE RESOURCES TO CIRCULATE THIS EXTENSIVE REFERENCE SOURCE THROUGHOUT THE 4YRE AND INDEED THE -OTOR INDUSTRY AS A WHOLEv

! DETAILED BRIEl NG CONTAINING THE CURRENT ADVICE FROM THE INDUSTRY AND A COPY OF -ERCEDES REPLY IS FEATURED IN THE &EBRUARY ISSUE OF THE .4$! 4ECHNICAL "ULLETIN WHICH HAS BEEN CIRCULATED TO ALL MEMBERS #OPIES OF THE BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO MEMBERS FROM !YLESBURY

&LY 4IPPING /!0 (IGHLIGHTS 3ECONDARY &LY 4IPPING )SSUE ! YEAR OLD PENSIONER WAS BEEN l NED a WITH a COSTS BY 7ORTHING -AGISTRATES LAST MONTH FOR m Y TIPPING TYRES AT +WIK &IT S 7ORTHING #ENTRE 4HE CASE HIGHLIGHTS AN ONGOING PROBLEM OF SECONDARY m Y TIPPING ON MEMBER PREMISES AND IN A SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE .4$! OVER OF MEMBERS REPORTED THAT THEY HAD EXPERIENCED m Y TIPPING OF THIS SORT .EARLY OF THOSE REPORTING TYRES BEING DUMPED ON THEIR PREMISES REPORTED THAT IN EACH INSTANCE OVER TWENTY TYRES WERE DUMPED #OMMENTING AT AN )NDUSTRY 4YRE 2ECOVERY #ONFERENCE LAST YEAR .4$! 6ICE #HAIRMAN $AVID 7HITE TOLD DELEGATES THAT THIS TYPE OF m Y TIPPING WAS COSTING HIS COMPANY +WIK &IT OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION POUNDS ANNUALLY )N THE 7ORTHING CASE THE DEFENDANT WAS ALSO ORDERED TO PAY a FOR BEING UNABLE TO ACCOUNT FOR WASTE HE DEALT WITH OVER THE YEAR PLUS a COSTS

UK TYRE MARKET

HiQ Aiming for 275 Locations by 2013 National tyre retail operation celebrates first franchise conference HiQ bosses recently held the retail network’s first National Franchise Conference. During the day, franchise manager Peter Tye underlined HiQ’s ambitious plans for the long

espite trading in an unprecedented economic downturn, the company remains extremely upbeat about its future, mainly because of its National Franchise Programme. One delegate told Tyres & Accessories the conference was like an oasis of positivity. HiQ’s franchise structure is the only one of its kind in the fast fit industry, with 130 sites now run by 41 franchisees. By the end of February, this figure will rise to 138 sites and by the end of 2009, it is hoped that 170 centres will be franchised. HiQ organised the franchise networking event at the impressive Crewe Hall venue in Cheshire, where the company’s recently named new managing director, Juergen Titz, was publically introduced. The event gave HiQ the opportu-

term, declaring that by 2013 there will be 275 locations dotted around Britain. Company managers had previously stated that they were aiming for 250 fast-fits by 2010.

nity to inform franchisees of the types of services open to them, such as online ordering technology, marketing support and new corporate identity graphics. Goodyear Dunlop managing director Mark Brickhill told franchisees that recession must not be passively accepted, and said a partnership led structure will be fruitful in the long term: “We all know how tough times are, but so many of our franchisees are boasting some fantastic trading results. There are certainly opportunities to grow in a difficult environment. Successful businesses are all about leadership and those people who are innovative and determined to win will be successful.” Marketing manager Geraldine McGovern added: “After rolling out our national franchise programme, it was important to get existing and new franchisees together, to tell them our vision for the future, and how important they are to the company. They were also introduced to a range of contacts who will be available to them as they strive to make their businesses successful. A number of services were also underlined for them, which we want them to utilise in the future.”

Earlier as 2009 was just beginning, interim retail director Andy Morris, who is now commercial sales manager of Goodyear Dunlop’s newly combined farm, truck and OTR division set a bold New Year’s resolution for the fast fit company in response to “one of the busiest years imaginable.” In 2008 the company announced a national franchise programme designed to speed up the transfer of Goodyear Dunlop owned stores’ long-term franchise agreements. If that wasn’t enough to keep them busy, the company also embarked on the first year of a three-year sponsorship of the British Touring Car Championship. HiQ is unique insofar as it is the only national fast fit chain to have adopted a franchise programme. “Far from ‘selling off’ our centres, we are making a bold, sustained commitment to our network, and see this model of partnership as the best way to achieve success. With the franchisees we already have on board, and the new additions to be announced shortly, we are proving that partnership brings greater knowledge, meaning we can out perform company owned equity solutions,” Andy Morris was quoted as saying.

Chris Kisby’s Easy Autocentres HiQ franchise has acquired 27 HiQ outlets including the flagship Nottingham branch (pictured)

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

UK TYRE MARKET

HiQ Online Ordering System a First To coincide with its national franchise programme, HiQ reports that the chain is significantly investing into its systems and online services to attract more customers and position the company as leaders in online fast fit technology. Each franchisee will be given greater exposure on the website, allowing every business manager to communicate directly to his or her customers, through interactive podcasts and blogs. In addition, HiQ is claiming to have stolen the march on its fast fit rivals with the introduction of its ‘virtual warehouse’ online purchasing portal. According to the company, this technology is set-up to make a minimum of £3,500 savings for every store each year. For the first time, franchisees will be able to buy every item and service to run a successful business, from towels and uniforms to oil, tyres and car parts online. HiQ commercial manager Farrell Dolan said: “Excluding tyres and parts we estimate that annual ongoing savings in the Virtual Warehouse are a minimum of £3,500 per store per year. On top of these are one-off cost savings such as equipment and signage. It is a very comprehensive range which we are constantly adding to but the objective is to provide a wide choice in terms of suppliers and products. Basically, it will cover every item and service that a franchisee needs to run a successful and profitable operation.” While the system is said to be a UK first, the “virtual warehouse” is a system that is used by Goodyear Dunlop in Germany which HiQ has licensed and adapted for UK use. The portal is accessed via GRIPS – a bespoke point of sale customer service system – at each HiQ centre. cja

Kisby’s Easy Autocentres acquires 27 HiQ outlets A number of HiQ fast fit premises have been taken over by Chris Kisby’s Easy Autocentres. A total of 27 outlets are numbered in the deal, including the company’s flagship Nottingham centre. Following the acquisition from Goodyear Dunlop, Easy Autocentres the legal name of Kisby’s HiQ franchise will become one of the midland’s largest tyre retailers, with a turnover of around £10 million. Chris Kisby’s former role as managing director of Goodyear Dunlop’s HiQ operation puts him in a strong position to appreciate the value of the deal: “I recognised that the opportunity to acquire these units would provide a strong platforms in the Midlands…We will seek to build, both organically and through acquisition, to be a significant player in the sector.” The acquired centres include 12 freehold and 15 short leasehold properties. At the start of 2009 HiQ named three more of the new partners in it had attracted in its national franchise programme. Alister McGill will take over the company’s Alnwick, Berwick and Sunderland outlets, adding to his existing Blyth and Gateshead centres.

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

Gary Thomson will take on the Exeter, Bath, Honiton and Weston Super Mare stores with four experienced partners. Meanwhile, Phil Godfrey added HiQ’s Banbury store to his Abingdon and Carterton businesses. Alister McGill, aged 48, said the time had never been better to invest and expand his business, despite the current economic difficulties: “We are really bucking the trend in the motoring trade. Whereas retailers are having a tough time shifting cars as a result of a drop in spending, we are finding that an increasing number of people are keen to fix up or improve their current vehicles as a cost-cutting alternative. This also allows them to cut down on their emission as well as the cost of fuel, so it really is a great time to take on the extra HiQ centres.”

New HiQ managing director, Juergen Titz

Gary Thomson, aged 40, already owns HiQ outlets in Walmley and Taunton, and is delighted to add four more outlets to his portfolio, alongside four senior partners with more than 50 years combined experience. He said: “I have 25 years of experience in the industry, having been a mechanic for 15 years, and a regional manager for 10 years. So I am extremely confident about the future, not just for these HiQ outlets, but the fast fit sector generally. Meanwhile managers at HiQ, Blackpool Road, Preston claim business has "never been better" with an average of 1,000 tyres a month being sold at the site at the end of 2008. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

Goodyear Dunlop UK managing director, Mark Brickhill, addresses franchisees at HiQ’s inaugural Franchise Conference

UK TYRE MARKET

Maxxis Increases Centres of Excellence to 400 Brand reports the increasing popularity of the programme A Maxxis Centre of Excellence nails its colours to the mast outside…

Maxxis has reported that the popularity of its “Centres of Excellence” programme continues to grow. According to the manufacturer, 400 retailers of car and motorcycle tyres are now promoting Maxxis “as the affordable alternative to the premium brands,” helping to increase the size of its UK PCR market share. Derek McMartin, the managing director of Maxxis International UK, states, “We know the extent to which buying decisions can be influenced by over the counter advice provided at the point of sale and have made a serious commitment to build trade relationships, especially within the independent sector.

“T

hrough a variety of marketing communications activity, including top level sponsorship of Premiership football, the European Drift Championship, British Superbikes, the Isle of Man TT Races and motocross, we are getting across the message that Maxxis tyres represent reliability and good value. This is reinforced by our growing network of professionally branded Maxxis Centres of Excellence, which also boosts our profile among the tyre-buying public,” he continues. Cheadles Garage in Penkridge, Staffordshire was first to register as a Maxxis Centre of Excellence: “We’re promoting Maxxis as a high quality and good value solution when customers ask us for a recommendation,” says owner Ian Price, whose business operates in Penkridge, Stafford and Cannock, in addition to a few other local businesses. W W Wheel & Tyre of Burton on Trent joined the programme in November 2007. As the only tyre retailer in its area selling Maxxis, the business has benefited from a degree of exclusivity and now sells more Maxxis tyres than any other brand to a predominantly retail customer base. “If customers specifically request a premium brand, I’ll certainly sell it, but if they ask for my recommendation I always quote on a Maxxis because it’s a good, all round

…and in tyre,” says Wayne, who has branded his business with Maxxis banners, opening times signage, posters and leaflets. Another business with just over a year’s experience as a Maxxis Centre of Excellence is Goodfellow & Son Ltd of Cockermouth, Cumbria, which is promoting the brand as a mid-range solution. Owner Barry Goodfellow says, “Our customer base is mainly retail but we have some business accounts, such as builders, window cleaners and delivery firms, and it helps that we can offer UHP, 4x4 and van products. If we get a customer in for car tyres but they also have a small van, they will very likely switch that vehicle to Maxxis too,” he says. “People who come in for a premium brand will rarely buy anything else, but we find that customers looking for a value option will usually choose Maxxis over a budget

tyre.” The Tyre Outlet opened in Huyton, Merseyside, in September 2008 and immediately signed up as a Maxxis Centre of Excellence offering the car, light truck, 4x4 and UHP ranges. In addition to utilising Maxxis banners, posters and overalls, the depot features prominent Maxxis signage. Depot manager Ian Dawick says: “There has been a tyre business on this site for the past 25 years but it didn’t have Maxxis. Now it is selling well and we are promoting the lifetime guarantee to sell up from the budget brands.” Established in 1996, Sunderland’s KB Tyres became a Maxxis Centre of Excellence in May 2008 and proprietor Kevin Burlington says around 90 per cent of the tyres he fits are Maxxis: “Maxxis is our house brand and has been very well received. We sell Maxxis car and van tyres plus 4x4 and UHP, and they have gone down very well.” Grouptyre, the UK independent wholesaler has an exclusive distribution arrangement with Maxxis and is helping to develop the Centres of Excellence programme. Karl Naylor, Grouptyre’s managing director, says, “Maxxis is gaining in popularity all the time and for anyone selling PCR tyres the brand represents an attractive business growth and profit opportunity. All Maxxis Centres of Excellence benefit from our one-stop service, which incorporates ultra-competitive pricing, a national, same-day to on-demand delivery service, carcass removal and sales and stock management support.” Maxxis Centres also offer a comprehensive package of support, which incorporates signage, POS, literature and merchandise – including a range of clothing, leaflet dispensers and promotional items – plus strong tyre trade media advertising to build brand awareness. akb

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UK TYRE MARKET

The Autosport International Aftermarket Show Review Careering into its nineteenth year, the Autosport International Aftermarket Show took place at Birmingham’s NEC between 8 and 11 January. Opening to both a trade and a public audience, the exhibition provides an eclectic platform from which companies specialising in everything from spark plugs to windscreen wipers can promote increased brand awareness to a wide variety of people. According to the Aftermarket Show’s organisers, around 40 per cent of Toyo looks to make its presence felt at Autosport 2009 with larger stand Acknowledging the problems faced by the motorsport and high-performance sectors, Toyo’s stand displayed the company’s commitment to two of its most important markets. In erecting an imposing stand, Toyo was clearly aiming to make an impact, a fact also exemplified by the attitude of Sarah Clavey, Toyo UK’s senior marketing executive: “At a time when uncertainty prevails, we were determined to show our commitment to grass roots motorsport and to showcase our range of tyres for 2009. We know that Autosport delivers our classic target audience and we wanted to put on a show that all visitors would remember. Our stand was much larger than in previous years and was designed to deliver impact”. In addition to highlighting its involvement in more than 15 motorsport championships - covering hill climb, drag racing and modified production among numerous other series - the Japanese brand put on head-turning performances via their interactive stage shows. Over the four days they were delighted to be able to engage with many of the show’s 79,000 enthusiastic visitors. The motive behind this vibrant, interactive format was to attract and involve new enthusiasts and to bring the Toyo brand to life amongst one of its primary target markets. Vital markets With a loyal customer base of performance enthusiasts, track goers and race drivers, the motorsport and performance car tyre markets are vital to Toyo, who continue to

exhibitors specialise in tyres and fitting equipment, a figure borne out by the imposing presence of major brands such as Pirelli, whose stand featured a rally simulator, Yokohama and Kumho. Most emphasised their roles in motorsport development, such as Toyo and Dunlop, while Marangoni used its position on the Santa Pod Raceway stand to showcase its project car; the Marangoni MiTo M430.

driving enthusiasts or those changing their standard wheel/tyre package for a larger aftermarket option. “Autosport delivers a high concentration of people who are passionate about performance and who are, as such, very receptive to our product range - you only have to look around the show to see how many performance vehicles carry Toyo tyres already,” explains Meaker. Positive feedback Toyo has declared itself delighted with the positive feedback it garnered from attendees viewing the company’s Aftermarket Show booth, which featured a stage presentation to increase visitor interactivity: “With the aid of experDunlop’s stand at The Autosport Internaienced motorsport compère, Mark tional Show was filled with sporting Parmenter, one of the most successful victors, such as the Le Mans Endurancewinning Ferrari F430 GT2 facets of our show was a series of quizzes which tested members of the public’s knowledge of the side-wall invest in research, design and technology, markings of a tyre,” said Clavey. “A sound combined with rigorous, continual testing knowledge of tyre specifications is not just and quality control. “Our customers are very important in terms of selecting the right tyre, happy with the handling and results they it goes hand in hand with safety, and Toyo are getting with the road-legal track-day are, of course, committed to helping custtyre, the PROXES R888, which just gets omers and the public at large to understand more popular year on year, so we want to all aspects of tyre design, safety and maintain this momentum”, enthuses Alan performance.” Meaker, technical manager. “The mediumClavey closed by stating, “our commithard compound provides an incredible ment to Autosport has really paid off: the balance of tenacious grip - way beyond a show was a complete success. We were normal road tyre - and reassuring wet able to engage with our key, target weather traction, which means it can be audience and confirm our status as major relied upon even after a race-day deluge.” brand in the motorsport industry.” Toyo’s flagship range of Ultra-High Performance PROXES T1-R passenger tyres is also born out of a long association with Marangoni unveils new project car many forms of motorsport. The company believes that the tyre is a natural choice for Italian tyre manufacturer Marangoni kicked

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

UK TYRE MARKET

off its 2009 brand building programme at Autosport International by revealing its 2009 project car; the Marangoni MiTo M430. Produced by TRC Italia for the Marangoni Car Tyre division, the M430 was strictly “Made in Italy,” preceding the UK retail release of the factory spec Alfa Romeo MiTo. Following up its recent worldwide reveal at the Essen Motor Show in Germany, the modified Alfa Romeo MiTo was on the Santa Pod Raceway stand. As in 2008, throughout 2009 Marangoni is continuing to work closely with Santa Pod Raceway near Northampton. Title sponsorship of the Marangoni Fast Show (21st - 22nd March, 2009) and Marangoni Ultimate Street Car show (31st July – 2nd August, 2009) are the event highlights. Starting from a 1.4 litre turbo petrol model, the M430 is a complete reworking of the car, with considerable changes to the bodywork, engine, interior, braking system and trim. The project was handled by the Florence-based TRC Italia, and for this sporty reinterpretation, Marangoni decided to develop a limited series of its ultra high performance Mythos tyres, using a special “fire red” compound. Also at Autosport, the Live Action Arena audience witnessed a new partnership between Marangoni and the Bradford based Apex Performance European Drift Team. The Marangoni shod and liveried 500 bhp drift car opened the live shows in spectacular sideways fashion throughout the weekend. Apex Performance and its V8 Nissan Skyline will be communicating the Marangoni brand in the 2009 European Drift Championship, and after finishing a close second in 2008, professional drift/race driver Tim Marshall is targeting a 2009 championship win. 2009 also sees Marangoni signing a sponsorship agreement with Knockhill Race Circuit in Scotland. Supported events will include the Official Scottish Motorshow and the Scottish Tuning Show, both held in May 2009. Marangoni branding will be significant at both events and there will be drift demos, drag run shoot outs and competitions galore. Additional activities include Marangoni teaming up with Kidderminster based Century Motorsport to redevelop their mad mid engined Progetto Marangoni Yaris into

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

a 600bhp fire breathing monster. The “Fastest Yaris in the World” will be used at various tuning shows throughout 2009 to further promote the Marangoni Tyre brand. Brand manager Greg Graham stated, “Within Team Marangoni, we feel that during this period of financial uncertainty, we should be offering extensive support to our distributors in assisting them to maximise their sales opportunities. We are fully committed to promoting our brand through many different channels, with a resultant rapidly growing acceptance of Marangoni as a high quality, high performance tyre range. We really believe that our significant activities and visibility in UK tuning and motorsport circles gives tangible added value to our products. This in turn means real and actual profit opportunities for our dealers.” Dunlop publicises 2008 victories Dunlop Tyres brought together a selection of winning motorsport machinery at the Autosport International Show. The Birmingham-based manufacturer displayed the Le Mans Endurance Championship winning Ferrari F430 GT2 on their stand. The Ferrari clinched the international championship running on development Dunlop tyres for the second year in succession. Also on show was the BMW 320si that local star Mat Jackson drove to victory in several rounds of the 2008 HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship, displayed alongside a Mosler that is tipped to be a front runner in the Britcar GT Championship, Britain’s biggest and fastest GT Endurance racing series. Dunlop’s racing tyres are made at the Fort Dunlop factory in Birmingham, 15 minutes drive from the Autosport Show, and have won more touring car and Le Mans 24 Hour races than any other make of tyre. The manufacturer has also achieved some notable two-wheel victories, and has the record breaking Honda of John McGuinness that achieved the first 130mph average lap of the tortuous 37 mile Isle of Man TT circuit. Over 200,000 racing tyres are manufactured at Fort Dunlop each year, many being shipped to race tracks on other continents. In car racing, Dunlop supplies

tyres for Le Mans, the Open GT Championship, LMS (Le Mans Series), V8 Supercars (Australia), DTM (German Touring Cars), BTCC (British Touring Cars) and rallying. For motorcycle racing Dunlop manufactures tyres for MotoGP 250 cc and 125 cc classes, Superbike, Supersport, Endurance, Supermoto and Motocross. Triple P showcases Gulf Lubricants In addition to the presence of tyre makers, the Aftermarket Show at Autosport International proved to be the ideal stage for Triple P, a division of Universal Automotive, to demonstrate its ability to attract performance brands, with the announcement of a distribution agreement with Gulf Lubricants UK. The road-going version of the Gulfsponsored Le Mans winning Aston Martin DBR9 was the centre-piece of the company’s stand. Keith Jewers, Gulf UK retail sales director joined the rest of the Triple P team and was present for the duration of the show to answer any questions about the brand. “Being at the heart of the Aftermarket Show and featuring in the TalkShop forums provided the perfect platform to really get the message across to both trade and consumer that Gulf Lubricants are back in a big way,” he explained. “The Gulf brand is synonymous with quality and innovation, and the high performance range of products we are offering through Triple P will be extremely comprehensive and competitive.” Triple P sales manager, Martyn Pearson agrees: "Combining Gulf with the logistics capabilities and industry experience that Triple P possess, will guarantee that we create a serious presence in the performance aftermarket and motorsport industries. We are delighted to include such a prestigious brand as Gulf in our product portfolio, and anticipate a very successful 2009." Triple P distribute performance products nationally and Gulf Lubricants adds to a lineup that already includes Pulstar, Denso Iridium, the Splitfire range of ignition products, Dyno-Tab fuel additives and aFe Induction Kits, plus replacement performance filters. akb

UK TYRE MARKET

Two-wheel Tyre Companies Optimistic About the Future 2009 Motorcycle Trade Expo Round-up According to the organisers Motorcycle Trade Expo is Europe’s largest annual business-to-business motorcycle, scooter and ATV exhibition. Last year’s show, the first at BirmingCambrian Tyres positions itself for wholesale success Like most businesses in the UK tyre trade, Cambrian Tyres described the 2008 market as good in the first half, and less pleasant in the second half. Despite the difficult circumstances facing everyone at the moment, sales manager, Mathew Leeman, told T&A that the company has been continuing in its recent trend of steady, sustained growth. However, while Cambrian deals with all the best known brands, the company is particularly positive about the Continental brand that it exclusively handles. Here, it seems that the economic pressures are directing consumers towards the Continental brand. According to Andreas Faulstich, head of motorbike tyre sales and marketing at Continental AG, this is pattern that has been replicated across all the major markets in Europe – with the exception of Italy where they have a well-documented love for scooters. The thinking is that while bikers are much more concerned about choosing quality tyres than the average price-driven British car driver, the price/quality balance that Continental offers is enough to make them switch from a more expensive brand in the age of the credit crunch. Motorbike consumers and dealers are loyal to brands,

ham’s NEC, was described as a record breaking event, but how did the 2009 show go? And what did the leading tyrerelated exhibitors have on offer?

but if the price of brand loyalty is too high they may choose to switch. And once they have switched the loyalty factor becomes an element that could potentially work in Continental’s favour, Faulstich explained adding that Continental only implemented one price increase last year as opposed to the two or three price hikes enforced by some competing manufacturers. Bike Tyrestore aiming for 50 per cent online sales in 2009 A regular at what is affectionately know as “Expo,” Bike Tyrestore once again showed its range of products communicated the growth and benefits of its Moto-Vate loyalty programme and online warehousing system. Company managing director, Peter Smith, told Tyres & Acces-

sories that the company is confident it can repeat last year's successful growth in sales to the motorcycle tyre trade in 2009. With products produced by its major partners (including Bridgestone, Michelin and Sava) on the stand, BTS also demonstrated its "YOUR Online Warehouse", on-line enquiry and order service to customers. According to Bike Tyrestore managing director, Peter Smith, sales generated through this tool are one of the faster growing parts of the business. So online tyre sales account for about 30 per cent of overall business, but it apparently would not be a surprise if this grew to 50 per cent by the end of the year. In addition to its on-stand activities, Bike Tyrestore also received a merit award in the British Dealer News 2009 reader survey on the opening day of Expo. Bike Tyrestore was again nominated in the "Best Trade Service" category, having won the trophy outright last year. Bike Tyrestore MD, Peter Smith, commented: "It's very unusual for any company to receive an award in the same business area two years running, so we're very pleased that the

The exhibitors Tyres & Accessories spoke to at the recent Motorcycle Trade Expo in Birmingham were generally upbeat about the segment’s prospects in 2009.

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BDN readership enjoy dealing with us so much that they rewarded us again in 2009.” Maxxis Supermaxx Sport gets rave reviews Maxxis, a brand that is positioned to benefit from a potential upturn in sales of more economically priced two-wheel tyres, had a selection of new products on show. One of the headliners in this range is the company’s new FIM-approved enduro tyre, which will be available from March. Meanwhile, MCN has been publishing string of “rave reviews” of the Maxxis Supermaxx Sport, which it is currently putting through its paces on a 172mph Yamaha R6. Journalist Chris Newbigging has been testing the Maxxis Supermaxx Sport – improved for 2009 with a multi-section construction – since October 2008. His verdict is that the tyres are ‘stable and grippy on wintry B-roads’. This positive feedback follows glowing reviews in Fast Bikes magazine, which has tested the Supermaxx Sport on Triumph Street Triple and Suzuki Bandit SF 1250 machines and, most recently, a Ducati

Hypermotard. In the March issue (219), road tester Alastair Fagan reports his decision to switch to Maxxis after the Ducati had clocked up 2,000 miles on OE rubber. He writes: “Last year saw the debut of the new Maxxis Supermaxx Sport, which shocked us with performance and value. At £170 a pair they’re more of a bargain than an engagement ring from Argos’ Elizabeth Duke range. Avon’s debuts its first dual compound tyre To the best of T&A’s knowledge Avon’s motorbike tyres are not sold as original equipment, and the brand doesn’t have any high profile motorsport sponsorships. So, with this in mind, how has it achieved its relatively strong position in the market? According to Avon motorcyle sales manager, Graham Matcham, product quality and customer service are the company’s main selling points. Demonstrating a company’s proficiency in customer service is not easy during the course of a short interview, so Matcham

used Avon’s new Viper 2 (VP2) as an example of how the company will adapt is production to better serve customers. Launched in December 2008, the VP2 the development and testing for the new VP2 was largely done here in the UK. The result is a tyre that performs better than its predecessor (the Viper 1) in virtually every way. One key new technology behind use multi compound tread – the first time Avon has included this in a tyre. In addition to the significant performance benefits of having rubber tuned to the characteristics needed on the shoulder and the main body of the tread, this move has the distinct marketing benefit of differentiating the company from budget alternatives (despite their competitive price) and highlight the premium nature of Avon’s offering. In addition to the multi-compound improvement, Avon has also upgraded the steel belting used in the VP2 to “high performance steel.” The Viper 2 size range mirrors that or its predecessor, according to Matcham. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com/akb

Encircle Now Offering Two-Wheel Market Data Market research specialists, Encircle Marketing, are now offering motorbike tyre data. The company, which was founded a little over a year ago, has quickly built a reputation for providing fast, accurate and actionable data to some of Britain’s leading tyre businesses. Now, in addition to the already popular passenger car and online tyre sales reports, joint founders Jason Cunningham and David Myers have decided to create another market specific product, this time aimed at the two-wheel segment. Tyres & Accessories recently met the management at the company’s new offices in Doncaster and found out more about the data they offer. The new motorbike tyre survey covers two key areas sell-out pricing, which measures the sell-out prices actually charged by consumers; and selling way – research on the argumentations used to sell different brands at the point of sale. Initially the company plans to make over 700 mystery calls a month across the various channels and regions that make up the market. In order to make the research as effective as possible, Encircle have hired mystery callers based upon their specific knowledge of the motorcycle sector (meaning they are bikers themselves) with a range of regional accents to minimise the risk of detection by centre staff. Surveyed service providers are split into five channels of distribution: local independent garages; regional independents/dealers; fast fits (national); dealerships and internet retail. As far as the sellout pricing side of the two-wheel survey is concerned, Encircle

collates over 3,000 prices each month, initially focussing on the Hyper Sport and Sport Touring sectors. Pricing covers all major retailers and brands including Avon, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Maxxis, Metzeler, Michelin, Pirelli and price data is broken down by pair, front or rear brand and pattern information. A newly formed market research company, Encircle Marketing aims to give detailed answers to some of the most common retail price and customer service-related questions asked within the tyre market. Encircle produces 100 per cent independently researched data that details current trends such as: the top five retail promotions; average price by speed rating; and sales performance to name just a few. Established in 2007 and founded by two executives with over 18 years of experience of working in the automotive sector, Encircle Market has already gained a client list including some of the best-known names in the industry (including Apollo Tyres, Bridgestone, Cooper Tire & Rubber Europe, Goodyear Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli, Yokohama, ATS Euromaster, Grouptyre, Micheldever and National Tyres). And with the initial tyre market report having grown to include online pricing research and now motorbike tyre data, it is likely that further developments will be announced. cja

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

The exciting new world of Beissbarth

Technological innovation, a state-ofthe-art product range and an acknowledged reputation for customer service - all coupled with the renowned strength and support of the Bosch global brand - provides a truly exciting future for Beissbarth here in the UK. With reliability and quality top of the agenda, the Beissbarth range includes conventional wheel alignment systems, tyre changers, wheel balancers, brake bleeders, air conditioning service, headlight testers and test lanes. And with the introduction shortly of the 3D and 'Touchless' wheel aligner, the reputation for innovation is significantly advanced. All the news, views and product details are on the web-site www.Beissbarth.co.uk

German Precision Engineering Beissbarth House, 30 Wilford Trading Estate, Nottingham NG11 7EP Tel. 0115 981 5151 fax. 0115 981 8431 Email: enquiries@beissbarth.co.uk www.beissbarth.co.uk

A BOSCH GROUP COMPANY

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UK TYRE MARKET

Brityrex09 Doing ‘Buoyant Business’ New exhibitors and workshop programme confirmed for September show Further details of September’s Brityrex exhibition in Manchester have been announced by ECI International. These include a series of new exhibitors who have signedup for the UK industry’s only dedicated tyre trade event in 2009 and a workshop programme organised by show sponsor the NTDA. Brityrex09 will take place from the 22-

24 September 2009 at Manchester Central, formerly known as G-Mex. The show is sponsored by the NTDA, who will stage its highly popular Annual Dinner and TAFF Awards presentation as part of the event, on the evening of 23 September.

Recent new additions to the 2009 show exhibitor list include: Autogem Motor Concepts LLP, Daly Tyres, Majorlift Hydraulic Equipment Ltd and Profil SP.J

ccording to the latest additions to the exhibitor list, Brityrex continues to attract companies eager to buck the downturn by promoting their businesses to UK and international buyers. Among recent signings are Chinese tyre manufacturer Techking; leading electronics and diagnostics supplier Robert Bosch, who will share a 133 square metre stand space with workshop equipment specialist Beissbarth; Majorlift Hydraulics Equipment; Autogem Motor Concepts and Profil SP.J. Daly Tyres, the Irish tyre and alloy wheel wholesaler is another new exhibitor; the company is the exclusive distributor of the Kenda, Firenza and Infinity tyre brands in Ireland. They join other big names from the aftermarket who have already committed to the show, including tyre manufacturers Toyo and Uniroyal Truck Tyres; major wholesalers in KRT and BITS; workshop equipment specialists Beissbarth, Haweka and Hofmann Megaplan; repair materials, tools

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

UK TYRE MARKET

2009 Commercial Vehicle Show Cancelled The organisers of Commercial Vehicle Show (scheduled for 28-30 April) have decided not to go ahead with this year’s event. The cancellation includes the show’s garage equipment section, the Automotive Trade Show. The Commercial Vehicle Partnership, comprising the SMMT, RHA and SOE, and the CV Show Committee decided to consult exhibitors after it recognised in December that the economic downturn has made it difficult for vehicle manufacturers to “commit to large international exhibitions.” Preparations are now in place for a 2010 show which is scheduled to be in April that year. Alternative ideas relating to an engineering-based show were floated with the 290 exhibitors that had already signed up for the

and accessories supplier Apaseal; plus IT and software companies MAM and Team Systems. According to ECI managing director Paul Farrant, aftermarket suppliers are taking a very positive view of the exhibition, refusing to let the economic downturn deter them: “There is certainly a feeling that the aftermarket is better equipped to ride out the recession than those automotive businesses involved in OE supply or new car sales,” he said. “The fact that many private motorists and businesses will be keeping their vehicles longer than normal means there will be extra replacement sales and servicing work which can insulate the sector from direct exposure to the worst effects of the slowdown. Brityrex will be a great place to do business for those companies who approach it with that sense of optimism,” added Mr Farrant. With many tyre and fast-fit retailers involved in mechanical and MOT work the announcement of a joint workshop majoring on the business of MOT testing by the NTDA and the Garage Equipment Association (GEA) will be of significant interest to show visitors. The NTDA has also linked up with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to run a working session on the subject of manual handling of tyres, which is regarded as a critical subject in terms of injury prevention and awareness among tyre retailers and

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

event, but, according to the organisers, “some support was forthcoming but not enough to retain the credibility that the CV Show has created as a major international event of its type and which the partners and the show committee were keen to maintain.” “This is of course disappointing, but given the current economic climate and the uncertainty created, it is the only decision we could make. Naturally, the partners are grateful for the NEC’s support for this decision,” said Nigel Emms, the CV Show Committee Chairman. “Future planning for the next Show should be done against the backdrop of the outstanding 2008 event and not a compromise one for 2009." Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive added: “2009 will be an extremely challenging year across the motor industry but this decision, while difficult, creates the opportunity to ensure the 2010 event best reflects the changing needs of the road transport industry.” cja

wholesalers. Paul Farrant explained further: “Brityrex is all about improving your business by meeting new customers and suppliers and picking up knowledge and information that can help in the workplace. That’s why these workshops will be so valuable to trade visitors; they will provide the latest information on important subjects in a short and snappy fashion at no cost to delegates.” NTDA urges industry to back Brityrex in September The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has expressed its disappointment at the cancellation of April’s CV Show (see textbox) in a statement that also encouraged support for September’s Brityrex exhibition. Association director Richard Edy said that members would be directly affected by the decision not to go ahead with this year’s truck exhibition: “The CV Show is interest to many of our members involved in supplying and servicing commercial vehicle tyres. Of course it’s disappointing that a major opportunity to do business has been lost but we appreciate that these unprecedented economic times have hit the vehicle manufacturing sector extremely hard. We look forward to the show returning next year,” he said. While the CV Show has become a casu-

alty of the downturn, the NTDA is urging the tyre industry to get behind its own trade show in Manchester this September. The Brityrex exhibition has already announced a healthy line up of early exhibitors and the association says it is vital for the whole sector to show its backing for the UK’s only dedicated tyre industry event. “With the loss of the CV Show, Brityrex assumes even greater importance as the trade show for the tyre sector in 2009. It is encouraging that many companies have already committed to exhibit at the show and we are urging others to take a positive decision to join them and demonstrate that the industry is resilient and confident.” “Despite the slow down there will still be many millions of tyres sold this year and Brityrex has a part to play in offering the products, equipment and services to capitalise on this situation. We have already confirmed our involvement in the show as principal sponsor and will be urging members and associates to attend and take advantage of the business and networking opportunities it always provides,” he added. This year’s NTDA Dinner and TAFF Awards will be held during Brityrex on the evening of 23 September. Brityrex runs from the 22 – 24th September at Manchester Central Exhibition Centre. cja

UK TYRE MARKET

TyreSafe and NTDA Advise Proper Winter Tyre Usage Safety organisation draws attention to the accident risk to skiers driving to the piste on inadequate tyres Tyresafe and the National Tyre Distributors Association have released a message for British skiers driving to their destination of choice this season: make sure your tyres are fit for purpose. Tyresafe says that, when heading to European skiing destinations, motorists should ensure they use correctly inflated tyres with sufficient tread depth to perform on icy, snow-covered roads.

acking up the organisation’s advice, the NTDA has released a special technical bulletin to provide advice for UK Tyre retailers to pass on to their customers planning to drive across Europe in the coming months. The bulletin will allow dealers to give valuable advice to British motorists, many of whom may be unaware of the guidelines set out by each individual country. The Bulletin follows up two previous issues last winter featuring the suitability of cold weather tyres for trucks and buses and a special bulletin, last November, making performance comparisons between cold weather and summer tyres (copies available on www.ntda.co.uk). British skiers driving to Europe can significantly reduce the risk of an accident by making sure their tyres are safe to tackle subzero weather conditions. During the 200708 season, over 175,000 skiers travelled to their holiday destination by car. Skiers risk an abrupt end to their trip if driving heavily laden cars with incorrect tyre pressures or low tread depth on icy, snow-covered roads. “Driving in snowy mountain regions requires a good level of tread depth to maintain traction with the road and stay in control of the vehicle,” comments TyreSafe chairman Rob Beddis. “In certain European countries it is a legal requirement to fit cold

weather tyres. British holidaymakers should be careful to check the legislation of their destination country and any they drive through on the way there before leaving, in order to avoid costly penalties or invalidating their insurance.” Many countries have different rules and regulations concerning the type of tyres fitted and also the minimum tread depth requirements. Popular skiing destinations such as France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden all recommend the use of cold weather tyres; in Finland cold weather tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March. Some countries require the fitment of Cold Weather tyres with a minimum requirement of 3mm. The special regulations covering France, Germany, Scandinavian countries and Austria and Switzerland are also featured in the NTDA bulletin. Cold weather tyres contain a higher quantity of natural rubber compound, which allows them to retain their flexibility on frozen roads. They also contain many sipes – or small cuts in the tread rubber – which help the tyre to absorb snow, rather than slide over it. Whether driving on normal, ‘summer’ tyres or cold

Tread depth carries extra importance in snowy conditions weather tyres, making sure that the tyre has a sufficient amount of tread depth is fundamental to braking and driving safely on wet and icy roads. “Checking the tyre pressure for their vehicle when fully laden is also an important consideration when driving to a ski resort, as it may be necessary to increase the pressures to support the increased load of the vehicle,” continues Beddis. “Many motorists neglect to adjust their tyre pressures to take account of heavy skiing equipment and extra passengers, which can lead to a build-up of heat inside the tyre as it strains to perform under the additional weight. This could eventually result in a blowout, putting themselves, passengers and other road users at risk.” Further advice regarding legal requirements when driving abroad in cold weather can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, while details of the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure can be found in the owner’s manual, inside the fuel filler cap, or on the inner sill. For further information on tyre safety or cold weather tyres, readers can visit www.tyresafe.org. akb

TyreSafe advise motorists to adjust tyre pressure to accommodate additional passengers and luggage on skiing trips

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Yokohama Pledges to Support Sporting 2009 There may be “tough times ahead” for motorsport, but the Japanese manufacturer has thrown its weight behind UK motorsport Yokohama has told Tyres & Accessories that it intends to continue to support motorsport in 2009 following its positive experiences in 2008. Yokohama Motorsport manager Mark Evans, looking back on the previous year’s action, said, “2008 was an exceptional season for Yokohama in motorsport, particularly in the UK.” The manufacturer’s ADVAN brand provides the control tyre for the FIA World Touring Car Championship, while the company boasts involvement in rallying (both covered in the November editions of Tyres & Accessories).

gravel tyre, witnessing Tristan Pye winning the Production Cup of the BTRDA rally series using the latest version of the company’s forest tyre, developed in 2007 in the FIA World Rally Championship by Team ADVAN driver, Fumio Nutahara. Yokohama’s season was completed with the youngest driver ever to compete on the UK round of the WRC, Tom Cave, using Yokohama tyres to great effect on the WRC season-closer, Wales Rally GB, finishing 30th overall and winning his class by almost 15 minutes. One week later, some of the greatest drivers in the world also sampled Yokohama’s performance, as they drove the Rage Motorsport RX150 buggies, fitted with Yokohama tyres as standard, at the Race of Champions at Wembley. In 2009 Yokohama will be encouraging British motorsport, by continuing its support of race series in the UK that use Yokohama as control tyres. These will include series that Yokohama already has a long-term relationship with, including several of the 750 Motor Club’s classes, Sports 2000 and Lotus On-Track. In addition to the Lotus On Track series, Yokohama will also support the Lotus Cup Europe, featuring the Exige 260 model, which leaves the factory fitted with Yokohama tyres. The purpose-built track day car is road legal but with the addition of a roll cage for safety, will be eligible for the new race series, which takes in circuits in the UK and around Europe. akb

these difficult times. “We appreciate that there are tough times ahead for motorsport in general and we have already seen the effect in areas such as Formula One and the World Rally Championship. By working with and listening to the motorsport industry, we will do whatever we can to keep people racing, and Yokohama HPT Motorsport Manager Mark Evans (right) chats winning, on Yokohama tyres.” with Tom Cave, the UK's first minor international rally driver, at Perhaps the 2008 season has the Autosport International Show warmed up the company’s competitive blood. The FIA World Touring ontinuing, Evans was keen to stress the Car Championship, using Yokohama victories won on Yokohama rubber, ADVAN control tyres, saw the fight for the perhaps indicating the competitive nature of drivers’ title going down to the wire at the motorsport as key to its survival: “We last round. The factory Aston Martin team achieved some excellent success with our won its class at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, partners, including Nick Crowe on the Isle one of the calendar’s most arduous events, of Man and Tristan Pye, Paul MacKinnon and on Yokohama rubber. The brand claimed Tom Cave in rallying. I think this and the overall honours in the sidecar class of the Isle success we had with Aston Martin at the of Man TT Races. Nürburgring 24 Hours shows that YokoIn rallying, Paul MacKinnon won the hama has winning products across all forms iconic Isle of Mull rally outright on Yokohama of motorsport and at every level.” tyres. The marque made advances with its It is impossible to ignore the effect of the global economy on motorsport, but rather than see it as a reason for giving up, Yokohama has decided to adopt a strategy of doing all it can to ensure that grass level motorsport has the best chance to flourish in the UK. Evans stated, “Like all businesses, we are aware of the economic downturn and have made a policy decision to continue to support motorsport, particularly in the UK, throughout 2009. We will be working very closely with the series organisers and the motorsport industry as a whole to do what we can to ensure that some of the best race Yokohama-shod Tom Cave enjoyed a great debut in WRC series in the world continue to prosper in

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

7625-Stapletons Nexen dashbrd

23/9/08

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NEXEN TYRE

Nexen tyres are available in more than 140 sizes to meet the demands of the modern car - from the family to high performance executive cars. Sizes and patterns also cover the specifications of the growing number of high performance SUVs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEXEN RANGE CALL

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

UK TYRE MARKET

Dunlop Racing On, and Winning, Despite Financial Environment Special hand-finished racing tyres manufactured in Birmingham by Dunlop are continuing to be popular, despite the difficult financial environment and the knockon effect this has had on motorsport. According to the tyre

ort Dunlop produced over 200,000 specialist high technology tyres in 2008 and is set to build on this in 2009. Dunlop race tyres are used in many race championships for cars and motorcycles including the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour race and the famous Isle of Man TT races. “The factory is absolutely full to capacity,” stated Dunlop communications manager James Bailey in a BBC interview. “We’ve won new business, with new championships around the world signed up, many new teams in both motorcycle racing and in car racing. And it’s a rare good news story, you could say, for the automotive industry.” According to Jean-Felix Bazelin, general manager Dunlop Motorsport Europe, “Tyres made at our Birmingham plant will be chosen by top drivers and riders to compete on some of the most exciting vehicles and race circuits in the world. Dunlop is specified as the ‘standard’ tyre in many competitions. In the UK that includes the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship and the Dunlop Sport Maxx cup. We believe that race championships such as these will continue to flourish, albeit with some budget-

manufacturer, more people race on Dunlop tyres than any other brand in the UK and the company’s continue to be shipped around the globe as they have done since 1888.

ary restraint in 2009.” “Motorsport at a regional or national level is by no means cheap for competitors, but it also delivers a very cost effective marketing opportunity for driver and team sponsors,” Bazelin added. “For this reason we believe that motorsport will continue - albeit with tightened budgets - for the foreseeDunlop hasn’t always exclusively focused upon tyre manufacture at its able future and that Birmingham site – during the war decoy rubber tanks were produced to Dunlop racing tyres will help maintain the secrecy of D-Day invasion plans continue to contribute of products turned out by Fort Dunlop plant to racing thrills for many years to come.” includes “not just tyres – even during the The Fort Dunlop site, commented Second World War we were making inflaBailey, has been a centre of manufacturing table tanks as decoy tanks to confuse the since 1917, however motorsport tyres have Germans and ensure that they were not always been the factory’s exclusive bombing inflatable tanks rather than the focus: The communications manager real ones.” shared that the array cja/sg

Over 200,000 Dunlop motorsport tyres were produced in 2008 and delivered to leading race events, including the Le Mans 24-hour race and the Isle of Man TT races

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

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UK TYRE MARKET

Starco GB On Track With Industrial Tyres

NEW!

THE FULL MONTY Snap-on

t has been just over a year since Starco GB added the industrial tyre segment to its existing product range, and although market conditions have been tough, the company reports that it has achieved “substantial growth” in this area. As the UK and Ireland distributor for the Globe Star product, Starco stocks a wide range of resilient solids and press on band tyres, both standard and non-marking easyfit. The solids are complemented with a full range of Kenda Kinetics pneumatic forklift tyres and an even wider range of other industrial, agricultural and skid steer sizes due to the recent addition of the Deestone range of product. Starco’s range of solid and pneumatic tyres cover baggage trolleys and tow tug tyres; forklift trucks from 400x8 to 1200x20 in solids, and up to and including 1400x24 in pneumatics. These larger sizes have applications that include port and dockside machines. Investment in a heavy duty solid tyre press and temperature controlled puncture proof tyre fill system means that Starco can offer a complete fitting service to their customers and a one stop shop for puncture proof pneumatics. At the smaller end of the scale Starco offers the Starco Flex 100 per cent puncture proof tyres. Made from a microcellular polyurethane material, Starco Flex tyres are a “fit it and forget it” option. Benefits include, much lighter in weight than tyre fill, no reduction in ride quality and can last up to four times longer than the equivalent pneumatic tyre. Starco have also recently launched the new “Tube Station” concept, which will give customers access to a full range of tubes from 3” to 48” available from stock. cja

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Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

UK TYRE MARKET

Top of the Tree Truck Point network grows in size and quality offered. The general feeling of those representing Bridgestone and Truck Point in front of the increasing number of fleet customers being won by the Japanese manufacturer is that there is real auditing is a real “currency” when it comes to negotiating contracts. According to Bridgestone representatives, the focus of audit programme is to recognise the high service standards of expert level dealers work to, while at the same time, continuously improving the service standards of the entire network. The Expert Level Truck Point Audit Programme audits customer service provision, casing management, health & safety policy, equipment checks, administration, invoicing and training within Truck Point dealers. The LRQA audit programme forms part of Bridgestone’s comprehensive Total Fleet Management package. This offers fleets a full supply and support service for their tyres, covering premium product supply, expert service levels, casing management, fleet checks, full reporting, environmental and health and safety policies as well as online invoice checking. The latest additions to Bridgestone’s growing list of expert dealers are: Baron Tyres, Capital Greg Ward, Bridgestone UK commercial tyre sales director, presents Gareth Williams (Elmbridge Tyre Specialists Ltd) with the Tyres, Chase Tyres, County Tyres, Truck Point expert dealer award. 73 members of the Truck Point Elmbridge Tyres, ETB, Gordons network have attained LRQA-audited expert status Tyres, Harris Bros, Jetyres, Kingsway Tyres, Link Tyre Sales, Lodge Tyres, McConechy's, Nation Tyres, Point roadshow came round the total had Robbs Tyres, Tanvic Tyres, Town & Country, shot up to 73, roughly a quarter of the Tyre Maintenance, TyreWork, two branches network as a whole. of Watling Tyres and finally WH Tyres. Bridgestone/Truck Point’s scheme utilises the services of the world-renowned chris.anthony@tyrepress.com audit inspectors, Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA). By adopting this approach, both Truck Point dealers and existing and potential fleet customers can be assured of the quality of services being

The growth of the Bridgestone Truck Point network of independent tyre dealers, coupled with a series of company-initiated fleet gains has led to increased Bridgestone influence in the UK commercial vehicle truck market. At the time of going to press, the Truck Point network covered 306 outlets, with 1000 service vans, managing 50 centrally billed national fleet customers. (Including Europe, the total swells to 2349 outlets in 28 countries). This year, Bridgestone’s truck tyre sales development culminated with the acquisition of the manufacturer’s first four bus contracts - Thamesdown, First Bus, Veolia and Plymouth City Bus – a move that marks the manufacturer’s progression into the passenger carrying commercial vehicle market.

008 also saw Bridgestone cement its first concrete deal in conjunction with Bandag. From now on 13 Larfarge locations, not to mention Cemex lorries will be running on Bridgestone products. The latter contract, for Cemex’s aggregates and cement fleet is said to be worth £1.6 million and represents a three-year contract. Looking forward into 2009, Bridgestone is planning to significantly increase its retread offering. First of all the company has announced that it will introduce a new Qualitread size (385/55 R22.5), which is being introduced as a result of Bridgestone’s recent bus fleet success. This will be followed by a number of other retread size additions. Audit success As 2008 drew to a close, Bridgestone UK held a series of Truck Point dealer roadshows designed to bring partners in the next up to speed with the latest developments. One of the key messages communicated to the network was of the importance of increasing fleet check depth and quality, a message which is comes off the back of significant investment from the tyre manufacturer in a complete “expert dealer” external auditing programme. Details of the first three truck tyre dealers to successfully achieve expert level status in the Truck Point Dealer Audit Programme were given at the end of April 2007; with a further 46 named in October that year. However, the scheme has proved so successful that by the time the 2008 Truck

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Stapleton’s 5th Largest Retail Network Following Central Tyre Acquisition

ATS Euromaster Opened Four New Stores in 2008 On 18 December 2008 ATS Euromaster opened a new service centre in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, its fourth new centre to be opened in the UK during 2008. Built with an investment of more than £1 million, the new fast-fit facility is situated within the Chancery Gate Business Centre in Whiteleaf Road, and joins a network of more than 470 service locations across the UK – including seven in Hertfordshire. Vince McGurk, Group Operations Director, explained: “We chose to invest in this area following a strategic assessment of our new business opportunities. It highlighted that putting ATS Euromaster firmly on the map in Hemel Hempstead, just off the busy A41 and only three miles from the M25 and M1 motorways, would further strengthen our nationwide service offering…It is also the fourth new centre we have opened in 12 months, joining recent additions in Redruth, Treforest and Bourne End.” The new team is led by Steve Thomson, centre manager, who brings with him 18 months experience at ATS Euromaster, having previously worked as assistant manager at the company’s dedicated truck facility in Hounslow. The Hemel Hempstead branch has on-site parking for up to 20 cars. cja

Stapleton’s nationwide chain of workshops has jumped to 101 outlets following the acquisition of 56 Central Tyre outlets from Pirelli UK. The deal, first announced last year, sees Stapleton’s Tyre Services become the fifth largest retail tyre chain in the UK, in terms of network size, behind Hi-Q, National Tyres, ATS and Kwik-Fit. It also marks Pirelli’s exit from direct retail operations in the UK. The deal has been described by NTDA director Richard Edy as a major development for the UK and a big step forward for Stapleton’s. “The market is pretty fluid as far as small acquisitions go,” he said. “But it’s quite unique to be able to buy an established, large chain like this. In one fell swoop Stapleton’s has moved up the ladder considerably.” sg

Europes leading supplier of tyres and wheels Suppliers of :ATV / Turf Trailer / Caravan Implement Forklift Solid & Pneumatic Skid Steer Dumper / Loader Industrial Tubes Agricultural Construction

Starco Full range of tubes from 3” to 48”

Starco GB Ltd - Wheelhouse Road - Towers Business Park Rugeley - Staffordshire - WS15 1UZ Tel: 01889 571 027 | Fax: 01889 571 011 | Email: info@starco.co.uk Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

UK TYRE MARKET

BSI Promotes Kitemark Garages to Fleets

he BSI Kitemark campaign is promoting its registered garages to businesses and fleet managers as a way of “eradicating any potential dangers.” According to a press release published on 23 January, fleet managers can be reassured that by using a Kitemark garage the risk of poor repairs has been lowered, not just the cost. In its report BSI refers to the Health and Safety Offences Act 2008, which came into force on 16 January 2009. This new Act increases penalties and provides courts with greater sentencing powers for those who break health and safety law. Therefore managers who turn a blind eye to maintaining the company's business cars regularly will be more severely punished. The importance of specifically replacing car tyres was also highlighted. Judith Hackitt, Health Safety Executive Chair said: "It is right that there should be a real deterrent to those businesses and individuals that do not take their health and safety responsibilities seriously. We will continue to target those who knowingly cut corners, put lives at risk and who gain commercial advantage over competitors by failing to comply with the law." Eric Friend, Certification Manager, BSI Product Services, added that to avoid the risks fleet managers should choose a Kitemark certified garage: "By inspecting garages prior to accepting them into any scheme you assess their customer arrangements and provision of the services they offer, but the Kitemark scheme does go further by looking at the equipment, site facilities, staff competence and training, each garage is inspected and all gaps/errors non compliance to the standards have to be addressed before they gain their Kitemark Licence.” To obtain the Kitemark garages must address key areas: customer service, customer satisfaction, customer facilities - such as waiting areas, staff competencies - the quality of workmanship in the garage, their ability to use the equipment available, technical inspection and importantly fair and transparent billing. Further details of the HSE’s current advice on assessing the risk of driving at work can be found at:www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg 382.pdf. cja

Kwik-Fit Upgrades Mobile Technology New mobile system said to cut communications costs by 75 per cent Kwik-Fit Mobile’s decision to equip its off-site tyre fitting fleet of 230 mobile technicians with new mobile technology means fleet customers are receiving a faster and more efficient service, the company has reported. Developed with MMCC Consultants, B2M Solutions and Ryzex, Kwik-Fit reports that its mobile fleet will use the new technology to improve the service it offers some of the UK’s largest vehicle fleets such as British Gas and Motability. The system is said to offer a 5 per cent efficiency improvement, which means an extra half job a day on top of the current level of 10 customers visits daily. “The 5 per cent improvement in efficiency is significant,” says Simon Lucas, operations director of Kwik-Fit Fleet, adding: “Another major success is the ability to capture customer signatures electronically which has removed the need for follow-up paper work on over 2000 jobs per day.” According to the company, technology has enabled Kwik-Fit to cut its communications costs by 75 per cent and, based on these savings alone, will recover the cost of the new mobile technology system in less than 18 months. cja

F1 Fun at Chiltern Tyres Chiltern Tyre and Exhaust Specialists based in Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire played host to Bridgestone’s Formula One car as part of a family fun day. Families were invited down to the free event to get up close to the Formula One car, which took centre stage at the event alongside the Bridgestone Formula One simulator. Visitors had their photos taken with the real Ferrari racing car, tested their driving skills on the simulator and enjoyed the food on offer. The kids at the event were also treated to free face painting all day. Dene Arnold, director of Merityre, who own Chiltern Tyre and Exhaust Specialists, comments: “The weekend was a great success. Store manager, Saleem Iqbal welcomed customers and locals with their families who all enjoyed the free entertainment. Having the Bridgestone Formula One car on show was a real treat and visitors young and old got behind the wheel of the simulator.” Andy Dingley from Bridgestone added: “We are always pleased to see the retailers we work with going that extra mile to give something extra to their customers. Bridgestone was more than happy to lend its support to the day as the Formula One car and simulator are always a big attraction.” cja

Local boy puts his driving skills to the test on the Bridgestone F1 simulator at Chiltern Tyre and Exhaust Specialists F1 Fun Day

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

UK TYRE MARKET

Marangoni Launches New “e-logic” Tyre Range

arangoni has announced the launch of its new range of premium summerweather tyres, the e-logic. The brand evidently takes its inspiration from the three key demands that the Italian manufacturer wishes to satisfy: that it is economical, ecological and saves as much energy as possible. According to Marangoni, traditional tyre requirements of performance, grip, comfort and safety, are increasingly met with growing demands for economical, ecological and energy saving solutions, hence the new release’s explicit focus on the newer requirements. Marangoni says that its new silica compounds achieve “substantially stronger tyre Available Sizes economy”, with lower rolling resistance. In comparison with the company’s own Trio tyre, the e-logic can lower fuel consumption “by 2 165/60 R14 T per cent, and offer mileage gains of approx175/60 R14 T imately 15 per cent.” The e-logic, so says the 175/60 R14 H manufacturer, is the most economical Maran155/65 R13 T goni tyre to date. 165/65 R13 T In terms of ecology, Marangoni 175/65 R13 T uses its HA oil-free compound, 155/65 R14 T while the “multi-level optimised 165/65 R14 T tread design” results in a 2db 175/65 R14 T noise reduction on the Trio. 175/65 R14 T XL Additionally, the new cavity 175/65 R14 H design will improve the 175/65 R15 T dynamic efficiency of the 145/70 R13 T vehicle and deliver a reduction 155/70 R13 T of rolling resistance by 15 per 165/70 R13 T cent, alongside a reduction in 165/70 R13 T XL CO2 emissions. 175/70 R13 T The tyre also offers traditional 185/70 R13 T strengths: according to Maran165/70 R14 T goni, “the e-logic performs strongly 175/70 R14 T from a safety standpoint, with an 185/70 R14 T improvement of traction on wet 185/70 R14 H roads of 10 per cent, and a reduction in braking distance in the wet of 10 per cent,” again compared with the Trio. The company also believes that the tyre will respond well to changing conditions throughout the year. As with every Marangoni tyre, e-logic is covered by Marangoni’s unique Lifetime Warranty, covering the customer from accidental damage incurred under normal driving conditions, including damage or irreparable punctures caused by potholes, kerbs, road debris, nails or broken glass. Derek Carruthers, Marangoni Car Tyre’s sales and marketing director states, “We understand our customers needs, and ensure that our products meet such demands – the e-logic offers the complete environmental solution for today’s driver. The product attributes are matched with our continuous dedication to product quality, as well as our unique Lifetime Warranty, providing an ever increasing sales argument, and gives our Team Marangoni dealers the opportunity to be able to offer a product that fits many customer’s needs.” akb

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

THIS?

REMEMBER

Stories from the past 20 years of T&A

February 1989 Pirelli's US subsidiary and the Armstrong Tire Co. merged to form Pirelli Armstrong Tire Corporation. In a newspaper interview, Continental Chairman Horst W. Urban said he intended to make Continental a global brand.

February 1994 Bridgestone firestone became the first tyre maker to be awarded pan-European accreditation to quality standard ISO 9000. The NTDA highlighted the increasing number of dangerous repairs to tyres, including tyres with sidewall splits held together by staples or sewn with cord.

February 1999 The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Co. marked its 10th year in business by unveiling a specially-commissioned statue at its Wolverhampton plant. Sir Tom Farmer was awarded the Institute of Management's Gold Medal for his business achievements.

February 2004 Kumho embarked on construction of its second tyre factory in China, aimed at doubling production to 10 million units in four years. Cooper Tire & Rubber announced a US$32.1 million investment programme in three of its four US tyre manufacturing facilities.

COMPANY NEWS

Career Tracks

Goodyear Dunlop Presents Employee HR Gongs 2008 First with People awards presented to Birmingham-based Peter Wayte and Cliff Hickman Goodyear Dunlop has presented Pan-European development awards to two associates in the West Midlands. One of the Midlands’ top employers, the company aims to encourage development and recognition within the workplace, supporting employees who train in new areas and develop their roles within the organisation.

s part of their drive towards being “First with People” (the firm’s branding of the initiative), Goodyear Dunlop has developed the Pan-European award. These awards are presented on a yearly basis to those employees who have made a difference or special contribution to the company within the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. 35 associates out of over 30,000 within the EMEA region are selected. This year the UK team, based in Birmingham, has proudly announced that two of its employees have received an award: Peter Wayte, of the Tyre Technical department and Cliff Hickman from IT. The manufacturer has called the gongs a “great achievement not only for the individuals but also for Goodyear Dunlop UK and Ireland. It highlights the company’s dedication to associates and the investments made.” Arthur De Bok, Goodyear Dunlop EMEA president, travelled to the TyreFort headquarters in Erdington with Darryl Milburn, vice president of HR for EMEA to present the awards. Product support officer Peter Wayte is based in the company’s Wolverhampton office and deals with customer queries. For many years Wayte has gone over and above the call of duty, training 150 associates on a course called ‘An Introduction to Tyres’. The

course, which has mainly been crafted by Wayte, assists Goodyear Dunlop associates in understanding all the elements of a tyre, from how to read a tyre size to the technologies behind car, motorcycle, truck and farm tyres. This is not part of Wayte’s day to day job; he has developed the programme to help build a more efficient organisation. “With over 22 years of experience with the company Peter has an array of knowledge to pass on to other associates. We have roughly 200 customer facing associates in the West Midlands and for Peter to have trained 150 of these alone is such an achievement. Peter is very passionate about educating people about our products and has a real flair for helping others understand complex tyre technology” said Steve Colman, customer services manager. Cliff Hickman has been a senior supply chain designer for over 30 years, starting in manufacturing. He has been responsible for developing and standardising processes across the whole region from production receiving, warehousing, including the first truly Pan European Order Entry tool. The company’s IT team has benefited greatly from his commitment. Goodyear Dunlop says that, “He epitomises the First with People ideal, he is hugely respected through the whole organisation for his ability to create flexible and complex solutions in a very demanding area of the business that really add value and drive down cost.” Ian Smith, IT Business Process manager, Supply Chain, said, “Cliff’s flexibility, professionalism and problem solving skills have contributed hugely to the continued support and good working relations IT has across all areas of the business and all associates from Tyre Builders to Directors. Cliff spends many hours travelling to support his customers including assignments in Luxembourg and Germany.” akb

(l-r) Peter Wayte, Cliff Hickman, Arthur de Bok, president EMEA, Darryl Milburn, vice president of HR EMEA and Mark Brickhill, UK general manager

Tyres & Accessories 02/2009

Doug Pearson Dies Following Short Illness Former Watts Tyre Group managing director, Douglas Pearson died on 8 January 2009 following a short illness, the company has said in a statement conveying its sadness at the news.

oug Pearson worked for Watts Industrial Tyres for 31 years, having joined the company from Dunlop in 1976. In 1988 he became managing director of the company and was instrumental in making Watts one of the major players in the industry. In 2006 he stepped down as managing director to spend his last year with Watts in the USA overseeing the integration of Diprima and establishing the new Watts USA operation in the Southern United States. In addition to his stewardship of Watts, Pearson was also an active and key member of several trade associations including ITA (Industrial Tyre Association), BITA (British Industrial Truck Association) and the FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association). “Douglas was greatly admired and respected by all his colleagues and competitors. Tributes and condolences have been received from all over the world, testimony to the affection and esteem in which he was held. We extend our sincere sympathies to his devoted wife, Judy, hi son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Jill and his beloved grandchildren, Aaron and Louis,” Watts’ statement concluded.

Conti Announces Changes to UK Commercial Management Team

ontinental Tyre Group has announced a number of changes within its commercial management structure, changes the company says utilise current expertise and commitment to further strengthen its position in the UK market. Barry Guildford, previously a member of Continental’s Industrial division, joins the truck team as general sales manager – Truck Replacement. Guildford has an extensive background in truck marketing and more than seven years’ experience within the Continental group. Leon McMahon moves from his position in National Accounts to take on the role of general sales manager – Industrial, where he will be responsible for both the replacement Barry Guildford joins the truck team as general sales and OE business in UK & Ireland. Replacing manager – Truck Replacement Leon as key accounts manager is Jim Riddle. Riddle already has wealth experience within Continental’s key accounts services under his belt, and in his new role will be looking to develop and support Continental’s top truck accounts. In addition to the new members of Continental’s sales team, Martin Pocock, formerly with Porsche, will take on the role of commercial pricing manager. Finally, following the successful relaunch of the ContiNetwork in 2008, Laura Johnston has joined Continental from Citroën as network manager. Commenting on these changes, Arthur Gregg, sales & marketing director said “2008 Leon McMahon takes on the role of general sales was a strong year for Continental Tyre Group manager – Industrial and despite the difficulties facing both the economy and the industry in 2009, I believe we have a strong business package for our customers. This year sees the launch of a new range of regional steer and drive products which together with a strong management team and a leading network will enable us to meet the challenges ahead.” sg

cja

Andy Davies Appointed General Manager of Bridgestone Austria

he new managing director taking the reins at Bridgestone’s Austrian operations, Bridgestone Austria GmbH, is perhaps a familiar name to those in the UK tyre industry. After twelve years in the job, incumbent managing director Michael Glockner is moving

Tyres & Accessories 02/2009

on to a Brussels based position with the Japanese tyre major. In his place comes 35-year old Andy Davies, who began his career with Bridgestone UK in 1996 before making the cross channel move to a position within Bridgestone Europe in 2001. Since 2006 Davies has held the position of general manager, Sales and Marketing for passenger car, 4x4 and light truck tyres for Bridgestone Europe. He will now take charge of 51 company employees at Bridgestone’s Austrian distribution operations. sg

RECYCLING

Michelin Sells Share in Sapphire Energy Recovery Lafarge now sole owner of waste tyre derived fuel supplier Michelin Tyre plc has announced the sale of its share in the Sapphire Energy Recover joint venture. The company, established in 2001 by Michelin together with cement and aggregate producer Lafarge, is now solely owned by Lafarge.

he decision to move Sapphire to sole ownership was made, says Michelin, once the business had successfully achieved its objective of developing a healthy and viable end-of-life process for used tyres. Sapphire provides the items to the cement industry as a waste-derived fuel, and the tyre maker adds that a sustainable market that benefits both tyre manufacturers and cement producers has now been created. The EU Landfill Directive banned the disposal of whole tyres to landfill from July 2003 and shredded tyres from July 2006, meaning safe, alternative disposal methods were sought for the 40 million-plus used tyres removed from vehicles in the UK every year. Incorporating tyres into the cement manufacturing process utilises the energy locked within them and reduces the amount of fossil fuels required, in turn helping reduce CO2 emissions. Tyres are processed in cement kilns at temperatures over 1,000°C, a heat sufficient to burn the organic molecules that make up the tyre and leave no waste residue. All the constituents of the tyre - including the steel that makes up approximately 20 per cent of every tyre - are combined in the cement. Major investments have been made by Sapphire in developing reliable collection and processing capacity for used tyres in the UK, which now has a sustainable and competitive market for end of life tyres. Sapphire currently processes over 16 million tyres a year. Lafarge Cement alone consumed over 75,000 tonnes of waste tyres in 2008, compared to 29,000 in 2000. “The decision for Lafarge Cement to take sole ownership of the Sapphire business made sense for both parties,” said Lafar-

The decision for Lafarge Cement to take sole ownership of the Sapphire business made sense for both parties, said Sapphire’s Jamie Randall

ge’s Jamie Randall. “We have both achieved the objectives which we had originally set, and are very pleased with the way Sapphire has established itself as the market leader with a commitment to serve its customers to a high standard. “Lafarge is committed to increasing its use of waste-derived fuels and raw materials to help reduce consumption of nonrenewable resources and cut down CO2 emissions. Taking full ownership of Sapphire is the latest stage of exciting developments in this area as we continue to investigate the potential of a wider number of waste streams, and build on our expertise in materials such as tyres, processed sewage pellets, meat and bone meal and solid and liquid recovered fuels.” “The opportunity to reassess the joint-venture relationship also came at a good time for Michelin,” comments Jim Rickard, managing director of Michelin Tyre plc. “Creating a viable endof-life tyre recovery industry was an important priority for our business. We’re really proud that we have achieved that in what has been a healthy relationship with Lafarge, and we have no doubt that we will continue to work with Sapphire as one of its customers in the future.” Sapphire Energy Recovery business has its headquarters in Staffordshire and employs 40 people at processing facilities and collection centres around the UK. It works alongside Lafarge Cement’s other resource recovery business, Glacier, which sources and develops the use of alternative raw materials and fuels other than tyres. sg

PYReco to Build Heat Degradation Tyre Recycler Pyrolisis-based works for North East England gets the go-ahead with low carbon, sustainable developer

tyres a year, the equivalent of 7.5 million tyres, without waste or harmful emissions. It is estimated that plant will create 90 jobs for the region. Traditionally the uncompromising properties of the material have meant that tyres have been difficult to re-cycle, most often burnt in cement kilns. PYReco’s plant will provide a closed loop recycling route, breaking down used tyres into their component parts capable of being used in the production of brand new units. Renew, a regional initiative that assists in facilitating and delivering

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

yre recycling firm PYReco plans to build a pioneering £80 million tyre recycling plant in North East England, the first of its kind in Europe. The scheme is underway thanks, in part, to the support of Renew, an organisation tasked with driving a low carbon and sustainability agenda with industry in the region. The plant will be built at the South Tees Eco Park (STEP) in Tees Valley by 2010. It will use the relatively novel process of pyrolysis, a method of degrading material through heat, to recycle 60,000 tonnes of used

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Plans for PYReco’s new pyrolysis plant are in motion with the support of Reach

commercial energy and environmental technology projects across the North East, attracted PYReco to invest in the region, sourcing a suitable site for the plant, assisting its planning application by supporting market, technical and environmental impact assessments, and brokering connections with investors and industry to build strong working relationships. Anthony Carter, Chairman of PYReco commented; “We were initially looking at sites in Wales and London but with Renew we found an extraordinary ‘can do attitude’ and a team who fundamentally understood the technology and the issues we face. Renew acted as a link between ourselves and the North East community. Their support, guidance and understanding have enabled us to integrate into the region’s unique infrastructure as well as gaining an immediate understanding of its culture.” John Barton, director at Renew, commented, “The North East is uniquely placed to attract investment for environmental projects such

as these. Putting in place a closed loop system, creating value from waste products, whether material, heat or energy, not only has significant environmental benefits but also provides a sound economic base for businesses to operate on.” Pushing market ready products to industry and encouraging adoption and implementation of new technologies from SME’s to heavy industry, Renew, a strategic component of the Centre for Process Innovation’s Low Carbon Energy business, seeks to embed best practice, provide consultancy advice and offers end -to - end support to customers. The organisation will have a key role in assisting in the region's contribution to the UK emissions reduction target of 80 per cent by 2050. This plant and the re-use of the recovered materials in the manufacture of new tyres and components has the ability to displace 500,000 barrels of oil, 250 MW of generated electricity and save the UK 0.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. akb

The best of

1/2 AD Eldon

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

RECYCLING

Before Chipping: Crushing and Cutting Aberdeen’s Overton Garage recommends TSISSG

ire Service Equipment and Saf-Tee Siping & Grooving, or TSISSG as it is known to its friends, is perhaps best known for its machinery dealing with the maintenance of tyres. However, Scottish retail business Overton Garage is heartily behind the company’s series of wheel crushing and tyre cutting equipment, having sold hundreds of examples over the years. The company reports great results for those who have made the investment; if it is time for a beloved set of rims and rubber to go to the great recycler in the sky, you may as well do them the service of making the job a quick and efficient one. For over 25 years TSISSG has been a leading manufacturer and innovator of products and equipment for the tyre service and tyre recycling industries. Its products are designed and developed by experts in the respective industries with a passion for testing and quality, manufacturing almost all of its products in the USA.

Breaking up isn’t so very hard to do: TSISSG’s 120 per hour wheel crusher

ity, each location is likely to have some type of requirement as to how they will accept old tyres. The fact is few recycling facilities and landfills will accept tyres whole. Most require old tyres cut into smaller pieces, and this is where TSISSG places its machines in the market. Cutting the tyres into 4 pieces reduces the volume up to 60 per cent and reduces the cost of transportation to landfills and recycling facilities by transporting four times as many tyres. Cut tyres do not hold water as well as whole tyres and reduce the risk of becoming ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The tyre recyclers prefer cut tyres to whole tyres because they are easier on shredding and granulating equipment. Cut tyres do not wear cutting and granulating teeth as fast as whole tyres, thus reducing the operating costs of the recycling equipment. Crusher

Cut up

Another important step in preparing a tyre for disposal is separating the tyre from the The company realises that the removal and wheel. Often a shop can help offset the cost of disposing old tyres by selling the scrap disposal of old tyres is an ever growing challenge for many of today’s tyre shops, steel and aluminium wheels. The convenlandfill operators and automotive service Chop chop: TSISSG’s TC55 cutter aids faster delivery and tional way of separating a tyre and wheel facilities, and each year these old tyre chal- disposal with a manual or automatic tyre machine is lenges become greater. So, asks TSISSG time consuming. A wheel crusher gives you rhetorically, what does it take to properly prepare an old tyre for disposal the ability to do the job much quicker. TSI SSG points to its TC-300, in a landfill or to send to a recycling facility? For many, the first step in which can separate up to 120 passenger tyres and wheels an hour. properly disposing of an old tyre is the process of identifying the next Such efficiency exemplifies Overton Garage’s endorsement of the stop in the old tyres journey and whether it is a landfill or recycling facil- products in TSISSG’s range. akb

Profile: DME Tyres

ormed in 1980, and after becoming an independent company again in 2006 following a four-year period of ownership by RMC (UK) Ltd, DME Tyres is one of the UK's leading tyre collection and casing sorting businesses. Located in Burntwood, Staffordshire, the organisation has established a management team with significant experience in the tyre collection, sorting and recycling business, headed up by managing director Ken Plaster. In addition to the recycling arm of the business, DME also

formed N W Tyres Limited in early summer 2006 as part of a progression into the waste tyre collection market for DME Tyres. The collection arm is based in an all-purpose processing facility in Partington, Manchester and has vehicles ranging from 3.5 tonne gross vans up to 44 tonne articulated lorries. Following the 2002 acquisition, DME was able to synergise with UK cement concern, Rugby Cement, which still uses tyres provided by DME as a kiln fuel to replace their current fossil fuels. akb

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Having a Bale of a Time BOA Recycling Equipment unleashes double flapped baler for better baling In December 2008, BOA Recycling Equipment tested the baling of car tyres at a customer’s site in Germany. When trying to bale car tyres, problems usually arise with certain types of balers. When using a single flap baler for example, the expansive material can push the pre-press

BOA outputs tyres in well-shaped bales

flap upwards. However, the tests showed the BOA baler pressing used car tyres successfully into well-shaped, heavy bales, with none of the usual problems rearing their ugly, misshapen-baled heads.

he 130 tonne baler with two pre-press flaps and a press channel of 1100x720 mm (the Impress D130) pressed the car tyres easily into heavy stackable bales, without any problems. Illustrating the extent of the advantage gained, BOA commented that while the material arrived in two trucks – one truck with 2x20 m3 containers and one 70 m3 Walking Floor – it left in one postbaling, and that was only half full. The average bale weighed was circa 550 kg. Additionally, the bales created are very strong; they were dropped from a height of approximately 3 m and remained intact. BOA believes that companies can save enormously on transport and/or storage cost when baling car tyres. Since its beginnings in 1956, BOA has grown to become a wellknown, experienced global player in the recycling industry. In 2007 BOA became part of the Stibbe Management group, an industrial holding with companies active in the divisions Marine and Power, Food & Dairy and Environmental Solutions. BOA Recycling Equipment is based in The Netherlands and has a German and a UK service office with local BOA engineers. akb

178d x135w Colimbus Mc Kinnon AD

1920 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL 32243 (941) 755-2621 1-800-848-1071 Fax: (941) 753-2308 www.cmshredders.com CM-Shredders Europe, Lauwersdijk 12, 7137 ME Lievelde, Nederland Tel: Office +31544375053. Mob: +31646377955. E-Mail: rots1@chello.nl

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

RECYCLING

The Daily Grind Van Aarsen explains the 25-year history and mechanics behind its “Main Grinder” Recycling machinery specialist Van Aarsen Machinefabrik is marking 25 years of its Main Grinder tyre recycling machine. The company describes its Main Grinder as “one of a kind in tyre recycling,” with Van Aarsen International always eager to discuss with companies the possibility of integrating the machine into existing operations, thus dropping operational costs. Alternatively, the Dutch firm also offers more complete Van Aarsen International turn key solutions.

he Main Grinder of today has evolved since its invention in the early-1980s, with current model, the RTG 1250, the current generation of the product. However, the basic principles are still the same, designed specifically for tyres and not merely shredding but grinding the shreds down into marketable granulates. The RTG 1250 is 1250mm wide, has 30 rotor knives and three stator knives, equipped with 2x200 kW motor. Its maximum capacity is five tonnes per hour. In the early Eighties of the last century when tyre recycling was still in its infancy, the first Main Grinder was designed and manufactured in the Netherlands because, Van Aarsen states, there was simply no technical and financially viable solution to grind down tyres to granulate after shredding. Chrit Houtackers, employee of Van Aarsen and the founder of Rubber Technology, worked to solve this issue in his pilot plant in Weert in the Netherlands. He started with equipment, which was available on the market at the time and which was used for cable recycling. This equipment did not resist the forces and the wear and tear of crushing tyre shreds. The maintenance costs were enormous and the availability dramatically low. Designing the first Main Grinder, his equipment had a width of one metre and was only equipped with eight rotor and two stator knives. It had a capacity of 2.5 tonnes per hour with an electrical power of 250 kW. This first Main Grinder is still in operation after 25 years, while the company using this grinder now have a second of the same design. Since 1983 many companies have started using the Main Grinder in their tyre recycling process as a single machine integrated in their production process or in the turnkey systems supplied by Van Aarsen International.

Second step The Van Aarsen Main Grinder is the second step in the tyre recycling process. In just one single production step, shreds with an average size 100*150 mm are transformed into granulates smaller then 20 mm. This transformation is a grinding process, with the rubber crushed between the tooth of the stator and rotor knives. Over 95 per cent of the steel in tyres is released during this process. One of the benefits is that the steel is clean and free of rubber due to the way the Main Grinder processes the tyres. Because of this, the steel has a higher added value and is easier to sell in the international scrap steel market than steel coming from granulating lines. Another benefit of the grinding process is that in the second step of the production process over 20 per cent of crumb rubber with a size smaller then 2 mm is produced. Van Aarsen adds that a further side-effect derived from using the Main Grinder is the shape of the textile fibres formed during the process, which is different those formed in

The Main Grinder may be 25 years old, but it retains the principles of its original design

other, more common granulating processes, thanks to the way in which the rubber is torn apart. Due to the fibre shape, Van Aarsen claims it is easier and more effective to remove the fibres from the rubber, a factor of great importance in determining the quality of the end product. The company says that maintenance costs are low, giving the guidelines of between 18 and 22 euros per tonne of input; a factor attributed to the long history of design peculiar to the machine. Part of this low cost is the fact that worn parts can be removed and replaced easily, with the maintenance carried out by the user’s own operators. Additionally, the used parts of the shredder and grinder can be restored inhouse, merely by welding and sharpening these parts again. The fact that the machine is easily looked after and restored at the point of use enables the reuse of parts many times again, keeping the maintenance costs low. The sum total of these usability features is, the company estimates, the availability of the Main Grinder is over 95 per cent including the scheduled maintenance. akb

Denmark’s Eldan Recycling Offers Complete Tyre Systems

mploying more than 110 workers, Denmark-based Eldan Recycling specialises in the development, manufacturing, marketing and installation of machines and complete plants for the recycling industry. During 2008 the company expanded its production facilities considerably by adding two new workshops to the premises in order to meet what the company calls an increased demand for its equipment, as well as to shorten the delivery time on all its products. Eldan’s product range deals with a variety of waste types, such as aluminium, municipal solid waste and refrigerators, but waste tyres are clearly of most interest here. In providing machinery for the purposes of recycling tyres, the company is able to create various product combinations, depending on the desired end result. In addition to the number of standard

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The strongest link RECYCLING in your process! recycling plant solutions to achieve the required end-product, Eldan is capable of producing more bespoke options to meet specific endproduct needs. Using what the company refers to as “the modular approach,” a large number of combinations can be supplied to produce rubber shreds, chips or granulate. The company’s delivery program also includes single machines. The corporate roots of Eldan Recycling dates back to 1956, and since the beginning the company has specialized in developing and manufacturing of machines and plants for the recycling industry. The firm believes that its ability to adapt to the changing market for recycling equipment – which has grown alongside ecological awareness – has been the key to its continued success. Eldan’s pride in its ability to innovate stretches to manufacturing machinery that can be adapted easily, accommodating both present and potential future requirements. To date, the manufacturer has installed more than 7000 single machines and 770 complete recycling systems worldwide.

Single Rotor Shredder Q Low operating costs Q Low maintenance costs Q Optimum operational utilization Q Minimum service down time due to solid low maintenance construction

VAN AARSEN MACHINERY

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Turnkey supplier Eldan describes its plants as “Multi-Size,” meaning that one must only change the screen combinations in the machinery to produce different quantities of output. In addition to its range of standard plants and machines, the company tailors solutions to specific customer requirements. Some examples of this include a cracker mill system, meeting customer and market demands for powder down to 50 Mesh; a rubber quality upgrading system, which produces rubber granulate of 99.99 per cent purity; a steel wire cleaning system, which reduces the rubber content in the steel fraction down to between 3 and 5 per cent; a car tyre feeder, which automatically ensures continuous feeding at a capacity of 5-6 tonnes/hour; a “Super Chopper,” which puts the tyres through a tumbling process, reducing the content of foreign bodies in the tyres; and a bagging system, used, as the name suggests, for the bagging of the end-product. Eldan offers single and double bagging stations with weighing and scaling equipment also available. Eldan refers to itself as a “turnkey supplier” of complete plants, meaning that the customer only deals with one partner from the first projecting stage to the customised solution. In addition, the company welcomes tests with the customer’s own materials, allowing its Service Division to offer ad hoc service on existing as well as new equipment using its trained and experienced service engineers and supervisors. With an After Sales division in charge of sales and guidance of spare and wear parts to customers worldwide, the company also maintains an extensive stock of spare parts. akb

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

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COMPANY NEWS

In spite of Amtel-Vredestein’s financial woes, the company’s premium tyres have been a success in Russia

Work in Progress After a year’s efforts, an agreement between Sibur Group and Amtel-Vredestein finally seems in the bag The path towards an arrangement between OJSC Sibur Holding and Amtel-Vredestein has been littered with complications, yet as of early 2009 it appears that the persistence of the parties involved has paid off. On January 28, Sibur-Russian Tyres (SRT) announced the planned issue of 7.6 billion securities bonds, valued at 12.69 billion roubles (£246,47 million), each convertible into a single ordinary SRT share. This bond issue, commented SRT deputy general director Igor Karavayev, provides a tool for the possible redemption of Amtel-Vredestein’s Russian business debt with creditor banks; under this scheme, the creditor banks could acquire up to 45 per cent of SRT’s shares. According to SRT, arrangements with creditors should be finalised some time in February.

hen the ink is dry on any such deal, it will mark the end of almost four years in which the company grew rapidly – too rapidly, as it turned out – in the Russian market, and collected massive debts along the way. Amtel Group subsidiary Amtel Holdings Holland NV originally acquired Vredestein Banden BV for 195.6 million euros in April 2005. At this time the Russian company controlled, according to a statement released by Alfa Bank, 30 per cent of tyre production in Russia. Amtel operated five tyre factories plus a carbon black and nylon fibre plant. Its cash purchase of Vredestein Banden BV, itself a long established manufacturer with an annual output of 4.3 million tyres, was intended to give Amtel a foothold in Russia’s premium tyre market. In line with this plan, the newly combined Amtel-Vredestein began selling Vredestein brand tyres in Russia in mid-2005, and were able to glean 150 per cent more profit from tyres sold under the Dutch trademark than from its own brand. The 2005 acquisition of Vredestein Banden BV was followed by

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

COMPANY NEWS

investment in retail stores across Russia. The first opened the same year, and by 2007 the company operated 92 AV-TO outlets throughout the country, making it Russia’s largest tyre retail and distribution entity. In July 2006 the company made another purchase – this time the Moscow Tyre Plant, a Soviet-era facility where the ‘Taganka’ tyre brand was manufactured. After a year in new hands the facility held capacity for 850,000 A segment passenger car and light truck tyres per annum, and 1,150,000 B and C-segment passenger car tyres. All capacity for a bright future – at the time of the combined Amtel-Vredestein’s creation, Alfa Bank analysts estimated that the Russian tyre market would grow 10 to 15 per cent per annum, and borrowing to expand seemed like a reasonably safe risk for such a major player. Acquired as part of Amtel-Vredestein’s Russian expansion, the Moscow Tyre Plant proved to be a debt burden and was sold off in March 2008 The reality, as is often the case, proved otherwise. After reporting a net loss of US$5 million for the 2006 year, expected due to the level of investment undertaken by the company, CEO Alexi Gurin said he expected the company tility. The challenges faced in 2007 – over-capacity, rising costs, to be profitable in 2007. Net loss during this year, however, skyro- growing competition – intensified and significantly weakened our cketed to $242 million, despite a 22 per cent increase in sales. Upon business.” To counter its debt, Amtel-Vredestein disposed of the Moscow announcing the company’s 2007 annual results, Supervisory Board chairman Rafeal Nagapetyants told shareholders the sober truth: Tyre Plant for $77 million in March 2008 and put a freeze on expand“2007 was one of the most difficult years in the history of Amtel- ing its loss generating AV-TO network. Work on the company’s Vredestein N.V. It was a year in which the company’s growth was Voronezh II facility was also put on hold. Yet these measures were superseded by two fundamental weaknesses: our huge debt not enough. In January 2008 the company entered into preliminary incurred to finance the expansion of previous years, and our result- discussions with Sibur Holding regarding a possible combination ing inability to adjust structural costs in line with global market vola- with its SRT business unit. The following month, after a week in

Organisational Chart of the Amtel-Vredestein Group

Amtel-Vredestein N.V. (Holding Company; the Netherlands)

Source: Amtel-Vredestein

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

OJSC AV-TO (Retailer: Moscow/Russia)

OJSC Amtel-Chernozemye (Fabrik; Voronezh/Russland)

OJSC Amtel-Vredestein

OJSC Amtel-Povolzhye (Fabrik; Kiror/Russland)

Additional European distributors

Vredestein (UK) Ltd.

Vredestein Tyres North America

Vredestein France S.A.

N.V. Vredestein Belgium

Vredestein Schweiz AG

Vredestein Ges. mbH, Austria

Vredestein GmbH, Germany

DISTRIBUTORS

Vredestein Banden B.V. Manufacturer: Enschede/Netherlands

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

COMPANY NEWS

Chronology of the Vredestein Takeover November 2004 The Amtel Group first publicly showed interest in Vredestein, with a takeover date of February 2005 mooted. Amtel’s annual sales at this time were US$451 million, with 12 million tyres produced.

April 2005 An agreement between the two parties is reached. Amtel Holdings Holland N.V. acquired Vredestein Banden B.V. for 195.6 million euros. The new company, AmtelVredestein, was to become a pan-European entity. The parties mutually agreed to work closely together.

was expected, however only around $200 million was actually received. On June 27, 2008 the company was removed from the LSE.

February 2007 Discussions with Continental AG over a possible cooperation with Amtel-Vredestein end without success.

December 2005 From July 2007 Amtel-Vredestein sells subsidiary company, Volgograd based carbon black manufacturer Amtel-Carbon.

January 2006 Amtel-Vredestein sells the Russian Krasnoyarsk truck tyre factory; operations at the Kirov and Voronezh plants continue.

Amtel founder Sudir Gupta gradually sells off his share in the company, and in September 2007 steps down from leadership of the company’s board.

From June 2008 Amtel-Vredestein and Sibur-Russian Tyres negotiate a cooperation, which later fails.

July 2006 May 2005 The acquisition is finalised.

August 2005

From Autumn 2008 Amtel-Vredestein acquires the Moscow Tyre Plant, following the cancellation of a planned joint venture with Continental. In early 2008 the plant was sold.

The company’s financial problems cause tyre production to increasingly be idled.

October 2008 Amtel-Vredestein begins the rollout of its AV-TO retail outlets; a total of 300 are planned.

November 2005 Listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE); more than $300 million of new equity

Between 2004 and 2007-2008 The Kirov and Voronezh factories are modernised and their capacity expanded. The “Voronezh II” factory was planned to be one of the most modern tyre factories built in Europe, however its completion was delayed.

which Amtel-Vredestein could not provide its Amtel-Povolzhye factory with the raw materials required for production, the company signed a raw materials supply contract with SRT and was required to make use of a $25 million Alfa Bank credit line. SRT, however, indicated it would not progress towards a more comprehensive agreement until Amtel-Vredestein’s debts were restructured. By June the two companies appeared to have reached an agreement. Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service was handed details of a reverse takeover arrangement, whereby Sibur Holding would first sell its SRT business to Amtel-Vredestein and then acquire the majority of all outstanding Amtel-Vredestein shares. This move would have effectively given Sibur Holding 100 per cent control of its competitor and a business registered with the London Stock Exchange. Amtel-Vredestein, however, could not meet the financial terms of the deal before the agreed September 30 cutoff date, and the deal was terminated automatically. On that day Amtel-Vredestein’s press department reassured Tyres & Accessories that the deal was an “ongoing work in progress.”

Rumours emerge that Amtel-Vredestein will, in part or in its entirety, be sold.

December 2008 Amtel gives official comment – Vredestein is for sale. The business’s 2007 turnover is $756 million.

Problems for Amtel-Vredestein continued, and in October 2008 production at the Amtel-Povolzhye again stopped due to a lack of working capital. Production did not recommence until December 8. That same month the company announced what was already clear to see – its Russian OJSC Amtel-Vredestein business couldn’t satisfy creditors’ demands. Therefore, the company’s more financially viable Dutch subsidiary, Vredestein Banden B.V., was to be disposed of in order to pave the way for the Russian operation to be dealt with separately. Finally, in late January this year a solution to the Sibur/AmtelVredestein issue was again making news. The Sibur Group stated its interest in buying $600 million of Amtel-Vredestein’s $800 million debt (the remainder belongs to the Dutch side of operations and therefore not relevant to Sibur). Negotiations are still ongoing at the time of writing, however should all go to plan – at last – the tyre producing entity that emerges should have annual sales of approximately $2 billion and be a dominant force in Russia and the CIS region. sg

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COMPANY NEWS

Conti Rubber Group to Be Seperated into ‘Legally Independent” Unit Schaeffler Group effectively took full control of Continental AG’s supervisory board on 24 January. The Emergency General Meeting (EGM) held at the weekend concluded with chairman Hubertus von Gruenberg stepping down, reportedly to be replaced by Rolf Koerfer, a long-term Schaeffler Group legal aid and partner at Dusseldorf- based law firm Allen & Overy. At the same time, the ball bearing maker was able to negotiate the nomination of group owners Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler and Georg Schaeffler, not to mention company CEO Dr. Jürgen M. Geißinger to the Conti board.

expanded group is responsible for 22 billion euros of debt in the midst of a credit crunch, the rubber group is increasingly looking like a cash cow the board is unlikely to slaughter just yet. Executives have got to come up with a convincing According to the wording of presentation if they want to be successful at gaining state Schaeffler’s statement - which was for aid in the future the first time published identically on both its and Continental’s websites - the immediately after reports of these initial supervisory board has asked CEO Karlnegotiations hit the press it became clear Thomas Neumann, to “develop concepts that further approaches to state and federal for the cooperation between the autogovernments would be made. motive businesses of both groups.” The two According to one Reuters report, automotive suppliers say they are aiming to Schaeffler Group “sounded out” the become a Germany-based “champion” in German government about the possibility this sector. of 4 billion euros ($5.23 billion) in capital. "I am very happy that that what belongs The Federal discussions came after talks together can now grow together," Mariawith German states, including Bavaria, Elisabeth Schaeffler commented, adding: Lower Saxony and Baden-Wuerttemberg "It is my strong conviction that Schaeffler were unsuccessful. For its part Bavaria’s and Continental will be able to master the government said only loan guarantees current economic challenges together and would be considered. have a promising future." The delegation is now rethinking its approach after German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck said taxpayers wouldn’t be Schaeffler/Conti attempt to negotiate state funding Schaeffler: “It’s not the job of the aid state to intervene in cases in which business decisions were possibly not thought Schaeffler Group and Continental AG through enough,” Steinbrueck Berliner walked away empty handed from financial Zeitung. support talks with federal ministers earlier Schaeffler defended the request for state this month. Fresh from an intense boardaid on the basis that the market is facing a room battle that saw they received this curt perfect storm of opposing forces: "We are advice: a “viable and forward-looking” plan, experiencing the biggest financial crisis in agreed on with creditors, is “a prerequisite decades, we have a global recession and a for further negotiations.” However, almost

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

his shift in the balance of power led to the supervisory board “taking note” of Conti executives’ suggestion to “initiate a process to create an organizationally and legally independent Rubber Group.” In Schaeffler’s words, to “carve out” the rubber group into a separate entity. According to the company, this process will be overseen by the current (but apparently outgoing) chairman of the supervisory board, Hubertus von Grünberg. So while von Grünberg “wants to make his chairmanship available at short notice” he will continue to be a member of the supervisory board. In an official statement issued by Schaeffler Group the automotive supplier characterised the developments as the substantiation of the two companies’ cooperation. Former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder echoed this sentiment: “I am pleased that it was possible to bring both sides together. Around 200,000 employees around the world will now have a better feeling of certainty.” However, while the weekend EGM may have given a clear indication of the future direction of Continental’s automotive supply wing, many questions still remain about what the new owners will do with the tyre and rubber business. While some observers suggest that the legal separation of the two businesses is simply a prelude to the sale of the rubber group, tyre sales represent a valuable source of income to the group. And bearing in mind that the newly

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COMPANY NEWS

crisis in the automotive industry," Schaeffler explained. Now, upon consultation with its banks, Schaeffler is reportedly planning to present to the government again in the coming weeks, Schaeffler spokesman Detlef Sieverdingbeck told Bloomberg. For his part, he characterised the talks as “constructive.” Christian Wulff, prime minister of Lower Saxony, said the Schaeffler family and banks need to act before the government does anything. So while the chances of federal loan support are slim, the possibility of the regional state government guaranteeing the 3 to 5 billion euros of new capital the company is said to be asking for, is not completely out of the question. Other market observers suggested Schaeffler will have a tough time without government aid. “Without state money, Schaeffler won’t make it…The government will eventually have to provide support, because there’s no investor in sight,” Bloomberg quoted Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research at the University of Duisburg-Essen as saying. A Schaeffler statement said the state aid talks are “about securing financial aid for an interim period of time.” In addition to the loan support talks the company has been holding with various government representatives, Schaeffler also revealed that the company is in talks with potential investors. Whatever happens next, the company remains determined about the eventual survival and of both companies: “Schaeffler and Continental were sound and highly profitable companies before the crisis and will be just as sound and profitable when it has been overcome.” Self help But why can’t Schaeffler bail herself out? Germany’s equivalent of The Sun, Bild, asked the same question of the 67-year-old billionaires and owner of the eponymously named company herself. The answer is simple. Personally Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler is not in a position to bail out the business, despite being ranked by Forbes as the world's 104th richest person, with a net worth of $8.5 billion. Schaeffler Group representatives

explained that any further moves on the part of the Schaeffler family itself are simply not practicable: “The wealth of the Schaeffler family is firmly bound up in the enterprise. The family has always re-invested the profits instead of withdrawing them from the company,” an official statement read, highlighting the company’s position as a key job generator in the markets it operates in: “…in this way has it been possible to develop a world market leader in Germany having a total workforce of 70,000. Since 2001, the Group has generated 12,000 new jobs, 4,000 of which are based in Germany.” German news sources are reporting that Schaeffler Group is planning for most of its 25 German locations to work on short-time schedules for half a year. According to Tyres & Accessories’ German sister publication, Neue ReifenZeitung, the reports were confirmed by Schaeffler spokesman Detlef Sieverdingbeck on 2 February. The specific terms reportedly differ depending on location. The news affects around 20,000 mainly Automotive division employees, according to the Financial Times. Ratings agencies downgrade Continental AG At the end of January Standard & Poor’s lowered Continental AG’s creditworthiness two levels to 'BB' from 'BBB-'. According to an S&P statement the decision was made following an analysis of Continental's revised business plan and the renegotiation of financial covenants. Continental AG is currently responsible for servicing an estimated 22 billion euros of debts. According to the ratings company, the future outlook is negative. "The downgrade reflects our view that Continental appears unlikely to achieve our debt-protection requirements of funds from operations (FFO) to debt of 25 per cent and debt to EBITDA of less than 3x, which we formulated in September 2008," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Werner Staeblein. "It also reflects the refinancing risks the company faces in 2010 and the potentially negative impact of Continental's majority ownership by Schaeffler AG." The short-term corporate credit rating on the group was lowered to 'B' from 'A-3'. At the same time, the ratings were removed

from CreditWatch where they were placed with negative implications on 15 December 2008. This downgrade was followed by a further knock on 4 February when Fitch Ratings downgraded Continental AG’s Long-term Issuer Default (IDR) and senior unsecured credit ratings to 'BB' from 'BB+'. The Short-term IDR was affirmed at 'B'. At the same time the Long-term IDR and senior unsecured ratings have been removed from Rating Watch Negative (RWN). According to a release issued by the agency, “the Outlook on the long-term IDR is negative” and the downgrade reflects “rapidly weakening auto markets amid the severe global recession which could further negatively impact Continental's…plan for swift de-leveraging.” The rating action also reportedly takes into account Fitch's “increasing concerns” about the deteriorating credit quality of the group's major shareholder, Schaeffler Group KG. Fitch also noted Continental's plan to separate its rubber business, including the relatively stable and cash-generative tyre business, into a separate entity. The statement continued: “In January 2009, Continental renegotiated the financial covenants for its 11.8 billion euro syndicated loan facility, which forms the bulk of its debt. Financial covenants for 2009 provide adequate headroom, which may, however, become tight in 2010 if the environment in the global auto markets deteriorates further.” "We expect Continental to be able to post low free operating cash flow in 2009, and the company is likely to preserve cash by lowering investments and cutting dividends, …ratings do not currently contain flexibility for larger debt-funded acquisitions, share repurchases, or other forms of shareholder remuneration," added Staeblein. cja

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

COMPANY NEWS

Tyre Manufacturers Amongst Parties Fined for Hose Cartel Participation European Commission delivers penalties to five companies

worked together with the Office of Fair Trading and the US Department of Justice to arrest eight businessmen alleged to be at the core of the cartel group. Japan’s Fair Trade Commission also launched an investigation into the matter. For its action in notifying the Commisn January 28 the European Commission handed out fines total- sion, Yokohama Rubber was granted immunity from the penalties ling 131.51 million euros to Bridgestone, Continental and Trel- later handed out. The men, arrested on May 2, 2007 in the US cities of Houston leborg, plus two Italian companies, for their respective roles in the fixing of prices and rigging of bids for rubber marine hose. The and San Francisco, received from US courts various penalties for their Commission, to put it lightly, was not impressed with what had taken misdeeds. Three UK businessmen were included in the arrests: place – in a statement, EU competition commissioner Neelie Kroes Lincolnshire based consultant Peter Whittle was given a 30 month said “for twenty years, this cartel added to the prices consumers paid prison sentence and US$100,000 fine, while Dunlop Oil and Marine for their oil deliveries. I will not tolerate illegal cartels and will executive Bryan Allison was handed a two year sentence and continue to impose heavy fines on those companies found guilty of $100,000 fine. His colleague David Brammar was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and fined $75,000 for his role. In late 2008 this kind of serious malpractice.” Of this group of guilty parties, Bridgestone received the largest he two men’s Grimsby based employer pleaded guilty to participapenalty, 58.5 million euros. The size of the Japanese company’s fine ting in the cartel, and according to the Department of Justice it reflected its leading role in the cartel, which operated for more than agreed to pay a $4.54 million fine for its wrongdoings. The exposure of the cartel had far reaching repercussions for two decades. Trelleborg’s French subsidiary was given a 24.5 million euro fine, while Continental, via its UK-based Dunlop Oil & Marine Bridgestone, identified as a strong participant. In February 2008, unit (a member of the ContiTech Group), was on the wrong end of Bridgestone Corporation expressed its shame over its employees’ actions. “Such acts betray the confidence that customers, shareholdan 18 million euro fine. The cartel operated from 1986 to 2007, with employees from ers and business counterparts have in our company,” Bridgestone Bridgestone, Yokohama, Dunlop Oil & Marine, Trelleborg along with declared in a statement. “We solemnly apologise for all such acts.” Italian firms Parker ITR and Manuli meeting regularly to fix prices and To prevent in similar occurrence in the future, Bridgestone exchange sensitive market information – a market that, in Europe announced its withdrawal from the marine hose business. “As a general principle, we will not take new orders,” Bridgestone alone, was worth 32 million euros per annum. These meetings took said in a statement released February 12, 2008. “However, in order place in several locations in Europe, East Asia and the US. Existence of the cartel first came to light during an internal inves- to minimise trouble to our customers, we will continue required tigation conducted by Yokohama Rubber in autumn 2006. The services for those who continue to use our products and will do our company tipped off the European Commission, who in May 2007 best to assist such customers to change to other vendors.” Additional measures the company announced in order to protect itself from further similar instances include compliance education for employees, a more stringent decision making system for bidding and reinforced internal controls. Following the Commission’s recent fiscal penalties, a number of the protagonists stated their regret. “Clearly, competition violations are completely unacceptable, and we have in an open way assisted the authorities with their investigations,” commented Trelleborg Group president and CEO Peter Nilsson. “We have also taken significant internal actions to minimise the risk that this could happen again.” A Yokohama Rubber statement said “we heartily apologise to our customers, shareholders and other stakeholders for their concern and inconvenience regarding this matter.” Bridgestone, in light of the fine, downwardly revised its projected 2008 net income to 4.5 billion yen (£58.9 million), a drop of 35 per cent. sg The cartel fixed marine hose prices and shared sensitive information for more than two decades

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

COMPANY NEWS

Official photos reveal a limousine that is built like a tank but even homelier than the average armoured combat vehicle

Obama’s Limo Rides on Truck Tyres, Spy Photos Reveal President elect Barack Obama’s brand spanking new presidential limousine has been given the ‘Pimp My Ride’ treatment by the US Secret Service – and a set of tyres normally seen in regional haul trucking applications is but one of a basket of features to be found on the modified Cadillac following a masterful makeover by the White House appointed customisers.

espite campaign promises to transform all White House vehicles into hybrids and have a million hybrid vehicles on US roads by 2015, the President has had to concede to security concerns and stick with the petrol powered Cadillac. Or perhaps he was simply afraid Jeremy Clarkson would heckle him on the next series of Top Gear. Whatever the reason, the Caddy that Barack Obama will use during his inauguration, on official business and when popping out for a pint of milk has been modified to the extent that it is now capable of surviving roadside bomb blasts or a sustained battle involving gunfire and grenade launchers. Code-named "Stagecoach," the car has been likened to a rolling tank without a turret. According to the Detroit News, the new limousine also has bulletproof glass and a completely sealed interior to protect the President in the event of a

chemical attack. It also has encrypted electronic communications equipment, plus a CD player. According to General Motors spokeswoman Joanne Krell, the presidential limousine is “built to precise specifications, undergoes extreme testing and development, and also incorporates many of the top aspects of Cadillac's 'regular' cars.” She adds that the car “will fix you a latte if you ask." And as for the tyres – spy photography specialist firm Brenda Priddy & Company believes them to be Goodyear Regional RHS tyres on 19.5-inch wheels. Of course T&A cannot confirm this as, in the words of Secret Service spokesman Darrin Blackford, “we do not discuss specifics of design, dimensions, features or capability of presidential limousines." However, should this be the choice of tyre for the president’s car, Obama will benefit from the three double-rib tread design and stone penetration protectors offered with the Regional RHS, and after racking up enough miles the new President will be able to reduce the Cadillac’s overall environmental footprint by having the tyres regrooved. Spy photographs of Obama’s new limo circulated before the release of official pictures, and the modified Cadillac was praised for its sturdiness yet ridiculed for its appearance. The general consensus seemed to be that the car is as strong as a tank and every bit as attractive. Regardless of the President’s feelings towards the Cadillac’s aesthetics, on January 20 the car became his official set of wheels: "Typically, new armoured presidential limousines are integrated into the fleet for the inaugural parade," Blackford added. The limo used by outgoing President George W. Bush's will

also continue to be put to use, either as a spare in the presidential fleet, for use by other dignitaries, or for training purposes. It will not, at any rate, end up in a second hand car dealer’s yard – presidential limousines, for security reasons, are never offered for sale. sg

Vogue Tyre Goes ‘Presidential’ The Illinois, US based Vogue Tyre and Rubber Company says it is proud to team up with the new Jaguar XF to mark the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. The company fitted the Jag, used in Presidential inaugural events, with a set of newly released 20-inch white/gold tyres and wheels. That Barack Obama served as the senator for Illinois before winning the Presidency has not been lost on Vogue Tyre. “Being based in Illinois, we are especially honoured to take part in this historic event,” said Greg Hathcock, president of Vogue Tyre. “Vogue Tyre has a lasting history of presenting a product that is worthy of Presidential status.” sg

To be in Vogue is to be Presidential, says the Illinois based tyre maker

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Stand D19

TYREXPO ASIA

Tyrexpo Asia Offers Chance to Secure New Business in Difficult Times Replacement market sector strongly represented at Singapore exhibition The global automotive industry has been sailing through turbulent times of late, and calmer seas still appear to be beyond the horizon. In such an environment many companies, like ships pounded by rough waters, are feeling the pressure to jettison what they can just to stay afloat. Some are resorting to layoffs and cuts in production, while others have are looking to whittle down expenditure in other areas. Plummeting

new vehicle sales have caused this year’s CV show in Birmingham to become one such victim of the economic crisis, and a the time these words were written a question mark hangs over the fate of the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. It is thus heartening news that one industry exhibition – Tyrexpo Asia – is proceeding exactly as planned, and its organiser is confident the show will be a success.

The previous Tyrexpo Asia received a good mix of international visitors

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

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“T

he most important thing is not to compare Tyrexpo Asia with the motor shows, as our show maintains an entirely different focus,” says Rowena Suthers, sales director for exhibition organiser ECI International. “Our exhibitors are not manufacturers that are heavily dependant on the original equipment market. Traditional exhibitors at the CV show, such as DAF and Mitsubishi, have all taken a large hit in recent months. The replacement market has been to an extent insulated from the worst of this. People need tyres, and the trend towards holding onto vehicles longer can only benefit the replacement tyre market. In the midst of so much negative news, it is important to also remember the positive aspects.” This is a vital point to bear in mind. While Ms Suthers admits that nobody really knows what the future holds for the tyre industry, what the original equipment and replacement market sectors are currently experiencing differs considerably. “When looking at the world tyre market, the share held by original equipment sales is only 25 per cent. The remaining 75 per cent is the replacement tyre market, and it is this market, which is proving more resilient in the current economic climate, that is the focus of a large proportion of Tyrexpo Asia exhibitors,” she adds. The ECI sales director confirms that (as of mid-January) no exhibitors have cancelled since the economic situation began to show signs of worsening, something she describes as “very, very encouraging.” So, come March 24 the Singapore Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr. Lee Yi Shyan, will open an exhibition at which more than 120 tyre industry exhibitors have confirmed their involvement. According to ECI managing director Paul Farrant, the exhibitor list for Tyrexpo Asia 2009 is particularly strong in the budget and mid-range car, van and commercial tyre sector from Asian and Chinese makers, including some that are still relatively unknown in European and American markets. Should the mix between price and quality prove to be right, visitors to the exhibition could find themselves on the right end of some very attractive deals. “One thing that is happening at the moment is that people aren’t buying the

top-line products in the quantities they previously were. Consumers are watching their pennies,” elaborates Rowena Suthers. “This provides a big opportunity for mid-level brands, many of which are exhibiting at the Singapore show.” Some of the betterknown names to be exhibiting at Tyrexpo Asia 2009 include Balkrishna Tyres, Cooper Chengshan, Nankang, Kenda, Nexen and Techking Tires. Exhibitors coming from further afield include Marangoni, Hercules Tire, Belshina, Collmann, Euro-Tyre BV, Interstate Tire & Rubber, and the UK’s Bond International and Treadsetters. Tyres & Accessories has also taken exhibition space at the Singapore show. Statistics from previous years show a global representation amongst visitors Paul Farrant and Rowena Suthers from show organiser attending Tyrexpo Asia, ECI International believe the recent slump in world markets make something that sets the exhibusiness connections such as those formed at Tyrexpo Asia bition apart. “Tyrexpo Asia all the more important has always been more intercent larger than the previous show. national compared to the other shows in Chances are visitors to Tyrexpo Asia may the region in terms of visitor attendance,” notice an absence of the ‘big names’, such says Ms Suthers. “At the 2007 show we as Bridgestone, Michelin and Goodyear – received visitors from 93 countries. This is an an omission shared by all tyre and rubber international event. The US and UK have shows held in the Asia-Pacific region. admittedly taken a big hit, but on a global During the year these established compscale the tyre industry remains relatively anies typically only put in an appearance at sound and people are still buying tyres.” the Reifen Essen show in Germany or Another point of difference between perhaps at SEMA in the US, and Ms Suthers Tyrexpo Asia and competing shows in the holds a realistic view regarding their activregion is its more specific emphasis upon ities, or lack of, at Asian exhibitions. “Tyrexpo tyres and tyre related equipment as Asia doesn’t depend upon the global top opposed to all types of rubber products. ten tyre majors in order to be successful, but Rowena Suthers adds: “Our show is very it would be good for them to support the focused. We have some 3,000 to 4,000 industry, particularly at a time when their serious buyers flying into Singapore for the participation in emerging markets is increasshow, and they conduct good business ing,” she comments. “Their presence would, during the exhibition’s three days. It’s a show of course, also be attractive for visitors.” that grows from strength to strength.” Tyre majors or no tyre majors, it is According to the ECI sales director, on evident that Tyrexpo Asia is maturing nicely, average each Tyrexpo Asia has been 16 per

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as Rowena Suthers comments: “This year is our seventh Tyrexpo Asia. It took three to four events for the show to become established, but now it’s in people’s diaries.” And over the years ECI International has listened to what exhibitors and visitors want, and made changes accordingly. One thing visitors to previous shows have repeatedly asked for, Ms Suthers adds, is a conference running parallel to the exhibition. “They have asked us whether we would be prepared to organise for a conference to run alongside the exhibition. This year, thanks to the International Rubber Study Group’s decision to relocate from London to Singapore, we are able to offer our visitors what they have requested.” The IRSG’s World Rubber Summit is being held on March 23 and 24 at the same venue as Tyrexpo Asia. The planning and work that goes into organising an exhibition in Asia differs from that required for a UK show, and Rowena Suthers comments that marketing is particularly important when organising a show there. This is something that ECI International has stepped up since the last Tyrexpo Asia. “We have marketed the 2009 Tyrexpo Asia show more broadly – in addition to marketing in the trade press we have also been marketing in the local Singapore press,

The Singapore Expo Centre is again the venue for Tyrexpo Asia along with that in countries like Malaysia and Australia,” she says. Of course, when marketing a show to consumers on the other side of the world, help from those situated in the region is a great bonus. “We do need local support,” Ms Suthers confirms, explaining what steps ECI International has taken to utilise local knowledge and resources. “Since the 2007 show we have formed a relationship with a Chinese company, the Shanghai Yadong Exhibition Service Co., Ltd. The company is now responsible for representing us in China and bringing in Chinese visitors to Tyrexpo Asia.” Exhibitors from China, unsurprisingly, are the largest single national group at the Singapore show. One thing Tyrexpo Asia doesn’t have to worry about this time around is a clash of

Two exhibitors at the previous Tyrexpo Asia catching up on the latest industry news from the region

dates with another tyre exhibition in the region. In 2007 the exhibition took place in September – with Citexpo in Shanghai held on virtually the same days. This occurrence was beyond ECI International’s control, as the sales director points out: “Our show is bi-annual. We plan our dates two years in advance, and therefore there is ample time for a competitor to, at a later date, schedule their show to clash with ours.” The move to March was decided upon to avoid the same situation reoccurring this year. In conclusion, Rowena Suthers repeats her confidence that, despite global economic jitters, visiting a trade show such as Tyrexpo Asia can be a positive move for businesses. “If the market at home is quiet, there really is no better time to visit an exhibition. During boom times people sometimes complain they are too busy to leave their office and travel overseas to attend a show, so perhaps reduced activity in the home market presents an otherwise missed opportunity to attend an exhibition and secure new business.” Planning for an exhibition begins well in advance, and a date for Tyrexpo Asia 2011 has already been set. In two years’ time the Singapore show will be held between March 29 and 31. In the meantime, Tyrexpo Asia 2009 will take place at the Singapore Expo Centre between March 24 and 26, with the IRSG World Rubber Summit being held March 23 and 24. Further information and can be found at the organiser’s eci-international.com website. stephen.goodchild@tyrepress.com

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BKT Bringing New OTR, Forestry Ranges to Tyrexpo Asia BKT is the flagship business of India’s Siyaram Poddar Group, an organisation with a turnover in excess of US$ 550 million. In the 2007/08 financial year BKT itself enjoyed sales of more than $250 million, and the company has set

KT specialises in the production of offhighway tyres, and can therefore offer consumers a line-up of agricultural, OTR, earthmover, industrial, ATV and lawn & garden tyres covering an astounding range of applications. The company’s product portfolio boasts more than 1,800 Stock Keeping Units (SKU) of tyres ranging from 8 to 51-inches. Therefore BKT can, without exaggeration, be considered to be a “One Stop Shop” for off-highway tyre solutions. The India based company has experienced significant growth in Asian markets during the last few years, and a marketing plan is in place to accelerate this growth in 2009. Participation in Tyrexpo Asia 2009, says BKT, is an element of this plan, and the company believes the Singapore exhibition will help it increase brand awareness with consumers, develop a presence in previously untapped markets and strengthen relationships with existing customers. Scheduled to be launched at Tyrexpo Asia is the company’s new range of steel radial OTR tyres. BKT notes with pride that this new product, which will carry the “Earthmax” sub-brand, is the first all steel OTR radial product manufactured by an Indian company. “Products will be released in various patterns and compounds for sizes from 25 to 35-inches, and will be supported by unmatched after sales service,” Mr. Poddar said. BKT is also launching its forestry tyres range at Tyrexpo Asia, a line-up that will further aid the company’s expansion in Asian markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. These aramide, all steel belted products feature a specially developed cut resistant compound and initially are available in seven sizes for rim diameters

itself an impressive goal – “Our vision is to obtain global leadership in off highway tyre solutions,” Arvind Poddar – vice chairman and managing director, Siyaram Poddar Group, told Tyres & Accessories.

between 18 and 30-inches. The company has also recently launched a 30.00-51 E4 cross-ply tyre, the largest size tyre offered by an Indian company for larger dumper applications. Recently the company established a dedicated OTR team, members of which regularly travel to customers’ sites around the world and evaluate operating conditions. Visits like this help BKT in developing tyres and compounds that are specific to particular regions or conditions. As Mr. Poddar explains: “We do not sell only tyres. We sell a good quality tyre along with complete service backup – if any problem arises we take up the issue fast. We offer, in short, a full package and the widest range.” Through products and service such as this, BKT says it continues to challenge is own

frontiers and reinforce its customers’ confidence in the brand. sg

Mr. Arvind Poddar, vice chairman and managing director, Siyaram Poddar Group

Kenda Offers a Unique Driving Experience In a world where performance, safety and superiority rule, Kenda says it is marking itself out from the crowd. The Taiwanese manufacturer reports that it has for some time focused on reducing tyre noise, and its low noise tyres are now successfully marketed in many global markets – clear favourites amongst millions of commuters, adds Kenda. The automotive industry allows little or no room for mistakes and substandard quality levels, the company comments, and says it should therefore come as no surprise that Kenda puts safety, innovation and reliability at the core of its operation. Founded in 1962, the company today produces a broad range of products, including tyres and tubes for cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, scooters, plus agricultural and lawn care vehicles. Kenda operates factories in Taiwan, China and Vietnam, and offices in Taiwan and the USA. Kenda says that it does not merely follow market trends – the company listens to suggestions from its customers very closely. During Tyrexpo Asia 2009 customers and potential customers have the opportunity to meet with Kenda representatives and do just this. The company can be found at stand B29 during the Singapore show. sg

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YHI Offers a Comprehensive Range of Automotive Products For the YHI Group, Tyrexpo Asia is a hometown show. Although the distributor and manufacturer boasts subsidiaries and associated companies in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, USA, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE and Italy, the Group’s activities are directed from Singapore. From humble beginnings as a sole proprietorship in 1948, YHI has grown to become a mainboard-listed company on the Singapore stock exchange and a recognised distributor of high quality automotive and industrial products and a quality manufacturer of after-market alloy wheels. The tyre brands YHI distribute include Yokohama, JK Tyre, Achilles and its own brand, Neuton.

n addition to its distribution activities, the company is an original design manufacturer of alloy wheels. These are produced at four company-operated facilities. Two are located in China (Shanghai and Suzhou), a third is in Taoyuan, Taiwan and the fourth in Sepang, Malaysia. YHI’s proprietary brand is called "Advanti Racing", and products from this range are distributed in numerous markets throughout Europe, Asia and North America. At present the company’s total alloy wheel production capacity is three million pieces, reports YHI in a company publication. In 2008 YHI became the first & only Singapore company – and indeed the first Asian firm outside of Japan – to become an official partner & supplier of alloy wheels to a Formula One team. The idea of a Formula One race team sponsorship was initially put forward by YHI Group managing director Richard Tay in 2005. The search to find a suitable team led to Italy’s Scuderia Toro Rosso (STR), a member of the Red Bull Racing team family. STR commenced using Advanti Racing F1 wheels last year, and will continue into the 2010 season. “This partnership with Scuderia Toro Rosso has clearly allowed Advanti Racing to be distinguished from other makes of wheels which offer fierce competitive prices but compromise on quality,” commented Tay. “Advanti Racing and YHI’s superior standing in the global aftermarket alloy wheels industry has once again been reaffirmed.” The first Advanti Formula One

win took place at last year’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza, when STR driver Sebastian Vettel took first place. According to YHI’s Raymond Chan, amongst the product range on show at Tyrexpo Asia is the company’s Neuton NT5000 proprietary range of high-performance and UHP Two ‘Neuton lovelies’ show off the NT5000 high performance passenger car tyres. Launched range in late 2006, the line-up has recently expanded into the area of autogrown from five to 24 sizes, covering 15 to motive batteries. Mr. Chan says the 20-inch rim diameters. The range continues company has already introduced its to grow, Chan adds. A new range of tyres ‘Neuton Power’ brand of vehicle and industcatered to 60, 65 & 70 series fitments, the rial batteries, and in the near future will Neuton Solace NT3000, is also now avaimake further additions to the product portlable. The company also produces bias truck folio. A full range of both conventional & and bus tyres under the Neuton brand maintenance-Free automotive batteries will name, namely in size 1000-20 16PR in be available, he says. highway (SP168) & lug (RS268). YHI has sg

Koryo Offers a Broad Range Established in 1992,?Qingdao, China based?Koryo International Industrial is a ChineseJapanese joint venture company that manufacturers both radial and bias tyres. The company produces six categories of tyre, including OTR, industrial, agricultural and solid tyres, with output including almost one thousand individual sizes and fitments. Koryo manufactures three main brands of tyre – Koryo, Double Rich and Bigstone, however the company can also supply customers with other Chinese made brands. In terms of production quality, Koryo has obtained numerous international standards, including ISO 9001, US DOT certification, European Community Emarking and Gulf standard GCC certification. The Chinese manufacturer can be found at stand A03 at Tyrexpo Asia. sg

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

Stand CO7

TYREXPO ASIA

Tyrexpo Asia a “Very Efficient Platform”, says Techking New Face Sonny Presenting a Full Range

Sonny Tyres, based in Zhaoqing, China, develops and manufactures passenger car (summer, winter and performance), 4x4 and light truck radials for both the domestic and export markets. Although a relative newcomer on the scene – the company was only established in 2007 – Sonny Tyre plans to achieve a production capacity of three million units by 2009. When work is finished on its 800,000 square metre RMB 2 billion (£205 million) facility in 2013, the company anticipates a capacity of eight million. At present work is underway on the development of a number of new tyre sizes and product lines, and the company’s domestic and overseas sales networks are being expanded. New products include the Ingens A1, released in the third quarter of 2008. This tyre features a soft directional design with a strong straight centre rib together with four wide straight grooves for better handling, noise reduction, improved wet and dry traction and drainage. Another new tyre from Sonny is the SMT A8, designed specifically for the city roads. The SMT A8 featuring four wide straight grooves with small sipes and a strong shoulder construction. This design enhances the stiffness of the shoulder blocks to improve handling capabilities. In addition to its new tyre production, Sonny reports it is active in the area of TBR and LTR retreading. Its annual retreading capacity is 300,000 tyres, the equivalent of 20 tonnes of retread tread. sg

ccording to Benjamin Zhang from Chinese manufacturer Techking Tires, Tyrexpo Asia “is a very efficient platform through which we will meet plenty of customers and promote the Techking brand so that it becomes widely known by the industry." The company, which claims to offer the most complete radial OTR tyre line in China, offers customers a range covering loader, dozer, ADT, rigid dumper, crane, port, underground and mining applications. I n c l u d e d Techking’s tyre and rim packages have been introduced to meet customer amongst recent new demand for such a product offerings from Techtyre choice, while enhancing the Techking king are combined tyre and rim combinbrand image in various local markets. “We ation packages. “This has come as a result have chosen Europe, Africa and Australia as of customer feedback,” explains Mr. Zhang. the markets in which to begin rolling out the “Customers asked for a tyre/rim package. It TSC concept, as in these regions we have is easier for us to choose the right rim for a stronger partnerships with local dealers,” particular tyre.” The Techking marketing Mr. Zhang added. The first TSC opened in specialist reported that the company’s new July 2008, and in addition to these centres 330,000 square metre factory for manufactthe company continues to visit its global uring OTR and TBR rims is due to be partners on site. In 2007 Techking reprecompleted in early 2009 and within three sentatives visited 50 such partners in various years a capacity of 50,000 to 70,000 pieces countries. per annum is planned. Techking tyres are sold in approximately Another significant development for 55 markets around the world, with Europe, Techking is the introduction of the TSC – the South Africa and Australia the strongest. Techking Service Center – Techking is buildEuropean sales account for 25 per cent of ing showrooms in conjunction with local the total, Mr. Zhang commented. At Tyrexpo partners in key markets and will provide Asia the company can be found at Stand training to local dealers. The TSCs offer D10. maintenance services and advice on correct sg

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Belshina a Major Supplier to Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OEMs

GPX International Showing a Range of Brands at Tyrexpo

According to Renzo Castagna, director of marketing for US industrial tyre manufacturer GPX International, the company has experienced substantial growth in Asia, the South Pacific and the Middle East based on its Application Specific approach for target markets. In order to assist customers turn their inventory over more efficiently is tough economic times, GPX is offering a tax-free China distribution facility, located in Tanggu. GPX brands displayed at Tyrexpo Asia 2009 will include Galaxy, Primex, ITL, MaineTire and Brawler.

oday the Republic of Belarus is known throughout the world as a major manufacturer of trucks, tractors and other agricultural machinery. A key supplier of tyres for the machinery coming out of factories in this region is Belshina Belarusian tyre works. The company produces over 200 nominal sizes of tyres for cars, heavy trucks and heavyduty dump trucks, road construction motor vehicles, lifting transport vehicles, electric motor vehicles, buses, tractors and agricultural machinery. Over 90 per cent of tyres manufactured at the works are radial designs. Belshina OJSC was the first works in the CIS region to successfully mass-produce truck metal-cord tyres, and the major OEM consumers of its products include the Belarus republicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest manufacturers. These include BelAZ PA, MAZ, MTZ, MZKT, Gomselmash RUE and Amkodor OJSC. The company has business links with 51 countries, and its tyres are not only sold in Russia and other CIS countries, but also in Europe, Middle East, Africa, as well as North and South America. sg

Rubber King

Stand H14

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TYREXPO ASIA

Malhotra Rubbers Targeting Zero Manufacturing Defects India’s Malhotra Rubbers Ltd manufactures a range of off-road tyres, including products for the agricultural, OTR, industrial and lawn care segments, plus tyres for cars, trucks and light commercial vehicles. Tubes and retreading materials also feature in the product portfolio. The company’s export performance has seen the bestowing of numerous awards by CAPEXIL (An Export Promotion Council promoted by the Ministry of Commerce, India) – and this performance is indeed impressive. Malhotra has a market presence in more than 60 countries, includ-

ing in the USA, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. The company is targeting a “zero manufacturing defect” level of quality and reports backing this up with stringent quality control measure at every stage of activity, from incoming raw materials to finishing and dispatch of products. Malhotra’s business goal, says the company president, is to "aim to produce world-class products for our customers that satisfy all their requirements". He adds that at Malhotra, “advanced engineering and

latest technologies go hand in hand in ensuring precise product placement & product uniformity. “Our key focus in product technology has been on achieving low rolling resistance, to reduce fuel consumption, while optimising abrasion properties to achieve improved traction and increase life-spans,” he adds. “Today, our efforts are not just centred on production efficiency and quality improvement, but also on saving energy and improving the environment.” sg

Nankang Continuing to Develop Car, 4x4 and Light Commercial Ranges

ankang Rubber Tire features elsewhere in this edition of Tyres & Accessories see our International Tyre Market feature for in depth coverage of the company’s 50th anniversary – yet the Taiwanese tyre manufacturer warrants a further mention on these pages due to the global prevalence its products enjoy today. At present Nankang is further developing its range of passenger car, light commercial, 4x4, and winter tyres. In recent years times vehicles in these sectors have been designed for greater capacity and enhanced driving experience, consequently, drivers expect tyres to perform better than before. Nankang has also made advances in its light commercial series. Traditionally light truck tyres are thought of as noisy, less comfortable, and inferior in terms of handling however Nankang’s latest product is said to have achieved breakthroughs due to “computerised multi-pitch simulation technology to reduce noisegeneration and to increase driving pleasure.” Nankang has also invested in the development of its range of winter tyres for “slippery winter driving surfaces.” The company has produced a new-generation studded winter tyre, the SW-7 and the studless

winter tyre SV-2. Nankang’s newly developed patterns and prototype skills, integrated with the technique for producing winter light truck winter tyres, have also enabled the company to produce and supply the studless winter SL-6 for European motorists. Recent tests conducted by Autocar magazine in the UK using the popular 205/55R16 size tyre fitted to a Volkswagen Golf TDI pitted a leading European brand versus five rivals from Asia. In the dry handling, dry braking, wet braking and wet cornering tests the Nankang tyre beat each of its Asian rivals to be the best performing of the five, a commendable achievement. The Nankang tyre finished third position overall. sg

Nankang’s tyres faired respectably in recent UK independent testing

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Exports Now More than Half of Deestone Production

nitially established in 1978 by a group of Thai industrialists, Deestone Limited began life as a producer of tyres and tubes for the industrial and agricultural sectors. In 1994 the company diversified, and along with adding scooter and bicycle tyres to its product portfolio, at this time Deestone also initiated a stronger focus on the export of its specialty industrial tyres and inner tubes. Currently, more than half of the Deestone Group’s products are exported, with markets including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Egypt, Israel and Jordan. The company’s total asset base exceeds 500 million baht (£10 million) and approximately

3,000 workers are on its payroll. Deestone currently operates three manufacturing facilities in Thailand, with a combined capacity of 100,000 tons. To maintain the consistency of product quality, Deestone has invested in its Quality Assurance Program, and employs quality inspections at critical production points, Xray machines to detect internal structural weaknesses, a universal tensile tester, microstructure tester as well as numerous other specialised machines. In terms of quality certification, the company has obtained the standards of ISO 9001:2000 (awarded in 1999) and the Thai Industrial Standards Award. sg

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Treadsdirect, Elgi Rubber Showcasing a Complete Retreading Programme

F Buying in Bulk Enables Star-Tyre to Pass Savings Onto Customers Over the past several years, tyre distributor Star Group Shanghai Co. Ltd. (StarTyre) has experienced rapid growth. The company’s inventory encompasses over twenty-three different popular brands of Chinese tyres, and the company reports it has strategically aligned itself with a number of China’s leading tyre manufacturers – a move Star-Tyre believes has brought about one of its greatest advantages. The Shanghai headquartered firm operates distribution warehouses in China’s Qingdao, Shanghai, Dalian and Tianjin regions, and keeps considerable stock in its premises, which are located near major international seaports. This gives, says Star-Tyre, the company the opportunity to provide faster and more effective delivery to its clientele in any world destination. The distributor adds that its ability to purchase products in volume affords it a price advantage over competitors – an advantage Star-Tyre says it passes onto its customers in the form of a better purchase price. Star-Tyre deals in both radial and bias tyres, with the passenger car, light truck, truck, industrial and agricultural segments catered for. The company can be found at stand E11 during this year’s Tyrepxo Asia show. sg

ollowing the demerger of Elgitread in 2008, with its tread rubber division reborn as Treadsdirect Ltd, a separate entity listed on the National Stock Exchange of India, this year’s Tyrexpo Asia exhibition will be home to two separate stands covering different aspects of the retreading business. Treadsdirect The recently separated Treadsdirect is headed by former Elgitread director of manufacturing Mr. T. Ashok Anand, who has taken on the role of company president. The business has a manufacturing and distribution presence in seven countries and has more than 500 customers worldwide. Tread rubber manufactured by the Coimbatore, Tamil State based company is marketed under the Kool Tread brand name. According to the company, Tyrexpo Asia has been nominated to test the market for these products. “The reason for our participation in Tyrexpo Asia is the opportunity to meet with global clients,” explained head of international marketing, Ramamuthy Srinivasan. “Our new company, Treadsdirect Ltd will display tread rubber products under the brand name Kooltread, while consumables like patches and envelopes, will be displayed by Elgitread.” Mr. Srinivasan added that at the Treadsdirect stall – stand C07 – the company will display the various patterns of tread rubber designed to suit assorted regional markets around the world. Promotion of the Kooltread brand name will also be a focus. Elgi Rubber The various activities formerly performed by Elgitread outside of the tread rubber business are now the domain of the Elgi Rubber Company. This side of the retreading operation is now headed up by Mr. M John Edward, advisor – sales and marketing. Elgi Rubber manufactures and markets all the products that a retreader requires except for tread rubber and bonding gum, and the company’s presence at Tyrexpo Asia – stand D01 – will feature a display of its retreading equipment and components items including inflatable hubs, curing rims and consumables such as envelopes, curing tubes, tyre repair patches and carbides. sg

The Treadsdirect team display their product range at a previous exhibition

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Euro-Tyre Supplying Infinity Brand Within Europe

or a quarter of a century Euro-Tyre has operated as a distribution partner within the tyre industry. In 2003 the Netherlands based company took on Infinity brand, and is now the distributor of Infinity tyres in a number of European countries. At present Euro-Tyre is delivering the Infinity brand to Germany, Austria, the Benelux countries, Portugal and the Czech Republic, however it says that further markets may be added to this should demand be sufficient. Euro-Tyre estimates that it sold around 200,000 Infinity brand tyres in 2008, and its long-term sales targets anticipate increased sales. The company says it expects increases of 20 to 40 per cent, depending on the

market. Currently the range of the Shandong Linglong produced brand stocked by Euro-Tyre includes passenger car (summer and winter), 4x4 and light commercial vehicle tyres. Passenger car sizes range from 12 to 18-inches, with 19, 20 and 22-inch dimensions now in preparation. In addition to the Infinity range, the Netherlands based distributor stocks a wide range of products in its 25,000 square metre storage facility, including Michelin, Continental, Fulda and Silverstone. EuroTyre says that its facility has capacity for 450,000 tyres of all sizes and types. The company can make deliveries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from an individual tyre to a complete truckload â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to

Germany and the Benelux countries within one to three days, and Europe-wide within two to five days. Express or overnight delivery is also possible. sg

TSI/SSG Export

SEE US AT TYREXPO ASIA STAND E14

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TYREXPO ASIA

Hercules Tire International Open for Business at Singapore Show

ercules Tire International, who are to be found in Hall 2, Booth E01 at Tyrexpo Asia, promise to feature at the exhibition several new products from their product portfolio. New lines appearing at the show include the Hercules All Trac A/T, Hercules Raptis WR1, Ironman Radial A/P and our latest addition to the Ironman family, the Ironman iMAGE. “Never before have we launched so many new lines at once across all our main brands,” commented Hercules’

Joe Recchia. “We believe our product lineup clearly shows our commitment in mould investment and in providing our customers the latest in tread design and product range. By partnering with an array of worldclass manufacturers, only Hercules can offer a second-to-none combination of quality and availability.” The Ontario, Canada based export division of Hercules Tire currently has offices in Dubai, Barcelona, Miami, Singapore and Costa Rica, and customers in more than 100 countries. As for its presence at Tyrexpo Asia, Recchia comments that “Hercules is open for business – we look forward to hosting potential distributors. Feel free to stop by and check out our program!” sg

Hercules Tire returns to Tyrexpo Asia in 2009 with several new products in its portfolio

Monarch Products Stand the Test of Time

onarch Vulcanising Systems is coming to Tyrexpo Asia 2009 armed with its trademark Monaflex vulcanising equipment, products that have now serviced the tyre repair industry for more than thirty years. The Monarch team says it is looking forward to meeting old friends and new customers at the company’s stand, and recognises the opportunities afforded by the show to introduce its product range to any interested visitors. A reputation for versatility, along with its compactness and portability, has ensured that the Monaflex OTR system remains as popular as ever, and the company reports that sales of complete new systems are at an all-time high. Alongside the Monaflex OTR system, the team will also demonstrate its OTRS sidewall repair system. Built around a metal frame, the unit straddles the bead and can be quickly fitted and adjusted to deal with sidewall repairs even more quickly

than the OTR system. It still benefits from the air bag technology that protects against tyre distortion, but eliminates the need for an internal cylinder bag and harnessed strapping to contain the pressure required to ensure a sound repair. Upcoming products from Monaflex include a lightweight rubber crawler track repair system for small and medium track sizes. This item is currently under test and development. The company

hopes that a variant of this design may be suitable for some sizes of conveyor belt repair, providing a highly portable solution to this problem. sg

The versatility, compactness and portability of the Monaflex OTR system has helped its popularity continue over time

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TYREXPO ASIA

Stamford Tyres Bringing Several New Lines to Tyrexpo Asia

tamford Tyres has been busy this past year. The Singapore based company brought a number of new products to market in 2008, including the Sumo Firenza ST07 range. Initial production began in mid2008, with new sizes being gradually introduced throughout the rest of the year. The complete range, which covers 13 to 16-inch rim fitments in 60 and 70 series, includes 26 sizes in total. The ST07 features a directional tread pattern that features twin centre grooves for water drainage, and slash sipings intended to reduce noise levels and effect faster water drainage. Another new range is the Sumo Firenza SV053 Van tyre. According to Pat Berriman, Stamford Tyres’ senior vice president Sales and Marketing, production of the SV053 began in the second half of 2008, with the

full range of 19 sizes available by the first quarter of 2009. The SV053 is Sumo Firenza’s first venture into the van tyre sector of the market. “With a very distinctive European design and dimensions, this new van tyre has been specifically created to make a significant impact in Europe and we are very confident the design will be well received and very successful in this specialist sector of the market,” said Berriman. A recent trend in the truck tyre segment has been seen lower profile tyres gaining popularity. In response to this growing preference, Stamford has released 60 series tyres, such as the 295/60R 22.5 steer tyre – also available in a drive tyre fitment. sg Visit Stamford Tyres at Stand J01 during Tyrexpo Asia

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Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

TYREXPO ASIA

Shandong Linglong Aiming to Increase Sales 17.5% in 2009 Sales wise, last year was a good one for Shandong Linglong Rubber. The Chinese manufacturer of car, truck agricultural and OTR tyres reported for the first time ever sales in excess of RMB 10 billion. The company’s 2008 sales, which reached a total of RMB 10.2 billion, (£1.03 billion) in the words of general manager Mr. Feng Wang, “not only exceeded our expectations but also hit a new historical high.” The product range consumers can choose from is broad. Amongst the selection of tyres produced by Shandong Linglong is the Linglong brand, a full range that includes passenger car (summer, winter and performance), light truck, truck, OTR and agricultural tyres. The company also manufactures the Infinity tyre brand, a private brand belonging to Dubai’s Al Dobowi group. UK distribution of this brand is conducted by Goldspark Trading. In 2007 Shandong Linglong began work on a new 40,000 square metre factory, and progress on this work is well advanced. When the facility is operating at full capacity in 2010, it will have an annual output of 10 million tyres, bringing the company’s overall capacity to 30 million units. Mr. Wang looks towards 2009 as a year “full of opportunities and hope,” and believes that Shandong Linglong will continue hold its ground during the current economic crisis: “Over the past year, in the face of enormous international pressure on the domestic market, in the face of the global financial crisis caused by the difficulties, we do not retreat,” he commented. He anticipates annual 2009 sales of RMB 12 billion (£1.21 billion). sg

TSI/SSG Bringing New Products to Tyrexpo Asia Arizona, USA based TSI/SSG (Tire Service Equipment and Saf-tee Siping & Grooving) operates in several areas of the tyre industry accessories market. The company’s product portfolio includes siping machines, small tyre service machines (such as manual tyre changers and bead seaters) and recycling machines (tyre cutters and wheel crushers). On the market in time for Tyrexpo Asia 2009 is the company’s new WS-05 Mobile Wheel Workstation, one of a number of new products on offer. The WS-05 is designed for commercial truck tyre and wheel changing, and the company reports that the unit will provide faster and more efficient tyre changing operations while reducing impact wrench replacement and repair expenses due to unintended drops and repetitive abuse. TSI/SSG says that the “smooth and weightless” property of the support arm reduces operator body fatigue and eliminates the injuries and potential back problems associated with hand-held operation. TSI/SSG can be found during the Singapore show at stand E14. sg

AME International Bringing Tyre Changing Range to Exhibition

ME International, a US based manufacturer of tyre changing tools and equipment, is bringing its product range to Singapore for the Tyrexpo Asia exhibition in March. The company says its display will focus upon its range of tyre tools used to assist in dismounting truck, construction, farm and earthmover tyres. AME International will also introduce its new X-tend XL OTR Tyre Spreader. The company specialises in the manufacture of hydraulic tyre bead breakers and air/hydraulic pumps, and its products are sold and distributed throughout the world. A recently released product is the AME International ‘Rhino’ series of mining jacks, designed especially for high tonnage, high axle mining vehicles. These jacks are available in 150, 200 and 250-ton capacity and with 26 and 36-inch minimum heights. Their modular build design allows for quick manufacturing times. In addition, the hydraulic cylinder and air/ hydraulic pump are removable from the base, allowing for easy service throughout the life of the jack. Further details about the company and its product range can be found at the ameintl.net website, or by visiting the company at stand E02 during the Tyrexpo Asia exhibition. sg

AME International’s product range includes its recently released Rhino range

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Vee Rubber Catering to Export Markets

n terms of the variety of tyre types produced, Vee Rubber Group is the leading company in Thailand – the company manufacturers a range that covers numerous applications, from go-kart to large commercial vehicle tyres. Most of the company’s production output – which in 2008 amounted to 24 million units – is destined for export, and Vee Rubber designs and manufactures tyres that are suited to their target markets. Recently Vee Rubber introduced company's first light truck and 4x4 tyre developed specifically for the North American market – the Taiga H/T. the new tyre was extensively tested in a number of different climates and on many different surfaces, including off road and the result, the company says, is a quiet, comfortable tyre with a long tread life; in the US, the tyre is offered with a 50,000 mile limited tread wear warranty. While the Taiga is not designed as a snow or all terrain tyre, it aims to allow drivers to face everyday driving with confidence, whatever the conditions. The Taiga features zigzag circumferential grooves for enhanced water dispersal and snow traction, continuous large shoulder blocks for good cornering grip and a quiet ride and multiple grooves and sipes for "biting traction" and improved grip in snow, on ice and in the wet. The range was launched with 11 size options, and this will grow over time to include a total of 20 sizes for 16 and 17-inch rims. Although the tyre is designed with North America in mind, it will be available globally. Vee Rubber continues to its product line-up, and currently under development is a new winter tyre. This should be available for the 2009/2010 winter season. sg

AME International

Visit us at Tyrexpo Asia, Stand E02

Riverstone Brand Strong in Export Markets The Tire Group of Factories reports that its export capacity is increasing by 40 to 50 per cent each year. Much of this growth is occurring through sales of its Riverstone brand, which the company says is particularly strong in the American markets. The brand, which has been developed and sold for more than a decade, covers a wide range of applications, including truck, OTR, agricultural and motorcycle tyres. The company adds that, as all Riverstone products are guaranteed, customers can rest assured about their quality. sg

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

Belshina Asia Stand K12

INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

eighty countries all over the world. In the past three years, the design team has scored numerous technical successes, such as the AS-1, which has an asymmetrical pattern, offering outstanding manoeuvrability and comfort; the 20” to 24” SUV series of low profile tyres; the fuel-saving ECO-1, as well as the latest UHPT line, NS20, with the introduction of cutting-edge technology. In the recent years, commercial vans, light trucks, and 4x4 vehicles have been designed for greater capacity and Nankang designed a new logo specifically enhanced driving experience, conseto commemorate its half century quently, the tyres are expected to perform better than before. Nankang has also made advances in its LTR series. Traditionally LTR tyres are thought of as noisy, less comfortable, and inferior in terms of handling however Nankang’s new LTR tyres are said to have achieved breakthroughs due to “computerised multi-pitch simulation The predecessor of Nankang Rubber Tire Co. Ltd, Nankang Rubber Plant, was technology to reduce noise-generation founded in Taipei city, Taiwan in 1945, mainly producing rickshaw tyres, rubber and to increase driving pleasure.” The new shoes and industrial products. In 1959, the company underwent privatisation manufacturing techniques, devised collaband was reorganized as Nankang Rubber Tire Co. Ltd., as it has been for the oratively with a major Japanese manufacpast 50 years. To meet the growth of business scale, a second plant was estabturer, have led to acclaim for the CW-20, lished in Shin-Fung, Hsinchu County in 1973. In 1997, the latest plant, Nankang the next generation LTR tyre, and the FT-7 International Co., was finally set up in Zhangjiagang free trade zone, Jiangsu for 4x4 vehicles. Province, People's Republic of China, with the highest production capacity of Nankang has also invested in the devel37,000 pieces a day. This month, as the company reaches the half century mark, opment of its range of snow tyres for “slippery winter driving surfaces.” The studless Tyres & Accessories looks over the company’s five decades of history. SN-1 tyre has reportedly passed the challenging slope-climbing test in ack to 50 years ago, when the Hokkaido, Japan and its quality has economic and industrial infrastrucwon trust as well as orders from a ture was insufficient, and when the number of customers there. The technology and raw material of the Nankang design team has also tailorrubber industry was not easily accesmade specific studded or studless sible, Nankang Rubber Tire Co. had to snow tyres for customers from Scandirely on its own to overcome the chalnavia and central, as well as southern lenges in terms of technical procedure, Europe to meet their unique and differdesign and facilities. ing needs. These successes, however, Currently, Nankang is focusing on have not stopped Nankang from further developing its range of PCR, LTR, continuously striving to come up with 4X4, and Snow tyres. The company’s even more improved products. As a production has already been recognised result, the company created a newby impartial institutions and has generation studded snow tyre, the SWachieved numerous certifications, inclu7 and the studless snow tyre SV-2. ding: DNV ISO-9001, ISO/TS-16949, Nankang’s newly developed patterns ISO-14001, European E-Mark, Brazilian and prototype skills, integrated with IN-Mark, C.C.C. (China), European RDW the technique for producing winter LT noise test, etc. According to the snow tyres, have also enabled the company, products are exported and Mr Lin Hsueh Pu, president Nankang Rubber Tire Corp. Ltd. company to produce and supply topwell-accepted in the U.S.A., Europe, Credit in 6-point type (max): “Courtesy of UDN Group).” quality studless snow tyres, the SL-6, Japan, the Middle East, and more than

Nankang Rubber Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

INTERNATINAL TYRE MARKET

for European motorists. In most countries, to investigate a new model’s endurance and high-speed stability, the testing operations regulated by authorities are often conducted and monitored indoors. However, in order to evaluate a tyre’s actual performance on various featured road surfaces, Nankang fully realises the installation of a proving ground is a basic requirement for a professional tyre manufacturer. The proving ground at the Shin-Feng plant consists of test lanes for dry/wet surfaces, oval track, brake-measurement lanes, as well as surfaces with many different friction characteristics, all of which are constructed to the same standard of Taiwan Automotive Research and Testing Center (ARTC). In terms of equipment, up to date anemometers, sound level meters, opto-electric sensors, and Global Positioning System-based equipment are all used to empirically test the products. In light of the fact that fuel energy resources are expected to sharply decline around the world in the near future, saving energy and cutting carbon dioxide emissions have become urgent issues under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol. To make the development of “Eco tyres” one of its top production goals, Nankang has been working to produce tyres that are both oilsaving and that can contribute to safe driving at the same time. Meanwhile, Nankang will work to create lines that have low profiles but high loading capacity to be used in commercial vehicles, demanding both comfort and improved performance.

Tyre manufacturers tend to increase silica mixture in the rubber compounds for tyres, which will in turn help increase the vehicles’ horsepower and speed. Likewise, Nankang has equipped its factories with the latest rubber compound mixing Some of Nankang’s Shin-Feng tyre testing facilities technology and equipment to better mix rubber compounds with a high silica content. make breakthroughs by constantly introBig-name tyre makers from around the ducing innovative production techniques world have recognised and respected tyres and products, while offering “best possible manufactured by Nankang. Company services to its customers all over the globe.” representatives say Nankang is resolved to ad/pg

The entrance to the Nankang factory

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Bottom Dropped Out of Loadstar Order Books, Says Company Chairman Sales have decreased – substantially – for Sri Lanka based manufacturer of solid tyres, Loadstar. At a recent forum, company chairman Nihal Jinasena admitted that “the bottom has dropped out of our order books.” And further compounding Loadstar’s problems are the costly forward deals for raw materials the company is locked into. "We were a company that was earning about 35 billion rupees (£222 million) and that has dropped hugely," Sri Lanka’s Lanka Business Online reported Jinasena as saying. The Loadstar chairman did not comment on the percentage its annual revenue had dropped, however the picture he did paint of the company’s situation was sufficiently grim. “Earlier we used to reject 30 per cent to 40 per cent of orders we received because we could not keep pace with the orders. We just could not meet the demand,” he said. “Today the situation is entirely different. We accept anything that we can get.” According to Jinasena, the company’s strength in the replacement tyre market is helping at present. Loadstar is now taking steps to adjust to the new situation, including reducing its inventory levels. “You have hugely expensive inventory which is geared to a certain level of production,” said Jinasena. “The level of production has dropped, so you can safely cut inventories…But this is easier said than done.” Raw materials have dropped since reaching a peak in mid-2008, and during the time when prices were escalating Loadstar used derivatives to hedge or fix future prices in forward markets. "One of the things that we did when prices kept on climbing was we bought forward," Jinasena said. "We bought forward in steel. We bought

Automechanika Returns to Malaysia in March

pproximately 5,000 visitors are expected to attend the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre between March 25 and 28 for the sixth Automechanika Malaysia exhibition. The trade fair, formerly known as Automechanika Asia, is the only automotive parts and aftermarket trade fair organised in collaboration with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and is considered by many to be the leading automotive parts and aftermarket trade event in the ASEAN market. Exhibitors from 14 countries and regions including Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy,

forward in synthetic rubber. And these prices when they suddenly tumbled left us with very, very, expensive raw materials, both in stock and coming in." Jinasena commented that steel prices fell from around $2,300 a tonne to around $1,000. Stuck with high material prices such as this, Loadstar has found it difficult to reduce prices of its finished products to the levels potential buyers expect. "We need to purge ourselves of these expensive raw materials that are in the system," Jinasena said. "But because of the lower rate of consumption and the lower rate at which we are processing orders it would take even longer to purge ourselves of these expensive raw materials." A third factor impacting Loadstar’s business is the national currency, the rupee. As the Sri Lanka rupee is linked to the US dollar, recent exchange rate trends mean than prices for European customers are going up. This problem is compounded by Sri Lanka’s high rate of inflation, which necessitates increases in employee wages. Jinasena believes the rupee’s rising value and national inflation has had a “disastrous” effect on exporters. "It is absolutely essential, and I make it clear to authorities and the government that a 15 to 20 per cent devaluation of the Sri Lanka rupee is absolutely essential for the export industry to survive," stated Jinasena. Loadstar is now looking at possible means of bringing down costs, reducing capital expenditure and cutting bank borrowings. However the company chairman says that laying off workers is not an option, partly because of Sri Lankan labour laws, and partly because of the company’s philosophy. "The worker has done nothing wrong," said Jinasena. "He has in no way contributed to the problems in your company." Furthermore, he commented, if workers are removed from the workforce, the number of consumers in a market also will fall, and the economic downturn would gain further momentum. Instead, Loadstar is using the economic crisis as an opportunity to re-examine its production practices and boost productivity. "What gives us so little reason for comfort is that there is no end in sight for this crisis," was Jinasena’s grim conclusion. "We do not know when it is likely to end." sg

Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom have confirmed their attendance. A total of 150 exhibitors are expected to take part in the biennial event. Exhibitors will be showcasing, says the organiser, a comprehensive range of automotive product categories in 5,000 square metres of exhibition space, including parts & systems, accessories & tuning, repair & maintenance, IT & management, service station and car wash equipment. Running alongside the trade fair will also be a series of value-added fringe programmes for attendees to explore the latest trends and industry developments and to network and exchange information with industry experts and peers. Automechanika Malaysia, organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, is one of 13 global Automechanika fairs. sg

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WHOLESALING

INTERNATINAL TYRE INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET MARKET

It is not clear whether turning the natural rubber export taps off will stimulate prices to rise

Malaysia Cutting Rubber Exports 5% in 2009 Cuts in rubber exports have begun in the world’s third-largest rubber producing nation. Malaysia’s Plantations Industries and Com-modities Minister Datuk Peter Chin confirmed that the government’s plan to reduce rubber exports by around five per cent this year is underway, and it now remains to be seen whether the measure will bring prices out of the doldrums. “For the first quarter, Malaysia will reduce rubber exports by 22,000 tonnes,” said Chin. “For the whole of 2009, it will be 57,050 tonnes.” Last year Malaysia exported 1.1 million tonnes of rubber. Along with Thailand and Indonesia – the number one and two global rubber producers – Malaysia has committed to removing approximately 915,000 tonnes of natural rubber from the world market. The three countries, which comprise the International Rubber Consort-ium (IRCo), also say that a reduction of up to 1,345,000 tonnes is possible, but only if prices further weaken. Tyre industry demand, which accounts for 70 per cent of global output, has dimin-ished significantly since the closing months of 2008. This factor, coupled with low oil prices that make synthetic rubber a much more affordable option, provide little incentive for natural rubber prices to rise without external stimuli. "We have already instituted the process of reducing the exports this year. Quotas have been given to the trading houses here. The replanting programme is also happening," commented Chin further, adding that Malaysia has proposed a meeting between the ministers of the three rubber producing countries under the auspices of IRCo on February 1213. The ministers are expected to discuss a revision in the floor price of rubber, assistance to smallholders and the issue of non-fulfilment of contracts. sg

December Tyre Production More than 20% Down in China

ccording to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, tyre production nationwide fell by 21.7 per cent year on year in December to 36.67 million units. This figure, dissem-inated by Dow Jones Newswire, presents a strong contrast to the 14 per cent growth recorded in December 2007. Synthetic rubber production totalled 236,000 tons in December, up 26.7 per cent year on year. During the year, tyre output amounted to 546.14 million units, up 6.7 per cent on the previous year, while synthetic rubber output totalled 2.38 million tons, up 9.2 per cent year on year. sg

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

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18 New Toyo Sizes

irector of marketing communications at Toyo Tire USA, Julie Sediq, told T&A that the company had introduced 18 new tyre sizes, with products aimed at the performance passenger car segment, as well as light trucks. Some of these are very esoteric; for example the Proxes TQ, which is the first DOT-approved drag radial from Toyo. Another new tyre, the Proxes R888 is an approved competition radial which is ideal for road racing, track days and highperformance driving schools. It features a semi-slick shoulder area to increase cornering force and a unidirectional tread pattern with v-shaped grooves to enhance wet traction and control. A rounded outer shoulder helps to maintain tyre contact, even during changes in suspension geometry. A continuous centre contact delivers excellent direct-

ional control during hard braking. The Proxes R888 is available in rim sizes 13" to 19", in V, W and Y speed ratings and with aspect ratios from 60 series down to an ultra-low 30 series. For light trucks and SUVs, Toyo Tire offers its Open Country range. The Open Country H/T is a premium highway tyre which comes in more than 65 sizes for rims up to 22" and speed ratings up to V. The A/T is available in even more sizes – more than 85 for rims up to 24" – and is designed with a dual purpose tread to perform well both on- and off-road. For those serious about off-roading, there is the Open Country M/T, which has won everything from the Baja 1000 to rock crawling events. The tread is aggressive in design, with hook-shaped blocks and the tyre is available in P and Q speed ratings.

Around the middle of last year, Toyo Tire introduced the Proxes ST II high-performance tyre aimed at today’s SUVs, sport trucks and select crossovers. Computer design technology results in a tyre that is smooth and quiet with improved overall wear characteristics. Toyo’s Silent Wall technology minimises noise during operation at highway speeds by using dense, perpendicular serrations located along the main groove walls of the tread. The serrations help disturb the rushing air flow, which normally produces an audible sound known as "pipe resonance", a condition similar to wind blowing into a flute. The result is an exceptionally quiet ride, says Toyo. Another noise reducing feature is a "five variable-pitch shoulder." Essentially, the shoulder block "pitch pattern" repeats every fifth pair of shoulder blocks to suppress harmonics during operation. A more consistent wear is achieved by using multi-wave sipes that appear as the tyre begins to wear, interlocking with oneanother to help decrease block movement The Toyo Proxes ST II is available in V, W, and Y speed ratings and includes OE and plus fitments for wheels 16- to 26-inches in diameter. The new tyre replaces the Toyo Proxes S/T, which has been one of the leading sport truck tyres since its debut in 1998. pg

Nexen Unveils 15 Series Tyre Nexen Tire has released details of its new 15 series UHP N3000 tyre following the company’s development of Nano technology and 20 series tyres in previous years. The company believes that its new technology will provide an ideal tyre option for current sports cars. The tyre equals the record for the lowest profile tyre on the market, a feat set by Kumho with its Ecsta SPT. Chun-Taek Cho, the director of the company’s R&D department said “We adopted ELPO (Extreme Low Profile Optimization), our own

developed designing technology, to the 15 series tyre so that the tyre is able to keep its contact area with the ground through the change of its load and air pressure. It is beyond the limitation of current technology.” He also emphasized “The 15 series tyres are able to control the car perfectly even in extremely high speed as 360 km/h.” Nexen tyre acquired a patent for Nano technology which is excellent at inner-abrasion in 2005. They followed this in 2007 by making available 20 series tyres on the global market. The company participated in the Sema Show 2008 in Las Vegas, putting 19 different patterns and 23 sizes on display and releasing the world lowest 15 series UHP tyre. akb

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Maxxis On the Look Out For Industrial Tyre Distributors

ollowing the launch of its new skid steer tyres last year, Maxxis International UK is reportedly keen to appoint additional distributors to help develop business opportunities in a number of heavy industry sectors. Both the M9000 MT Loader, which is designed for use on heavyweight forklift trucks, and the M8000 Tuff-Guard – devel-oped for use in extra heavy duty applic-ations such as excavation – are designed to deliver superior traction and long life thanks to “extra strong casings, stronger sidewalls and specially formulated rubber compounds.” The Maxxis M9000 MT Loader features extra-thick sidewalls, which offer improved puncture resistance while the tread compound is designed to enhance durability, helping to prevent down time and increase productivity. There is also a special rim guard for better tyre and wheel protection. It is available in a range of sizes from 10-16.5 8 PR to 15-19.5 12 PR. Available in a full range of sizes up to 12.00-20, the M8000 TuffGuard includes a heavy duty construction which the company says adds “superior stability and adds counterbalancing weight to skid loader machines.” The self-cleaning tread delivers excellent traction while the extra-durable tread compound helps resist chunking and separation. A double sidewall aids stability and reduces bounce and the re-inforced rim guard provides added tyre and wheel protection. “The new M8000 Tuff-Guard and M9000 MT Loader are highly versatile tyres, purpose-designed to cope with the toughest of jobs and perform problem-free in a variety of heavy duty applications. Following their launch last May our industrial tyres have been very well-received and we are now aiming to develop new business, in areas such as construction, agriculture, landscaping and dockside loading and unloading, by appointing further distributors,” Maxxis International UK’s managing director Derek McMartin commented. cja

MAK Nova is described as a “sober” five-spoke design. The philosophy behind the product is classic quality and “smooth, tender” lines. The fact that it is a five spoke wheel means the MAK Nova can be fitted to the majority of current car models. The new wheel comes in a silver finish that reinforces the general theme. And furthermore, according to the company the silver finish MAK has employed for this partic-ularly product means it is suitable for winter use and is therefore “very resistant against humidity, fog, salt and low temperatures.” MAK Nova is available in the following sizes: 6,5J15”, 6,5J16”, 7J16”, 7J17”. cja

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

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Vee Introduce Taiga Interstate’s Newest 4x4 Tyre Now Available Netherlands based Interstate Tire & Rubber reports that its latest 4x4 tyre, displayed at last May’s Essen show in Germany, is now on the market and available in six popular sizes between 16 and 18-inches. Called the Sport SUV GT, the tyre is Interstate’s first rolling resistance optimised 4x4 tyre, and Interstate thus reports that lower fuel consumption is attainable without compromising tread life or traction. “The Interstate Sport SUV GT will play a significant role in the battle to improve fuel economy and efficiency, ultimately helping consumers save money in this tight economy, especially the owners of SUV’s,” said Theo de Vries, vice president of Interstate Tires. “It will truly help dispel the notion that you can't get great performance out of a low-rolling resistance tyre.” sg

Vee Rubber used the Sema show to introduce the company's first light truck and SUV tyre developed specifically for the North American market – the Taiga H/T. The presentation was made by managing director Mr. Vitorn Sukanjanapong and included information about Vee Rubber, such as the fact that production during 2008 would total 24 million units. The new Taiga has been extensively tested in a number of different climates and on many different surfaces, including off road and the result, says Vee Rubber, is a quiet, comfortable tyre with a long tread life; in the US, the tyre is offered with a 50,000 mile limited treadwear warranty. While the Taiga is not designed as a snow or all terrain tyre, it aims to allow drivers to face everyday driving with confidence, whatever the conditions. Initially the Taiga is available in 11 sizes, which will eventually be expanded to 20 sizes for 16" and 17" rims. Although the tyre is designed with North America in mind, it will be available globally. Some of the features of the Taiga include zigzag circumferential grooves for enhanced water dispersal and snow traction, continuous large shoulder blocks for good cornering grip and a quiet ride and multiple grooves and sipes for "biting traction" and improved grip in snow, on ice and in the wet. Vee Rubber is continually adding to its product portfolio, said Mr. Sukanjanapong and he revealed that a new winter tyre is currently undergoing testing and will be available for the 2009/2010 winter season. pg

Bridgestone Europe to Launch Ecopia Range in 2009

tarting in April, an extensive range of Bridgestone’s Turanza ER300 Ecopia tyres will be gradually introduced into the European market. The tyres, which use the ‘Ecopia’ name to denote their fuel saving characteristics, were first used on electricpowered cars in 1991, and in 1998 the B381 Ecopia low rolling resistance tyre was fitted as OE to the ‘3-litre’ version of the Volkswagen Lupo – a car dubbed “the most environmentally friendly car in the world” by some due to its consumption of only three litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. Today, certain versions of the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia and Mercedes S-Class are being sold with Ecopia versions of existing patterns, and the Toyota IQ is fitted with an all-new Ecopia tyre. The main technology used in the Ecopia to reduce rolling resistance, fuel consump84

tion and thus CO2 output is its specially developed compound. The compound is based on nano properties control technology, which acts on the molecules in a way that allows for improved rolling resistance and better wet grip. “We recognise the role that tyres can play in reducing fuel consumption,” said Gerry Duffy, vice president, Sales & Marketing. “The introduction of the Ecopia range represents a significant progress in terms of meeting today’s customer requirement for safe tyres that also provide

fuel economy.” The Turanza ER300 Ecopia range will be introduced to the market at the Geneva Auto Salon in March. sg

The Bridgestone Turanza ER300 Ecopia, seen here in size 235/55 R17 99W, will be gradually introduced into European markets starting in April 2009

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Conti CSEasy Wins Industrial Tyre Comparison Test DEKRA: tyre is 12.8% more economical A DEKRA certified test in Germany shows that the Continental CSEasy SC20 is between 3.7 and 12.8 per cent more economical than its competitors. Six competitor tyres were examined alongside the CSEasy including: Bergougnan Elite XP, Solideal Magnum, Watts Premia, Marangoni Eltor 5, Gumasol Softy NP80 and Trelleborg Rota VP15. Hans-Jürgen Sauerwald, head of testing at Continental's Industrial Tyres business unit, commented: "The lower rolling resistance means a saving of between 257 and 900 euros per year for each fork lift in use for 6,000 hours annually.” The CSEasy is a solid tyre which can be fitted simply using a torque wrench instead of the tyre press normally required. Test engineers from both DEKRA and Continental, accompanied by a group of trade journalists, met up last month to carry out the test in the Elbe-Elster district between Berlin and Dresden. The test candidates - size 225/75 – 10 (23 x 9 – 10) on the load axle and 180/70 – 8 (18 x 7 – 8) on the steered axle - were fitted to a Still RX60-25 electric fork lift. DEKRA verified that the tests were carried out to strict standards. Examiners measured the amount of energy required for a defined distance, marked with light barriers. Pre-determined average speeds were to be maintained throughout. The definition for the 30 metre long track was specified by Guideline 2198 according to VDI standards. The readings were used to determine the average value based on several runs of a driving cycle on a straight measured track, plus manoeuvring and lifting tasks. cja

Red Rim Pro-Sprint heel

he multi-spoke design of the Wolfrace Pro-Sprint has long been popular with the modified car fraternity; its elegant lines and simple design make it suitable for all types of vehicles, without conflicting with a vehicle's individual styling. Wolfrace recognise this and have added a contemporary touch of refinement to a classic design. The Pro-Sprint is now available in a glossy black finish with a high-quality red anodised rim; this is achieved using the latest anodising techniques, thus producing an extremely durable oxide coating on the alloy rim of between 0.003mm and 0.02mm. The shiny, striking appearance of the red rim is sure to turn heads, says Wolfrace and the new wheel is available in sizes 6.5x15" and 7x17". Other finishes available include black/ polished, white/ polished, pink/ polished and matt black with red rim. pg

BF SRL AD 80x90mm

BF SRL

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Latest Matador Performance Tyre Ready for Summer 2009 Dayton D320 SportTouring Added to Bridgestone Range

new Bridgestone sport-touring tyre has been introduced into the economy passenger car tyre segment. Called the Dayton D320, the new tyre has been designed to provide drivers of family saloons and estates with high level all-round performance and good value for money. The performance target of the new Dayton D320, says Bridgestone, was to deliver excellent dry handling without sacrificing comfort, while providing the safest possible wet braking and hydroplaning performance. The tyre’s tread features a centre rib intended to provide linear stability and a strong centre feel to road handling, while its tapered design with lens-shaped blocks are designed to help reduce water turbulence on the block edges, for faster drainage away from the contact patch. Wet performance, says Bridgestone, is enhanced by the curved shape of the block edges, which minimises water resistance at the front of the block. The water is then rapidly cleared away from the tread centre to the shoulder by the ‘super slant groove’ design, which is also intended to provide even contact pressure distribution for balanced wet and dry performance. According to the tyre major, the sporty character and look of the new Dayton D320 will appeal to a wide range of drivers who want confident handling and safe braking – but still demand a good level of comfort. The range is being introduced in Europe from January 2009 in 41 sizes from 40 to 60 series, for 15 to 18-inch rim sizes. sg

Matador is releasing a new high performance segment tyre for the 2009 summer season. Intended for medium size (D-segment) and large (E-segment) cars, the Matador MP 44 Elite 3 features an asymmetrical tread pattern that the manufacturer reports delivers improved handling, comfort, tread life and wet and dry safety compared with its predecessors, the MP 42 Elite 2 and MP 43 Aquilla Evo. The MP 44 Elite 3 will be produced in 34 sizes for 15 and 16-inch rim diameters, with T, H, V and W speed rated products on offer. sg

Dunlop Announces New Sizes in Sport Maxx Range A year on from the launch of the company’s Sport Maxx TT range, featuring Kevlar in its construction, Dunlop has unveiled an extended range of sizes that make it possible to apply this acclaimed technology to a wider range of performance cars. It is now available in 21 significant new sizes ranging from 195/40R17 to 245/45R18, adding to the 20 popular sizes available at launch. The tyre uses DuPont Kevlar Engineered Elastomer in the complete apex of the tyre – an innovation in tyre technology. Adding this advanced material creates a stiffer sidewall, which becomes more resistant to torsion, tension and heat and guarantees increased stability during cornering, as well as enhanced road feedback and more precision in performance driving. Dunlop says that the tyre “provides enhanced and improved quality of road feedback, improved wet and dry handling and mileage performance, as well as enhanced cornering and high-speed stability to offer driving enthusiasts the ultimate in driving precision.” The tyre received five stars in a test feature by Track and Race Cars Magazine. akb

Nokian Launches Hakkapeliitta 7 Nokian Tyres is introducing a new Hakkapeliitta winter tyre. Called the Hakkapeliitta 7, the studded tyre has been developed for demanding and quickly changing winter conditions. Nokian says the tyre, which replaces the Hakkapeliitta 5, combines its winter properties with

driving comfort. Driving comfort was chosen as an essential target for improvement, the Finnish manufacturer adds, and has been enhanced without compromising levels of grip. The new range will be directed at Nokian’s main markets in the Nordic countries, Russia, and the Ukraine. Deliveries will begin in spring 2009, with availability for consumers commencing the following autumn. The studded tyre is said to offer the most extensive size range on the market. sg

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Finichi Release New Monza Wheel The latest wheel from the respected Finichi stable is the attractive and durable Monza. The latest wheel features a stainless steel lip to give the wheel the visual ‘kick’ of a polished lip, but without the maintenance problems that those styles can bring. Despite the Monza sporting an impressive 82mm euro deep dish, brake caliper clearance has been kept, even for larger diameter big brake kits, thanks to the innovative offset twin spokes that create a considerable amount of space within the wheel itself. The deep lip is achieved by cutting the stainless steel around the spokes using innovative laser-cutting technology. Size wise, both 7 x 17” and 7.5 x 18” are available, with nearly all 4 and 5 stud Jap, Tuner and VAG applications listed. Prices start at just £122.55 including VAT for the 7x 17 version. cja

Two finishes are available - either the factory-fresh look of ‘Hypersilver’, or the matte black of the Monza ‘Sport’ boasts a moody finish that contrasts perfectly with the highly polished rim

Conti US OE for Mercedes-Benz GLK Continental’s Conti4x4Contact has been chosen as US market original equipment for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK. The tyre will be fitted to the new 4x4 in size 235/50R19 99H. sg

1HZ 7LUH 7HFKQRORJ\ IRU WKH VW &HQWXU\

100% Urethane Tire 10% Better Gas Mileage 100% Recyclable

1/2 H Amerityre

No Flats Now Blow Outs No Tread Separation

Amerityre

Perfectly Round Perfectly Balanced

702-293-1930 1501 Industrial Road Boulder City, NV 89005

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

WEB DIRECTORY

The WEB DIRECTORY in TYRES & ACCESSORIES and the LINK SECTION in www.tyrepress.com

the fast and direct way to your homepage To appear in this Website Directory which, will include hyperlinked entries on the Tyres & Accessories website Alan Day – Tel: +44(0)1255 222233 • E-mail: alan@tyrepress.com

Abrasives

www.theaftermarketshow.com

www.olivercorp.com

Fleet Management Systems

Air Compressors www.atlascopco.co.uk

www.advancedidcorp.com www.pneu-logic.co.uk

Associations

Importers/Wholesalers

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

www.tym-international.com

Industrial Tyres www.solideal.com

Locking Wheel Nuts www.dynomec.co.uk

Materials/Accessories www.gogommasrl.it

Earthmover Wheels

Miscellaneous

www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

www.traxjh.com

E-Commerce

Motorcycle Tyre Wholesalers

www.etyres.co.uk www.oddballtyres.co.uk www.tiretracking.com

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

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

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

Exhibitions

Retreading/Recycling/Disposal

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

www.capemachinery.com www.credenv.com www.cmshredders.com www.environment-agency.gov.uk/tyrewatch www.kraiburg-retreading.com www.ringtread.com

Recycling Machinery

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

WEB DIRECTORY

www.sapphirerecovery.co.uk www.treadsdirect.com www.watts-rubber.com

www.kingdavidtyres.co.uk

Software

www.lctyres.ie

www.mamsoft.co.uk/tyres

www.lytire.com

Testing Services

www.mastercrafttyres.co.uk

www.dunloptyretesting.co.uk

www.midlandmobiletyres.co.uk

Truck Tyre Retreading

www.micheldever.co.uk

www.bandvulc.co.uk

www.mickeythompson.co.uk

Truck Wheels

www.nete.co.uk

www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

Tyre Compounds www.vipal.com.br

Tyre Computer Software www.teamsystems.co.uk

Tyre Distributors/Wholesalers www.4site4x4.co.uk 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.fieldens.co.uk www.glanworthtyres.com www.gripenwheels.com www.grouptyre.co.uk www.herculesinternational.com www.heuver.com www.internationaltyres.com www.inter-sprint.nl Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

www.kirkbytyres.co.uk www.lexanitire.com

www.northwesttyres.com www.sd-international.cn www.sentaida-international.com www.sintontyres.co.uk www.starco.com www.stapletons-tyres.co.uk www.tiresbernaerts.com www.treadwayscorp.com www.tribatyre.com www.tyrespot.co.uk www.viking.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.federaltire.com www.fulda.co.uk www.gold-spark.com 89

WEB DIRECTORY

www.goodyear.co.uk www.gt-tires.com www.kenda.com.tw www.kirkbytyres.co.uk www.kumho-euro.com www.lassa-europe.com www.maitechtire.com www.marangoni.com www.matador.sk www.mrftyres.com www.nankang.com.tw www.nexentire.co.kr www.pirelli.co.uk www.silverstone.com.my www.techkingtires.com www.trelleborg.com www.uniroyaltruck.co.uk www.vredestein.com www.yokohama.co.uk

Tyre Moulds www.jwinc.co.kr

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

Tyres/Solid www.internationaltyreandwheelsolutions.com www.tyre&wheelsolutions.com

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.aycesystems.co.uk www.elitedirect.com www.imagewheels.co.uk www.mswuk.com www.overfinch.com www.performancealloys.com www.tsw-wheels.co.uk www.rial.de www.trelleborg.com/wheelsystems-uk

Wheel Balancers/Accessories 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.reinheimer-stitcher-roller.com www.supertracker.com www.tip-top.co.uk www.tsissg.com www.tyre-equipment.co.uk www.wheelalignmentuk.com

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING OFFERS YOU AN UNLIMITED AUDIENCE

Website: www.tyrepress.com Tel: +44 (0)1255 222233 Fax: +44 (0)1255 222234 email: info@tyrpress.com Tyres & Accessories Unit I, Magnolia Centre Telford Road, Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO15 4LP

Classified advertisements in Tyres & Accessories will also appear on the Tyres & Accessories website for the corresponding month FREE OF CHARGE

ESKAY TYRES LTD,

Sales Manager Solid and Industrial Tyres (Middle East)

based in London, are the sole European agents for the Westlake tyre brand. Our business is rapidly expanding, and we therefore require an additional

• Management of Sales and Marketing for the Trelleborg range of Solid and Industrial tyres in the Middle East

to compliment our team. This exciting job will involve extensive travel within Europe, servicing and increasing existing business, as well as prospecting for new Westlake distributors.

• Development of a business plan for Middle East countries • Evaluation and selection of business partners and distributors • Achievement of sales, profit and cash flow targets • Sales, Marketing and Technical support for business partners and distributors

SALES EXECUTIVE

We are looking for someone with a successful sales track record in the Tyre Industry, preferably with a good working knowledge of tyres across the range of car, truck, OTR and Industrial.

Applicants can be based anywhere within Europe but must be highly self-motivated, energetic, a good communicator, and preferably multi-lingual. A rewarding salary package will be on offer.

Please send your application attaching C.V. to the General Manager, Rob Henderson. Email : rob@eskaytyres.com

O PERFECT when air-pressure tested O All our used CAR TYRES O Sizes 12/13/14/15/16/17/18 19/20/21/22 inch Wheels O Summer and Winter tyres

Job Description

Key Performance Areas

Required Competencies • • • •

Sound experience of Solid and Industrial tyres Good interpersonal skills Good business acumen Pro-active, results orientated individual

Basic Package • Salary commensurate with experience • Company car or car allowance • Company accommodation – apartment, Discovery Gardens, Dubai or, housing allowance Applications with full CV, which must demonstrate hands on experience with solid tyres, by Email to:

robert.rossouw@aldobowi.com

The TYRE EQUIPMENT COMPANY Ltd.

Browse our catalogue and shop securely on-line at

www.tyre-equipment.co.uk

You are welcome to visit us and see for yourself

KURZ RHG – GERMANY (Frankfurt) www.kurz-reifen.de

kurz-rhg@t-online.de

Or phone for a catalogue Tel: 01905 821697 Freefax: 0800 3280825.

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From Germany All sizes of USED CAR TYRES Profile and tested high-profile tyres

www.reifen-szymos.de Email: henrek@gmx.de Tel/Fax: +49 (0)6245 905858

Leading Official Supplier For: Pirelli ™ Yokohama ™ & Kumho Motorsport and Road Legal Track Day Tyres. •

•

www.tyrepress.com

Over 30,000 major brand tyres held at our warehouses. • Trade enquiries welcome • Deliveries throughout the UK

ADVERTISE IN

TEL: +44 (0)1255 222233, FAX: +44 (0)1255 222234 EMAIL: alan@tyrepress.com

WELLINGTON RUBBER CO. LTD Consistent Buyers of

Grayston Engineering Ltd Tel: +44 (0)2089 741122 Fax: +44 (0)2089 742288 Email: sales@grayston.biz

TYRE BUFFINGS BUTYL TUBES BUTYL BLADDERS Textile Street, West Gorton, Manchester M12 5DL

FOR SALE North West Area

Quality Used Tyres 14" to 22" – 4x4 to Van

Tel: 07964 781 004 or 07966 393 056

Tel: 0161 223 7181 Fax: 0161 223 0173

JAPANESE CASINGS All kinds of Japanese Casings and Used Tyres Contact

ATV TYRES, TURF TYRES, INNER TUBES CALL FREE:

KANEKO SHOJI., LTD. TEL: +81 29 2553712 FAX: +81 29 2553713 Email:

0800 731 1720

kaneko@syd.odn.ne.jp

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Sales Manager Automotive Tuning (Middle East) Job Description • Sales and Marketing of specialist tuning products for highly prestigious car brands in the Middle East Key Performance Areas • Development of a business plan for Middle East countries • Evaluation and selection of business partners and distributors • Achievement of sales, profit and cash flow targets • Sales, Marketing and Technical support for business partners and distributors Required Competencies • Tuning enthusiast with solid experience of the Automotive Tuning business • Strong sense of branding and brand building (Marketing) • Good interpersonal skills • Good business acumen • Pro-active, results orientated individual Basic Package HALL 2, STAND 117

• Salary commensurate with experience • Company car or car allowance • Company accommodation – apartment, Discovery Gardens, Dubai or, housing allowance Applications with full CV, which must demonstrate hands on experience of turning products, by Email to:

robert.rossouw@aldobowi.com ADVERTISE IN

Aluco GmbH We Buy and Sell at very competitive prices.

Saxon Gerd Nagelschmidt Everland RoadGmbH Werksvertretungen Hungerford Tel. 02 14 / 6RG17 02 600DX 30 Tel:0201488 Fax 14 / 6689400 02 60 31 info@saxon-brands.com www.adl-sa.com www.saxon-brands.com Mail: adl.sa@t-online.de

TEL: +44 (0)1255 222233 FAX: +44 (0)1255 222234 EMAIL: alan@tyrepress.com

NEW AND USED PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK TYRES ALUMINIUM WHEELS TYRE CHANGERS AND WHEEL BALANCING MACHINES 64579-Gernsheim, Emanuel-Merck-Str.1-3, Germany Tel.+49-6258-93010 Fax:+49-6258-3095 Mob.+49-171-4761509 e-Mail: stoftyres@yahoo.com a.shammout@usa.net alucogmbh@yahoo.de

Looking for chinese tyres, radial or crossply? Please call ETD Marcus Reedijk or Jeannette Bertolin European Tyre Distributors - P.O.box 5722, 3299 AA Strijen, the Netherlands - +31 78 6291210 - sales@etd.nl

PAGE 91-93:PAGE

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Subscribe now and get web access and our e-Newsletter products free of charge. Tyres & Accessories is offering 12 monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subscription to the magazine, daily e-Newsletter magazines and access to our archive of over 10,000 news articles for just: ÂŁ60 in the UK, ÂŁ70 in Europe and ÂŁ90 globally. To receive your regular monthly copy of the tyre industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading magazine, complete this form and return it to us at: Tyre Industry Publications, Magnolia Centre, Telford Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 4LP England. Alternatively pay by transfer at National Westminster Bank, 10 Station Road, Clacton-onSea, Essex, CO15 1TA. Account: 70304440. Sort code: 60 05 33.

D w onÂ´t ith g st o h ra o ng m er e s

PREVIEW

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

Same Body, New Skin Shipped with the March issue of Tyres & Accessories is the very latest “Retreading Special”, our semiannual supplement on the market here and abroad. The 32-page extra feature delves at length into the latest developments in a business so important to commercial vehicle and fleet operators. Don’t miss your copy to keep abreast with the European and world retreading market, along with decisions and products that will influence the industry’s future direction.

Traversing Rough Ground In these trying economic times the popularity of 4x4s is not what it once was. Buyers are avoiding new off road vehicles in droves in order to cut down on motoring costs, and dealers are resorting to heavy discounts in order to clear unsold stocks. However the 4x4 is by no means an endangered species in the UK, despite costs, taxes and action groups such as the Alliance Against Urban 4x4s. Off road-vehicles are and remain a significant chunk of our passenger vehicle parc – and luckily for us they all require tyres. In March, Tyres & Accessories takes a rugged look at this market segment.

First published in June 1946, T&A is distributed in the third week of every month by: Tyre Industry Publications Ltd. Unit I, Magnolia Centre Telford Road, Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO 15 4LP, England Telephone: +44 (0)1255 222233 Editorial: +44 (0) 1782 214224 Fax: +44 (0)1255 222234 e-mail: info@tyrepress.com Internet: www.tyrepress.com Correspondence and advertising material should be sent to the above address. Publisher: Klaus Haddenbrock klaus.haddenbrock@reifenpresse.de Editor: Christopher Anthony chris.anthony@tyrepress.com Stephen Goodchild stephen.goodchild@tyrepress.com Andrew Bogie andrew.bogie@tyrepress.com Contributing Editor: Peter Gardner peter.gardner@tyrepress.com Advertising Manager: Alan Day alan@tyrepress.com Circulation Manager: Julie Wilshaw julie.wilshaw@tyrepress.com Editorial office: 6A Salem Street Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire, ST1 5PR Telephone: +44 (0) 1782 214224 Fax: +44 (0) 1782 260252 Contributors: detlef.vogt@reifenpresse.de christian.marx@reifenpresse.de arno.borchers@reifenpresse.de Layout: Heike Schomaker-Eymers Gaby Hinck 2009 Subscription Rate: £60 (UK), £70 (Europe), £90 (R.O.W.) per year. Back issues: £5 per copy. Reg. No: 1023538 England VAT No: 466 0254 53 Bank: National Westminster Bank PLC, 10 Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 1TA Account No: 70304440 Sort Code: 60 05 33 Printed by: The Magazine Printing Company 1082 Mollison Avenue Brimsdown, Enfield Middlessex EN3 7NT Tyre Industry Publications Ltd. can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers

Tyres & Accessories 2/2009