Tyres & Accessories | September 2013

Tyres & Accessories September 2013

September 2013

www.tyrepress.com

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EDITORIAL

Tyres, magazines and the quality dichotomy With this in mind WHAT DO TYRES, WEBSITES AND A NEW COVER DESIGN HAVE IN COMMON? It is all you will soon see two a question of quality. In the British tyre industry everyone talks about price versus quality. Almost as often the debate broadens out before settling in the amorphous arena of “value”. More often than not this means the narrowing of the gap between two perceived opposites. In practice it could mean a customer buying a high quality product for a lower than expected price.

The classic example of this is the customer that buys a higher priced product that performs beyond either their expectations or what the competition has to offer. In either case both propositions are predicated on the basis of product quality. Without this there are only short term pricing and sales strategies. And this in turn leads to the key difference highlighted by the age-old business adage: “sales are vanity, profits are sanity”.

Without a properly considered quality-focused market approach, businesses struggle to make sense in the long-term, whether the macro-economic environment provides wind in your sails or an adverse gale.

But what has this got to do with magazines and websites? Well, this has always been a key part of Tyres & Accessories’ approach, but recently it has all come further to the fore. We recognise the need to continue to develop both the content we offer our readers and customers as well as the way we present it. And in order to ensure we are serving the tyre industry professionals that make up our core readership, we have to do this whatever is taking place in the market environment. Indeed it is the only approach that treats our readers with the respect they deserve. And it is the only approach that makes business sense.

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

key improvements to the print and online products we produce for the market.

The big news is that at the end of September – not too long after this magazine will have reached your hands – we will be launching a completely overhauled and upgraded website. This takes account of your feedback, the latest online reading trends as well as cutting edge technology. Our introduction to the new website is on page 56, so you can find more detailed information there. Suffice it to say that modern design, improved mobile/tablet reading, upgraded search and better social network integration all figure in this upgrade. It was also one of the most international projects we have embarked on, drawing together the skills and expertise of our German and Italian sister titles (Neue Reifenzeitung, which produces Reifenpresse.de, as well as Pneusnews.it respectively). What this means is that we now share both highly professional internet technology and market coverage from around Europe and the world.

And finally, at the risk of stating the obvious, there is our new cover. You will have already noticed our redesigned front page. But it is worth pointing out that, for us, it is about much more than simply refreshing our logo and rewording our strapline – it is a statement of intent. Like our circulation, prices and anything else we mean what we say - in this case the fact we are “the magazine for tyre and wheel professionals”.

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September 2013

Contents

66 Features

News • EDITORIAL

• PRODUCT INFORMATION

Tyres, magazines and quality

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• NEWS IN BRIEF

New Michelin UHP fitments Trelleborg ProgressiveTraction

• COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES 58 60

New Goodyear truck approach Bridgestone on UK ‘evolution’ GT Assist at Tyre Save Manchester ContiLifeCycle in practice

6

• MOTORSPORT • NTDA NEWS

64

24 26 28 38

12

• REIFEN CHINA PREVIEW

• INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET • UK TYRE MARKET Singex buys Tyrexpo organiser Wheelwright’s winter strategy

14 16

Chinese market tyres assessed New Pirelli, Bridgestone facilities

• CAREER TRACKS

66 72

Exhibition gaining speed No Russia plant for Triangle yet

62 64

74

• COMPANY NEWS Apollo Man U UK, India official tyre Tyrepress to launch new website

50 56

18

48

56

77 Classifieds – 77 Advertisers’ Index – 79 Web Directory – 82 Preview – 82 Impressum

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Linglong opens test centre at IDIADA At the end of July Chinese tyre manufacturer Shandong Linglong opened a European tyre testing office at the IDIADA facility in Tarragona, Spain.

At the opening ceremony Feng Baochun, deputy general manager of marketing, welcomed visitors on behalf of chairman Wang Feng and spoke of the company’s desire to take its products to the next level.

Following the ceremony LinglongTire

Feng Baochun, deputy general manager of marketing, welcomed visitors on behalf of chairman Wang Feng Europe demonstrated texts designed to assess its radials’ rolling resistance, fuel consumption, noise (there is a semi-anechoic chamber on-site) and other characteristics.

Exports have become increasingly important to Linglong, which now sells its products in more than 180 countries worldwide and which now has deals with GM, Ford, Tata, Renault-Nissan, Fiat, Hyundai and other automotive manufacturers specifically in the domestic market the company works with China FAW, Shaanxi Zhongqi, Dongfeng, Beiqi Foton, Chongqing Hongyan, SAICGM-Wuling, CNHTC Jinan, Xiamen Golden Dragon - more than 50 domestic OEMs in total. cja

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Pro-Align trains competitor bound for World Skills Leipzig PRO-ALIGN HAS TRAINED Team UK Auto Tech’s Alex Knight on the Hunter Elite TD imaging aligner in readiness for World Skills Leipzig 2013. Pro-Align trainer Barry Sumner helped Knight familiarise himself with the Hunter imaging aligner with QuickGrip targets, which will be the featured alignment equipment at World Skills Leipzig, extending his alignment knowledge. Knight commented, “My previous wheel alignment experience has been rather limited, so today was invaluable. The Hunter is so quick, easy to use, and far better than anything else I have used in the past.”

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John Dawson, Worlds Skills training manager confirmed Knight had an outstanding skill level even at the age of 19 and missed out by the narrowest of margins to compete in London 2011. Since then Dawson has seen the technician’s skill and knowledge accelerate, including extending his brand specific training at World Skills level. During the competition Knight will face a host of other international competitors. The Pro-Align training will have prepared him for the alignment section on Hunter’s VW-approved Elite TD VAS6292.

Pro-Align will demonstrate its commitment to raising alignment standards and supporting the training of future alignment technicians when it returns as an official sponsor of The Skills Show 2013 at the NEC in November. Competitors at this event will also use the company’s latest Hunter Elite TD imaging alignment system.

“Equipping technicians of the future with the correct knowledge about alignment is a key area for us all at ProAlign,” comments Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align. “It’s essential that automotive students have the opportunity to use equipment that is shaping the future of the service and repair industry so we’re delighted to get involved. We wish Alex all the very best success in Leipzig.”

Alex Knight’s journey to becoming an automotive technician started from an early age with lawn mower engines and progressed to his first off-road buggy at the age of 14. From qualification at school, to a Honda Apprenticeship, he always had a competitive edge. He confirmed the competition process has been tough at times but loves the challenge of beating others. Knight found that the hardest thing to learn was vehicle electrics, but with the extensive training he has received over the years, this has become much easier. akb

World Skills Leipzig 2013 competitor, Alex Knight receives ProAlign training

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tokyo debut for ‘fossilfree’ tyre No dinosaurs went into the production of a tyre Sumitomo Rubber Industries will launch at the Tokyo Motor Show – some 12 years after it began working to reduce fossil fuel content in its products, the Japanese company is now ready to roll out its first 100 per cent fossil fuel-free tyre. And when the show begins on 23 November, visitors won’t just be looking at another concept tyre – Sumitomo says it is gearing up to introduce this milestone in its Enasave programme into the domestic market. The new tyre will be sold under the Dunlop brand name.

Development of a fossil-free tyre began in 2001 and five years later the Japanese firm introduced its first product, the Dunlop Enasave ES801, which boasted 70 per cent fossil fuelfree content. Two years later it was able to increase this to 97 per cent with the aptly-named Enasave 97, and a prototype 100 per cent fossil fuelfree tyre was displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2011. sg

Starco opens new Russian facility Starco reports that its Russia-based business, Starco Eastern Group, has moved into new and larger facilities in St. Petersburg. The operation’s new central warehouse has been established on a greenfield site within ten minutes drive from the St. Petersburg ring road; Starco says the move has brought its supply chain closer to its customers, and the new warehouse will simplify compliance with import procedures.

The new office for the Starco Eastern Group’s sales department includes 160 square metres of office space plus other facilities, while the new warehouse currently comprises 1,000 square metres of capacity. This will be doubled in the coming year. sg

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French magazine crowns Yokohama Advan Sport V105 its top sports tyre

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Leading French magazine Motorsport has published a tyre test comparing the sporting performance of 10 top manufacturers’ tyres, naming Yokohama’s recently released flagship Advan Sport V105 its winner. Ranking the tyres in terms of braking, lap times, wear and subjective performance, Motorsport’s August/ September issue found the V105 strong across the board, while Michelin’s Pilot Sport 3 and Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Asymmetric rounded out a generally strongperforming top three.

The Advan Sport V105 was launched in Europe earlier this year, making it one of the most recently developed tyres in the test. A spokesman for Yokohama Europe expressed satisfaction at the results: “The Advan Sport V105 is indeed our flagship tyre and a premium product we are very proud of. A lot of research and development of new technology has gone into creating this tyre and now we can see the

excellent results of such solid, careful and ground-breaking work.“ Conducted by Rezulteo, the indeYokohama ADVAN pendent international Sport V105 tyre research company, which provides a tyre buyers’ guide and comparison website to consumers in more than 20 countries, the tests were staged by the international Magny Cours circuit. The subjective rankings of the tyre were decided by Rezulteo’s test drivers, who considered precision, maximum grip and balance in their deliberations.

The tyres for the test were purchased on the open market to guarantee independence from all the brands. A rigorous methodology is also described by the French publication’s eight-page report. akb

Hosetechnik releases stainless steel brake bleed nipples

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The performance braking division of Forge Motorsport, Hosetechnik has released a new aftermarket braking upgrade: stainless steel brake bleed nipples. The company characterises the nipples as a great way of providing preventative maintenance on a brand-new car, or a solution to making life easier on an older vehicle.

The nipples are engineered from aerospace grade material, Horsetechnik says, following a number of requests from its dealers and end-users to create a ‘fit and forget’ solution that could be used to replace the OEM parts on most modern brake calipers. On many European cars however, these applications can go back as far as the 1970s and beyond.

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Hosetechnik Stainless Bleed Nipples Each pack contains four 10.1mm stainless nipples, which can be used to upgrade almost any modern or European car, preventing the future possibility of corrosion, and making fluid changes and bleed-through procedures easier.

The Hosetechnik nipples come with a lifetime guarantee and cost £16.62 plus VAT. akb

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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The Tyre Life Guarantee There are no quibbles with the Evergreen Tyre Life Guarantee.

Any Evergreen tyre that experiences irreparable damage from normal road use is replaced free of charge. Your customers can even register for their Guarantee online making this the perfect tool to keep them coming back. Another way that Evergreen is Changing Tyres.

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

NEWS IN BRIEF

Bridgestone staff test RE002 Adrenalin tyre

THIS?

REMEMBER

Stories from the past 20 years of T&A

September 1993 The Tyre Industry Council called for a ban on the sale of used tyres in the UK. A report in The Independent told of a motorist who was refused an insurance payout after an accident because two of his tyres had an illegal tread depth.

September 1998 Goodyear announced it would spend US$18 million to build a tyre factory in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Nokian Tyres was investigating a possible marketing and distribution deal in Russia with oil company Lukoil plc.

September 2003 After a seven-year gap, Continental was back in the DAX – the German stock market’s blue chip index.

Despite fierce opposition, Rugby Cement got the go-ahead from the Environment Agency to test using tyres as fuel at one of its cement factories.

September 2008 Apollo Tyres withdrew an application to build a tyre factory in Gyöngyös, Hungary.

Pirelli said it would invest US$200 million over the next two years in order to double its production capacity in China.

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Bridgestone’s training and marketing departments have taken part in an informal testing session of the brand’s latest premium product at the Prestwold Driving Centre in Leicestershire.

Members of Bridgestone’s technical team presented the tyre to colleagues in an informal approach, which, according to the company, allowed staff to “feel the difference” between the Potenza Adrenalin RE002 and competitor products. Bridgestone is targeting the sport replacement market with the tyre, which it says is tuned mainly for dry performance.

Bridgestone’s field engineer Kirk Walker described the day’s events: “Once the drivers had sampled the handling circuit and different products, they were then in a position to take the information and feed it back to their customers, who might be wondering where the RE002 fits in our product line-up.

Technical department staff provided support with design of the circuit, set-up and tyre fitments of test vehicles and the overall running of the event.”

For dry handling, Bridgestone says it has designed a tread with large, stiff outer blocks with a 3D connection between shoulder and adjacent rib, giving the tyre an improved cornering ability.

Road grip and sporty manoeuvring are enhanced by the wide offset rib design with grooved edge and waved centre block.

Kirk added: “The Adrenalin is tuned for dry performance while giving drivers all the wet security they need in European weather conditions. For this Bridgestone has applied its new ‘pulse’ groove and deflector technology. This breaks the water film faster in front of the footprint and deflects it away from under the tyre, increasing resistance to hydroplaning.” akb

Grouptyre’s Kenway Tyres celebrates 30 year anniversary

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North-east Scotland Grouptyre member Kenway Tyres has celebrated 30 years in the tyre business, wholesaling tyres into the 8,000 square mile region and operating three retail sites in Aberdeen and Dundee. Kenway has expanded during its lifespan to capitalise on the success of its original site in Aberdeen. “We’re extremely proud of our achievements here at Kenway Tyres”, says managing director Alan Kennaway.

“The whole team here deserves recognition for the way in which we have evolved and grown as a company. We strive daily to meet the needs of our customers in the north-east, providing a friendly service, and we look forward to continuing to do so for many more years.”

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In addition to its friendly, local retail service, Kenway Tyres is also the largest tyre wholesaler in the north-east of Scotland, an operation also based in Aberdeen. Kenway offers express onehour delivery to the area between Tain and Fife, employing 60 members of staff and operating 16 delivery vehicles.

Kenway says it has strengthened its position in the marketplace by servicing sectors such as 4×4 and high performance with the support of Grouptyre. Kenway says that it focuses on helping its customers develop their businesses and tailors its service to meet their needs, with on-going technical and sales support. akb

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

NEXEN TYRE Corporation London Branch

17 Douglas Road - Kingston Upon Thames - Greater London KT1 3PX - UK - Tel: 0208 546 9948 - Phone: 07919 222 837

Distributor Stapleton’s Tyre Services Ltd. - Fourth Avenue - Letchworth - Herts - SG6 2TT - U.K. Tel: 0870 60 54321

NEWS Good Response For Tyre Labelling Survey It is now almost 12 months since the labelling of tyres at the point of sale became mandatory across the EU and the NTDA wondered what effect, if any, it has had on the way tyres are sold – have customers become better informed and more knowledgeable? Are they aware of the introduction of the label? Do they appreciate the information on it?

Some sections of the tyre industry were enthusiastic about the introduction, hailing it as something that would fundamentally change motorists’ attitudes towards tyres.

But has it? The NTDA decided that the only way to find out was to ask its members for their experiences and so a brief questionnaire was sent out to Head Offices to seek their views.

The questions asked whether or not the customer asked for the information in the first place and what value he placed on the information on the label and on the advice given by the tyre dealer. The results and findings will be announced at the NTDA’s Annual Dinner and TAFF

Awards presentation in October, but to give you a taster, the first question asks ‘what is the most important factor for a customer to buy tyres?’ and early results are that more than 70% of respondents indicated that price was more important than both safety or fuel consumption.

Speaking of the survey, NTDA Director Richard Edy was pleased at the level of response, saying: “With still a few days to go, we have had a reply from more than 25% of our members’ Head Offices, which is an unusually high response rate.” He added that a more typical response rate for questionnaires like these tends to be in single figures, so the comparatively high level of interest shows the importance that tyre dealers place on the labels.

Richard concluded: “We at the NTDA firmly believe that tyre labelling represents a fantastic opportunity for the tyre retailer to engage with the customer and discuss which tyre best suits his driving style and requirements.

It will be interesting to see what the survey results tell us about whether attitudes to buying tyres have changed since the introduction of labelling.”

Great Demand For Annual Dinner!

There has been a terrific surge in bookings for the NTDA’s Annual Dinner, with more than 400 tickets already taken up. Said Director Richard Edy: “The level of demand for tickets shows the importance of the event in the UK tyre industry calendar, plus of course the Dinner is host to the NTDA TAFF Awards, which always generates a great deal of interest.”

The number of places available is limited, so if you haven’t yet booked and are intending to go, you are advised to contact Lynne at the NTDA Head Office as quickly as possible.

For those who need reminding, the Association’s 84th Annual Dinner is being held on Wednesday 16th October 2013 at the Hilton Metropole at the NEC, Birmingham.

The after-dinner speaker is Hal Cruttenden, whose CV includes film and numerous TV comedy show

appearances, as well as stand-up shows at the Edinburgh Festival and on his UK tours. In addition to being one of the most sought-after comedians around, Hal is an accomplished actor and writer.

The NTDA Annual Dinner gives those in the tyre industry the opportunity to meet and relax while enjoying good food and top-class entertainment, plus there is the tension and excitement as the TAFF Award winners are announced.

Places are filling up fast, so to be sure of being part of the tyre industry’s premier social event, contact the NTDA now!

NTDA NT N TDA DA 220 2011 0111 11 RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE

NEWS

www.ntda.co.uk

Richard Edy Bows Out In January After more than 25 years as Director of the NTDA, Richard Edy has announced that he is to retire from the post at the end of January.

Richard began his working career as an indentured journalist and, after seven years working in the press, he moved into Public Relations, working for a variety of companies, including a spell in the entertainments industry.

His first involvement with the tyre industry was in 1972, when he joined the BRMA, as it then was, as Press and Information Officer. Richard spent seven years in this post, before leaving to become Deputy Director of the British Plastics Federation. Finally, he became the Director of the NTDA in January 1988, taking over from Mervyn Thomas.

No decision has yet been made on who will replace Richard, but the Association confirmed that the process of looking for the next Director is already in train.

Speaking of his impending retirement, Richard reflected on the many changes that have happened over the past 25 years and the way that the NTDA has adapted in order to accommodate them. “The pace of change has accelerated,” he said, “with new products and services and an explosion in the number of brands and sizes on the market. These, along with an ever-increasing amount of legislation, have heaped even more pressure on all sectors of the tyre industry and the retailers and wholesalers have had to up their game to compete and survive.

“It is one of the prime functions of any trade association to keep its members up to speed with these changes and to make sure that they are fully aware of their responsibilities and obligations. I believe that the NTDA has consistently achieved this over the years and that the Association has the flexibility to continue to serve its members in the future. It is a strong, dynamic and effective organisation and one of which I am proud to have played a part in shaping over the past 25 years.”

Richard Edy, Ian Smith, John Tarbox

NTDA Team Lifts BEN Team Cup

A member recently came across a unique way of recycling an old tractor tyre when he visited “Short Cuts”, a hairdresser in East Preston, West Sussex...

A team from the NTDA won the BEN Team Cup at the recent GEA Annual Golf Day, held at Whittlebury, Northamptonshire.

Congratulations to the victorious team, which consisted of: Richard Edy (Captain) Director, NTDA, John Tarbox Past President, NTDA and Ian Smith Chairman, Aftermarket Suppliers Group, NTDA

UK TYRE MARKET

Singex buys ECI, Tyrexpo shows ECI INTERNATIONAL is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singex-ECI International Pte Ltd following the company’s acquisition by Singex Exhibition Ventures (SEV).

According to the companies, the Tyrexpo series of events (including Brityrex in the UK) will continue to be marketed as “An ECI International Event” providing all exhibitors, supporters, partners and visitors with a joint

commitment to service excellence. Working closely with ECI founders, Paul Farrant and Rowena Suthers, this will include expansion into new market segments.

As a result of the investment SEV reports that it will put its “full resources” to work on the organisation of future Tyrexpo events, to assist them reach their full potential.

successfully conclude our arrangements with ECI International Ltd. This was made possible because of our shared vision about the potential for the Tyrexpo series, which have Investment supports continuity and a positive future with new development growth possibilities in multiple markets and emerging regions.

Tyres & Accessories understands that SEV and ECI “I am delighted that Paul already enjoy a professional relationship, forged by a two Farrant and Rowena Suthers decade long co-operation on the Tyrexpo Asia exhibition, Next year’s Brityrex will once again be hosted at of ECI will continue to remain held at the Singapore Expo Exhibition and Convention Event City in Manchester closely involved in this next Centre, itself managed by Singex. SEV said it has also been looking to “focus on developing collaborative partnerships and phase of growth, which will be backed by a dedicated team of investments in specialised events with good growth potential”. experienced professionals from Singex. Together, I am extremeAccording to the companies, this led to the successful conclusion ly confident that we will take these important exhibitions forward with the same entrepreneurial spirit and attention to personalised of an investment by Singex that builds on this relationship.

Commenting on the agreement, Aloysius Arlando, chief exe- service which has come to be the hallmark of an ECI event.”

In response, Paul Farrant, managing director of ECI cutive officer of SEV, says: “I am delighted that we were able to International, said: “Over the last 14 years ECI has strived to achieve a high quality exhibition in each country it operates in, so that Exhibition organisation company ECI International has announced dates for the all exhibitors receive the highest level of preforthcoming 2014 British tyre exhibition, Brityrex International, which will run from sentation, marketing and customer service.

7 – 9 October 2014. Like the last edition of the show, the 2014 event will once The success of our exhibitions reflects the loyal support and close working relationship again be held at the EventCity exhibition centre in Manchester.

The news of the dates follows ECI’s announcement that the exhibition compa- established with our exhibitors, who over ny has been bought out by Singex Exhibition Ventures. SEV focuses on invest- the years have continuously invested in our ments in the growth and development of international trade exhibitions in selected shows. In turn this has assisted us in deliverindustries and markets. As a member of the Singex Group of companies, which ing business focussed tyre trade exhibitions collectively offers a comprehensive range of integrated solutions for venue which now have a very strong international management and international exhibition organising and related ventures, this following of buyers and suppliers.

“We recognise that ECI has now reamove is seen as further backing for the British exhibition. Continuity for the event is being provided by virtue of the fact that ECI founders Paul Farrant and Rowena ched a critical juncture where further investSuthers remain responsible for the development of the shows. With its headquar- ment is needed to grow and bring added ters in Singapore, Singex is an established and leading player with over 30 years’ value to our events. Having worked closely with us for many years, Singex was the experience in the industry.

Exhibitions currently organised by ECI include:a Tyrexpo Africa’14, 4-6 March most obvious partner to assist us in taking 2014, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa; Tyrexpo Asia’15, the business to the next level. Both Rowena 24-26 March, 2015, Singapore Expo Centre, Singapore and Tyrexpo India’15, 7-9 and I very much look forward to the future, working with an expanded, highly professioJuly 2015, Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, India. cja nal team at SEV.” cja SEV’s move is being seen as an investment in the activities of UK-based ECI International Ltd (ECI) designed to take the company’s show portfolio to the next level.

ECI announces 2014 Brityrex dates

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

UK TYRE MARKET

Wheelwright’s 2013 winter strategy Wheel distributor promoting winter tyre fitment, wheel and tyre spas THE UNPREDICTABLE WINTER OF 2012 may not have brought consistently high levels of snowfall, but according to Wheelwright it did see a flurry of another sort; a deluge of demand for winter wheel and tyre packages

as consumers – and even UK-based automotive manufacturers – quickly wised up to their safety benefits.This year could be the most significant yet in market terms claims the Kent-based wheel distributor.

With winter sales growing, not only did 2012 represent an opportunity for add-on-sales and profits, but in the case of franchised dealers and marque-specific specialists Wheelright also highlight that these products offered the chance for a muchneeded ‘touching point’ as Winter came around.

“We noticed a huge increase in dealer and specialist business over the past two years, explained Wheelwright Marketing Manager James Gray. “Not only is it a case of clever service managers giving their customers exactly what they need as temperatures drop, but in these days of ever-increasing service intervals and reliability, it can give dealers that all-important opportunity to sit down with their customers once a year and improve their chances of selling them something else…Subaru UK liked the philosophy so much that they actually added this facet to their grounding breaking ETCo package of aftersales care which includes it as part of every new car’s free dealer ‘perks’ package for three years.”

Wheelwright is following the below seven degrees logic common among winter tyre manufacturers – and especially on the continent. When temperatures dip below seven degrees Celcius braking distances from 62mph (100kph) can increase by up to 5m, from 65m to 70m, compared to summer or allweather tyres. As we all know winter tyres are made of better suited tread compounds, which remains more flexible at low temperatures, giving excellent contact between the tyre and the road, thus retaining traction and grip. Their verdict: “using winter tyres really can help you avoid becoming another accident statistic”.

However, in addition to the safety benefits, Wheelwright is pointing to the cost benefits as well. Their rationale is that in the UK we often combat the ice and snow conditions using aggressive mineral compounds such as rock-salt or grit. These can in-

evitably damage the finish of OE or aftermarket alloy wheels.

Having a second set of alloy or steel wheels for use during these conditions will increase the longevity of a vehicle’s summer wheels, and ensure they are not corroded by the salt and slush from the road. The idea is that this could save drivers a considerable amount of money in the longer term.

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Luxury and logistics As far as 2013 is concerned Wheelwright is confident that tyrebays will continue embrace the European winter model, pointing to a number of customers that have even created a ‘Wheel & Tyre Spa’ ethos, enabling customers to leave their summer wheels to be pampered over the winter months, with refurbs, cleaning and rebalancing all part of the package.

The headline development for Wheelwright’s winter offering this year is thanks, in the most part, to their logistics competences. The wheel firm offers alloy wheels on a set-by-set basis from its Alcar warehouse in Germany, but for 2013 the company can now also offer the plethora of OEM-spec KFZ steel wheels in the same vein, calling on their stocks in Austria, Italy and Switzerland. Consequently, the company reports that it can cover 90 per cent of the UK car parc with a bolt-on alloy or steel wheel and winter tyre solution.

Gray continued: “Even though winters in the UK can be erratic, even a couple of day’s snowfall here and there can bring the entire nation to a halt. You even see 4x4s struggling in the snow, as without grip, even their clever limited diffs can’t combat the lack of friction between tyre and road surface. The Europeans have been experiencing the benefits of being able to drive confidently and safely on winter roads for some years and the UK is progressively waking up to this too.” cja

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

UK TYRE MARKET

Continental broadens Norbert Dentressangle logistics contract CONTINENTAL TYRES

HAS RENEWED its contract with Norbert Dentressangle for a further five years, including “a significant extension” to the scope of the operation. In addition to acting as Continental’s UK and Ireland National Distribution Centre (NDC), under the

new contract, Norbert Dentressangle’s site at Rugby will also act as a consolidation point for orders which were previously delivered as full loads direct from Continental’s European manufacturing plants to major wholesale customers in the UK.

This means Norbert Dentressangle will establish an additional 10,000 square foot area within the warehouse to accommodate the additional volumes, storing more than 30,000 units and handling almost 1.5 million tyres per annum. It is anticipated that the new operation will also create around 15 new jobs.

In total, the expanded operation will occupy around 125,000 square foot and will be responsible for handling around 2.7 million tyres per year.

Instead of delivering direct to customers, Continental’s manufacturing plants will deliver full loads into the consolidation centre at Rugby. Norbert Dentressangle will then be responsible for the building of customer orders from stock held in the consolidation point with the goal of improving lead times and service levels. In some cases, products which come into the consolidation centre will also be consolidated with orders being fulfilled from the NDC. Norbert Dentressangle has been Continental’s logistics partner since 2006, with responsibility for the storage and distribution of tyres to retailers and fitters throughout the UK. Previously located in Birmingham, the operation transferred to Rugby in October 2011, providing Continental Tyres with enhanced capacity and flexibility.

The site was one of the first to benefit from Continental’s new in-house warehouse management system which has been fully interfaced with Norbert Dentressangle’s own SHARP3

transport planning system, providing real-time visibility and control throughout the supply chain. Under the new contract, Norbert Dentressangle is also introducing RF technology across the enlarged operation to further enhance efficiency and accuracy in the warehouse.

Stewart Jackson, supply chain director at Continental Tyres said: “The continuing high level service provided by Norbert Dentressangle is of the utmost importance to us as it has a direct effect on our customers. Reliable and timely supply is a top priority for us, the retailer and their customers, the motorist. Whilst we benchmark to make sure that the service is still best in class, Norbert Dentressangle remain the leader in the market which is why we have renewed and extended our contract with them. “ Norbert Dentressangle’s warehouse in Rugby also acts as a hub for the consolidation of Continental volumes with volumes from Bridgestone, another Norbert Dentressangle customer, providing a premium next-day delivery service to both company’s retail customers throughout the UK. In addition, Norbert Dentressangle is a major provider of logistics services to a number of other premium tyre manufacturers, both in the UK and mainland Europe, operating more than 260,000 square metres of warehousing across nine sites in six countries. cja

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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Bridgestone is supplying National apprentices with assistive equipment

Bridgestone supporting National Tyres’ next generation of apprentices BRIDGESTONE HAS DONATED a number of ‘tyre NVQ toolbags’ to help a number of talented automotive apprentices progress as part of National Tyres and Autocare’s ‘Foundation Modern Apprentice’ scheme, which includes

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level two training courses.

Bridgestone’s support comes in the form of a branded hold-all for each learner containing a wide range of equipment to assist in both the classroom and in branch.

National’s group training and development manager, Graham Atkinson said: “The tyre tool bags contain many of the tools that will be essential for our new apprentices including Bridgestone branded merchandise, stationery and extensive product and technical information. They are ideal for the apprentices and add yet another layer to National’s all-round training provision, which is already reaping rewards across the network.”

Atkinson said that National’s investment in shaping trainees’ progress is already reaping dividends, as many of the apprentices go on to progress into branch management, some moving into operational management roles. Eighteen apprentices receive vocational training for two years, before qualifying and taking up a permanent position at one of National’s 225 branches across the UK. In addition, National is also offering a further 10 hand-picked candidates the chance to receive a bespoke vocational training course to help them achieve their career aspirations, who might not otherwise have the academic qualifications to become an NVQ level apprentice.

He added: “At National we recognise the impor-

tance of developing our own staff and providing comprehensive training to those who are new to the industry. With our apprentices, we always see an extremely strong work ethic coupled with tremendous enthusiasm to learn. They represent the future and we can’t stress highly enough how important our apprentice programme is for the business as a whole.”

Bridgestone’s training development manager Mark Fereday said: “We have always had a close working relationship with National and when we looked into their apprentice programme, we were keen to help out.

“The bags we have provided are ideal as a starting point for their new recruits as they make their way into the industry. The idea is to give them something that has longevity and can be used for many months and years after they earn their qualifications.

“The initial feedback has been really encouraging. It is lovely to be associated with youngsters like this, who will hopefully go on to forge lasting careers in the industry, with a strong affinity for the Bridgestone brand as a result.” akb

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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UK TYRE MARKET

Empathica helps Halfords Autocentres gauge customer feedback HALFORDS AUTOCENTRES reports it has seen its customer satisfaction scores hit 93 per cent following a new customer experience management (CEM) strategy in partnership with Empathica Inc., a provider of Customer Experience Management (CEM) solutions.

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Since appointing Empathica 12 months ago, Halfords Autocentres has reviewed the feedback of over 52,000 customers which has allowed the business to implement operational changes that deliver immediate impact to the customer experience. With good value and customer loyalty key measures for the business, customer feedback levels following their visit have been reassuringly positive – with 89 per cent of customers reporting that they received value for money and 87 per cent stating they would recommend Halfords Autocentres to their friends and family.

Halfords Autocentres’ marketing director Rory Carlin said: “We want to send a clear message to our customers that we value their feedback and aim to exceed their expectations. We offer excellent value for money but want to show that value and excellent service are not mutually exclusive.”

The CEM programme which was implemented last year invites customers to provide feedback online through printed

cards that are handed out by staff at Halfords Autocentres, and through e-mails sent after they have visited a garage. The data is then analysed by Empathica and fed back to Halfords in the form of focused reports that are tailored for each garage, identifying areas that can be improved and successes that should be celebrated with staff.

“The programme generates in excess of 162 customer responses per day across our network of 290 UK garages – generating a customer ‘WOW’ for exceptional performance that is flagged with centre managers, which can be very powerful and motivating”, continued Carlin.

Gary Topiol, EMEA managing director for Empathica, commented: “We’re delighted to have successfully demonstrated how quickly a well-executed CEM programme can deliver team engagement and actionable insights. Over time I am confident that it will enable Halfords Autocentres to drive even greater long term customer loyalty.”

Carlin adds: “We are pleased with what has been achieved thus far but are continuing to invest in this strategy through a modelling initiative that will enable us to better understand what steps in the customer journey are most important to them and the development of a new portal that will empower managers to interpret and act upon customer feedback.” cja

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TyreSafe in a move that is seen as something of boost for the growing organisation. With more than 290 Autocentres across the UK, the leading independent garage network offers car owners a greater choice of locations offering a free tyre safety check as part of the month-long safety campaign. A list of all the tyre retailers, all TyreSafe members, offering free tyre health checks can be found by visiting www.tyresafe.org.

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, commented, “It’s fantastic news to welcome Halfords Autocentres to the TyreSafe family and its membership couldn’t be better timed with tyre safety month almost upon us, which is shaping up to be our biggest and best yet. Motorists already had plenty of choice for a free tyre health check but with Halfords Autocentres also on board, car owners have every opportunity to make sure that their tyres are safe and legal.”

Rory Carlin, marketing director, Halfords Autocentres, delighted to be involved with tyre “Vehicle safety has always been a driving ethos for our busi- safety month and offering all car owners a free tyre health ness and is achieved by providing access to expert technicians, check at any Autocentre in the UK.” Quick, convenient online ordering with live stock information available 24/7.

This year’s tyre safety month focuses on encouraging trained to the highest industry standards, at an affordable price.

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Car crime rate breakdown by city City

Number of offences (per 10,000 vehicles)

Manchester Bradford London Leeds Sheffield Newcastle Birmingham Liverpool Cardiff Bristol Nottingham Hull Middlesbrough Leicester Southampton Oxford Peterborough Derby Cambridge Plymouth Portsmouth Carlisle Norwich

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505 457 443 420 389 318 313 287 285 255 193 180 178 155 147 147 143 130 112 101 96 86 85

Manchester the worst city for car crime AN ANALYSIS OF 515,248 UK POLICE force records obtained by consumer motoring champion, HonestJohn.co.uk, has revealed that cities in the North of England are the worst affected by car crime, with Manchester topping the league table. Between October 2011 and September 2012, 505 offences per 10,000 registered vehicles were reported in central Manchester.This figure is four times the national average for car crime, which HonestJohn.co.uk calculated as 121 offences per 10,000 vehicles. Even taking into account the higher levels of car crimes in urban areas, in part associated with the greater influx of vehicles entering city centres, the rate of reported offences was still 2.1 times the national ‘urban’ average of 242 offences per 10,000 vehicles.

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West Yorkshire emerged as another car crime hotspot, with Bradford seeing an average of 457 crimes per 10,000 vehicles, followed by Leeds with a slightly lower offences rate of 420. Other northern cities badly affected by car crime includes Sheffield whose rate was 1.7 times the national urban average at 389 offences per 10,000 vehicles, Newcastle with 318 offences per 10,000 vehicles and Liverpool with a rate of 287.

London was the only southern city to feature in the top ten worst cities in HonestJohn.co.uk’s Car Crime Census, with a rate of 443 crimes per 10,000 vehicles.

The research by HonestJohn.co.uk involved examining thousands of records released by 42 police forces, upon a Freedom of Information request in addition to data that’s available through police.uk.

Now HonestJohn.co.uk is publishing it as the HonestJohn.co.uk Car Crime Census 2013 at honestjohn.co.uk/crime - the first time this information has ever been available to the public in such detail.

Daniel Harrison, editor of HonestJohn.co.uk, said: “This data is the first of its kind because it’s based on the actual police force records from across the

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UK. What it highlights is a shocking northsouth divide, with London representing the only southern district listed in the top 10.

We hope the HonestJohn.co.uk Car Crime Census will alert drivers to be more cautious when parking their cars in those areas that we now know are the most at risk. It will also help them, particularly first time buyers, to anticipate their insurance premiums.“ The HonestJohn.co.uk Car Crime Census 2013 allows motorists to find the car crime rate for their postcode, and even pinpoint their own street. In addition to highlighting problem cars and manufacturers, motorist can see the type of crime that is most commonly committed in their area.

The data reveals that 41 per cent of all offences were based on theft from a vehicle, making it the most common type of car crime in the UK. The second most reported offence was criminal damage with 40 per cent of cars affected, followed by theft of a car at 16 per cent. pg

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES

“Changing needs”, changing truck tyres Goodyear to launch 2 new truck tyre ranges Goodyear is to introduce a new generation of truck tyres with two completely new ranges to launch onto the European market in September. Kmax and Fuelmax steer, drive and trailer tyres will focus on providing the manufacturer’s optimised longevity and fuel efficiency options respectively. Therefore the new tyres represent an interesting departure from other premium brand manufacturers’ portfolio strategies, taking the emphasis off the type of operation – long or regional haul for example – and put it on the fleet’s economic priority.

Goodyear says it designed the Kmax as a new “kilometre king”, built for optimised mileage, while the Fuelmax has been designed for maximum fuel efficiency.

The concepts behind the tyres are said to be about cost optimisation and contribution to business success for the operators using them. The manufacturer argues that the new ranges will make fleets’ tyre choice easier, since operators will be able to choose tyres according to their business type and need.

Having said this, Goodyear also says the overall tyre performance of each tyre range provides the operational flexibility to perform well in long haul as well as regional haul all year round.

Speaking to Tyres & Accessories ahead of the official unveiling of the Kmax and Fuelmax, Marc Preedy, Goodyear Dunlop UK and Ireland commercial director, said that the altered focus of the new tyres reflected a changing market.

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“The commercial tyre market is evolving and our new Kmax and Fuelmax ranges have been developed in answer to these changing needs.

“We recently surveyed around 500 truck fleets from across Europe and the feedback was clear – fleets choose tyres today based on performance rather than application. We are seeing more and more fleets run mixed operations, which means choosing tyres based on only one application no longer makes sense, performance criteria has become much more important.

“At the same time operational costs are on the rise for fleets, so it’s only natural that fuel efficiency and mileage – two big cost-drivers, came out as the top criteria for fleet managers when choosing tyres.”

Both sets of tyres are currently undergoing rigorous field trials, Goodyear says, with selected European truck fleets

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taking part in extensive testing. The results of these tests together with more details on the tyres’ attributes will be shared at a launch event due to take place this month. Tyres & Accessories will report more from the event in next month’s issue.

In the meantime, Preedy told T&A that: “Our research and development investment is ongoing and we are continually working with fleets to ensure our products meet their evolving needs.”

Marc Preedy also took the time to speak more generally about how Goodyear Dunlop is addressing the challenges to leading truck tyre manufacturers in the UK market, such as those from brands with lower price tags. “There are a number of newer players in the market focusing heavily on price. Our priority has always been to deliver cost-effective performance for fleets, adding real value to their business.

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES

“The challenges facing the haulage industry have led to some fleets opting for the quick win of a cheaper tyre, but typically these fleets discover that often this is a false economy. Ultimately a fleet manager wants to control day-to-day running costs over time and this is exactly what our products allow fleets to do.

Where fuel is a fleet’s biggest cost outside of purchasing equipment, that fleet will always opt for a product that generates overall lifecycle savings through fuel and mileage efficiencies.”

Though the first six months of the year have been weak in terms of growth, analysts from Clear International have issued a new report predicting demand for heavy goods vehicle trailers to grow two per cent during the course of 2013.

Nevertheless, recovery had been expected by many sources to take place many times over the past few years.

Typifying this situation is the reduction in size of trailer parcs in the seven largest Western European markets, responding to a 16.6 per cent drop in demand for road transport since 2006. T&A asked Preedy what business strategies Goodyear Dunlop has employed to deal with this difficult market.

“Our business strategy is about tailoring our products and service support to the needs of fleets, in terms of what they need from the performance of a tyre, rather than looking purely at the tyre’s application.

“Historically you may have had an operator that only did regional haul – a regional haul tyre would always suit his needs. But today, with consolidation in the market, one operator may be involved in different types of distribution – urban and regional, with even the occasional long haul. One size no longer fits all – it depends now on what performance attributes are most important to that fleet operator. He needs products that are versatile while still delivering on his key criteria.

“For instance on a pay-as-you-go transactional business model, an operator may want a tyre that lasts for as long as possible, whereas on a typical mileage

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

business model where an operator is using products back to back, he may want to maximise fuel efficiency.

“We have adapted the way we approach the market to suit its needs, but without compromising on any key performance criteria. Our new products maintain strong EU tyre label scores in both fuel efficiency and wet grip, which we know is important as senior buyers and procurement directors are focusing on the label as a key buying aid.

T&A also asked whether the comparative strength of other global markets has affected Goodyear Dunlop’s TBR business strategy in the UK and Ireland.

“Our business strategy is founded on rich data in terms of forecast customer demand, raw material availability and realtime costs, which feeds continuous improvement cycles and close links with our manufacturing plants,” Preedy said. “ We benefit from being a part of a global team with a consistent strategic approach, which is then tailored for each local market place.”

Marc Preedy, Goodyear Dunlop UK and Ireland commercial director

andrew.bogie@tyrepress.com

Goodyear’s Kmax tyres will focus on longevity

Goodyear’s new Fuelmax tyres are geared towards improving fuel efficiency

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET TYRES

Bridgestone responding to ‘evolving’ UK truck tyre market A

in the UK commercial vehicle tyre market, Bridgestone is about to embark on what it says is “the most important product launch from Bridgestone for many years”, when it introduces a new, user-friendly naming protocol for its line of regional TBRs. Product and marketing manager Andy Mathias spoke to Tyres & Accessories about the questions currently posed by the UK CV tyre market, the manufacturer’s new tyres, and why he believes its “true fleet tyre solution offer” will continue to provide “compelling business opportunities” in the truck market.

LEADING PLAYER

One aspect of the UK market that appears rather bleak is the bare fact of decreased fleet mileage. The distance travelled by “HGV fleets on UK roads has fallen by 15 per cent since 2007, or pre-recession levels, and this obviously has an impact on the tyre demand,” Mathias said. Having said that, Mathias believes the recent move into positive figures – albeit low ones – by UK GDP has seen some “business confidence” return. Mathias continues: “positive UK GDP growth in 2013 has seen demand for European manufacturers’ new tyre products increase by more than 10 per cent versus previous year in 2013.

Bridgestone has outperformed this increase in demand, and our market share is returning to pre-recession levels in the UK.” The same cannot be said for retread product demand, which Mathias explains “has fallen slightly versus previous year.” Of course, this has been somewhat a victim of the slow recent years for the market, as this has naturally affected the “availability of casings”. Having said that, “Bridgestone (through the Bandag franchises and the hot retread production facility in Bourne) has managed to hold on to the strong market share it has built up since purchasing the Bandag organisation,” Mathias says. Overall, he says that “around one in four truck tyres sold in the UK and Ireland during the first half of 2013 was a Bridgestone or Bandag product.”

Another challenge for retreads, given the price point, and to all established tyre manufacturers is truck tyre brand congestion in the UK, since all of the major brands are present, while

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some budget brands “use the UK as their entry in to the European market”.

“The UK market is also more sophisticated than many other territories in Europe,” Mathias says, “with truck fleets demanding a complete tyre and service solution to include multiple tyre lives. Fleet operators are operating at very tight margins, so reduced downtime and fuel costs are at the top of their wish lists. Tyre dealers also need reliable products that they can sell on to their fleet customers with confidence.” Having said that, dealers too are seeking ways to be as cost effective as possible: “Dealers are also reducing their stock holding, so they are helped by Bridgestone’s policy of next day delivery in the UK with no minimum order quantity.”

Bridgestone strategies Though GDP may just about be back in growth in the UK, indicators like truck registrations and trailer demand suggest that there might be stagnation in the commercial vehicle market – and the tyre market in turn. However, Mathias explained that Bridgestone looks upon the development of the market rather differently: “We don’t necessarily agree with the term ‘stagnation’. The UK market is constantly evolving and customers’ needs are changing, albeit at a fairly steady pace. Sales are increasing, [also] at a steady pace, and Bridgestone is meeting customer demands through its Total Tyre Care approach.”

Mathias says that Bridgestone is able to distinguish itself through a wide product and servicing portfolio that it says not many others can match. “Although the UK market is congested, there are very few tyre manufacturers who can offer a true fleet tyre solution offer. Bridgestone’s strategy is to form tyre partnerships with fleet customers through our Total Tyre Care approach (incorporating Total Tyre Life for long lasting tyres and casings, Total Tyre Service through the Truck Point network, and Total Tyre Systems including our new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

“Bridgestone’s fleet approach means that we have weathered the storm of the recession by retaining fleet customers on contract, and have secured the shelf space of the independent Truck Point dealers who service these fleets on Bridgestone’s behalf. Bridgestone is very well placed to meet the demands of the market with two well respected new tyre brands (premium Bridgestone products and the value line Firestone brand), along with the extensive Bandag Retread pro-

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES

duct range with both premium and Pro-Tread offerings.”

Mathias also points to the company’s manufacturing selfsufficiency in Europe as a way it is comparatively well-placed in the territory: “Bridgestone Europe is pretty much self-sufficient with truck and bus tyre production utilising the facilities in Bilbao, Spain and Stargard, Poland, therefore able to increase or decrease production to meet our own demand as required.”

User-friendly Bridgestone naming protocol to be introduced Naturally fleets are continually looking for more ways to save fuel, as the top-line expense continues to rise in price, so Mathias believes Bridgestone’s Ecopia product range “will increasingly feature in their purchasing demands.” He explains that independent Millbrook proving ground testing “showed that the Ecopia product range can offer up to 7.4 per cent fuel saving versus Bridgestone’s existing range of regional tyres.”

Having said this, Mathias says greater fuel efficiency has become a more important goal across Bridgestone’s “full range of tyres, not just the specific fuel efficient products, which

poses a challenge for the research and development team: [to] make tyres more fuel efficient, but long lasting and versatile across a range of applications.”

Later this year Bridgestone plans to launch the successors to its Regional R297 steer and Regional M729 drive tyres, with the RS-001 and RD-001 products. Mathias says: “This will be the most important product launch from Bridgestone for many years, but initial tests have shown excellent performance in the UK market.”

These products demonstrate the beginning of “a new naming protocol” for Bridgestone, identifying more easily the specialist application of products – in this case, RS stands for “Regional Steer”, while RD is “Regional Drive”. This paradigm “will be rolled out for all future products,” Mathias says, though it makes particular sense to focus on these examples for the UK market. Mathias characterises the UK as “still predominantly a ‘regional’ tyre market,” and “with 90 per cent of freight transport completed on journeys of less than 500km per trip,” it is difficult to argue with that assessment. andrew.bogie@tyrepress.com

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES

GT Assist building brand confidence with Manchester dealer The GT Radial brand has made much well-documented progress within the UK commercial vehicle tyre market over the past few years, and in December 2012, its manufacturer Giti Tire’s UK operation began rolling out a commercial vehicle roadside service assistance programme. Now in the third quarter of 2013, GT Assist has developed to consist of a network of approximately 220 dealer partner depots covering the UK and Ireland. Tyres & Accessories visited one of GT Radial’s longest standing customers in the UK, Manchester independent family business Tyre Save, to discuss the roadside service assistance programme with UK sales and marketing director Truck and Bus Tony McHugh and regional sales manager Truck and Bus Steve McDonald from Giti Tire (UK) and Tyre Save owner Mark Davies and manager Stewart Little.

(r-l) Tyre Save manager, Stewart Little; owner, Mark Davies; Giti Tire (UK) area sales manager, Steve McDonald; and UK sales and marketing director Truck and Bus, Tony McHugh outside Tyre Save Manchester with one of its four GT Assist liveried vans

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Tyre Save has been in business for 56 years, but has undergone several changes in its recent history. Originally located on a site in the area undergoing continuing development as part of UAEled investment in and around Manchester City Football Club, the company has plans to develop its truck and passenger car tyre service with an extension to its current premises on Ashton Old Road – a busy route into the city centre from the east. It has also acquired Trafford Tyres on the west side of the city, and Davies says the company has plans for it “to be rebranded eventually”. In addition to its role as a GT Assist dealer partner, Tyre Save began taking GT Radial passenger car tyres through the brand’s wholesaler

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Micheldever. Both Tyre Save and Trafford Tyres are part of the PCR GT Radial Performance Centre network too. “Doing the commercial side of [GT Radial’s product range], and seeing how it’s performing, we [decided to] take on the car side of things too,” Davies said.

Both Tyre Save and Trafford Tyres have GT Radial branded signage, and of the 13 vans Tyre Save and Trafford Tyres have equipped to provide mobile tyre servicing for trucks, four currently carry the GT Assist livery. “We’ve got plans to make the vans dual-purpose to provide tyre servicing for cars too,” Little adds. “We get more and more call for the mobile fitting – more people want their tyres to be fitted on site, even if it’s just [a PCR customer] asking if we can do them at her home. So we’re trying to cater towards that need as well.” Davies credits the GT Radial Performance Centre Passport-toProfit website with increasing Tyre Save’s internet-derived customer base, which is increasingly expectant of this sort of service from their tyre dealer.

Having shown how Tyre Save had increased its business with GT Radial, T&A returned to the main purpose of the visit: tracking the progress of the TBR GT Assist programme with one of its operators. McHugh began by answering the question: Why GT Assist? “It’s absolutely apparent that as we are trying to engage with the fleets through our dealer network, the approach from the end-users

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES

New GT Radial TBR products on way in last few months of 2013 At the time of writing, GT Radial is about to introduce one new truck product, with another to follow by the end of the year. Details on the tyres are as yet unavailable, as the distributor awaits their arrival into the UK. Giti Tire (UK) sales and marketing director Truck and Bus, Tony McHugh says that the new products in development that “will help the partnership and the customer in specific markets”.

On the passenger side of commercial vehicle tyres however, the brand will attempt to make a splash with its plan to make its debut at Coach & Bus Live 2013 in support its recently launched all-position urban city-bus tyre, the GAU861. The flagship Giti Tire brand will also display the GAR820 regional all-position tyre and the GT629 regional drive axle model. Tony McHugh, sales and marketing director at Giti Tire UK, said: “The GAU861 was very well received when it was launched at The CV Show in April, and interest and demand since means that the participation of GT Radial at Coach & Bus Live 2013 is a must.” GT Radial will be located at stand M138.

The GAU861 has been designed with an extra reinforced sidewall protector to increase resistance to curbing and impact damage, while a unique tread pattern with a 20.2mm depth ensures good mileage performance combined with extra comfort and reduced noise. Available initially in 275/70R22.5, the tyre can be used in both steer and drive positions on both 4x2 and 6x2 configurations and is M+S marked indicating excellent traction in mud and snow conditions.

Also on show will be the GAR820, a regional all-position 17.5” diameter tyre created to cater for the increasing requirements of comfort, excellent wet and dry handling properties and long wear-out performance. Initially available in sizes 215/75R17.5, 205/75R17.5 and 225/75R17.5, the company has 235/75R17.5 and 245/70R17.5 currently in development and due for release later in the year. The tyre also carries a M+S marking indicating good winter performances.

A dedicated drive axle tyre for coach and regional bus operations, the GT629 utilises the latest three-dimensional interlocking sipe design with open shoulder and sidewall protector ribs. Designed to deliver exceptional regular wear, it is M+S marked and available in 295/80R22.5.

“With the new tyre, and the others on stand, we have a strong mid-market product portfolio and support services offering that puts us in a very strong position in the sector, messages we will be driving home throughout the show and into the market thereafter,” concluded McHugh. akb

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was [to say]: ‘I like the product, I like working with the GT dealer partner, [but] what about breakdowns around the country?` It was apparent that, to take the next step in our business cycle, we would need to put a breakdown network in place, of which Tyre Save were one of the first members.”

Built on an Infleet administration structure, GT Assist is serviced by RAC Commercial Assistance (RACCA). Truckers can contact their tyre dealer or use the GT Assist 0845 number, which allocates the work to the nearest of the 220 dealer points in the brand’s partner network, which will check stock at the depot and re-allocate the job to the next nearest dealer if the required product is unavailable or if they cannot meet the 90 minute timeframe allowed for the work to be completed. McHugh says the current number of tyre service dealer partners in the network has risen since the beginning of 2013, when the quoted number was 180, having begun finding partners for GT Assist in November 2012. (The GT Radial network started to build in April 2009.) The number of sites – distributed across every region of the UK and Ireland – has “grown month-on-month”, as “dealers have more confidence with it,” he adds. This will have grown with the programme’s apparent ability to meet its 90-minute promise – McHugh says the target service time is being met at a rate that is “near enough 100 per cent.”

Clearly, a key objective for GT Radial itself is to retain and increase the number of customers rolling on the brand’s tyres.

McHugh says that GT Radial “fitment is running at approximately 75 per cent.” Full GT Radial fitment is currently impossible, since some sizes fall outside the brand’s current portfolio. One development on the technical side of GT Assist is an app designed to track fitment information at each dealer partner, helping to track customer activity and demand as well as “the performance level of each dealer”.This in turn is something that will help “dealers to stock the correct levels of products,” McHugh says, with the ultimate objective of being able to “keep customers’ fleets clean” – or fitted uniformly with the product they want. The app also allows dealers to feed information back to Giti – the reasons for having to refuse business for example – on the same day of this occurrence. In fact, feedback time can be as good as instantaneous, and the programme has a target of two hours for it to be logged.

So how is this working out for Tyre Save? Davies notes the better communication through GT Assist than in his experience with previous administration systems, while noting the increased demand for administrative speed placed on the dealer partner.

“Sometimes it’s annoying, because the vans are out on jobs with the paperwork in them, but you will make sure that you get that paperwork in, because otherwise there’s another phone call. It’s a very good system.” Little adds that the system gives the dealer peace of mind, since communication throughout the job is improved. “It’s been quite successful so far,” he says. “The benefit is that contact –you’re informed all the way along. Not all the network providers give you that contact. And that’s your 110 per cent.”

“We brought [GT Assist] in to add value to the range,” McHugh continues, noting that the question of servicing for breakdowns was often asked by existing and prospective customers. “We’re

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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now in a position where we can say, ‘we have a breakdown network... with over 200 dealer [locations]’, which gives them confidence.” He says that the philosophy behind this approach is not about the brand’s competitivity with other tyre service providers, but “to add value to our product” and to try to get customers already running on GT Radial to refit the brand down the road. McHugh also talked about the strength of the brand derived from the presence in the market of five area sales managers, such as McDonald through whom feedback can be transmitted both back to Giti’s management and to the dealer network itself.

The approach seems to be yielding results at Tyre Save. While Davies, and indeed the company’s signage, makes clear that all the major UK truck brands are available – and Tyre Save does a decent level of business through one premium manufacturer’s network too – he says that “easily over half” of its truck sales are GT Radial, because of the value it offers at its price point. The fact that it is also offering the value boosting GT Assist programme helps the brand to stand apart from similarly priced tyres, with brand-led service programmes available only with higher priced products.

“With GT Assist,” says Little, “we’ve got the confidence to go to customers and say, ‘that’s not the dearest tyre you’re going to buy, it’s not the cheapest tyre

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you’re going to buy, but we stand by it.’

And we’re happy to say this or that customer has given us good reports about the tyre. We can show you tyres that have done good mileage, been reliable, help you manage your costs, and give you peace of mind.”

Davies carries that confidence with the brand through to generating new business, telling T&A that Giti sales staff can also offer presentational support when approaching a new customer, including fleets. “We’re growing our customer base on GT,” Little says. “I don’t think we’ve had someone accept GT as a policy and then come off it.” He continues that Tyre Save has successfully converted fleets to the “mid-range” tyre as a way to manage outgoings, while discussing the importance of tyre husbandry. “It makes [the monthly outgoings] more manageable, and the tyre is giving the results that they’ve paid for. So people are standing by it. It’s £300 as opposed to £450 and [the customer] isn’t expecting massive mileage, but they’re being pleasantly surprised by the return.”

The perception of better-thanexpected performance, combined with having paid less for the tyres in the first place is a powerful tool, Little says. “That feeling with a customer goes a long way.

And it extends into the GT Assist as well… As long as you don’t oversell it, you give them what they want… And it gives us continuity in our customer base

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– what we’re all aiming for. It’s all about using the tools that you’ve got to get the right job done.” While some premium brands are producing increasingly sophisticated analyses of fleets’ tyre and tyrerelated costs, Tyre Save suggests that there are benefits to keeping a simpler, get-what-you-pay-for approach with the cheaper GT Radial brand.

Mark Davies was “one of the earliest dealers [GT Radial] started working with,” McHugh continues, “And they’ve also gone through a marked change in the last few years… This partnership is a strength because he’s got the backing of a regional sales team, a technical team and of course we’ve got the R&D in the UK. This gives them a bit more confidence because they can come and test the product…

The cycle of where GT Radial is at now exemplifies the way we want to add services and value to the products.”

With 220 depots, GT Assist has very reasonable coverage in the UK and Ireland, but McHugh says “we’re always looking to expand”, for example in parts of northern Scotland, and two recently added dealers in mid-Wales have filled some previously existing gaps where job requests have been made. “All the main motorway channels are very well covered,” McHugh concludes. Tyre Save itself covers jobs “around 30 miles” away, according to Davies. andrew.bogie@tyrepress.com

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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Michelin, ATS-E convince large fleets of tyre policy value Michelin and ATS Euromaster have continued to win fleet business by highlighting the benefits of services such as Michelin’s Four Lives policy, and by producing more sophisticated data to support these claims through ATS-E’s Service Value Calculator. Most recently international logistics company Hoyer extended its Michelin tyre contract across its 400-strong UK tanker

fleet following a competitive tender, while ATS-E convinced a local Stoke-on-Trent fleet of the potential fivefigure savings yielded by a properly managed tyre policy. Meanwhile, a newly defined division within Michelin is offering innovative ways of engaging with fleets (see textbox).

HOYER’S UK

is why we have decided to stick with Michelin.

“We believe in terms of safety and quality Michelin is the best, and the PPK agreement we have in place has proven to be the best option for us to manage a large number of trucks in the most cost-effective way.”

More than 50 per cent of Hoyer’s fleet operates 24/7 with each vehicle travelling an average of 200,000 kilometres per year. Its tractor units consist predominantly of MAN TGS 440s, as well as a number of Scania, Volvo and Renault models. The renewal policy specifies Michelin’s latest 295/80 R 22.5 X MultiWay 3D XZE steer tyres and Michelin XDE2 Remix tyres on the drive axles. Trailers will be fitted with 385/65 R 22.5 XTE3 tyres.

Davison adds: “Michelin’s Four Lives policy means we are able to get the maximum wear from our tyres. What’s more, because the Remix tyres are remanufactured in the UK by Michelin, we are confident the quality and performance is of the highest standard.”

BUSINESS is part of the Hoyer Group, based in Hamburg, which specialises in road-based and intermodal transport and operates a fleet of 2,500 tractor units and 3,100 trailers worldwide. The company offered its UK business to three premium manufacturers in order to find the most costeffective policy in place, while safety was a major consideration, given that the company specialises in bulk liquid distribution of petroleum, food, gas and chemicals across Europe, America and Asia. The company decided to continue its 15-year relationship with Michelin, agreeing a three year pence-per-kilometre (PPK) deal for its 400 tractor units and 400 tankers which service both its Hoyer Petrolog UK Ltd and Hoyer UK Ltd operations.

Allan Davison, operations director for Hoyer Petrolog UK Ltd, says: “We have a strong relationship with Michelin and have always been happy with the service and products they provide, however we thought the time was right to hold a full tender review to ensure we were getting the best tyres at the best price.

“Because we are transporting hazardous goods on a daily basis, reliable tyres are key in ensuring the safest possible environment for our staff, customers and the general public, which

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Stoke firm signs with ATS-E ATS Euromaster will fit and service the tyres of Stoke-on-Trentbased B&W Transport’s fleet of 44 tonners after the tyre specialist showed the potential five-figure savings on its annual vehicle operating costs through a properly managed tyre policy. B&W previously used an independent tyre dealer, but switched to ATS-E after viewing the data produced by the company’s new Service Value Calculator (SVC). It suggested that fitting regroovable and retreadable premium brand (Michelin and Pirelli) tyres with a commitment to accurate tyre pressure monitoring, could save B&W Transport up to £16,000 annually in fuel and tyre bills.

Lew Weller, owner of B&W Transport, says: “We had previously been fitting tyres which were more susceptible to punctures and blow outs. When the account manager from ATS Euromaster highlighted how much money we could save, not just on our tyre bill but through improved fuel efficiency from fitting better qua-

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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lity tyres and really looking after them, it seemed like an obvious choice.”

The benefits of the new policy were exemplified after one of the first fleet inspections: ATS-E identified 13 tyres for regrooving, repositioned three tyres to balance wear, and repaired one tyre, instead of simply replacing all of the tyres with new products, as had been the previous practice.

Launched earlier in the year, ATS-E’s SVC tool has been designed to demonstrate what can be achieved from a bespoke and expertly managed tyre policy, and shows the monetary benefits of properly managing tyres instead of replacing them prematurely. akb

New Michelin solutions division launches with Effifuel A new division within the Michelin Group dedicated to improving its customers’ fleet fuel efficiency has launched with what it claims is a unique offer for truck and trailer fleets.The Effifuel solution, targeted at both hauliers and own-account operators, is designed to help customers contain and reduce their fuel costs.

Through the new initiative Michelin solutions will work with fleets to define a contractual commitment based on fuel savings and the resources to be deployed to attain them.The savings generated by the solution will be shared by the partners.

Michelin solutions explains that it can access an array of services, including eco-driving training courses, monitoring of drivers’ at-the-wheel behaviour based on individual ecoscores and the installation of telematics display units. Fuel analysts from within Michelin solutions can assist in gathering and studying data on the influences of fuel consumption, whilst also optimising tyre management through pence-perkilometre tyre pricing and a fitment strategy aimed at reducing fuel consumption. This can include the installation of tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to improve the safety of the driver, vehicle and its cargo.

“Some of these services already exist individually,” explains Franck Estoquié, chief marketing officer, Michelin solutions. “What’s new is to be able to package them together in the same solution, manage them efficiently and make a long-term commitment.”

The first stage of working with a new fleet will see Michelin solutions conduct a detailed audit of vehicle types, current tyres, itineraries, vehicle operating weights and driver habits, before helping to define an objective efficiency savings target, measured in litres per 100 km. Once a savings structure is in place, Michelin solutions can offer fleets commitments to meet those targets over periods of up to four years.

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Throughout the contract period Michelin solutions’ own fuel analysts conduct in-depth studies and regular fleet reports. “The idea is not to replace fleet managers but to provide them with resources, visibility and advice to optimise their operations and involve us in the process,” says Estoquié.

“If the joint fuel saving goal is met, we share the gains. If it is not, Michelin solutions reimburses a portion of the expenses incurred on a pro rata basis.”

Michelin solutions says this makes the operation risk-free for fleets, and may enable the customer to reduce considerably its vehicle running costs, which in turn has a positive impact on operating margins.

Effifuel is being offered to single marque or mixed fleets, and across all brands of truck. Michelin says it aims to deploy the new unit in most European countries, including the UK, throughout 2013, before moving to North America, South America and China in 2014 and 2015. Michelin solutions also says it wants to launch initiatives to meet the needs of other fleets, including passenger cars, vans and earthmover equipment.

Michelin solutions replaces the division previously known in the UK as Michelin Fleet Solutions, and currently employs more than 800 people globally. It is responsible for more than 500,000 vehicles currently on contract. akb

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The installation of telematics is one part of the package offered by Michelin solutions

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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ContiLifeCycle helping NI fleet to achieve savings Continental says its tyre management procedures are helping one Northern Ireland transport and logistics business to achieve significant savings, while another Irish haulier has been impressed with the longevity of the German manufacturer’s new HD Hybrid drive axle Conti says this saving is down to choosing the right tyres in the first instance and to following the ContiLifeCycle process. This five-stage tyre management process helps Surefreight increase the mileage it gets out of the 3,500-plus tyres that are in use across their fleet of 200 tractor units and over 500 trailers.

On steer axles their choice is the Continental HSR2, a tyre designed to provide better grip in all conditions. The HSR2 has intermediate blocks for extra traction, a tread design that is resistant to wear from 'scrubbing', and is made using a chip resistant compound.

Trailers are fitted with the Continental HTR2. Its low weight contributes to better fuel efficiency and it delivers high mileage because of its use of a precisely balanced compound and tyre geometry, Conti says. Tyre damage is reduced as a result of the patented groove pattern, which is designed to eject stones easily. Its noise level described as well within legal limits.

Both the HSR2 and the HTR2 are designed for re-grooving when the tread depth reaches 5mm. Surefreight workshop staff have been trained by Continental in the techniques of regrooving, which they carry out on their premises to give each tyre a considerably extended second life. Because a re-grooved tyre has lower rolling resistance it can contribute to reduced fuel usage whilst maintaining the same traction and roadholding capabilities of the tyre when new.

tyre. Surefreight, one of the leading logistics companies operating between Ireland, Britain and mainland Europe, turned to Continental for support last year, resulting in its annual spend on tyres falling by £59,000 when compared with 2011.

Once the tread on a re-grooved tyre reaches 5mm it enters the third stage of the ContiLifeCycle process - retreading under the ContiRe process. The casing is first carefully inspected and Surefreight receive a credit for each one accepted into the bank. Retreading takes place to the same manufacturing standards as new tyres and using the same tread patterns to ensure equal performance.

ContiRe re-treads are also designed to be re-grooved under stage four of the ContiLifeCycle to ensure that optimum mileage is achieved. When the tyre reaches its minimum legal tread depth it moves into the fifth and final stage of the process, which involves environmentally responsible disposal.

Throughout the life of a tyre at Surefreight there is constant monitoring of its condition. Drivers carry out a visual inspection as part of their daily vehicle check and the supplying dealer, Philip White Tyres, carries out regular inspections that include checking for damage, measuring tread depth and ensuring that pressures are correct.

Surefreight director, Brian McManus, said: “It clearly pays to take care of tyres as we have seen with the significant savings we are now making. Choosing Continental as our tyre partner has been central to this. We get excellent service from the local dealer and good technical support from Continental in helping us to choose the correct tyres from the outset.

“By re-grooving and retreading we get high mileage out of our Continentals. And there's good back-up too from their breakdown service, which ensures that should a problem occur our trucks are back on the road quickly and disruption to our customers is minimised.” More information on ContiLife Cycle, including a preview of a world’s first integrated recycling and retreading plant, can be found in this month’s edition of the Retreading Special.

Conti HD Hybrid impressing Tarrant International with longevity Irish haulier Tarrant International Transport has declared itself impressed with the longevity of Continental’s new HD Hybrid truck tyre.

The drive axle tyre is designed for combined

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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Continental sales manager Noel McGrath and Surefreight director, Brian McManus

regional and long-haul use, and having achieved 280,000 km already Tarrant is confident that 300,000 km will be reached before the tyres require replacing.

Donagh Tarrant, transport manager at the Cork based family-run firm said the performance was “exceptional and well beyond the mileage that we have been getting out of another premium brand.” In fact, he expects nearly to double the mileage achieved by previously fitted tyres.

The HD Hybrid is particularly suited to Tarrant’s operation because of its broad range of applications; the company’s trucks average 160-180,000 km/year on journeys that can take them as far as Eastern Europe and North Africa. The

40

company has been trialling the HD Hybrid on a FH13 Globetrotter XL which has a power rating of 460 bhp and a torque output of 2300 Nm. The tyre has proved well able to handle these large amounts of power and torque as well as the high retarder forces exerted during steep hill descents.

“The HD Hybrid tyre has also coped well with the wide variety of road surface and climatic conditions that our trucks encounter on their long trips across Europe,” adds Tarrant. “It takes all these variations in its stride and performs equally well in wintry conditions as in the heat, and as a tyre designed for a combination of motorway and regional use it suits our operations perfectly.”

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Tarrant International runs a fleet of 42 top-of-the-range artics and over 100 trailers, including refrigerated, curtainsider, euroliner and tipping types. When replacing tyres, its current choice is the Continental HSR2 for steer axles, the HTR2 for the trailers and of course the HD Hybrid on the drive, all supplied through local Conti360 dealer Advance Pitstop in Mallow.

On steer axles the Continental HSR2 is Tarrant International's tyre of choice. It features intermediate blocks for extra traction, a deep cut and chip resistant tread compound and a tread design that is resistant to scrub wear.

On its trailers the company uses the Continental HTR2 tyre. The low weight of this tyre contributes to better fuel economy and high mileage is achieved as a result of the use of a precisely balanced compound and the tyre's unique tread geometry. The patented groove pattern ejects stones easily, reducing the risk of tyre damage, whilst keeping noise levels low and within legal limits.

“We're very satisfied with the performance of our Continental tyres both on our tractor units and our trailers,” says Donagh Tarrant. “They tick all the boxes in terms of safety, high mileage, and good performance in all road and load conditions and the HD Hybrid is proving particularly impressive. We also get excellent service from our local Conti360? network partner, Advance Pitstop.” akb

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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Westlake – world’s fourth largest TBR producer?

CHINESE TYRE MANUFACTURER Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Company Limited (ZC Rubber) believes it is the world’s fourth largest producer of truck and bus tyres with a projected output of over 12 million radial tyres in 2013, while the company’s brand Westlake claims a “market-leading position in China” .

Building on this position Hangzhou Zhongce’s flagThe Infinity Westlake’s CR976 The Westlake Infinity’s F865 ship brand is spearheading the manufacturer’s D925drive tyre front steer and CM993 drive steer tyre efforts to increase international sales in the TBR trailer tyre tyre segment. Westlake representatives tell Tyres & Infinity truck tyres – compliant around the world Accessories that the company intends to add to its broad range Shandong Linglong manufactured Infinity Tyres offer both of patterns and sizes in 2013, though two existing tyres are highlighted as particularly suited to driving conditions in light and heavy radial truck tyres, with 15 dimensions available for the former, and a heavy truck radial range featuring over 20 Europe.

Westlake’s CM993 drive axle tyre benefits from a wide patterns in 40 dimensions.

Infinity Tyres meet major international standards including tread design, which works to improve mileage, and a large block design, which improves handling and traction on a range DOT (USA), ECE (European), SASO (Middle East), and are in of road surfaces. Its rubber compound is also designed to addition REACH compliant for Europe. The brand says the Infinity truck tyre range has been developed “via major investincrease tread life.

The versatile CR976 front steer and trailer tyre aims to offer ments in TBR engineering” to offer improvements in comfort increased ride comfort and noise reduction via an optimised and longevity, increasing value for money.

Infinity’s “flagship” patterns: F865 front steer (including multi-pitch distribution supported by the tread sipe design. The CR976 also displays improved steering performance in both dry 295/80R22.5 and 315/80R22.5) and the D925 drive which offer a mixture of excellent grip and outstanding wear, delivering and wet conditions.

Westlake's extensive truck and bus tyre range is distributed excellent cost per mile results. Infinity also highlights Bandag’s through partner, tyre solutions and retread tyres supplier Vacu- accreditation for Infinity casing retreadability as a measure of their quality.

Lug in the UK. akb

G&S Tyre Services appointed Linglong truck tyre distributor THE AL DOBOWI GROUP, UK importer of Linglong TBR tyres, has announced a new distribution partnership with Essex’s G&S Tyre Services. Al Dobowi says G&S has developed a reputation for providing an exemplary level of service to the UK Al Dobowi European TBR tyre sales manager, KK Singh at new Linglong TBR distributor, G&S Tyre Services

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fleet market and demanding vehicle operators, while G&S identified Linglong as a brand with UK market potential.

Gary Short, managing director of G&S Tyre Services Ltd. commented: “We recognise the quality of Linglong as one of the up-and-coming brands in the U.K. tyre market and as a leading Asian tyre manufacturer with impressive global reach. We are confident that our customers will be attracted by this new arrangement with Linglong, producing a high quality product at a price level to benefit any cost-conscious operator”.

KK Singh, European TBR tyre sales manager for Al Dobowi, added: “We are delighted to partner with G&S Tyre Services. As one of Asia’s leading TBR

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tyre producers, Linglong’s range is ideally suited to a quality tyre operation with such excellent retreading capabilities”.

In conjunction with the company’s state of the art Bandag retread manufacturing facilities, the addition of Linglong’s extensive TBR range enhances the already impressive G&S product lineup.

Established in 1975, Shandong Linglong is now one of the world’s ‘Top 20’ leading tyre producers with a capacity of several million truck and bus radial tyres manufactured at its modern production facilities located in north-east China. akb

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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Sailun encouraged by European truck market ‘progress’

Sailun’s S815

Sailun says the last three years have seen it establish a stronger truck tyre presence in Europe, from what it describes as “a relatively very low” base. The company states that its approach has been through research and development, epitomised by the creation and growth of a 400-strong Technical Quality and Research Centre at its company-owned manufacturing plant in Qingdao.

Having first entered the demanding North American truck tyre market, Sailun began to develop its European distribution channels in 2010. Key to its strategy was the need to identify and partner with specialist truck tyre distributors who would work together with Sailun to develop and grow the local market. It believes factory-generated test and performance data, along with rigorous trial periods utilising distributors’ own vehicles, established the TBR range, giving distributors the confidence to recommend Sailun to fleet and dealer customers.

Focussing on the major markets initially, Sailun recruited professional distributors partners across Europe – Kirkby Tyres

(United Kingdom), Doumerc (France), Andia (Germany), Intergomma (Italy) – interest across Scandinavia, the Balkans, Russia and the Iberian peninsula has followed.

Benefitting from the adaptability of the TBR portfolio, Sailun is pleased with the growth it has achieved, reportedly claiming two per cent market share in more developed territories. This growth has been supported by extensive marketing investment, such as special brochures and major European trade show activities.

Martin West, managing director, Sailun (EMEA) commented: “We are delighted with the progress being made in the European truck market. We will only work alongside professional and highquality distributor partners – we have a quality product which differentiates itself in the market – we need to ensure the product is correctly positioned and supported locally. Our current distributor partners are generating enormous interest – and are using the Sailun tyres on their own fleet – personal endorsement. akb

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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Double Coin ‘an outstanding product’ – Kirkby Tyres LIVERPOOL’S KIRKBY TYRES continues to promote Double Coin truck and bus radial tyres, having been sole UK and Ireland importer for more than 20 years. This year the wholesaler made the Chinese manufactured brand the focal point of its presence at the Birmingham NEC’s Commercial Vehicles Show, and Kirkby is convinced that it was “an overwhelming success” for Double Coin.

Ben Santhouse, Double Coin sales specialist commented “The level of interest in the Double Coin range of TBR tyres was unprecedented and far exceeded our expectations!” He continued: “People are becoming more aware of the true value that Double Coin offers over its competition. There are not many manufacturers that can boast the range and still keep to the core values of quality and performance, if you couple this with the ability to re-groove and re-mould the casings; it is an outstanding product.”

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

Kirkby staff working with Double Coin said they felt they had raised “real” interest in the brand, in addition to positive reports from customers already using the brand about the tyres’ value. The Double Coin range runs from 15” to 24” in truck and 49” in earthmover.

Kirkby says that some large haulage firms and fleet operators commented repeatedly on the benefits of the comprehensive range that Double Coin offers. Kirkby aims to increase the level of its customer service for the brand through its national dealer network. The company claims it can offer consistent and reliable levels of supply through this core network of tyre outlets, meaning that hauliers know that the Double Coin product is accessible where and when they need it.

Operating from a five acre distribution centre in Liverpool and warehousing in Dublin, Kirkby is able to supply the whole of the UK and Irish market on a next day delivery basis. akb

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COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES

Maxxis is in it for the Long Haul Perhaps more renowned for its car and bike ranges, Maxxis provides a solution for a wide variety of long and medium haul applications, manufactured with a tread compound intended to increase durability and shoulders designed using Virtual Intelligent Prototyping (VIP) technology to reduce wear. Maxxis explains that its VIP technology combines a series of computer-aided analysis programs that lay out a framework for each tyre’s design. The system factors in pressure points at varying inflation levels and contact points to simulate cornering, acceleration, braking and the effects of strain and wear.

Maxxis’ range of radial light truck tyres come with an extra skin, the Maxxis Triple Shield (MTS), with eight-ply and 10-ply ratings meaning that these tyres have a true three-ply sidewall construction, compared to the more conventional two-ply sidewalls. Maxxis reasons that this “extra skin” makes its truck tyres more robust and durable, as well as having greater sidewall puncture resistance.

UK managing director Derek McMartin confirms that product improvement has been high on Maxxis’s agenda recently: “We pride ourselves in the advanced technology that goes into all of our products, what we call Orange Engineering. This principle underpins all that we do and means that truck drivers can benefit from the same commitment to quality as our supercar drivers.

“We believe that as one of the top ten tyre manufacturers worldwide we are currently supplying the industry’s most reliable and affordable light truck tyres. Having recently increased the capacity of our manufacturing facilities, we are looking forward to having the chance to distribute our range throughout the UK in the future.” akb

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TYRES

Firenza range growth supported by International Tyres in UK Firenza characterises its partnership with West Midlands based wholesaler International Tyres as “increasingly successful” , and the tyre supplier has been The Firenza SSR05A steer pattern incorporates a wider and flatter tread profile to give smoother handling and increased mileage performance. It is currently available in sizes from 215/75R17.5 through to 315/80R22.5.

The Firenza SSD08 drive pattern offers a tread pattern to improve traction control. It is available in a number of size options in both 70 and 80 profiles, with additional drive patterns including the popular all position SSM07 and the more rugged SSM10.

Firenza provide a choice of two Super Single patterns – the SST066 and the SSR055A. Both incorporate a solid shoulder construction to safeguard against premature wear and a tread compound designed to increase mileage performance. The SST066 and SSR055A are available in sizes from 385/65R22.5 to 445/ 65R22.5 The entire Firenza truck tyre range is exclusively distributed throughout the UK by International Tyres in the West Midlands, located to ensure a swift and efficient delivery service throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Firenza adds: “Our truck tyre range continues to grow in size and is professionally supported by the respected expertise of International Tyres and looks set to maintain and further improve its position as a leading alternative to premium brands. akb

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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MOTORSPORT

BTCC soft tyre providing additional excitement – Dunlop DUNLOP’S SOFT compound Sport Maxx tyre, added to the British Touring Car Championship as an option for nine out of the ten rounds, has added a new dimension to the racing in this year’s series.

Of the 15 races at which the soft tyre has been made available, six victories have been claimed on the tyre, including two on Sunday at Snetterton, while the medium version has been used to win eight. The final race at Croft was won by Matt Neal on the Dunlop BluResponse wet tyre. Dunlop has been very satisfied by the results of its winter development, having been asked to provide an option tyre with increased grip but reduced durability by series organiser TOCA.

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Colin Turkington took race one victory at Croft on the soft tyre

In order to provide an extra element to both the strategy and overall excitement of each BTCC race, every driver must use the soft compound in one of the three contests at nine of the ten events in 2013 – Thruxton being the exception.

In the opening round at Brands Hatch in March Dunlop says the tyre met all expectations, exemplified by Rob Austin’s charge from seventh on the grid in his Audi A4 to take the lead on the soft compound. As the tyre wore, Austin was caught by the chasing pack, leading to some exciting racing as he tried to cling onto position. He had to settle for third at the finish, highlighting the sort of display that could be expected over the course of the season.

“We’re absolutely delighted with how it has gone,” said Dunlop Motorsport’s Michael Butler. “Due to the timescale and extreme weather conditions over the winter it was a huge challenge to get everything ready for the first round, we did it, but we had confidence going into it based on our experience running the compound in endurance racing.

“We knew the family history of the compound well and so we were pretty confident where it would stack up. The nature of certain compounds requires heat in the tyre to make them perform as desired, but despite the extremely cold temperatures we went away from Brands Hatch really pleased.”

Similar performances followed up and down the order over the next few events, although with little pre-season testing the majority of the so called established teams tried to negate the performance difference by replicating the same strategy – usually run-

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ning the soft tyre in race three.

There were signs, however, following Colin Turkington’s race one win at Croft in his Dunlop Sport Maxx soft-shod eBay Motors BMW that tyre tactics were coming into play at the top order.

Similarly, a two-day tyre test at Snetterton prior to last weekend’s race event armed teams and drivers with myriad of data, giving them a better understanding of how best to use the compound.

On the Sunday cars running the soft tyre won two out of the three races as Andrew Jordan hauled his Honda Civic from fifth on the grid to take the win in the second contest in Norfolk. Gordon Shedden went from seventh to the top step of the podium in the final showdown.

Butler continued, “We’ve continued to learn about the characteristics of the soft tyre on certain cars and conditions and we went to Snetterton with more data after a successful two-day tyre test we held there in July.

“The drivers’ understanding and obviously confidence has grown too so now we’re seeing it coming into play more often. It was an unknown quantity to the teams initially so they tried to cancel each other out by running the compound in race three, but that seems to be changing, and we’ve now seen two winners on the same day using the Sport Maxx soft, so it’s clear that you can win on both compounds if teams make the right call.

“The whole programme has been a great challenging and very rewarding, we’re delighted to add another dimension to the BTCC story.” akb

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MOTORSPORT

Option tyre playing ‘major role’ in exciting DTM season - Hankook The introduction of an option tyre this year in DTM was something of an unknown quantity, as teams had no previous data or experience with which to predict its performance. With one set available only for the race, it was always going to be interesting to see how they

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would be used, and the tyre supplier to the German touring car series (competing in international locations) believes that its influence has had a positive effect on the action, heading into the second half of the season.

Hankook says the softer compound Ventus Race Plus has allowed drivers to set faster lap times in the first 30-60km of use, before the tyre’s performance drops off to levels below those offered by the regular Ventus Race tyre. It is constructed to behave in this way purposely to allow for more tactical racing, and with five races won by five different drivers (albeit with one subsequently disqualified), the top five in the drivers’ standings within 24 points and all manufacturers with at least one race victory, Hankook argues that the tyre has helped make the series more competitive.

At the season opener in Hockenheim in May the new super-fast tyre performed better than expected on the finely-grained asphalt with little degradation leading to longer stints than Hankook’s DTM range includes the softer Ventus Race Plus in the 2013 season expected. Spectators saw numerous overtaking Rockenfeller moved up from sixth place on the grid to finish manoeuvres and entertaining duels.

At Brands Hatch in the south of England a fortnight later, second, his fellow Audi driver Mattias Ekström even made up ten Hankook’s base-line slick tyre played a bigger role. The option positions thanks to the Ventus Race Plus. Gary Paffett tyre allowed for faster lap times for a while, but degraded signi- (Mercedes-Benz) claimed the first season win for the Stuttgart ficantly after an average of 30km on the twisty track with its manufacturer.

The first half of the DTM season ended at the Norisring, rough and open surface structure. “It was planned just like that, the Ventus Race Plus acts as a tactical measure to allow for fas- where spectators got to see numerous overtaking manoeuvres, ter lap times for a limited time, but it should not replace the base- tough duels, which caused Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) and line tyre,” Hankook’s DTM race engineer Michael Eckert explain- Edoardo Mortara (Audi) to retire, and excitement until the end. ed. “After Hockenheim, I thought that we could use the option Having switched to option tyres early, Audi driver Mattias tyres for a longer time. However, the standard tyre worked very Ekström had taken the lead and pulled a big gap. The Swede also remained in front after his final pit stop, just before the end, and well,” said winner Mike Rockenfeller (Audi).

Spielberg, Austria presented teams with difficulties finding secured Audi’s first victory in Nuremberg since 2002. The joy the right balance between performance and consistency in qua- over this historic win only lasted some five hours as the Swede lifying, which has to be driven with race set-up, and must also was disqualified because water had been poured into his race consider the particular characteristics of the option tyres that can suit in parc ferné before he was weighed. Audi’s appeal against only be used during the race. Reigning DTM champion Bruno this decision was turned down by the appeal court of the Spengler scored a dominant lights-to-flag victory. “I could drive Deutscher Motor-Sport Bund (DMSB) last Tuesday. However, the really long with the Hankook option tyres and achieve fast lap other drivers don’t move up, as Ekström “didn’t have an advantage in competition, because his car was according to the regutimes,” the BMW driver said.

On the technically demanding Lausitzring circuit’s tight infield lations and he had achieved his victory on track in impeccable a fortnight later the option tyre again played a major role. sporting conditions.” Audi accepted the decision and thus, the “Degradation was even less than at Spielberg, the new fast fifth DTM season round at the Norisring remains without a winVentus Race Plus will last long,” Michael Eckert predicted. And ner. Mercedes-Benz drivers Robert Wickens and Christian Hankook’s DTM race engineer was right. Audi driver Mike Vietoris were classified second and third. akb

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COMPANY NEWS

Apollo chairman Onkar S Kanwar (left) signs the three-year partnership deal as Manchester United group managing director, Richard Arnold (right) looks on.

Manchester United names Apollo official tyre in UK and India ON 21 AUGUST, Apollo Tyres signed a three-year partnership with Manchester United, which sees the company named as the official tyre of the world-famous football team across both the UK and India. Details of the investment associated with the deal have not been released. What we do know is that as well as access to player appearances in both countries the company will be making the most of its association with Man U in online advertising as well as its marketing and point of sale material. In addition, in a development of its ‘go the distance’ philosophy, Apollo Tyres will create footballbased play zones in local communities in the UK and India; these will feature recycled rubber and encourage healthy lifestyles among youngsters.

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According to representatives of both companies, the deal is as much about a meeting of minds between the two firms as about anything else, however while Apollo already has annual sales of US$ 2.34 billion the recent agreement to purchase Cooper Tire points to the company’s need to both rationalise its future

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brand portfolio and build at least one of its brands into a global name. With this in mind it is clear that with this latest announcement, Apollo is looking to leverage the high-profile partnership with Manchester United (which itself it already a global brand) while at the same time raise awareness of its brand among

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potential customers, business partners and consumer audiences around the world.

Commenting on the announcement, Onkar S Kanwar, chairman, Apollo Tyres Ltd said, “This is a very important partnership for us as a company and clearly demonstrates our global ambitions for

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

COMPANY NEWS

our business, and the brand. Very few sports platforms deliver a global profile and awareness and we believe the impact of this relationship will be significant in helping to make Apollo a globally recognisable brand.”

As we have seen, a key element of the partnership will be a joint community commitment to encourage young people to develop their sporting skills and healthier lifestyles. While no details of target number of pitches (either in the UK or India) has yet been released, the first ‘go the distance’ pitch will be built within the grounds of Old Trafford before similar pitches are rolled out “across the UK and India.” This initiative will include some specific skills challenges, encouraging users of the Apollo football play zones to achieve excellence in control, agility, speed and precision.

Manchester United group managing director, Richard Arnold commented: “Apollo Tyres is a leading player in the tyre industry and its rate of growth and development into new territories made it an attractive partner for the Club. With a combined fan base close to 46 million followers in both the UK and India, we are confident in providing Apollo with a captive audience. This partnership will allow Apollo not only to promote its brand, but also to engage and communicate with our fans…”

At the official signing of the contract

by Apollo Tyres chairman Onkar S Kanwar, managing director Neeraj Kanwar added: "[Linking] a tyre with Manchester United takes us to the next level." Asked why the company chose football and not another more directly linked marketing activity, such as motorsport for example, he said: "We like to do things different".

The fact that Neeraj Kanwar said he and his son had been United fans "for over a decade" is unlikely to have harmed either.

Global reach?

As significant as the Manchester United deal is in Apollo’s fastmoving brand history, it also has to be put into context. First of all, Apollo’s investment makes it the 36th firm to agree to sponsor the reds this season. Although Apollo’s three-year deal means that there is the chance that other companies will not renew during the subsequent seasons, there is still only so much marketing pie to go round and the biggest slice undoubtedly goes to businesses like shirt-sponsor Aon. Apollo managing director Neeraj It is also worth Kanwar explained the company’s decision to back football as opposed remembering that to motorsport as being because “we Apollo is not United’s like to do things different”. only tyre sponsor.

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Back in January, Indonesian manufacturer Multistrada announced that it had agreed a partnership deal with Old Trafford too.

While details about this contract are thin, it does appear that the Indonesian deal is focused on Multistrada’s domestic market. Therefore due to the fact that the local language is based and entirely different script to Western languages, this is unlikely to dilute the impact of the Apollo deal too much. And the flip-side is also true. Owing to the fact that Apollo has focused its partnership rights on UK and India, not only has the company gained access to a single mature European market as well as an Anglophone emerging market (which also happens to be home turf for Apollo), by virtue of the Englishlanguage both countries have in common, the company has gained indirect access to the world. Who can stop press coverage written in English – in either the UK or India – being distributed right round the world as well as one of the most populated countries on Earth?

That said, and it should be clarified that no-one vocalised this in as many words, the Manchester United sponsorship doesn’t include any advertising hoardings at the ground. This means that the Apollo name won’t be picked up by the global TV coverage that Manchester Unite attracts. So, while it is clearly too early to say, one cannot deny that the news has the feel of a phase one about it – phase one of Apollo’s global brand building strategy in general and phase one of the company’s relationship with Manchester United in particular. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

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COMPANY NEWS

Michelin: 1H performance ‘in line with objectives’ But net income down 45% y-o-y segment decreased 4.5 per cent year-on- results. Writing just a couple of hours year to €3.1 billion and net specialty tyre after the earnings details had been sales dropped 11.3 per cent to €1.7 billion. published, the Wall Street Journal opined The price-mix pushed net sales down that because first-half net profit fell 45 by €242 million, or 2.3 per cent. Michelin per cent and because Michelin is taking a says this reflects the €281 million negati- €250 million restructuring charge to ve impact from contractual price reducti- improve manufacturing efficiency some ons based on raw materials indexation investors became unsettled and closed clauses and its price repositioning efforts their positions. However, Michelin was in certain tyre sizes. It also comprised a the not the only firm suffering in Europe positive €39 million impact from changes and mixed responses to British GDP to the sales mix led by Michelin’s premium strategy Michelin first half 2013 figures at a glance in the 17-inch and larger pasNet sales: €10,159 billion senger car tyre segment – Net income: €1,153 billion Michelin reports above marManufacturing efficiency charge: €250 million ket average sales for these products in all its major regional replacement markets. The nega- improvements and German business “Michelin’s first-half performance was in tive 1.4 per cent currency effect, which confidence are thought to have affected line with the 2013 objectives and attests reduced net sales by €143 million, result- investors too.

Summarising the news in a brief to the Group’s continuous improvement ed from the stronger euro.

Consolidated operating income be- investor update published immediately as it moves forward in its New Phase of Dynamic Growth,” stated chief executive fore non-recurring items amounted to after Michelin’s financials were published, €1,153 million or Deutsche Bank analysts reported that the officer Jean 11.3 per cent of company’s first half operating income of Dominique “Non-recurring expenses stood at €250 net sales in the €1.15 billion (down 13 per cent year-onSenard.

“The million for the period, corresponding to the first six months year) was in line with consensus, but shy Group confirms of 2013, down of Deutsche’s €1.2 billion estimate. Their its objectives for restructuring costs generated by current 2013, with the projects that ‘aim to improve the competiti- from €1,320 mil- view is that this is down to “a small negalion and 12.3 per tive price and mix [decline] net of raw target of reportveness of manufacturing operations’”. cent result in mat which will reverse in the second half”. ing stable oper(Michelin first half 2013 results statement). first-half 2012. First half net profits of €507 million also ating income Car and light fell short of Deutsche Bank estimates of before nonrecurring items, a more than ten per cent truck tyre operating income and margin €570 million and a long way behind conreturn on capital employed and positive decreased 5.3 to €550 million and 10.3 sensus expectations of €610 million. per cent respectively. Truck tyre operating Nevertheless the analysts appear to free cash flow.”

Net sales amounted to €10,159 milli- income declined to €203 million while have faith in the management’s belief on in the first six months of 2013, only a operating margin rose 0.1 per cent year- that the business will have a stronger jot down on the €10,706 million earned in on-year to 6.5 per cent. Net specialty tyre second half thanks to positive volume the first half of last year. Volumes decrea- operating income dropped 24.5 per cent effect and improved positive price and sed by 1.5 per cent in weaker markets to €400 million and margin narrowed to mix positioning. As a result, their full year during the first quarter but showed signs 23.3 per cent in the first half of this year. estimates of €2.4 billion of operating profit (an increase of 15 per cent in the of improvement in the second. Sales second half of the year) remain unchanwere lower across the company’s three Share price slip after 1H financials ged. product areas - car and light truck net sg/cja sales decreased 3.3 per cent in 1H 2013 Michelin shares fell 5 per cent after the to €5.3 billion, net sales in the truck tyre publication of its first half 2013 financial

UPON

first half 2013 results, Michelin voiced its expectation that mature markets will continue their recovery from last year’s weakness in the remainder of the year, while expansion should be seen in emerging markets. Should this trend play out, the French manufacturer sees itself in good stead to achieve its projected fullyear volumes. This is all well and good, however Michelin’s reportage of its latest results said little about the first-half bottom line, which is markedly down on the same time last year.

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ANNOUNCING

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

Yokohama HPT Ltd Dawson Road, Mount Farm, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK1 1QY Sales: 01908 625601 / 01908 625603

info@yokohama.co.uk www.yokohama.co.uk

COMPANY NEWS

Yokohama reports record 1H sales THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER CO., LTD., reported record first half sales for the first six months of 2013.

According to the company, net sales edged up 0.3 per cent over the same period of the previous year, to 269.7 billion yen. However, while sales were high, profitability took a hit. Operating income declined 4.2 per cent, to 19.1 billion yen, and net income was down 5.3 per cent, to 13.0 billion yen.

The tyre division appears to have borne the brunt of this.

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As a result of the less than happy news Yokohama has revised down the 630 billion yen sales projection it issued in February 2013, to 610 billion yen. The new figure equates to an increase of 9.0 per cent over the previous year. However the company retains the February projections of 59 billion yen for operating income, an increase of 18.7 per cent; and 36 billion yen for net income, an increase of 10.4 per cent.

The official line is that a sharp decline in demand for original equipment tyres in Japan combined with generally weak demand in overseas tyre markets along

with “escalating price competition in tyre markets worldwide” were said to have been behind the profitable decline. That said sales and earnings benefited from cost cutting measures and the weakening yen as well as declining raw material prices.

Tyre operations Nevertheless sales within Yokohama's tyre operations declined 0.6 per cent to 209.8 billion yen. Operating income declined 17.9 per cent to 13.9 billion yen.

However Yokohama reports that it achieved unit sales growth in Japan's replace-

ment tyre market, led by gains in fuelsaving tyres. The problem is that the higher unit sales were of lower value products as the domestic market shifted toward lower-priced products as a result of escalating price competition.

Overseas, tyre demand slumped in Europe and in China, and sales were weak in North America.

Yokohama has announced an interim dividend of 10 yen per share, and management has proposed a year-end dividend of 12 yen per share, which would bring the full-year dividend to 22 yen per share. cja

Titan 2Q sales up 29% Titan International reported second quarter 2013 sales of US$593.3 million 25 July 2013, up 29.2 per cent, compared to $459.2 million in the second quarter of 2012 partially driven by acquisition growth. Gross profit increased 5.6 per cent to $86.7 million, or 14.6 per cent of net sales in the period, compared to $82.1 million in second quarter 2012, or 17.9 per cent of net sales.

However, second quarter income from operations was $36.9 million compared to $81.0 million last year.

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Chairman and CEO, Maurice M. Taylor commented: "Titan continues to execute our business strategy through acquisitions and product innovation. Titan is making the focused investments needed to deliver the long term growth opportunities to the company.”

Referring to news of the company’s latest acquisition move, this time in Russia, he added: “Titan is planning to close on the purchase of Voltyre-Prom, which is the leading producer of agricultural and industrial tyres in Russia, no later than 1 September 2013. This acquisition will increase our international footprint and be Titan's base for other acquisitions in the CIS region. The South American farm tyre market is getting stronger for Titan and we look to establish wheel manufacturing in

54

the region to complement the tyre offering in the coming year.

Along with these strategic moves, we continue to tighten costs across the company.”

And this, it seems, is the basis for the company’s optimistic outlook for the second half of the year: "As a result of acquisitions, Titan will see record revenue in the second half of 2013.

If the markets remain as they are, Titan will continue its growth similar to the last few years…Titan's primary business is farm tyres and wheels where volume has remained strong. Titan has been building the Goodyear farm tyre brand since 2006 as represented by our leading market share in North America. We believe that this American brand will allow Titan to gain greater market share in the coming years although, the construction market continues to show signs of weakness.”

Titan’s sales increased approximately 38 per cent from the addition of recently acquired entities including $154.4 million at Titan Europe. Net sales for the first half of 2013 were $1,171.7 million, compared to $922.3 million in the first half of 2012, an increase of 27 per cent. Year to date sales increased approximately 36 per cent due to recent acquisitions of which $303.1 million is attributed to revenue from Titan Europe. However growth was partially offset by price/mix reduction from lower raw material prices and unfavourable currency translation. cja

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COMPANY NEWS

Information with added value

Tyrepress upgraded and relaunched IN JUST A FEW DAYS’ TIME, a completely upgraded Tyrepress will be unveiled. We’ve listened to feedback from within the industry and taken stock of the increasing demand for our online services, and the result is a totally redesigned site with improved mobile and tablet functionality along with more user friendly search and navigation.

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From the end of September, Tyrepress will offer more functionality and features than ever before. As well as a clear and intuitive layout for PC, tablet or smartphone, the site features enhanced advertising opportunities as well as a brand-new tyre test area and completely overhauled jobs and business directory sections.

"This significant investment in the re-launch shows the importance we attach to our online media for the benefit of our readers and our customers," explained Klaus Haddenbrock, publisher of Tyres & Accessories and its German and Italian sister titles Neue Reifenzeitung and PneusNews.it. Demonstrating the increasing scope of our European publishing group, the new website has been developed in close cooperation with our German and Italian counterparts.

The addition of responsive design positions enables the new Tyrepress site to make the most of the upswing in mobile internet use. The goal is to make our sites as accessible as possible, on as many devices as we can, while offering virtually all the functionality enjoyed by those using the desktop site.

As a result, all our news is available ‘on the go’ and is ready to capitalise on our burgeoning social network connectivity.

This step will reinforce Tyres & Accessories and Tyrepress’s central position within the tyre and wheel market and enable us to continue effectively connecting with professionals in the UK, Europe and around the globe. You – our existing and also our new readers – are important to us, and we look forward to hearing from you. Therefore our new site will offer everyone in the industry a forum where they can exchange ideas and share views.

"We have all worked hard during the course of the past few months with a view to the parallel relaunch of our UK, German and Italian websites, and have striven to provide our customers with a site that features a modern look as well as advanced advertising opportunities," Haddenbrock continued, adding: "Our business partners have the ideal platform to promote their advertising banners to the market. At the same time, we now also offer innovative forms of advertising designed to extend the reach and maximise the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.”

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In addition to a wider than ever range of display advertising options (including some striking new possibilities), the new website also offers an extensive Business Directory where companies can present themselves to the degree and impact that they chose. Following on from the launch of our jobs newsletter earlier this year, we have also redeveloped our jobs section in order to deliver a platform for matching the right people with the right jobs – both of which are likely to be readers and contacts of T&A. Through these changes, our aim is that Tyres & Accessories and Tyrepress will further develop into the essential information source for everyone in the tyre and wheel business, and we will continue to support both products with our ever-popular eNewsletter – a product that by the end of the year will likely be sent to more than 20,000 individual e-mail addresses.

"Together with our colleagues in Germany and Italy, we have for you - our readers as well as our advertisers - invested in a completely new website that gives your business and your customers access to the most important information when they need it – all in a simple and pleasant way. Or in other words: information with added value. We look forward to the relaunch of our popular websites at the end of September," publisher Klaus Haddenbrock concluded. cja

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Launching

09.13

more functions and features modern and user-friendly design better advertising options

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Reifenpresse.de Ein Service der NEUE REIFENZEITUNG

For more information please contact theeditor@tyrepress.com

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Michelin’s new fitments for Porsche, Ferrari During the month of August, Michelin gave word of original equipment supply to a pair of cars most of us would happily park in the garage at home.

EXTENDING

ITS RELATIONSHIP with Porsche once again, Michelin has announced the release of a new Pilot Super Sport tyre for the Carrera GT. The manufacturer claims the new version of the tyre “noticeably enhances the handling of the 1,270 versions of the super sports car built between 2003 and 2006.” The tyre has been brought in to replace the current Pilot Sport PS2 fitment, updating the specific fitment provided to the model by the French manufacturer. Michelin has been developing new specifications of the Pilot Super Sport for the luxury car market since its introduction in late 2010.

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Michelin thinks of the latest model as the result of ten years of tyre development. It is designed to give drivers of the Carrera GT noticeably improved handling, even faster lap times and a more harmonious driving experience overall. The new tyre will

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Michelin says the new Pilot Super Sport “noticeably enhances” the performance of the Carrera GT

improve the stability of the Porsche model at its top speed of 330 km/h, Michelin continues, as well as its behaviour at high lateral acceleration speeds, due to the new structure, which features the Porsche specification ‘N0’ on the sidewalls.

The tread compound of the Pilot Super Sport, which is manufactured on the same production line as Michelin’s racing tyres, features what Michelin calls “Bi-Compound” technology.

In this, different rubber compounds are used for the inside and outside of the tread area, a feature designed to increase grip on bends and steering response precision.

Internally, the tyre’s casing belt is made from an especially durable mix of aramid fibres which are five times lighter than steel but deliver the same tensile strength. In addition, Michelin’s “Variable Contact Patch 2.0” technology distributes the pressure evenly across the tyre, meaning as much of the tread as possible is always in contact with the road under any driving conditions.

Alongside optimised performance criteria, Michelin says the tyres will last longer too: compared to the previous tyre, milea-

The new, Michelin-shod 458 Speciale

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Cup 2 for the Ferrari, Michelin says it and the Italian car maker “pooled their cutting-edge engineering resources, wheel assembly expertise, passion for performance, measuring technology and the skills and analytical capabilities of their developers and test drivers.”

The French tyre maker adds that the simultaneous co-development of the tyre and the car, through tests on both the simulator and the track, has led to superior performance in three specific areas that were identified prior to the start of the project: faster lap time on dry asphalt, consistent performance lap Pilot Sport Cup 2 exclusive for Ferrari’s new 458 Speciale after lap and optimal grip on wet roads.

Ferrari’s debut for the 458 Speciale took place at the Frankfurt Shortly after announcing its new tyre for the Carrera GT, Michelin announced its global, and exclusive, supply tyres for Motor Show. Michelin is supplying the Pilot Sport Cup 2 in the the new Ferrari 458 Speciale. In developing its new Pilot Sport sizes 245/35 ZR 20 91 Y and 305/30 ZR 20 103 Y. akb/sg

ge is up to 10 per cent higher on the road, and as much as 20 per cent higher when the tyres are used on tough race tracks, Michelin claims. The new tyre also improves braking performance.

Michelin believes the tyre exemplifies its Total Performance ethos because it offers high levels of performance in all areas without compromising on any others, the company claims. The new Michelin Pilot Super Sport Carrera GT tyres are available now in 265/35ZR19 98Y N0 and 335/30ZR20 108Y N0 sizes.

Pirelli gives a taste of 50th anniversary Cal ARGUABLY THE BEST known product to come out of the tyre industry is one you can’t buy for love or money.

And it’s not even a tyre…We are, of course, talking about the Pirelli Calendar, and next year marks the 50th anniversary of the first edition. To ensure the occasion is suitably acknowledged, Pirelli has commissioned fashion photographers Peter Lindbergh and Patrick Demarchelier to photograph an anniversary calendar.

was followed by other high-profile editions, however it almost met with a premature demise when the world was set reeling by the OPEC crises. The Italian firm suspended publication of the Cal after the 1974 edition, and for a decade the institution remained fallow. It was finally revived in 1985 and hasn’t missed a year since.

Quite separately from the work by Lindbergh and Demarchelier, in November the Italian tyre maker will unveil its 2014 Calendar. So far Pirelli has remained tight-lipped about what awaits us, and the previous few years have shown that the Cal is Preview photos of this work were released in August now doing hard to pigeonhole. Mario Sorrenti’s 2012 skin-fest was followed the rounds, and this peek at the anniversary Calendar shows up by a very different work by Steve McCurry. And more than a few people were taken aback in Lindbergh and Demarchelier have opted for a ‘more is more’ 2011 when Karl Lagerfeld’s Cal approach – the models, all of d Lindbergh an al om featured – shock, horror – men. whom appeared in previofr c pi w A previe versary C r’s 50th anni For a tyre maker with a glous editions, are more Demarchelie bal presence, the Calendar is a covered up than those in project that needs to be carefulsome past Calendars. ly approached. Each year Pirelli Amongst the beauties faces the unenviable task of making a return appearance remaining true to the spirit of in the 50th anniversary Cal the Cal while ensuring it are Miranda Kerr, Alessandra doesn’t offend. We need only Ambrossio, Helena wait until November to see Christensen, Karolina whether Pirelli has managed Kurkova, Isabeli Fontana and to set the right tone in this Alek Wek. In the preview phogolden anniversatos, the protagonists are ry year. sg shown wearing various items of apparel, including white shirts and black jumpers.

The seminal 1964 Calendar The Calendar was shot by Robert Freeman, has developed the photographer who snapped somewhat the Beatles’ “magical” tours. since the first Pirelli describes this first work as edition in 1964 an immediate success and it

P

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Trelleborg launching

ProgressiveTraction technology TRELLEBORG HAS ANNOUNCED plans to launch what it calls ProgressiveTraction technology with a feature at the forthcoming Agritechnica 2013 exhibition which is due to take place from 10 to 16 November in Hannover, Germany.

The technology is designed to improve grip and weight distribution, while also improving wear and fuel consumption performance.

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After two years of intensive numerical simulations as well as indoor and outdoor testing, Trelleborg reports that the first application of this technology comes in the form of 650/65R38 agricultural tyre. This means a new tread, with a double lug feature said to be a key highlight.

Piero Mancinelli, R&D director, Trelleborg Agricultural and Forestry tires, said: “When it comes to innovation for farming, this new concept tyre is a tangible example of Trelleborg’s ability to think out of the box when searching for new solutions that upgrade the performance of radial agricultural tyre, lifting them to new standards.

“The new generation of tractors and transmissions continuously offer farmers more power and torque. To cope with these requirements, agricultural tyres have been growing both in terms of width and

Trelleborg and OK Tire Store partner at World Plowing Contest Trelleborg and OK Tire Store participated in the World Plowing Contest held 19 – 20 July 2013 in Alberta, Canada. During the two day championship, 60 competitors from over 30 countries took part in conventional and reversible ploughing classes on both stubble and grass plots.

Bob Etherington, Canadian Sales Representative for Trelleborg North America Agricultural and Forestry tyres, says: “In Trelleborg we believe that the World Plowing Contest is a great initiative to promote, excellence and passion in the farm business. That’s why we are glad to sponsor these types of events.

“The event was a great success and we would like to extend our thanks to the Canadian Plowing Organization and the Olds College campus in Olds, Alberta. They showed professionalism and excellent organization during the event. We would also like to thank all the participants for their interest in our products and, last but not least, to our OK Tire Store for partnering with us during this event.” cja

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overall diameter, becoming larger and larger. The ambition of ProgressiveTraction technology is to increase tyre efficiency and performance by simultaneously working on the tire’s dimension while re-engineering the traditional tread.”

The new tread of the ProgressiveTraction tyre is characterized by a special double lug that operates on the soil at different times, progressively releasing higher traction when and where it is needed. The double lug is also said to provide the tyre with better floatation capability, ensuring an even pressure distribution over the extra wide footprint.

The project is now in its final phase and prototypes are undergoing a variety of field tests to measure and benchmark product performance, both on and off road. According to the company, the initial results have exceeded expectations. This means a traction capacity over 10 per cent higher standard technology tyres. Moreover, the extra pulling force reportedly resulted in a three to five per cent reduction of working time, providing farming operations with substantial cost savings.

In addition higher floatation results and better pressure distribution on the ground are said to be available. And this is paired with better wear, fuel consumption, driver comfort, and handling on road surfaces.

“We invite farming professionals to our stand to touch and become acquainted with our latest innovation. Feedback will be welcomed to help shape the future of this new tire concept. According to the Trelleborg Blue Dimension approach, our goal is to have the ProgressiveTraction concept applied to our tyre range soon, to offer farming higher efficiency and productivity with the maximum respect of the environment,” concluded Mancinelli. cja

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

Our language is tyres.

The group:

Reifenpresse.de Ein Service der NEUE REIFENZEITUNG

REIFEN CHINA

Gaining speed

Reifen China expect 11,000 visitors and the Chinese manufacturers in November

entire top 14

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With China now the largest car and tyre producing marketing on earth, and with five Chinese tyre makers in the global top 20 its importance in the global landscape cannot be (and generally isn’t) ignored. In addition to scale, the largest Chinese manufacturers are increasingly investing in up-ing the standards of products they products, with their eyes on the global OE prize. The fact that import tariffs and labelling laws are coming and going in the midst of this means things are far from simple. And the fact that the spectres of domestic and global consolidation are hovering around us makes this an even more complex and compelling topic. With this in mind, Tyre & Accessories looks forward to attending this year’s Reifen China exhibition in Shanghai – not only for what goes on show days inside the hall, but for what the connections we make inside the trade fair tell us about what is going on in the rest of the market.

When this year’s show opens its doors between 13 and 15 November 2013 at the Shanghai New International Expo the at least 120 exhibits will cover a total of 11,500 square metres. As well as a wealth of domestic Chinese firms, exhibitors are travelling in from all over the world including: Belgium, Germany, Russia, Netherlands, Malaysia, USA, UAE, Poland, Japan, India, UK and Thailand. All this is expected to draw in an estimated 11,000 visitors.

In a demonstration of the show’s influence, all of the top 15 Chinese tyre manufacturers will participate by showing their respective ranges passenger car commercial vehicle, earthmover, agricultural and industrial tyres. Another detail worth highlighting along this vein is the fact that Reifen China’s reputation as the place to contact manufacturers directly is sustained once again this year with 45 per cent of exhibits promoting tyre manufacturers while another 40 per cent represent was trading companies.

Reifen China’s organisers expect to attract up to 11,000 people this year.

According to a Bloomberg report, rubber for delivery in January advanced as much as 3.2 per cent to 278 yen a kilogramme (2,817 a metric tonne) on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange, 22 per cent up from this year’s lowest close.

With increased oil prices caused by tensions in the Middle East it doesn’t make any difference whether we are talking about natural or Synthetic rubber. The end result will be increased prices for the tyre manufacturers and therefore increased tyre prices from the manufacturers into the markets.

"Rubber resumed a rally as optimism grew that Europe's economy may solidify its recovery and the Chinese growth may be accelerating, leading to an expansion in demand," said Kazuhiko Saito, chief analyst at broker Fujitomi Co in Tokyo.

China accounts for 33 per cent of global demand and tyres represent 70 per cent of natural-rubber consumption in the country, according to estimates from the Qingdao International Rubber Exchange Market. In addition The Cooper Chengshan strike showed us that they are becoming increasingly aware of their place in the global market and no-doubt the willingness to defend the value of Chinese brands will only increase as time goes by.

New attractions Talking points This year the show organisers are particularly pointing out the presence of motorcycle tyre makers and – in what is a development for the show – an increased emphasis on retreading. Before one or two specialist retreading equipment manufacturers were visible, but now we are told to expect retreaded tyre manufactures and repair material companies to be “the new highlight of the show”.

It is also worth considering business environment the show is being held in. Indeed with domestic Chinese tyre manufacturing confidence returning are exports about to speed up?

The latest data suggests that rubber prices are entering a “bull market” as futures hit a three-month high following indications that China's economy is likely to demand more rubber for tyres.

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In addition the ongoing discussions about labelling trade protection measures such as tariffs continue to be talking points. The latest addition to this are the reports that Tyres & Accessories recently heard that OTR tyres are not specifically covered by clean oil legislation and therefore cannot be bound by it. This in turn is likely to result in renewed interest in sourcing such products from China and therefore further competing on price with tyres produced inside the EU and for other EV. But there is a cautionary note.

While the logic of the report sounds credible, this has not yet been confirmed either a third party general or the EU in particular.

Nevertheless these are all good reasons to visit the show and find out more about this and other trends. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

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REIFEN CHINA

Mesnac acquires Test Measurement Systems

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Tyre equipment manufacturer and software provider Mesnac has purchased a majority interest in US firm Test Measurement Systems, Inc. (TSMI) for an undisclosed amount. The TSMI brand and identity will be retained following the deal, states Mesnac. Dr. Jerry Potts, CEO of the Akron-based firm, and other senior TSMI management staff will remain with the business and work with Mesnac to identify opportunities for growth, product innovation and diversification.

TMSI, which was founded in 1991, specialises in the design and manufacture of custom-designed scientific and test engineering systems for the tyre and automotive industries. “Development of

the next generation of test and measurement machines will be greatly enhanced by the acquisition of TMSI and the contribution from Dr. Potts and his team,” said Mesnac president Wang Jinjian.

“The collaboration between TMSI and Mesnac’s global R&D facilities, especially the R&D institute in Asia, will greatly enhance our ability to provide global customers with leading edge technology.”

Mesnac supplies a wide range of tyre manufacturing equipment, ranging from raw material mixing to final product testing. In its home country it operates research institutes in Qingdao and Beijing, and internationally in the UK, Europe and US. It also has sales and

service operations in North and Latin America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, India and China. “Mesnac’s global marketing and service network will provide TMSI with strong growth prospects and which will bring our customers more valueadded solutions and services,” commented Dr. Potts.

Zheng Jiangjia, president of Mesnac’s sales and marketing group, added: “We are looking forward to incorporating the TMSI equipment into our global product range which enhances our ability to offer our customers an extended variety of world class testing machines.” sg

TECHNOLGY IN MOTION With 17 years experiences in tire R & D and manufacturing, KK Tokyo Nihoon Rubber Corp. established Japan Toyomoto Tire Corp. to promote and build up T o y o m o t o b rand t i r e s on the international markets in 2010. Toyomoto products cover a full range of UHP, PCR, SUV, LTR and TBR, while Toyomoto OTR Division works for OTR and earthmoving Giant tires with technical soluitons. Toyomoto tires a r e also well certified for different markets.

@toyomoto @toyomototire www.toyomototire.com www.toyomoto-otr.com info@toyomototire.jp Customer Service: 400-816-2010

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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REIFEN CHINA

Triangle: no Russian tyre plant…for now Rumours of a Bashkortostan manufacturing site resurface and are denied Triangle Tire representatives have denied online reports that the company is planning to invest in a Russian tyre production facility any time soon. Following online reports which surfaced in August,Tyres & Accessories contacted the company and its UK importer TYM International. According to TYM managing director Steve Eke, there were talks with Russian government officials along these lines last year, but at the start of 2013 the decision was taken not to follow these through any further.

The official word is that there are no current plans to pursue this project.

However, investing in the area does not appear to have been ruled out completely as the denial was tempered with the qualification that there are no plans to pursue this any further for “at least three years”. Of course this does not mean that the company will re-initiate talks at this point, but there is nothing to say that they will not at some point in the future.

What we do know is that the various news sources that reported Triangle Tire was planning on taking its international operations to the next level with the investment of some 250 million euros in a new tyre factory in the Western Russian Republic of Bashkortostan were not entirely wrong. The unconfirmed reports had suggest that the new plant will be built in one of two areas near Sterlitamak and that the government is offering Triangle a subsidy that will save the company as much as 10 years’ property tax. In addition one source said the Republic of Bashkortostan is expected to foot the bill for related public infrastructure costs in this scenario. However this was contested by other reports (Chinese

news site cnsjzx.cn) which suggested that the People’s Republic of China will bear the costs of preparatory construction work such as pipelines and utilities.

Either way Triangle hasn’t confirmed any of these details, leaving other sources to fill in the blanks.

Russian market firm Autostat Analytic Agency surmised that the rationale for the proposed move lay in the connection with Chinese OEMs situation in the vicinity. “Among potential clients [are], first of all, Chinese car producers, vehicles of which are produced in the territory of our country.”

And this is concordant with an official statement from the company dated 13 September 2013, which confirmed that Ding Yuhua visited the Republic of Bashkortostan, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Kaluga Oblast, Ara Slavic and Moscow in Russia between July and August 2012.

The statement said that the aim of the talks was to gain “more knowledge of local tyre market, OE business and tyre manufacturing information.”

Rapid international growth For its part cnsjzx.cn pointed to Triangle’s rapid recent growth as an indication of the sense behind the company making a hypothetical move towards Russia. According to the site, in 2011 Triangle’s export volume doubled. Furthermore the source said Triangle tyre sales in the Russian market grew 186 per cent year-on-year, while sales to “central Asia and other countries” grew 63 per cent. In addition, exports to Brazil are said to have risen 179 per cent year-on-year bet-

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ween 2011 and 2012 while sales to South America in general grew 83 per cent in the period.

According to market data produced by competing Russian tyre brand Cordiant, some 366,000 Triangle tyres were sold in the Russian market in 2011.

This includes 119,000 passenger car tyres. However growth is said to have been very fast. By the end of the first quarter of 2012 they had already beaten this figure by some 50 per cent with unit sales totalling 180,000 tyres. This reportedly equates to a market share of 3.3 per cent in the truck tyre sector and 0.98 per cent in the passenger car market. At the same point in 2012, Triangle is said to have held a 1.07 per cent share of the Russian industrial tyre market.

With this combined export and OE background in mind you can imagine why Triangle may be interested in establishing a Russian factory at some point, if not now. And it certainly fits in with the tone of Triangle’s wider activities – as previously reported (see Tyres & Accessories June 2013), the firm bought a 10 per cent share of its UK importer TYM International earlier this year as well as similar agreements with Australia’s Consolidated Tyre Company and Russia’s SP LLC-Tyre Service Provider. Some observers see the moves as part of a longer term global expansion strategy being adopted by the Chinese tyre manufacturer. Indeed T&A understands that other international manufacturing plans have been mooted.

But with Triangle having done business in Russia for 15 years before this point. It is anyone’s guess how long any potential plans may take to come to fruition, if at all. chris.anthony@tyrepress.com

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

REIFEN CHINA

Strong export growth at Jiangxi Black Cat

Dynacargo to export to the US

JIANGXI BLACK CAT CARBON Black (Black Cat Inc.) reports that exports are growing fast after the firm redoubled efforts to improve “product quality, technology innovation” as well as expanding cooperation with certain leading international companies such as Bridgestone and Michelin.

Owing to the fact that the market has been influenced by the European debt crisis as well as fluctuations in market demand, Chinese domestic carbon black manufacturers have been having a rough ride recently. However, Black Cat Inc reports that it achieved sales equivalent to US$115 million in 2012.

In May 2012 Chinese rubber association CRIA reported that Black Cat Inc. was the largest Chinese carbon black manufacturer with sales of 3.38 billion yuan. The firm was the 20th largest when new tyre manufacturers were ranked alongside suppliers.

According to the company, invests 3 per cent its annual sales revenue in research and development of new products. The company also has an agreement with Qingdao Technology University as well as other education institutions with a view to training the innovators of the future. So far, Black Cat Inc. owns more than 10 independent intellectual property rights and it has been awarded with more than 20 honorary titles including: “National High-tech Enterprise”, „Advanced Enterprise in Scientific-technical Progress“ by rubber industry association.

Black Cat Inc. has passed the ISO9001 QMSC, ISO14001 EMS as well as GB/T18001 OHSMS certification. According to the company, its testing centre has passed the Chinese National Laboratory Accreditation. cja

ALL-STEEL TRUCK RADIAL TYRE manufacturer Dynacargo began exporting to the United States earlier this year. According to online news reports, Dynacargo (a member company of Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum (Group) Co., Ltd.-Kaidi Xixiang Company) has gained permission from Shaanxi Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau to export to the North American market.

The reports suggest the development “is a sign of the emergence of self-developed tyre in the international market.” The first batch of tyre exports amounted to a fairly modest 784 units. The fact that the range included two sizes and four patterns (six products in all) suggests the company is targeting a specific part of the market in the first instance. cja

Reports: Yitao Rubber and South China sign JV agreement

ONLINE NEWS SOURCES ARE reporting that South China Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. and Guangzhou Yitao Rubber Manufacture Co., Ltd. have signed cooperation agreement at a ceremony celebrating the creation of the Guangzhou Huayiyang Co., Limited joint venture.

South China Tire & Rubber 3 201 3 -15, 1 general manager Zou Yongzhi .

A v o IN N · CH GHAI said that through their joint SHAN effort, they are likely to compete with the world-leading tyre corporations.

With a reported annual output of 12.5 million units, South China Tire & Rubber is said to have become the largest radial tyre manufacturer in southern China. Guangzhou Yitao is a private enterprise which specialized in rubber air spring and has an Further information: Messe Essen GmbH · Phone: +49 201 72 44-727 · Fax: +49 201 72 44-435 annual output of 900,000. It is E-Mail: reifen.china@messe-essen.de · www.reifen-china.com announced that the newly estabChina United Rubber Corporation lished company is supposed to Phone: +86 10 5865 0277 · Fax: +86 10 5865 0288 produce 5 million units and make E-Mail: reifen.china@chrubber.com · www.reifenchina.com 1.5 billion yuan per year. cja

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INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Chinese market tyres – worse or just different?

Auto Bild’s comparative test raises questions TYRES

FROM CHINESE MANUFACTURERS often rank poorly in comparative tests undertaken by European publications, marked down for their performance in the all-important areas of wet braking and handling. Indeed, in the 2012 tyre braking test held by German motoring publication Auto Bild, nine of the bottom-ranking ten tyres (out of 50) were Chinese made brands. Yet Chinese tyres often receive respectable marks for wear and comfort – features that are consumer priorities in China. So it was interesting to see the outcome of another Auto Bild test published over the summer (issue 30/2013). The publication pitted ten Chinese tyres against a single European market tyre, but this time the ‘Chinese’ tyres were largely produced by top ten global manufacturers and intended for sale in the Chinese market. How would they get on in a European evaluation?

Testing was carried out at Continental’s Contidrom test facility in Germany using size 205/55 R 16 tyres mounted on European market Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks. The eleven tyres were put through a series of tests and rated according to the criteria Auto Bild typically uses when conducting tyre tests.

Representing Europe for the purposes of the test was a ContiPremium Contact 5, the presence of an ECE type approval mark testifying that the Continental tyre was manufactured for the European market. Up against the Conti tyre were ten same-size tyres from European, US and Asian manufacturers, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli and Hankook – but not Continental (a Continental representative told T&A the tyres used were solely selected by Auto Bild, and the choice of tyre was in no way influenced by Continental). Each of the ten tyres was produced for sale in China and none are officially sold in Europe, therefore at least in theory they shouldn’t be found on our roads at all.

How they performed The ten Chinese tyres and the European benchmark were put through their paces in tests that measured handling, braking ride comfort, external noise and rolling

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The comparative test was carried out at the Contidrom in northern Germany

resistance in the dry plus aquaplaning (on the straight and in curves), circular driving and braking in wet conditions.

Representatives from global tyre makers that are active in China tell Tyres & Accessories that motorists there expect tyres to be quiet, comfortable and durable, and therefore it was not surprising to see the Chinese market tyres performing well in related test criteria. In the area of external road noise all ten Chinese market tyres beat the European market Continental tyre and all gained good results for ride comfort (even though the Continental tyre took first place).

But it was an entirely different matter when the Chinese market tyres were taken out of their comfort zone and evaluated using criteria important to European consumers. In Auto Bild’s words, the wet braking test “separated the wheat from the chaff.” When braking from 100km/h (62.1mph), the Continental tyre stopped in 45.8 metres, a whole 7.5 metres before the second best performing tyre, the Bridgestone Turanza T001. The worst performing tyre in the test, the Sumitomo Rubber Industries-produced Dunlop SP Touring T1, took an additional 23.7 metres to stop. When it came to straight line aquaplaning and wet handling, the Chinese market Bridgestone tyre also performed

well, returning a better result than the European market Continental in the first of these tests. The Chinese market Pirelli Cinturato P1 also performed well in the aquaplaning test and the Goodyear Efficient Grip in the wet handling. In last place once again was the Dunlop SP Touring T1.

The overall average rating for the five wet weather tests saw the Continental tyre on top with a ‘very good’ result. The Bridgestone tyre also delivered respectable performance, followed by the Goodyear and Pirelli products. Last place was occupied by the Dunlop tyre.

Average results for the five dry weather tests saw the Continental and Goodyear tyres taking equal first place, with Bridgestone, Pirelli, Michelin, Giti and Yokohama brand tyres close behind. Last place was a draw between the Chao Yang Radial RP26 and the Dunlop SP Touring T1.

At this point it should be noted that Dunlop tyres sold in Asia, unlike those in Europe and North America, are not produced by Goodyear Dunlop. It is also no coincidence that the SP Touring T1, the tyre that bombed when it came to wet handling and braking, scored equal second for rolling noise and performed respectably in the comfort and rolling resistance criteria. A grippy, “safe” tyre is by nature a noisy tyre and often has

WWW.TYREPRESS.COM TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET Strong headline: Auto Bild opined that “Chinese tyres are this bad”

indifferent rolling resistance, and the reverse also applies.

Commenting on Auto Bild’s findings, editor Henning Klipp stated that “the level of performance for the Chinese market tyres was far behind that of the European brand tyre. Some of the wet surface results were particularly bad. The Far East tyres were very convincing when it came to external road noise, however we believe that safety takes priority to comfort!”

But is it fair to say, as Auto Bild has, that Chinese tyres are worse than European tyres? The German magazine makes its point of view clear by titling the article ‘Chinese tyres are this bad’ (So schlecht sind China-Reifen) and describing the test as an ‘international match’ between German and Chinese market tyres – which Germany wins, of course.

Yet the European tyre’s victory was aided by Auto Bild’s decision to test at a European facility according to European consumer priorities. The Contidrom is not set up to replicate conditions found in China, and the suspension on the Volkswagen Golf test cars is tuned for European roads and tyres – indeed, the ContiPremiumContact 5 is original equipment on certain Golf models, and as such an optimised fit.

Furthermore, the manufacturers of several tyres featured in the comparative test contacted Tyres & Accessories following its publication, and each emphasised one very important point – the ten tyres tested lack the necessary e4 mark, label rating, s-mark and REACH compliance required before a tyre can be legally sold in Europe, and even those tyres sold in both China and Europe (such

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

a s “A top-quality European market tyre the wouldn’t survive two days in some parts of China,” commented a representative from a top ten tyre maker to T&A in response to the Auto Bild test. “Road conditions are very different to those in Europe, with more open-pore asphalt overall and, outside of the populous regions, very bad roads. Chinese motorists want a durable tyre that won’t leave them stranded and they won’t forgive a brand Bridgestone Turanza T001 and Pirelli that punctures. Comfort is also given a Cinturato P1) differ in specification and much higher priority than it is here.” To are adapted for each market. Aside from accommodate these different conditions some potential grey imports, the ten and preferences, all major tyre manuChinese tyres in the Auto Bild test won’t facturers tailor their tyre compounds and be found on sale here. treads, and sometimes construction, to Auto Bild’s use of the words “Chinese suit each particular regional market. tyres” and “bad” in the same sentence What then can we conclude from the also rankled certain protagonists. The Auto Bild test? Tyres designed for influential publication would be well Chinese conditions and consumer preferaware that many of its readers, unfamiliar ences aren’t a good fit for the European with the ins and outs of tyre design and market, certainly. But do the test results construction, will be swayed by such really show that Chinese tyres are bad or words – even when applied to products that they lag behind European tyres in they can’t buy. One person who con- performance? That really depends on tacted Tyres & Accessories questioned what performance qualities are being Auto Bild’s motivation for printing such a measured, therefore such arguments are headline. We cannot comment on this, hard to support without more comprehowever the article’s title seems open for hensive testing, including comparing misinterpretation. equivalent Chinese and European market tyres against the test criteria and conditions found in both regions. The results What do the results show? may not especially help consumers deciIt’s a safe bet that some Auto Bild readers de on their next purchase, however it looked at the roll-call of premium manu- would be interesting to see whether or facturers amongst the ten Chinese tyres not European market tyres would comand asked the following questions – why plete every challenge with flying colours. are the manufacturers we know and trust stephen.goodchild@tyrepress.com producing “bad” tyres for China? And if European market tyres are so much better, then why not simply produce them for China and everywhere else?

Volkswagen Golfs were used for testing

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Kumho extends ‘Platinum Club’ THE UK, ALONG WITH ITALY, served as the pilot market for Kumho’s new dealer programme. Since its rollout here a number of years ago, the Ecsta Performance Centre network has grown to include around 400 tyre retailers, while its Italian counterpart, the Kumho Platinum Club, contains some 300 dealers. The Korean firm is now launching equivalent dealer networks in other European markets; our sister publication Neue Reifenzeitung reports on the Kumho Platinum Club’s rollout in Germany.

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This current drive to establish the dealer programme in Germany is not Kumho’s first attempt. In 2011, Kumho Tire Europe GmbH introduced the Kumho Platinum Club within the German market, however for Kumho that year – as was the case for most within the market – turned out to be a very good year business-wise, a record year even. Market demand for Kumho tyres was strong, so strong in fact that it made implementing the new partner network a difficult task. The economic pressure to join such a network was also absent.

Now, two years later, the market is developing satisfactory, yet it is quite different from 2011. Market observers estimate Kumho sold well over a million tyres in Germany last year, although Kumho has not openly confirmed this figure. And the company’s annual turnover in Germany during 2012 was exactly 100 million euros. In an interview with Neue Reifenzeitung, Kumho Tire Europe managing director Kim Yong-Sung and executive sales director Thomas Schlich said they believe now is the right time to have a second go at establishing the dealer programme in the German market and creating an extra tool for securing customer loyalty.

Schlich explained that, as was the case in the UK and Italy, the concept will

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centre on ‘shop-in-shop’ solutions. Dealers joining the programme set up a ‘Kumho corner’ within their sales area, complete with tyre stands, seating, brochure displays and cabinets, along with Kumho advertising for the building’s exterior and other promotional items.

In return for this product placement, the dealer receives training and educational programmes from (l to r): Kumho Tire Europe marketing manager Wolf Fuder with managing director Kim Yong-Sung and executive sales director Thomas Kumho’s own technical Schlich department, assistance with advertising costs and invitations to company wants to better serve its retail trade fairs and events. Upon certification channels while also further deepening its as an official dealer the tyre dealer is also traditional, established relationships with listed on Kumho’s website as a partner wholesalers and increase the Kumho and gains access to the Kumho dealer brand’s in-house share with these busiportal, through which good purchasing nesses.

Schlicht has received backup for tackconditions can be obtained.

As already mentioned, the UK dealer ling this project; on 1 July Peter Fottner programme (which, incidentally, may also began in the role of key account manager adopt the ‘Kumho Platinum Club’ name in in Germany. Fottner will mainly take care future) now boasts some 400 members of larger wholesale customers and the and the Italian programme around 300. company’s cooperative relationship with According to Thomas Schlicht, who will trade associations. In addition, the be responsible for establishing the German sales area has been divided into Kumho Platinum Club in Germany, the five regions and each is looked after by a first 30 dealer sign-ups will most likely sales manager. In addition to this, a sales occur this year. The plan calls for a further manager has also been appointed to 50 or so to join next year, and by 2017 an focus on car dealers and another for the anticipated 300 dealers should be on truck tyre business. According to Thomas board in Germany. In addition to shop-in- Schlicht, Kumho Tire Europe’s sales team shop solutions, Kumho Tire Europe offers will enjoy additional growth in future.

Kumho Tire Europe is located in the option of fully Kumho-branded outOffenbach, near Frankfurt, and employs lets.

The executive sales director (who 40 staff; 15 work in the European head began in this position at the start of 2013) office and the remaining 25 are involved and managing director Kim state that the in the German market. A further 20 programme’s rollout is an important com- employees work at the nearby Kumho ponent of Kumho’s efforts to position European Technical Centre (KETC) in itself more broadly within the German Mörfelden-Walldorf under the leadership market. A broader positioning decreases of executive managing director Peter the company’s vulnerability to the market Becker. The Korean tyre maker currently fluctuations that hit wholesalers, as the employs around 120 people throughout middle link in the value chain, particularly Europe. arno.borchers@reifenpresse.de/sg hard. Schlicht stresses that in future the

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TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Resurgent US a region of vast potential – Onkar Kanwar SHAREHOLDER RESPONSE TO APOLLO TYRES’ acquisition of Cooper Tire & Rubber has been mixed and several institutional investors petitioned the tyre maker in July to reconsider its decision. During August, Apollo’s share price hovered around Rs 62, about two thirds the going rate before the company announced the planned purchase. Against this backdrop, company chairman Onkar S Kanwar’s address to shareholders at the Apollo Tyres 2013 annual general meeting framed the US$2.5 billion transaction as a necessary response to changing market conditions.

C

Connecting US entrepreneur Jim Rohn’s well-known quote “if you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary” to Apollo’s way of doing things, Kanwar broached the acquisition by discussing the developments behind this decision. “Profound changes are taking place in our world,” he stated. “The so-called emerging economies are facing new challenges, with growth in markets like India and China slowing down appreciably while Brazil, South Africa and Russia are going through a number of social changes to add complexity to their economic difficulties.”

Kanwar contrasted these emerging market issues with Apollo’s strong recent profitability in the developed, “so-called troubled” European market, and opined that the United States – where Apollo currently lacks a presence – also offers opportunities. “The United States is in a phase of resurgence, with growth coming back after the last few years of fiscal corrections,” he said.

Elaborating on this resurgence, Kanwar told shareholders that “the discovery of shale oil and gas is a huge boon to US manufacturing and already a number of companies, including global giants in our own industry, have announced plans for new manufacturing facilities there. What was always the largest market will now also enjoy strong growth, and given the already vast potential there the numbers can be mind-boggling.

To quote only one example, even a one per cent growth in the US tyre market calls for the addition of a new manufacturing plant every year to meet the increased demands.”

Those filtering out the business and motivational language obligatory on such occasions would have understood that Apollo’s global ambitions are driven by the company’s concerns that India – a region still accounting for around 68 per cent of total revenues – and an overreliance on one particular market segment will no longer deliver Apollo the kind of results it enjoyed in the past.

“The Indian economy is passing through challenging times,” commented the company chairman. “Growth has slowed down, traditional export markets are being attacked by other competitors and the rupee is a pale shadow of what it was.”

Therefore an antidote is needed to counter this economic malaise: a broadening of revenue and profit streams through a presence in “diverse geographies” and a product portfolio that covers different categories. “Your company will have equal exposure to the developed and profitable markets as also to the

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emerging high growth markets, a combination that very few other companies can lay claim to,” he told shareholders.

Investment law change no hindrance to deal On 14 August, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the limit for overseas direct investment, but Apollo doesn’t anticipate that this change will influence its Cooper acquisition plans. With immediate The United States is in a phase of effect, the limit for overseas resurgence, with growth coming direct investment must be wit- back after the last few years of fiscal corrections, said Onkar Kanwar hin 100 per cent of the Indian purchasing company’s net worth. The RBI will decide upon any overseas direct investment exceeding the 100 per cent limit on a case-by-case basis.

Ronojoy Banerjee, reporter for Indian financial channel CNBC-TV, spoke with Apollo management and analysts and shared on 19 August that this new policy isn’t expected to affect the $2.5 billion deal. “Any proposal for which documentation under the FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) have already been completed prior to 14 August, when the RBI notification came out, will be safe,” Banerjee commented.

“More importantly, as far as Apollo Tyres is concerned, they have only raised about $450 million on their own books. The remaining $2.1 billion is going to be on the books of Cooper Tires. So, even as per the RBI notification they would not require any approval from the RBI. “Both Cooper Tire and analysts believe it will not have any impact, and they’re expecting the deal to go through in about two months’ time, because at this point in time they are awaiting statutory approvals from various authorities,” Banerjee added.

Prior to the 14 August notification, the provisions of India’s Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 allowed the total overseas direct investment of an Indian company in all its joint ventures and/or wholly owned subsidiaries to reach up to 400 per cent of the firm’s net worth. sg

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INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Late 2014 production start for Pirelli JV plant now expected

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Work on the Indonesian joint venture motorcycle factory part owned by Pirelli is underway following the recent groundbreaking ceremony in Subang, West Java. The Italian tyre maker is 60 per cent shareholder in the PT Evoluzione Tyres (Evoty) joint venture, with Indonesia’s PT Astra Otoparts Tbk holding the remaining 40 per cent.

Presiding over the groundbreaking ceremony in Desa Wanakerta was Paolo Benea, president director of Evonty, and head of Purwadadi sub-district of Subang, Rahmat Ependy.

Construction work on the new plant was originally expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2012 and begin operation in the second half of 2013. The current work schedule is for the plant to start production by the end of 2014. Total investment will be Rp 1.3 trillion (£78.4 million).

The Evoty factory will produce crossply motorcycle tyres and will initially produce 2 million tyres per annum, later increasing to 7 million tyres. Astra Otoparts will distribute 40 per cent of output on the domestic market (where 7 million two-wheel vehicles were sold in 2012) and the rest will be exported. Pirelli has previously stated that when the Evoty factory reaches full production, 3 million tyres a year or around 43 per cent of output will be sold as Astra brands while the remaining 4 million – an amount equal to around a quarter of Pirelli’s global moto production – will be produced under the Pirelli or Metzeler brand names. Pirelli intends to sell 20 to 25 per cent of the Pirelli brand production in the Asia Pacific original equipment and replacement markets and sell the remainder in all other markets apart from South America.

Evonty president director Paolo Luigibenea with Purwadadi sub-district head Rahmat Ependy, doing the honours at the Evonty plant groundbreaking ceremony, accompanied by Evonty vice-president director Tonny Santoso (red shirt), and Evonty director Paulo Marks

While the Evoty joint venture factory is Pirelli’s fourth motorcycle tyre plant – the company also produces motorcycle tyres in Germany (Breuberg, which has produced moto tyres using MIRS since 2003), Brazil (Gravatai, which opened in 1976) and China (Yanzhou, where motorcycle radial production began in 2012) – the facility is Astra’s first tyre factory. The tyres it currently sells in Indonesia under the Aspira brand name are produced by third-party manufacturers. sg

Bridgestone Asia tech centre opens

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Operations at Bridgestone Asia Pacific’s Technical Center as Asian markets are a new technical centre are now underway growth area for Bridgestone and the following its official opening on 13 company sees establishing a technical August. During the opening ceremony, centre in Thailand “as a step to strengBridgestone’s senior vice-president then its framework for research and deveYoshiyuki Morimoto stated that the new lopment in the region.” Bridgestone Bridgestone Asia Pacific Technical Center states that establishing a technical centre – the Japanese company’s first in the close to the markets it serves will, as region – will provide technical support across the region and will enable Bridgestone to more quickly respond to customer needs.

The centre is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Asia Pacific and is headed by Masajiro Fujiwara as managing director.

Bangkok was selected as the location for the Bridgestone Asia Pacific Bridgestone management and staff at the centre’s official opening

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Yoshiyuki Morimoto observed, allow it to quickly grasp changes in customer needs – and reflect this in product development.

The new technical centre will engage in tyre development, production technology, quality management and procurement, and serve as a regional base that facilitates improvements in safety, environmental aspects, product quality and delivery at Bridgestone’s Asian factories.

The tyre maker says that, moving forward, it will further increase its Asia Pacific presence through enhanced research and development, an expansion of its sales network and increased tyre production capacity. sg

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

INTERNATIONAL TYRE MARKET

Dunlop to supply Geomax MX71 to FMX4Ever Dunlop has announced a new cooperation with the Red Bull-sponsored FMX4Ever freestyle motocross team, for whom the manufacturer will provide advanced off-road motorcycle tyres for the team. FMX, or Freestyle Motocross, focuses on aerial manoeuvres – or jumps and stunts – known as tricks. Dunlop’s hard terrain Geomax MX71, which will be provided to

FMX4Ever, have directional front and rear patterns, optimising performance under braking and acceleration – exactly what is needed on ramps and on jump receptions. The FMX4Ever team will use the Geomax MX71 90/100-21 as front tyre and the MX71 110/90-19 at the rear.

“The Dunlop Geomax MX71 tyre is not only the teams prime choice for its great handling off the ramp, but the tyre has amazing traction that is needed to pick up speed to clear the jumps more easily in tight arenas”, says Martin Koren, project management and marketing at FMX4Ever. “They are an essential part of ensuring we can perform effectively.”

Born in the hills of Southern California in the mid-1990s when legendary riders such as Mike Metzger and Jeremy McGrath performed BMX tricks on Motocross bikes in natural terrain, FMX debuted at the X-Games in 1996, an annual event which focuses on action sports in the US. “With talented team members coming from South Africa, the US and across Europe, the FMX4Ever team, with its base in Belgium, constantly proves that the word ‘impossible’ is not part of their vocabulary”, says Sharon Antonaros, director Dunlop Motorcycle EMEA. “I am convinced that Dunlop’s Geomax MX71 will suit the riders perfectly and help them achieve their spectacular performances. Many world-class FMX

riders choose our MX71 as it matches the needs of freestyle motocross riders and gives them the performance they need“.

As part of this co-operation, Dunlop will also provide its unique 125 years engineering experience built on its motorsport racing expertise. Dunlop engineers have built this expertise on circuits which include the 500cc, 250cc and 125cc GP World Championships, World Superbike, and so forth. Dunlop’s success in road racing is also extensive with many Isle of Man TT wins and other road racing titles held by the leading motorcycle tyre brand across Europe. In the offroad racing category Dunlop is a leading player in the World Supercross and the AMA outdoors. The brand has also made a strong comeback in the MX GPs since 2011.

“I’m delighted by this new co-operation, says Jacob Vanluchene, sport & athletes manager at Red Bull Belux.

“Dunlop has a unique association with motorsport and has constantly demonstrated its leadership in technology.“ akb

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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Former Conti man new Pirelli Germany sales and marketing head ON 1 AUGUST, Andreas Penkert, former CEO and director of Trenttyre Continental India Ltd, the former Modi Tyres operation acquired in 2011, has taken over leadership of sales and marketing for Pirelli in Germany. In his new role Penkert reports to Pirelli Deutschland GmbH CEO Michael Schwöbel and Pirelli tyre S.p.A. Central Europe CEO Daniele Deambrogio.

Prior to his India-based role, Penkert also worked for Goodyear Tire & Rubber as director retail Europe, managing director Goodyear Dunlop HS GmbH and CEO and director Goodyear

IT

IS WITH GREAT SADNESS that Tyres &

Accessories reports the passing of Infleet founder Bill Hall, following a long battle with cancer. A prominent figure in the tyre business for nearly 30 years, Hall joined Goodyear in 1980, serving in several senior positions in the UK and Europe, before leaving to set up the independent tyre ser-

Bill Hall passes away vice network in the mid-2000s. His long and distinguished career also included two years as chairman of the British Rubber Manufacturers Association tyres committee, forging a close working relationship with most of the major tyre brands and the industry associations. Hall died on Friday, 19 July, and was commemorated at a funeral on Thursday, 25 July.

A keen sportsman who was a lifelong supporter of Bolton Wanderers, he lived with his wife in Sandbach, Cheshire and has a grown up son and a daughter with three grandchildren.

Bill Hall built an enviable reputation in the tyre industry both in the UK and throughout the major Western European markets, well known amongst most of the key tyre service providers in these markets.

Joining Goodyear in 1980 as a salesman he soon became North West UK divisional manager, he moved to

74

Andreas Penkert South Africa.

Between 2006 and 2010 he was employed

by Siemens AG as vice-president Global System Engineering Transportation Systems MT and later as CFO Transportation Systems IS in the traffic technology business unit.

Penkert replaces Michael Borchert, who took on responsibility for Pirelli’s German sales and marketing in March 2008. He will initially work together with his successor before leaving Pirelli. sg

Wolverhampton in the mid-1980s before becoming UK sales director in the mid1990s. He rose further through the ranks to become director of sales and marketing for the company’s European commercial business. He returned to the UK in 2002, when he became Goodyear UK managing director, as well as taking up the post of chairman of the BRMA for two years.

During these years in senior sales & marketing management positions both in the UK and internationally, Hall specialised in the development of independent service networks, both in the UK and western and central European countries. He developed detailed experience of both roadside servicing and fleet support requirements for the full range of tyre segments, including industrial tyres as well as car, van and truck products.

In the UK market he supported the development of an all service independent tyre service network, while later he headed up development throughout Europe of an independent truck tyre service network offering cradle to grave tyre service support to major International fleets.

When he left Goodyear Dunlop in 2004, Hall set up the Infleet tyre service initiative, utilising his vast past experience to address the need for a full service UK network. The network has now matured with over 900 service providers, which enables Infleet to offer fleet tyre solutions to small businesses and major national fleets alike. He leaves behind an established well organised operation that he took great pride in developing. akb

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Goodyear’s Erich Fric is new BTMA chairman The British Tyre Manufacturers Association (BTMA) has elected Erich Fric, Goodyear Dunlop’s UK and Ireland managing director, as its new chairman. Fric was elected as the at a recent board meeting and takes over with immediate effect. He brings with him 20 years of experience in the business. Erich Fric will also represent the BTMA on the board of the Tyre Industry Federation (TIF). He replaces Michelin Tyre plc managing director, Eric Le-Corre whose chairmanship ended recently when he took up the Paris-based role of head of public affairs for the French tyre manufacturer.

“It’s a great honour to serve as chairman of the BTMA as it is a very important position within the tyre industry. I aim to build upon the success that the association has enjoyed under the previous chairmanship so that our members increase their competitiveness in both the domestic and overseas markets,” said Fric.

Erich Fric joined Goodyear Dunlop in 1994 as general manager in Austria, having already built a strong career in the automotive industry. In 2009 he relocated to Sweden, where he led the business for the Nordics cluster as General Manager prior to becoming UK and Ireland Managing Director.

“The tyre industry is not immune to the global challenges faced by all markets, so representing the interests of BTMA members over the next two years is a very exciting prospect,” added Fric. cja

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

Pirelli commends long-serving staff A TOTAL OF 44 EMPLOYEES from Pirelli’s Burton upon Trent and Carlisle factories have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to premium tyre manufacturer Pirelli. Each year, Pirelli holds annual dinners to reward its employees who have worked with the company for a period of either 21, 30 or 40 years.

In 2013, six members of staff were commended for working with the Italianbased firm for 40 years and a further 23 employees were rewarded for 35 years’ service. Fifteen staff members were also credited for 21 years’ service. As a special thank you to Pirelli’s long-serving staff, an all-expenses dinner was held for its Burton upon Trent staff at Dovecliff Hall Hotel on Friday 14 June. A special dinner for Carlisle’s long-service employees was held

at Dalston Hall Hotel on Friday 28 June.

Pirelli UK managing firector, Dominic Sandivasci, said: “Simply put, Pirelli wouldn’t be as successful as it is today without its extremely skilled and knowledgable workforce. It’s truly commendable that the company has so many employees being recognised for their long-service, and hopefully it is a reflection of a true affinity with the Company and a recognition that rewards follow that success. I would personally like to thank each and every member of our workforce who have been recognised at our annual dinners, both past and present. I hope that they can continue to work with us and share their wisdom with our newest and thus less experienced employees.” cja

Conti appoints Matic Hydraulic Brake Systems head CONTINENTAL HAS APPOINTED Matthias studied Mechanical Engineering and then tomers with a complete package that conMatic as its new Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit head, part of the Continental Chassis & Safety Division, headquartered in Frankfurt am Main.

Matic moves from his current position as Chassis Components Business Unit head on 1 September, succeeding Peter Laier who has assumed a position on the executive board of a German light manufacturer. “I’m looking forward to the new challenge. Hydraulic brake systems have proven their worth a million times over; they’re a key component of automotive safety. Friction brakes will continue to be an important topic for the foreseeable future”, said Matic.

Matic has been with Continental since 1993, having previously worked as project manager for Electronic & Hydraulic Brake Systems, director strategic planning & program management for wheel brakes, director for the Business Center Foundation Brakes & Brake Hoses within the Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit, and vice president for the HBS Business Unit for the NAFTA region. He

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

earned an Executive Master of Business tains everything needed to make a car safe,” adds Matic.

Administration (E-MBA).

A global leader in the field, Conti’s Matic assumed responsibility for the Chassis Components Business Unit in Hydraulic Brake Systems Business Unit 2011, and Conti says this experience will develops and manufactures wheel brakes, stand him in good stead as he assumes his electronic parking brakes, drum brakes, new function. He will continue to report brake boosters, hoses, plus cleaning sysdirectly to the president of the Chassis & tems for windshields and headlights for automotive markets all over the world.

Safety Division in his new position.

Conti’s current foci in hydraulic brake akb systems are on short braking distances, durability and comfort, while preventing parked vehicles from rolling while parked is also essential. Conti says electronic parking brakes are rapidly making inroads in every category of car and are becoming ever more commonplace. Manufacturers also enjoy greater flexibility in designing interiors because there is no more hand-brake lever to protrude into the passenger compartment. “Our know-how in brake systems, plus our ContiGuard integrated safety Continental’s new executive vice president Hydraulic Brake concept, allows us to furnish cus- Systems, Matthias Matic

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Cam Systems Giti Tire appoints business appoints new general system manager manager Giti Tire has created the new role of business system

R

Ryan Naughton has been appointed Cam Systems’s general manager with the aim of reinforcing the company’s service-oriented culture and “driving up its results-led organisational approach”. According to Cam, Naughton demonstrates “in-depth analytical and strategic expertise”, and will build upon the company’s operational and procedural planning.

With more than 12 years’ experience in managerial and operational positions, Naughton has enjoyed rapid career progression. He spent almost 10 years working at All Fleet Services, a provider of outsourced contact centre services to the fleet and automotive industry, rising to head of operations, where he was instrumental in helping to grow the company to a turnover of £4 million, increasing staff count from 10 to 110.

Mike Allen, managing director of CAM Systems, says, “Ryan’s experience, tenacity and organisational skills will enable CAM to continue to develop our external and internal services to ensure we are focused on consistently delivering solutions aligned to the challenges our customers face.”

Ryan Naughton comments, “With CAM Systems celebrating its 30th anniversary this year it’s a very positive time to be joining the company. I’m looking forward to being able to building even greater value and service delivery for our customers and developing our internal skills and expertise further.” akb

Cam Systems’s new general manager, Ryan Naughton

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manager based in Manchester and augmenting its European growth strategy. Sujata Achuthan has been appointed to the position, and has been tasked with the introduction of the Oracle Enterprise Business Suite (EBS) Giti Tire’s new business system manager, Sujata to provide the platform for increased finance and distribu- Achuthan tion requirements, as well as further improve the company’s hardware and software. She has 15 years of global IT experience.

Achuthan will report directly to Gillian MacRae, finance director - Europe, and will be functionally aligned to the chief information officer (CIO) in Asia on a joint project to implement standard reporting processes. She will work across all Giti Tire’s European brands – GT Radial, Primewell, Runway and Dextero – across passenger car, SUV, light truck and truck and bus programmes.

MacRae said: “Sujata’s big company experience is second-to-none, she can clearly demonstrate a complex Oracle implementation at PricewaterhouseCoopers plus project management for the likes of Hitachi, Panasonic and Standard Chartered Bank, to name but a few.

“As the requirements for our European expansion increase so does the complexity of the financial, warehousing and distribution operations. To deliver this we need a cohesive team that is exceptional in every way, and Sujata will fit the bill perfectly.”akb

Exol appoints Lundie technical support specialist

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Exol Lubricants, the UK’s largest lubricants blender, has appointed Robert Lundie as technical support specialist.

Exol says Lundie will be responsible for supporting customers and the Exol sales team with product recommendations and advice on the correct oil for a specific application.

Furthermore, he is tasked with writing technical and Exol Lubricants technical support specialist, Robert Lundie laboratory reports and ensuring Exol’s product quality remains of the technical support and customer service.”

Paul Timmis, Exol Group technical highest standard possible.

Commenting on his new role, he said: manager, added: “Robert is a welcome “The lubricants industry is increasingly addition to the Exol team as he has the complex as more efficient engines and ability and expertise to provide outstanlow emission regulations demand oils of ding advice and support to customers, a higher quality. I’m delighted therefore against a backdrop of continuous change to be part of an Exol team that leads in within the oil industry, coupled with the area of product development and the increased demand as the economy provision of the highest quality products, improves.” akb

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easy way

Aeolus Balkrishna Tyres vintagetyres.com/tradelink Bandag BF Srl Bridgestone Cam systems Cooper authentic tyres Event from the ultimate classic tyre authority Falken Federal Grouptyre vintagetyres.com/tradelink t: 01590 612261 sales@vintagetyres.com Infinity Intersprint Kirkby Marshall Maxxis Messe Essen Michelin Nexen Phillip White Tyres Primewell Sailun Shandong Linglong Stamford TGI Toyomoto Treadsetters TYM Viking Vredestein Westlake Yokohama //

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YOUR DIRECT TRADE ACCOUNT THROUGH OUR WEBSITE

Need advice on classic tyre choice, fitment or atechnical query?

Give us a ring or email.

Advertisers Index Aeolus Balkrishna Tyres Bandag BF Srl Bridgestone Cam systems Cooper Event Falken Federal Grouptyre Infinity Intersprint Kirkby Marshall Maxxis Messe Essen Michelin Nexen Phillip White Tyres Primewell Sailun Shandong Linglong Stamford TGI Toyomoto Treadsetters TYM Viking Vredestein Westlake Yokohama

7 41 43 17 35 5 Front Cover 21 Back Cover 69 9 23 27 37 19 15 65 29 11 46 55 31 71 44 47 63 45 33 20 Inside Front Cover 39 53

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WEB DIRECTORY

Abrasives www.olivercorp.com

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

Breakdown Services www.itdn.org.uk

Earthmover Wheels www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

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

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

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

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

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

Importers/Wholesalers www.tym-international.com

Industrial Tyres www.solideal.com

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

Locking Wheel Nuts www.dynomec.co.uk

Materials/Accessories www.gogommasrl.it

Miscellaneous www.zeppelin-systems.com www.traxjh.com

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

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

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

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WEB DIRECTORY

Software www.mamsoft.co.uk/tyres

Testing Services www.dunloptyretesting.co.uk

Truck Tyre Retreading www.bandvulc.co.uk

Truck Wheels www.kirkbytyres.co.uk

Tyre Compounds www.vipal.com.br

Tyre Computer Software www.teamsystems.co.uk

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

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

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WEB DIRECTORY

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

Tyre Exporters www.china-tyre.com

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

Tyre Moulds www.jwinc.co.kr

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

www.northhantstyres.com www.vintagetyres.com www.vredestein.com

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

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

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

Vintage Tyres www.grouptyre.co.uk www.longstonetyres.co.uk

TYRES & ACCESSORIES 9/2013

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PREVIEW

In Our Next Issue A brief look forward at a few of the articles appearing in next month‘s T&A.

I E-commerce I For years, the biggest conundrum in the online tyre business has been how to interface the bricks and mortar with the clicks and orders. With the advent of Tesco’s first “click and fit” outlet in Bletchley near Milton Keynes, the supermarket and e-Tailer Blackcircles appear to have come up with a solution.

But can it be replicated across enough of the country and by other companies and is the concept viable in the long-term? Tyres & Accessories looks at this alongside the latest online branding research (conducted in association with Envisional) as well as our annual social network impact audit.

I Wholesaling I The UK tyre wholesaling landscape continued to evolve this year with one player changing hands, increasing the size and coverage of another in the process.

Meanwhile businesses continued to develop their strategic brand partnerships with manufacturers in the east, beginning to offer new service agreements and incentive deals. Tyres & Accessories will report on all the latest news from the wholesale business in the October issue.

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

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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 Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company, using only paper fro FSC/PEFC suppliers. www.magprint.co.uk Tyre Industry Publications Ltd. can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers

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