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   Aged tyres - a "Ticking Time Bomb"

9/05/08  

The US tyre industry is refusing to give American motorists the same warning given to car owners in Europe and Asia about the possible danger of tyres six years old or older.
More than 100 deaths in the US have been attributed to aged tyres which dried out and lost their treads even though they appeared to be safe, according to Sean Kane, who heads a private auto safety firm and consults with the federal government.
With no warning from the industry or the federal government, safety experts say the only way for consumers to protect themselves is to learn how to read the cryptic code embedded on a tyre's sidewall which reveals the year and week a tyre was manufactured.
For example the number 418 indicates the tyre was manufactured in the 41st week of 1998 and is 10 years old.
A tyre older than six years old, even if it's never been driven a mile, "is like a ticking time bomb. You don't know what's going on inside. That's what makes it so dangerous," said Sean Kane.
There's no scientific information that can point to when a tyre should be removed because of age," said Dan Zielinski of the US Rubber Manufacturers Association, who maintains that age is not the only key factor in safety and performance. "You need to look at the totality of the tyre's service life or its storage conditions to make that decision."
But safety exports say there is extensive research showing tyres begin to deteriorate in "critical" ways even if they remain unused or unsold in store inventories.
In most cases, a visual inspection or check of tread depth will not reveal any ageing problems, the experts say.

   Change of Management at Toyo Tyres (UK) Ltd

9/05/08  

TOYO has announced that Mr. Tatsuo Mitsuhata will move to Toyo's European Head Office in Germany at the end of May and take a new assignment there as Vice President of TOYO TIRE EUROPE GMBH.
His role as Managing Director in the UK is handed over to Mr. Koji Toyoda.
Mr. Koji Toyoda, has extensive experience of working on their international business both inside and outside Japan, which included the role of Managing Director of their operation in the Netherlands.

   Maxxis named as Official Tyre Partner of the Isle Of Man TT Races

9/05/08  

Maxxis has been named as the Official Tyre Partner for the 2008 Isle of Man TT Races, which take place between Saturday, May 24 and Saturday, June 7.
Maxxis will enjoy category exclusivity making it the only tyre manufacturer to be officially affiliated to the Races and actively promoted by the organisers in all their communications.
The sponsorship package entitles Maxxis to significant trackside advertising, branding on the footbridge crossing the start straight, branding on the start line grandstand, hospitality, prime position advertising in the TT Programme and branding on the press and winners' enclosure back drops and on the Isle of Man TT website.
"With 37 3/4 miles of public roads making up its legendary course, the Isle of Man has been styled the 'road racing capital of the world', and we're thrilled to be associated with such a prestigious event as the TT festival," says Maxxis International UK's managing director Derek McMartin.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for us to raise the profile of the Maxxis brand and our high performing new Supermaxx Sport tyre, among arguably the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic motorcycle sports fans."

   Record Level of Visitors to Bridgestone Stand at CV Show

9/05/08  

Bridgestone's brand new, state of the art stand at the CV Show this year was the busiest to date with over 800 visits from new and existing fleet customers and dealer partners. The stand, promoting Bridgestone and Truckpoint, incorporated the McLaren F1 Car of Lewis Hamilton and Valentino Rossi's MotoGP Fiat Yamaha motorcycle.
Throughout the rest of the show, Bridgestone was also the most popular brand on vehicles exhibited, with a total of 628 tyres on display, which was an impressive 41.2% of the total tyres on display at this year's show.
Bridgestone showcased their new generation truck tyre range and promoted their fleet services by focusing on the support offered to fleets through their Total Fleet Tyre Management package.
The high-tech stand really pulled in the crowds, with the innovative T2i interactive demonstration area, showcasing the online reporting elements of the Bridgestone Total Tyre Management package, as well as the in-built meeting room which allowed Bridgestone to present its innovative ideas on Total Fleet Tyre Management to potential fleets on site.

   ContiPremiumContact2 commended in product honours

9/05/08  

The ContiPremiumContact 2 has again proved its outstanding performance credentials receiving a commendation from leading consumer publication, Auto Express. The ContiPremiumContact 2 was recognised for the second consecutive year in the magazines 2008 product honours.
Auto Express said; "The PremiumContact 2 is a great all rounder that delivers top performance across all types of driving and was an easy choice for our commendation."
The magazine tested the UK's top brands to assess their handling and braking capabilities on both wet and dry roads. Auto Express also considered aquaplaning resistance, cabin noise, fuel economy and price.
Peter Robb, product manager at Continental said; "We are delighted to have been commended by Auto Express. The ContiPremiumContact 2 is a popular choice with car manufacturers as an original equipment fitting to their latest generation cars. This test result is proof of its outstanding performance. "

   Apollo Tyres profit up 125% on strong sales growth

9/05/08  

The Board of Directors of Apollo Tyres Ltd have approved the company's audited financial results for the fourth quarter and the financial year 2007-8. Consolidated revenues grew by 9%, while operating profit showed a growth of 50% from Rs 4.1 billion to Rs 6.1 billion.
However, the last quarter of the financial year saw a worsening raw material situation, with crude and raw material prices rising sharply. At the beginning of the quarter crude was around $90 a barrel, while by the quarter end it had crossed $113/barrel, while rubber moved from Rs 92/kg to Rs 116/kg in the same period. Going forward, there might be no alternative to produce price increases as it would be impossible to absorb a cost push of this magnitude. Raw materials account for about 70% of the selling price of a tyre.

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