Are Nexen and Michelin Courting?
According to reports from Asia, shares in Nexen Tire Corp. surged dramatically after the tiremaker said it had considered a "cooperative arrangement" with Groupe Michelin. Nexen stock prices rose 11% yesterday, Reuters reported. Nexen apparently offered no details about the "arrangement" or even if such is still being considered. Earlier this week, Michelin sold its
Michelin Divestment the Result of ‘Failed Partnership’?
In order to place a greater focus on its own production of Tier 2-3 tires, Groupe Michelin plans to sell its share in Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. The tiremaker announced on Nov. 8 its intention to sell its 9.98% stake in Hankook, a move some financial analysts say amounts to “cashing in on a failed
Michelin is ‘Most Satisfying’ Overall Tire in Study
In its Replacement Tire Buyer Dynamics and Satisfaction Study, AutoPacific surveyed over 15,000 vehicle owners who bought replacement tires over the past 12 months, with 28 replacement tire brands surveyed. The study was used to determine what is important when choosing a replacement tire and which tire brands provide the most satisfying experience in seven
Record Crowd Sees 2011 TAFF Award Winners Named
More than 500 guests filled the King’s suite at the Birmingham Metropole hotel on Oct. 21 as members and guests alike celebrated record attendance at the 82nd National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) annual dinner and Tyre and Fast Fit Awards (TAFF). After announcing the winners, NTDA chairman David White used his speech to announce the
With Economic Rebound, Off-Road Light Truck Tire Sales Begin to Climb
Tire manufacturers agree that the off-road light truck tire segment was hit particularly hard during the recession – after all, what enthusiasts could afford extra sets of tires and related accessories for hobby vehicles, while fuel prices for their every day rides skyrocketed and household budgets became stretched? But after a strong 2011 and with
Tire Company Intrigue Leads to Intriguing Contest
If you don’t think there is a level of "intrigue" in this boring old tire industry, well you just haven’t been paying attention. Down in the southeast, the rumor mills are rife with cloak-n-dagger code names like "Project Soccer" and "Project Hercules." These are names supposedly assigned to major new investment projects that a handful
EPA Updates List of SmartWay Truck Tires
The EPA’s SmartWay program has updated its list of SmartWay verified medium truck radials available in the U.S. These verified tires, according to the EPA, "can reduce NOx emissions and fuel use by 3% or more, relative to the best selling new tires for line haul trucks, when used on all five axles on long
Michelin Top Online Brand, But…
Groupe Michelin has done it again. As in all the previous online brand equity studies produced by Tyres & Accessories in collaboration with online brand research specialists Envisional, the 2011 data once again shows that Michelin has achieved the greatest degree of online prominence. What’s different this year is that the margin has somewhat decreased
More, More, More, More Price Increases Coming
Four tiremakers took advantage of the long weekend to announce additional price increases. These four price hikes brings to 82 the number of tire price increases for the U.S. and Canada announced this year. Bridgestone Americas said it is raising prices for passenger and light truck/SUV tires – replacement and OE – by up to
Highland Tire Celebrates 50 Years
Highland Tire, with two locations in Tarentum and Natrona Heights, Pa., is celebrating 50 years in business with a customer appreciation event tomorrow.The day-long event, held at the dealership’s Natrona Heights store, will offer customers food, prizes and vehicle service specials. Attendees can register to win NASCAR tickets, tires from Hankook and Jetzon, and a