Revised CAFE Standards Afford Tiremakers New Opportunities
In the August issue of Tire Review, I began to address Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for vehicles sold in the U.S. and what the legislation means for the tire industry. Now we’ll take a deeper look at how tire manufacturers are responding to changing legislation – and consumer demand – with their own
Americans Driving Toward Four-Cylinder Options
When Americans do buy a new vehicle, more often than not they opt for a fuel-efficient, four-cylinder model, according to new research. Since 2005, sales of four-cylinder cars and SUVs have jumped from 28% of all new vehicles sales in 2005 to 43% in 2010, according to Ward’s AutoInfoBank. Ward’s says the move is more
Vehicle and Tire Changes Caused by CAFE Standards
Thirty-five years ago, the U.S. government enacted the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to improve the average fuel economy of cars and trucks sold in the U.S. The legislation came after several events – most notably the oil embargo of 1973, which drove up pump prices for gas, which in turn drove U.S. drivers
Classic Car Event Continues With Yokohama Support
Yokohama Tire Corp. signed a contract extension to sponsor the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance through 2016. Yokohama has been a major sponsor of the classic car showcase since 2005. This year’s event – its 60th – is scheduled for Aug.15 along the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. “The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
New Engine Oil Specification To Flow This Year
While we address some of the design technologies to the internal combustion engine as a means to improve fuel efficiency, one major factor geared toward improving engine fuel efficiency and reducing emissions is achieved through advances in engine oil. Currently, the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) is finalizing the latest next-generation of motor
MNA Plant Celebrates Big Birthday
Michelin North America’s Ardmore, Okla., tire plant celebrated its 40th anniversary last week. Built in 1969 by the then Uniroyal Tire Corp., the plant was acquired in 1990 when MNA bought out the successor Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co. “Over the past 40 years, cars and tires have changed dramatically, but the support, energy and professionalism
Is Brazil Poised to Pass Germany Vehicle Sales?
A Financial Times report suggests that Brazil could overtake Germany in terms of vehicle sales as early as this year, depending on a predicted 20% decline in Europe’s leading market. Last year, Brazil was the fifth largest market for new vehicles, buoyed by its increasing wealth based on resources, the newspaper says. Quoting senior analyst
Philippines Joins Rubber Producers’ Organization
For the past 40 years the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has served as an organization acting in the interests of governments of natural rubber producing nations. As of Nov. 30, 2009, the organization contained 10 members – the governments of Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand
What New Health Care Law Means to You
The sweeping health care bill passed by the House of Representatives Sunday, and now headed for President Obama’s desk, promises a sea change in the way that small business owners purchase and provide health insurance for themselves and their employees, according to Money magazine. But many of the provisions won’t kick in until 2014 –
Rollier Defends Michelin’s Strategic Goals in Face of Downturn
It is now about a year and a half since the wider economic downturn began to have an effect on the automotive and tire industries, and companies have had ample time to consider their responses. Upon the release of Michelin’s 2009 financial report in March, managing partner Michel Rollier spoke on the measures taken by