Raw Materials Eat at Bridgestone Australia Results
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Australia barely posted a profit for the first quarter of 2006 thanks to rising raw material costs, the company said. The company posted after tax profits of $270,000 (Australian dollar), down from $2.1 million for the same period last year, against sales of $124.9 million, up 1.2% from last year.
Bandag Reports 12% Increase in Net Sales for First Quarter
(Akron/Tire Review) Bandag Inc. reported $212.4 million in consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 12% compared to consolidated net sales of $189.8 million in first quarter of 2005.
Leading the Way: Commercial Tire Market Keeps Step with Fleet Demands
“Today, more than ever, fleets are evaluating new technology with an eye to cost/benefit ratios.” That quote from Clif Armstrong, director of OE and marketing for Continental Tire North America’s (CTNA) commercial tire group, referred to truck fleet use of RFID technology, but he could have been talking about any other aspect of modern truck
Going Solo: Will Super Wide Tires Ever Gain Mainstream Status?
With ever-climbing fuel costs and pressure to carry more freight with fewer trucks, one would naturally think a tire billed as offering greater fuel economy and increased payload capacity would be the hottest-selling item in any commercial tire dealer’s lineup. In theory, yes. But theories often fall short when it comes to application. Change is
Quick Fix: With Inflation-in-a-Can, ‘Temporary’ is the Operative Word
Even for the most skeptical motorists, inflation-in-a-can is a valid answer to experiencing a flat tire at the wrong time in the wrong place. But there are many caveats that must be followed explicitly when connecting a can of sealant and quite a few psi to the valve stem. Most important is that it’s only
Like a Glove: Top Wheel Makers Keep Up With Changing Vehicle Specs
A couple of months ago, we discussed one of the dark secrets of the wheel industry – substituting bolt patterns. Many in our industry have made a good living by practicing this method of selling aftermarket wheels. It is time that we ask – and, yes, demand – better from suppliers that are doing this
Analysts: First Quarter Tough for Cooper
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) Cooper Tire & Rubber’s passenger replacement tyre volumes declined 4.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2006, Deutsche Bank analysts have reported.
Bandag Introduces New Equipment
(Queensland/Australian Tyre Dealer) Australian cold process tyre retreader Bandag has just completed a 12-month testing program with new buffer and extruder machines that have led to improvements in processing, tyre preparation and tread adhesion, together with a reduction in manufacturing costs.
Hayes Lemmerz Initiates Major Restructuring Programme
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. is implementing tough restructuring measures that it says are designed to “strengthen its competitive position, improve profitability and increase long-term value for its shareholders.”
Bridgestone Europe Announces Price Increases
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) Bridgestone Europe has announced that it will increase prices on all of its tyre brands and categories.