Mechanics More Expensive than Doctors
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) What Car? has continued its criticism of the U.K. garage business by publishing an investigation into car servicing costs at 200 U.K. dealers.
WRAP Forum Focuses on Landfill Ban Legislation
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) The impact of new legislation banning tyre shred from landfill sites was the main discussion topic during the second WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) Tyres Stakeholder Forum.
Trelleborg Group Shows Growth
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) The Trelleborg Industrial Group has published its financial results for 2005. Net sales were 24,170 million Swedish Kronor (SEK) or 2.57 billion euros, compared with the 2004 figures of SEK 22,912 m (2.43 bn euros).
Conti Announces Commercial Tire Price Hike
(Akron/Tire Review) Continental Tire North America (CTNA) has announced a price increase of up to 6% on all of its medium truck, heavy truck and OTR tires, effective Mar. 1.
Michelin 2005 Profit Up 36%
(Akron/Tire Review) Groupe Michelin said its 2005 net profits increased 36%, despite lower sales volume and higher raw material costs.
Goodyear Dunlop Launches New Call Centre
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) As Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK Ltd. embarks on a fresh approach to its retail business, the company has employed 18 “top retail professionals” and founded a new call centre based at the heart of Goodyear Dunlop’s Birmingham operations.
Yokohama Sees Sales, Profits Up
(Akron/Tire Review) Yokohama Rubber Co. posted a 19.1% increase in operating income, to 20.9 billion yen, through the first three quarters of its fiscal year compared to the same period last year.
Varta Warns of Further Battery Price Increases
(Clacton, U.K./Tyres & Accessories) Varta has warned the U.K. aftermarket to expect further steep rises in automotive battery prices later this year.
Titan CEO Makes National Pitch
(Akron/Tire Review – Quincy Herald-Whig) Morry Taylor, who created a stir when he ran for president in 1996, is shaking things up again.
Bandag Sales Up for 2005, But Earnings Drop
(Akron/Tire Review) Buoyed by a strong fourth quarter, Bandag Inc. posted higher sales but reduced earnings for 2005.