Princess Anne Opens Bandvulc's Camelot
Goodyear to Increase New Loan to $650 Million
Michelin Sales Growth Tempered by Currency Fluctuations
World's Tallest Bike Drives Like a Tractor
Mobile Tracking Rip-Off Warning Issued to Fleets
Kingston Couple win Continental Competition
New Staff Uniform at National
Fiamm Gears up for Growth
New Support Programmes for Stapletons Dealers
British Mobility Innovations Sought for Challenge Bibendum
Bridgestone races worldwide in 2004
Company Award for Lodge Tyre Fitter
Avon Thunders into UK Oval Racing
More Collection Companies Sign up to Responsible Recyclers Scheme

Princess Anne Opens Bandvulc's Camelot

HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened a new state-of-the-art retreading facility at Bandvulc Tyres at Lee Mill, near Ivybridge in Devon.

After investing over £1 million in machinery and equipment to include eight tyre preparation bays, five buffing bays, an ultrasonic inspection machine and a new extraction system, the Bandvulc team chose 'Camelot' as the theme for the new development. It became the clear winner during deliberations that saw Super Heroes, Dartmoor Tors, Formula One Cars and Operating Theatres thrown out of contention.

The idea for a themed factory - only possible due to the size and nature of the family run business - has successfully injected a bit of fun into the work place. Providing an interesting environment that serves to inspire and motivate, it is fitting that a Princess has now opened it. HRH toured 'Camelot' with Richard O' Connell, sales and marketing director, Bandvulc Tyres and saw the new equipment in action. During her visit, she met invited Civic Dignitaries, employees and various members of the Bandvulc and external design team as well as a few locally based suppliers and customers.

She also told staff that the company had helped raise the profile of recycling and said: "I hope you will continue to build on your excellence and make people understand that we can't be a throwaway society any more, particularly not in a country this size."

The visit represented the fifth time that Richard O'Connell has met with the Princess Royal in his capacity as a founding member of Transaid, the international charity of the transport and logistics industry, which HRH The Princess Royal is Patron. Transaid works to build local transport skills and knowledge to improve access to basic services and economic opportunity in developing countries. During the last two decades, it has been instrumental in achieving dramatic improvements in health delivery in Africa, strengthened local transport management so that twice as many children can be vaccinated and has given pooper people access to markets for buying and selling.

" We're delighted and privileged that local innovation, professional recycling and successful teamwork has been officially recognised by the visit of HRH The Princess Royal to our factory," said Richard O'Connell. "It can only serve to help us share our vision of a greener and sustainable future to a wider audience."

Goodyear to Increase New Loan to $650 Million

Goodyear has announced that it intends to increase the amount of a new term loan being arranged by JPMorgan and Citigroup from $300 million to $650 million. The new term loan would be an addition to Goodyear's existing $1.3 billion asset-based credit facility. The proceeds of the loan would be used to partially repay Goodyear's existing U.S. term loan, to repay other indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

Michelin Sales Growth Tempered by Currency Fluctuations

Michelin has reported worldwide sales volume growth of 3.7% for the full year 2003. Net sales revenue was 5% up in direct comparison with 2002 but pressure from the appreciating Euro, especially versus the US dollar, has seen the 2003 figure reported down 1.8% at Euro 15.4 billion. Whilst global sales measured in tonnes volume grew 3.7% truck tyre sales improved by 4.2% particularly in North America where Original Equipment sales to truck makers improved by 4.6%.

World's Tallest Bike Drives Like a Tractor

The Guinness Book of World Records lists "Big Toe" as the world's tallest driveable motorcycle, standing 2.3m tall. 1.7m of that total are attributable to its Firestone agricultural tyres, which are mounted on custom-made steel wheels. Admittedly the tyre lugs have been modified to meet the maker's specifications and to improve stability - but they still need 'stabilisers' to stand the bike up.

Big Toe is named after the record-breaking American monster truck 'Bigfoot', which also runs on modified Firestone agricultural tyres. It weighs as much as four Honda Goldwings at 1645kg and is powered by a 1975 Vintage Type E Jaguar SOHC 2 valve 60 degree 300HP 5.3 litre 12cylinder engine. Drive to both wheels is hydraulic via two oil pumps. The steering is also hydraulic, as is the system that operates the pair of rear-mounted support wheels, borrowed from a light aircraft, which can be raised and lowered at the press of a button.

Big Toe was built by Tom Wilberg from Sweden over a period of six years at a cost of around £45,000 and although the bike has a top speed of about 62mph, you are unlikely to see it pass you on a motorway as it spends most of its time at shows. Tom is thinking of selling Big Toe and although it does include a sound system, won't really be very practical round town .

Mobile Tracking Rip-Off Warning Issued to Fleets

Some mobile tyre fitting operations are ripping off fleet customers by charging them up to £20 for tracking adjustment - a service that simply cannot be carried out properly at the roadside using mobile equipment, says AA Tyre Fit.

David Goodyear, General Manager, AA Tyre Fit, says: "Wheel alignment and tracking adjustments are quite sophisticated jobs on modern cars and can't be safely and correctly carried out by mobile fitters. Any operation that charges for doing so is being dishonest. "A full wheel alignment can only be carried out in a static bay with the right equipment. It cannot be done from a mobile unit. The best that can be achieved at the roadside is a fairly inaccurate alignment of the front wheels."

Goodyear also questions whether fleets should buy tracking services at all. He says: "Around 30% of customers who drive into a fast-fit centre end up buying wheel alignment but the truth is that the vast majority of cars which suffer from misaligned tracking actually have a more serious mechanical problem with ball joints or track rod ends, so altering the wheel alignment is only a temporary fix."

Kingston Couple win Continental Competition

Fun and sunshine came to Kwik-Fit in Kingston-Upon-Thames recently as local customer Matthew Hopkins was presented with a luxury holiday for two courtesy of Continental Tyres. As part of Continental Tyres' joint tyre promotion with Kwik-Fit, purchasers of high performance tyres could claim a free hamper for Christmas and be entered into a prize draw for five-star holiday to the Caribbean paradise of St Lucia.

Matthew beat hundreds of hopefuls across the country to claim the jackpot prize. Matthew, 37, will be whisking away his wife Pauline on the luxury holiday. "We are absolutely thrilled and are really looking forward to jetting off to such a beautiful part of the world. We have decided to go later in the year as Pauline has just given birth to our second child, so it be a great escape for us both!"

Tracey Hyem, Continental Tyres Marketing Communications Manager, and Kwik-Fit Operations Managers Simon King and Colin Iveson presented Matthew with his prize certificate. Kwik-Fit Kingston is one of more than 250 centres that participated in the promotion, which ran from 1st November to the end of last year.

Tracey Hyem said: "We wanted to show our Kwik-Fit customers how much we value their business and we wish Matthew and Pauline a very happy holiday in the sun."

New Staff Uniform at National

National Tyres and Autocare has introduced a new range of practical work wear for all retail staff, which has been rolled out to its 210 National outlets across the UK. As part of National's £5 million investment in the business in 2003, over £150,000 was allocated to reviewing and revamping the original uniform in consultation with a panel of employees.

The new range of work wear, includes trousers, branded polo shirts, jackets, body warmers, and baseball caps and offers staff a practical and functional choice of uniform, designed to enhance both personal presentation and the presentation of the National branches.

Fiamm Gears up for Growth

Battery company FIAMM Automotive has completed a £¼ million expansion of its central warehouse in Burntwood, near Cannock. With new racking for Euro pallets, the l investment has increased storage capacity by 15% and will enable the company to handle its existing growing business and to accommodate projected growth over the next three years.

In addition to new racking and extra materials handling equipment, the company has introduced a fully integrated global IT system provided by SAP. This covers all areas of the business including finance, sales, warehousing, materials and product management, logistics and customer service.

New Support Programmes for Stapletons Dealers

Stapleton's has introduced as number of new promotional and product support programmes for its tyre dealer customers. Among the initiatives announced are a Europe-wide breakdown assistance scheme for its Kleber brand, a new, expanded Kleber reward scheme and a new Marangoni reward scheme due to start in February.

Stapleton's business manager for the South, Eric Foster, said that the new initiatives built on the success of the company's reward schemes of 2003, and further reinforced the benefits of dealing with the company as part of its key dealer network. "Our ongoing consultation with dealers through 2003 allowed us to focus on better rewards and business benefits," he added. "We've reinforced that approach this year with what we believe will be the tyre sector's most impressive package for dealers, in terms of incentives, events, and product support."

British Mobility Innovations Sought for Challenge Bibendum

Michelin is eager to identify British innovations to be highlighted at Challenge Bibendum, the global showcase of sustainable mobility sponsored by Michelin which this year takes place in Shanghai, China on October 12-14.

Entrants must demonstrate innovations capable of practically improving one of the many elements endorsed by Challenge Bibendum to positively contribute to the growth and improvement of global mobility. Power sources, fuel saving, noise reduction; these and many other mobility sectors can benefit from the ingenuity and innovations of British engineering.

Elements that have been showcased in previous Challenge events include bio-fuel developments to reduce the dependence on oil and fossil fuels, 'quiet' vehicles that reduce drive-by noise, multi-fuel power systems, solar, hydrogen and electric vehicles, Michelin's own Energy low rolling resistance tyres that deliver fuel reduction and greater mileage and a host of equally valuable technological advances. Challenge Bibendum seeks to stimulate innovation from individuals as well as from multi-national industrial organisations.

"Britain has provided entries previously, last year a gas powered London black cab was a popular interest to the visiting world's media, but I feel certain that we have more advanced research projects that merit the accolade of the Challenge Bibendum showcase" says Ian Hughes, Michelin UK's PR Manager. "We are seeking to showcase the very best of British engineering creativity at Challenge Bibendum. We want to hear immediately from technical centres, universities and industry. Britain's technical heritage can surely help the world's global mobility."

Bridgestone Races Worldwide in 2004

Bridgestone Corporation is increasing its commitment to motor sport in 2004, by supplying more tyres in top international motor sport events. This year Bridgestone will not only be involved in Formula One racing again, but also it will provide tyres for the IndyCar series, Japanese GT Championships, Formula Nippon, World MotoGP series, and a variety of Japanese motorcycle championships.

"Bridgestone technology has helped the world's best racing teams win in Formula One and also in other motor sport championship," said the company's CEO, Shigeo Watanabe. "We are determined to help them keep winning."

Winning ways continued for Bridgestone in Formula One in 2003. The company's Potenza tyres carried Michael Schumacher and Ferrari to the drivers' and constructors' championships. Bridgestone tyres have now been first across the finish line in a total of 79 Formula One races. In the 2004 Formula One season, which gets under way on March 7 with the Australian Grand Prix, Bridgestone will again supply tyres to the world champion Ferrari team and also to three other teams. A total of eight cars will be racing on Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Bridgestone's Firestone brand will again be the sole tyre brand in the 16-race IndyCar Series, formerly known as the Indy Racing League, and Japan's premier open-wheel racing series, Formula Nippon, will be another showcase for Bridgestone tyres. Bridgestone will also supply tyres for other Japanese auto racing championships, including the Japan Gymkhana Championship, the All Japan Dirt Trial Championship, and the All Japan Rally Championship.

Motorcycle racing also remains an important emphasis in Bridgestone's motor sport program, and it is once again involved in the world's top event in this category - the MotoGP series. Bridgestone began supplying tyres for this series in 2002, and in 2003 a Bridgestone-equipped rider mounted a MotoGP victory podium for the first time, when Makoto Tamada achieved a third-place finish in the 12th race of the season. Bridgestone hopes that this will be improved upon further in 2004.

Company Award for Lodge Tyre Fitter

Nineteen year old Andrew Henderson has been awarded the title of Trainee Fitter of the Year by his employers Lodge Tyre, which has eight car and commercial tyre fitting depots across the Midlands and is a member of the Michelin Business Advantage (MBA) network. Andrew works at the Lodge Tyre branch in Bayton Road, Coventry and has been awarded the title for the second year running.

The award was made in recognition of his efforts in attaining a GNVQ Level 2 in English, Maths and IT, together with his hard work and commitment to working at Lodge Tyre.

Avon Thunders into UK Oval Racing

Avon Tyres Racing has signed an exclusive contract to supply racing tyres to the "days of Thunder" events being held at Rockingham Motor Speedway during the 2004 motorsport season. The move is Avon's first foray into the world of banked oval circuit racing, where the V8-engined cars can reach speeds in excess of 170 mph.

Days of Thunder events will take place at the Rockingham Motor Speedway near Corby on the first Sunday of every month between May and October 2004. the 5.7 litre V8 engined race cars are of identical specification to promote close, exciting racing and are modelled on the American NASCAR-series racers made famous in the Tom Cruise blockbuster, Days of Thunder.

More Collection Companies Sign up to Responsible Recyclers Scheme

The Tyre Industry Council's Responsible Recycler Scheme has gained two new tyre collection specialist members bringing the total to thirteen. The two new scheme members are Eastern waste Disposal Ltd of Brightlingsea, Essex and Leigh Tyres and Exhausts of Leigh, Lancs.