pirelli racing tyres

Pirelli Tyres- Top Investor- Camfin Said to Discuss Sale to ChemChina – Bloomberg

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Pirelli Tyres- Top Investor

 Pirelli’s Top Investor Camfin Said to Discuss Sale to Chem-China
Bloomberg
The talks come as larger competitors Michelin & Cie. and Continental AG seek to expand with acquisitions, particularly in Asia.

This is not as surprising as i first thought. China will, be looking to buy existing western global companies, to increase their product knowledge and their world portfolio.

This offer for a large part of Pirelli tyres does not come as any surprise in the chase for global dominance,

Including the tyre market. We have already seen the Apollo, Indian tyre companies lust for expansion, and the Chinese will also be active in the takeover battle for some of our leading European tyre companies.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Brand/1293/PIRELLI

It comes as no surprise to me that Pirelli tyres have now come into the hands of the Chinese state owned company Chem-China.

Like all the other leading tyre companies. So,  Pirelli have developed tyre technology for over a hundred years.  Of course, and will bring the boost of the fifth largest tyre company in the world under the Chinese fold.

The 7.5 billion Euros bid was agreed by the Pirelli shareholders. Importantly, was agreed by shareholders last Sunday.

There is no doubt that the Chinese have bought giant Italian tyre company for a few reasons. One because of the week Euro and also, they will then have access to Pirelli tyres technology  for making premium tyres and also motorsport technology for future research and development.

Chem-China have already developed a tyre making facility.

Known as the China National Tyre and Rubber Company, who will go into a joint venture and bid to buy the 26.2% stake of Pirelli from the Italian holding firm of Camfin and a bid for the rest of the tyre company, will follow.

Pirelli boss Tronchetti Provera is one of the Camfin investors and he is expected to remain as chief executive. This type of takeover has been part of my working life in the tyre industry.

Of course ,the difference is that it is now China and not the USA that are buying the assets of European tyre makers. Goodyear tyres were always buying out smaller niche tyre manufacturers to add to their portfolio.

In more recent years. Apollo tyres from India have been a dominating force. So, in trying to increase the size of their tyre business by making takeover bids. Consequently, such as their recent acquisition of Vredestein tyres. Of course, with a manufacturing base in Holland.

There were even reports coming out of Italy. That a counter bid may even be coming from one of the other big European tyre companies. Subsequently, either Continental tyres of the French tyre maker Michelin.

It will now be a case of “watch this space “to see how the Chinese takeover will improve Pirelli’s standing in the global tyre market, but there is one thing sure, and that’s the Chinese sure aren’t short of money and could be looking for a large tyre retailer to distribute the Pirelli product more aggressively? Or, a large wholesaler perhaps?

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

wheel balancing

Wheel Balancing is Important for that perfect ride?

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Wheel Balancing

Wheel balancing is important because it keeps your tyres, bearings and suspension system in order.

Source: affordableautohopkins.com

This is a short but to the point article about the importance of having your wheels balanced. So, it is something that we in the tyre trade keep harping on about, but never the less is important. Most of us have witnessed their wheels out of balance, and had Wheel wobble Problems . Mainly, when the steering wheel starts to shake driving down the motorway (freeway).

https://www.pellonautocentre.com/centrelesswheels.htm

Wheel Balancing  will give you a better ride

Balancing is one of the things in motoring terms that we take for granted. When I first started working in the tyre industry, we had a small piece of equipment. That we would use to balance the wheels, whenever we fitted a new tyre.

This was known as a bubble-balancer, and that is exactly what it was. You would sit a wheel on top of the balancer and a bubble. Similar to the ones in a spirit level. This would tell you when the wheel was out of balance by the tilt on the wheel and we had to counteract this at the opposite side by adding lead weights.

When the wheel was level and the bubble was dead central then the job was done and the wheel was fitted onto the car. The cars in those days were things like Ford Poplars and Morris 1000’s and so did not travel very far or go very fast.

Sit on Balancer was our first electric balancer.

There are different types of out of balance, “static balance”; vertical shaking that can come from a heavy spot on the tyre. This is what we would try to cure on our bubble balancer. This could also be cured on the next machine that came into use.

The machine was a sit on machine known as a On Car Wheel Balancing machine made by “Repco” and we would jack up the car put machine against the car wheel and we would then spin the electrically driven machine up to high speed. While the wheel was spinning a strobe light would make look like the wheel was in a still position we would then stop the machine with a type of brake and put a counter balance weight on the wheel depending where the tyres valve could be seen.

This method of  balancing was horrific.

The older guys in the industry. Will remember the fact that the wheels would shake violently. Then the vibrations would shake the cars to bits. Of course, whilst the poor customer looked on with terror in his eyes. This reminds of the “roller brake tester” used on the modern MOT test. When the car gets shaken to bits, having a brake test.

This method of balancing was not for the faint hearted and I was glad to see the back of them.

The next set of wheel balancers were the fore runners to today’s sophisticated machines. We would put the wheel on a spindle and spin it by hand. These balancers would correct “static”

and “dynamic” out of balancing. The modern wheel balancer is equipped with many sensors and can pick up balancing problems at high and low speeds. These are necessary for today’s high speed cars and of course give the car drivers a smooth ride, (that’s if your wheels are balanced of  course).

On a regular basis in my opinion is at least once a month. Most members of one of the independent tyre organizations, and so will check your wheel alignment and wheel balancing for free and will only charge you if the car is out of alignment and requires adjusting.

Wheel Balancing is part of having a new tyre fitted

Of course, today we balance your wheels as a matter of fact when you buy new tyres or have a puncture repaired. So, if you need a wheel balance just as a matter of fact and your steering wheel starts to shake at say 50 mph, then this is because you may have lost a balance weight or your tyre has become out of shape, due to perhaps a “slipped belt”, which can be caused by nail or screw damaging the steel belt in your tyre, putting the tyre out of shape and causing the wheel to be out of balance.

Finally another thing that can give you a similar experience is if your wheel bearing has gone. Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Car Finance Check

Motorists Cant Afford Next MOT-“unaffordable” for 40% of motorists, research finds

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Motorists Cant Afford Next MOT

Motorists Cant Afford Next MOT

Yorkshire may be a lovely location to drive, but nothing makes a car owner groan more than when the time for their yearly MOT arrives. The MOT (Ministry of Transport car test inspection) is a required exam to make sure that vehicles are safe for you and other drivers, but it is frequently a stressful activity that can severely deplete your financial resources.

Fortunately, there are drivers who take the MOT test very seriously and save up to make the necessary repairs should the vehicle need some. In fact I can truthfully say that many of our MOT customers are happy to have the car tested to ensure the owners safety.

Our Yorkshire roads and motorways have become extremely busy in the years after COVID. So safety is paramount. Fortunately, as I have said then most people do think it a responsible pat of their lives to have the MOT test carried out promptly and on time.

In fact here at Pellon Autocentre,

We have a system of contacting our customers and letting them know that the test is imminent. It is very rare that the customer misses the opportunity to book the test in with us. Therefore ensuring that their vehicle can be tested promptly and have any required work carried out in the same period.

Of course we may be the lucky ones! Poorer areas of the UK may be suffering far worse than others. Hence the number of cars going without tests.

There are also people who do not have the right priorities and prefer to spend their money on other things. Rather than the cars MOT Test.

The MOT test was first performed after a vehicle turned ten years old and then once a year after that. It was once only a straightforward test of the vehicle’s brakes, lights, and steering.

The vehicle testing age was dropped to seven years the following year. As a result of the “ten year test’s” high failure rate. By 1962, receiving a tax disc required both passing a commercial vehicle exam and having a valid certificate. The testable age was reduced to one year for taxis, ambulances, and large vehicles with at least eight passenger seats in 1983.

Many other changes have been made but that’s for another day!

Four in ten motorists fear they can’t afford their next MOT and half of them admit they would continue to drive their car anyway, new research has found. The Halfords research, which was carried out in

Source: Next MOT “unaffordable” for 40% of motorists, research finds

New tyre labelling continental tyres

Continental tyres used in Daytona 24 hours motor race

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Continental tyres

Continental reveal the challenge of supplying tyres all the tyres for the Daytona 24 Hours motor race. With 55 cars on the grid we bring around 10,000 tyres

We are a great fans of the Continental product and look forward to further participation in the motorsport field.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Brand/1231/CONTINENTAL

Continental Tyres will continue as tyre provider for three of the four TUDOR Championship classes.

A tyre group that we are members of. which is my business, Pellon Tyres! Here in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK, we are proud to be part of They are also the tyre suppliers. to its prestigious partnership as the official tyre of the International Motor Sport Association (IMSA).

This partnership will last until the end of the 2018 racing season and means that Continental tyres will be the official tyre provider for three out of the four “Tudor Championship Classes.” The reached agreement also means that Continental will be the tyre maker and supplier for the Prototype (P), Prototype Challenge (PC), and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) classes. Continental Tyre will also continue as an entitlement sponsor and exclusive tyre supplier to the Continental Tyre Sports Car Challenge.

Ed Bennett the CEO of the IMSA is over the moon with the recent deal made with the giant German tyre manufacturers and said,

“We are very pleased to extend our relationship with the German tyre company. As we continue to build the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship and Tyre Sports Car Challenge, it is vital to have enthusiastic partners to help us grow the sport. Continental Tyre has been, and will continue to be one of our most active and supportive partners.”

The Continental brand of racing tyres has an excellent reputation. especially amongst the racing fraternity. So, it is expected that they will continue to use its exclusive racing tyres. Importantly, the “Extreme Contact TM” that have a good reputation for the performance that race drivers demand. Continental is keen to extend its reputation in the North American market. So, we see the backing of these motorsport events as the way forward.

Continental tyres will have many marketing rights

As expected from such deals, Conti tyres will have good logo positions on the race cars in the races where their tyres are used and have all the usual trackside signage and many other marketing opportunities as they come along from promotions and different events, including TV coverage. For further reading… http://www.motorsport.com/tusc/news/imsa-continental-tire-extend-partnership/

Continental has also extended their involvement with the NASCAR Group company as well as the IMSA.

To continue with the sports car theme. Continental Tyre has developed the first legal track day tyre. This was achieved through tyre expertise and much research and development. The new tyre is known as the Conti Force Contact. Of course, we will include the now famous “Black Chilli Compound”! This helps the tyres bond to the road surface better. The new compound, combined with a newly developed macro block shoulder design, gives the new tyre superb handling when cornering at speed.

The Continental tyre also benefits from having bi-directional draining grooves on the inside of the tread which provides excellent wet weather performance when on the track, allowing for safer driving conditions for the driver in wet weather. The tyres are available in wheel rim sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

Cars and Climate Change

Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle unveiled

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Toyota Mirai

The Toyota Mirai is an electric drive, mid-size four-door sedan powered by hydrogen, with a range of up to 300 miles, refuel time of about f…

This is just another part of the big mix of fuels that will power the cars of the near future.

Hydrogen cells are also the favorite of some car manufacturers. Including Toyota now with the Toyota Mirai and BMW. In my opinion Hydrogen will be available at many filling stations in the future.

Toyota Mirai is one of the leaders in Hydrogen cell fueled cars

It has come to my attention that there are at least three leading car makes that are heading down the Hydrogen fuel road with their cars. I am a keen follower of the market trends and the direction that the green way forward is heading and that includes the battle that is rising between the EV vehicles and battery technology and the Hydrogen cell technology.

Apart from Toyota with the Toyota Mirai  the other two players are Hyundai and Honda. Other car makers have also been involved with Hydrogen including the American giants, GM. Apparently GM have been running a test fleet of them for a few years now, but it is the Far Eastern country’s car makers that are ahead of the field.

There are enemies of hydrogen as well as battery driven cars

But when the largest car company in the world looks interested in something then it is time to sit up and take note. Toyota is a very experienced and successful manufacturer of cars and has made over 5,600 fuel cell-related patents available. Toyota has started off the motion for hydrogen-powered cars to make it to market at a faster pace.

The inclusion of the auto industry is of particularly import to Japan. Where Toyota, Honda and Nissan are key contributors to Japans economy and where the industry together accounts for 10% of the national workforce and 20% of exports. To me it is a good thing that Japan are thinking about supporting the home industry and developing these new products will bring stability to the home workforce.

It does though have to make these technologies available to us all eventually, to comply with European and American laws, but I think that the Japanese are thinking about this when they free off the patents for the new technology cars.

The scrap between battery power and Hydrogen is on.

Both systems have their advantages and dis-advantages. So, for instance electric cars only require plug-in stations. Of course, to be re-charged. Significantly, the Hydrogen cars will require a network of filling station places. However, this will mean that they could be just added to the existing gas stations all over the world.

Both cars can claim to have zero emissions. But the Lithium-Ion cars are re-charged by “dirty” coal fired power stations. So are not as green as people think. Especially in countries like China! So, the Hydrogen car only emits water, so until the power supplies are greener then the hydrogen car wins there.

At the time of writing this post. Both cars are doing about the same mileage! Subsequently, also both types of cars are still very expensive to buy. Hydrogen cars can be re-fueled the same as a gas engine. Whilst the battery car has to be charged up over a long period. Although scientists are working on a faster charge battery all the time.

Only time will tell which idea brings the most success, but you have to admit that it is interesting times that us auto guys live in.

Hankook Tyres-launches 4 HP

Yokohama Tyres and Chelsea AFC seal a five year sponsorship deal.

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Yokohama seal a Sponsorship deal with the giant Chelsea Football club

The strange thing is that I have just finished a blog. About the involvement of tyre companies with professional football clubs. Including, the leagues across the world! Especially in Europe. Significantly, that Yokohama and Chelsea Football club have signed a sponsorship agreement. Importantly, that will, enable the display and the wear  the tyre companies logo. On the official football shirt. Yokohama Tyres UK branding at the stadium and on the pitch-side. Using of logo and players and coach of Chelsea FC to tyre-related various advertising and

In my opinion Yokohama Japan are already heavily involved in sport through their supplies of tyres for the motorsport industry. The football scene is what all the tyre companies are competing for, and now the Japanese tyre company has joined the club, big style. This will undoubtedly raise the brand awareness for Yokohama, simply because Chelsea like Manchester United are a worldwide brand and the  tyre products will be seen on televisions all over the globe including faraway countries such as Australia and even China.

Agreement ends in 2020

The agreement that has been signed will be for 5 years from this year (2015) and will put them up there with the big tyre players. Incidentally I have noticed that the big tyre companies, such as Goodyear and Michelin have stayed clear of such large sponsorship deals, (except of course Continental tyres who were one of the world cup sponsors)with the battle been between the main mid-range tyre brands players such as Apollo tyres and Hankook and including Yokohama.

Chelsea FC is a prestigious football club situated in London and are currently in top place of the English Premier League, under the manager ship of Jose Mourinho, a guy who speaks his mind, with great knowledge of the game, coaching many great teams in European football. The club has won the English Premier league as many as four times and in the 2012-2013 football season, Chelsea won the Europa cup.

It will be good to see the Yokohama ads on the TV screen

So, I hope it improves in profile. Of course and that we sell more tyres at my garage here in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK. Knowing that Yokohama are a success at motorsport promotions. But I have thought all along that they are only playing to a small audience compared to the big attraction, such as this deal with Chelsea FC and I know that it will give them a greater exposure, but I hope that they do not drift away from their motorsport background.

I myself like to watch football on TV. Subsequently, I have noticed the increase in the TV exposure of tyre companies. Last night I watched a UEFA Europa league match between Glasgow Celtic and Inter Milan of Italy. So, and could not help notice the terrific amount of exposure that Hankook tyres had with pitch side advertising boards. Even though the Milan players have Pirelli for their shirt sponsors. So it has to be a thing for the future.

New tyre labelling, bridgestone

New tyre labelling- To be introduced from May 2021

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New tyre labelling

New tyre labelling

So, after much head scratching we are finally accepting the reputation of the truth relating to the information that tyre manufacturers put onto their tyre labels. Of course in the beginning we found that economy tyres were marked up to show them as being much better and therefore a better buy that many of the leading makes.

This set up many suspicion’s in my mind. However moving on a few years things appear to have levelled out! Lets say that some of the figures that went onto tyre labels were more  believable.

In fact we do now use these figures as a fairly level playing field when it comes to tyre performing on these labels. This attached article from “Garage Wire” explains the new labelling that will be introduced in May.

New tyre performance labels

However like many things then the industry is getting used to the information that the tyre manufacturers put on to their labels. Here at Pellon Tyres we often use the information to help sell a brand of tyres. Using the figures as a comparison to aid in the tyres sale.

A new tyre labelling system designed to help motorists understand how well tyres perform, especially for fuel efficiency and grip in the wet, is to be introduced on 1 May 2021. Tyre label ratings will be

Source: New tyre labelling to be introduced from May

locking wheel nuts

Locking Wheel Nuts Lost! How Not to get at Your

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Locking Wheel Nuts Lost

Locking Wheel Nuts Lost

So, most people in the auto trade know about the “locking wheel nut problem.” As a result, cars arrive at our garages and tyre shops with no way of removing the vehicles’ locking wheel nuts. In the beginning, most cars have a set of tools that enable us to remove the locking wheel nuts. These tools are fitted to secure the alloy wheels and prevent theft. Indeed, some alloy wheels are very expensive and an easy target for thieves.

Many modern vehicles are fitted with alloy wheels, and indeed, at one time, they were a selling point when garages sold a new car. In the early days of this, the wheels were often stolen. The alloys were probably sold as scrap and eventually melted down for other uses. Similar to the latest spate of “catalytic converter” thefts that we are having at the moment!

Alloy wheel thefts what was the answer?

Importantly, the theft problem had to be solved! So, the answer would be the invention of the locking wheel nut. These came in a set of four (one for each wheel). A simple tool would fit on the locker, enabling the driver or garage to remove the locker when required. Over the years, the system has worked, except for a few hiccups!

Mainly that the car owner would loose the lockers and when the car turns up for say a service and needs the wheel removing then “whoops” there is no locker to remove the wheels. So, this happens time and time again. Fortunately, as an ingenious industry, we again solved the problem. Most garages now carry a special tool that enables us to get the locker nuts off without damaging the car’s valuable alloy wheels.

How not to remove with a saw!

So, I thought that I had seen it all until my staff sent me this image for our blog. One of our customers had attempted to cut out the locker with a hacksaw! This can clearly be seen in the images. What do you think? Have you seen anything like this? Please let me know.

electric car charging

Electric Classic Mini-British firm launches classic Mini electrification kit

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Electric Classic Mini

Electric Classic Mini

So, as a guy who has owned three of these fabulous little cars in the past, then this development excites me! As a garage owner who has spent the past forty odd years repairing and servicing conventional cars and vans. Then I am not a fan of Electrical car developments (EV’s). Because I think that the EV’s are going to be a threat to our very existence.

However, I must admit that the this little red classic mini looks great. So, and will be an eye opener to millions of older people who were previous owners. Also the very thought of the power that this electric conversion will have gives my skin the bumps. However , it is still a rich mans toy and beyond the means of most people. Including myself!

Although I might add that these people are selling an electrification kit, complete with a battery pack. This will inevitably bring down the price for the experienced DIY mechanics amongst us.

A complete electrification kit which will turn any classic Mini into an electric vehicle has been made available for enthusiasts, specialists and EV conversion businesses. Created in response to growing customer demand to electrify classic cars

Source: British firm launches classic Mini electrification kit – Garagewire

mot testing and car servicing

Good News for Garages-Repair investment prompts 3.8 million owners to keep their car for longer

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Good News for Garages

Just as I expected, the news is that consumers are keeping their vehicles longer at the moment. Importantly, I am old enough to know that this is always the case when any sort of crisis occurs! This time it is the “Covid 19” pandemic that we are having to face. So, in other years, we have had to suffer with financial downturns. However, this time it’s a health issue.

When there is a crisis, do businesses and regular workers always pull in their horns? It is not the time to be going out and buying a new car. especially with people not knowing whether they will have a job at the end of it all. Drivers are choosing to keep their old vehicles under the premise that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It’s better to spend a few hundred pounds on new tyres or a service than thousands on a new car.

This is welcome news to me as the owner of Pellon Tyre and Autocentre. Knowing that this pandemic will also slow down the rush to car electrification MOT testing is expected to remain at a high level, and our customers are certainly buying lots of tyres here in Halifax, UK.

Nowadays, Brits maintain their personal vehicles for longer.

In fact, according to the most recent statistics, the age of vehicles on the road is almost 12. That is significantly older than historical averages. Some dealers could be unsure about whether the epidemic will have any further effects on this psychological trend

MOT testing the ever-improving vehicle technology that makes them last longer. Some people like not having a car payment, so they aren’t in a rush to buy something brand new. But in the current economy, a growing number of people are saying no to trade-ins for a number of different reasons.

Customers might be keeping their dependable vehicles even longer these days.

Given the recent wave of furloughs and fears about job security. Some people might be reluctant to invest money on a new car. Some people may no longer need to drive because they are working from home on a longer-term basis.

Owners of vehicles can decide not to do any unneeded shopping for a lengthy period of time if they are worried about the threats to the public’s health. The current lack of new inventory is another factor.

People might be delaying their purchases of new vehicles until next year because there won’t be any inventory for 2020. Dealers would want to prepare for individuals retaining their automobiles much longer than previously if these factors are added to an upward growing trajectory.

Almost four million of the nation’s drivers have opted to keep their car for longer after spending money on repairs and maintenance, new research shows. The study for Kwik Fit, shows that the third of drivers

Source: Repair investment prompts 3.8 million owners to keep their car for longer – Garagewire