Goodyear’s “Outstanding Woman in Finance”
Treasury & Risk Magazine recently named Goodyear’s Laura Thompson on the 2012 “30 Outstanding Women in Finance” list.
As vice president, finance for The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company, North America, Ms Thompson leads the company’s largest business unit with annual sales of almost US$10 billion.
Ms Thompson is also the executive in charge of developing Goodyear’s new headquarters in Akron, Ohio and previously held the role of vice president of business development.
“Laura is an influential leader and a valuable member of our finance organisation with a natural ability to inspire teamwork and motivate others,” said Darren R. Wells, executive vice president and chief financial officer.
“She is very deserving of this honour.”
Joining Goodyear in 1983, Ms Thompson has served in various financial and accounting roles including director of investor relations and has completed a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1986 and a Master of Business Administration in Finance in 1991, both from The University of Akron.
A member of the University’s Advancement Council for the College of Business Administration, Ms Thompson received the 2011 Dr Frank L. Simonetti Award, presented to distinguished alumni in recognition of their outstanding achievements in business and significant contributions to their communities.
The Treasury & Risk list of “30 Outstanding Women in Finance” is compiled annually and includes women in corporate finance who have made a significant difference to their companies and industries.
For more information and to view the full list visit:
http://www.treasuryandrisk.com/2012/05/01/30-outstanding-women-in-finance
Bridgestone Stakes Claims as World Leader in Off-Road Tyres
At the International Fair for Construction and Construction Materials Industries (INTERMAT) in Paris last month, Bridgestone Europe staked its claim as the world leader in off-the-road (OTR) tyres, as it presented its OTR tyre line up.
For over 70 years, Bridgestone has been manufacturing OTR tyres and supplies a range of OTR products and services to mining, construction, highway service and port customers worldwide.
Since 1989, the OTR division has run separately from the passenger car and truck-bus divisions in order to be able to entirely focus on the demands of this particular market segment.
Recent developments in CAD technology has enabled Bridgestone to develop the Grand Unified Tyre Design Technology (GUTT), an automatic tyre simulation and design method that helps to produce extremely durable tyres and simplifies the tyre development process.
In addition to GUTT, Bridgestone has continued research about tyre development at the molecular level optimising the mixture ratio and reaction between carbon, silica and rubber.
This has lead to more environmentally friendly tyres as well as reduced fuel consumption, better rolling resistance and extended life span for off-the-road tyres for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
At INTERMAT, Bridgestone displayed a selection of its top performing OTR tyres and new products as well as the world’s largest OTR tyre, the VRF 59/80R63 with a diameter of more than 4 metres, designed for giant 400 ton rigid dump trucks
For more information, please go to:
http://www.bridgestonenewsroom.eu/stories/6603
http://www.bridgestonenewsroom.eu/stories/6604
Bridgestone Stakes Claims as World Leader in Off-Road Tyres
At the International Fair for Construction and Construction Materials Industries (INTERMAT) in Paris last month, Bridgestone Europe staked its claim as the world leader in off-the-road (OTR) tyres, as it presented its OTR tyre line up.
For over 70 years, Bridgestone has been manufacturing OTR tyres and supplies a range of OTR products and services to mining, construction, highway service and port customers worldwide.
Since 1989, the OTR division has run separately from the passenger car and truck-bus divisions in order to be able to entirely focus on the demands of this particular market segment.
Recent developments in CAD technology has enabled Bridgestone to develop the Grand Unified Tyre Design Technology (GUTT), an automatic tyre simulation and design method that helps to produce extremely durable tyres and simplifies the tyre development process.
In addition to GUTT, Bridgestone has continued research about tyre development at the molecular level optimising the mixture ratio and reaction between carbon, silica and rubber.
This has lead to more environmentally friendly tyres as well as reduced fuel consumption, better rolling resistance and extended life span for off-the-road tyres for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
At INTERMAT, Bridgestone displayed a selection of its top performing OTR tyres and new products as well as the world’s largest OTR tyre, the VRF 59/80R63 with a diameter of more than 4 metres, designed for giant 400 ton rigid dump trucks
For more information, please go to:
http://www.bridgestonenewsroom.eu/stories/6603
http://www.bridgestonenewsroom.eu/stories/6604
Growing Number of Women Involved in Tyre Development at Continental
At the beginning of March, eleven engineering and science graduates began the Explore Tyres Research & Development trainee program at Continental’s Tyres division.
The new trainees in tyre research and development come from six different countries and, this year women make up the majority – with six women and five men working across different areas of R&D, production and marketing as part of the program.
For years now, Continental has recorded a rising number of women among new recruits in research and development.
“Research and development, particularly in the motor industry, is often an exclusively man’s world. In reality, things are very different today at Continental. Over the business year just ended, more than one third of the new appointments in tyre development were women,” remarks Geert Roik, head of Research & Development Commercial Vehicle Tyres at Continental.
“We have also noticed a growing number of women joining our international training program in tyre research and development. In general, we do aim for a balanced ratio of male and female candidates for these programs. The course year that began on March 1 gives a clear sign with a more than fifty per cent share of women. This shows the high standard of specialist qualifications among female candidates.”
Continental’s Tyres division offers two different training programs in the areas of R&D and production. They are directed at graduates from the fields of mechanical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering and physics, with approximately fifty trainees recruited from around the world each year.
The Explore Tyre Research & Development program is based at the Technology Centre in Hanover Stocken and specifically targets international applicants. In addition to the projects in R&D in Hanover, each trainee also completes a project at one of the tyre factories abroad.
The Explore Tyres Manufacturing & Engineering program is staged at Continental’s tyre plants in Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America, with applicants from these regions spending the main part of the 24-month program at a tyre factory in their home country. As part of a 6-month stay in Hanover, they also complete one or more projects at the global Technology Centre and at the central manufacturing and engineering departments in Hanover Stocken.
Further information on the Continental Explore Tyres trainee programs is available at www.careers-continental.com
Gold Medal for Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Goodyear takes top spot in MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test for third consecutive year
GOODYEAR’S EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC 2 HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GOLD MEDAL IN THE LATEST MOTOR MAGAZINE TYRE TEST, CEMENTING ITS POSITION AS AUSTRALIA’S ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE ROAD TYRE. THE ACCOLADE ALSO GIVES GOODYEAR A HAT-TRICK OF WINS IN THE AUTHORITATIVE TEST WITH THE ORIGINAL EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC EARNING THE AWARD THE TWO PREVIOUS YEARS.
With testing undertaken at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway, V8 Supercar driver, stunt driver and driving instructor Warren Luff was behind the wheel of a MY12 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR, putting nine 245/40R18 size high performance road tyres through their paces.
The tyres were tested in four separate challenges – Figure Eight Road Circuit, Wet Skidpan, Dry Slalom and Emergency Braking – with scores averaged across three attempts for each.
With Australian weather conditions providing a constant and varied challenge for drivers and tyres alike, performance in the Wet Skidpan is always a key performance indicator. Here the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was the clear leader in what was the only wet test, with its new silica tread compound and race inspired resin creating better adhesion on the wet surfaces.
The Goodyear tyre again clocked the outright fastest average time on the Figure Eight Road Circuit, highlighting the credentials of its new improved tread pattern which allows for a more stable outer tread to aid cornering. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was also equal first place in the Dry Slalom.
Overall, after taking out three of the four categories, MOTOR awarded the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 the Gold Medal, commenting that, “its solid performance across all categories shows its broad capabilities to cope with a diverse range of situations”.
James Peate, Goodyear’s Communications Manager, said that the result was an accurate representation of the tyre’s ability to perform at the highest standards when faced with a range of tough conditions, taking performance tyres to the next level.
“Having launched the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 in 2011, we’re very proud to see this tyre well and truly making its mark in the MOTOR test. As an extraordinary, best in class all-rounder, it goes to show the performance and benefits a premium tyre can offer the consumer,” Mr. Peate said.
“Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2’s Active Braking Technology and improved tread design allows for superior control and comfort, particularly in the wet. Additionally, the tyre also provides lower noise emission levels, better mileage and features Goodyear’s FuelSaving technology which aids in reducing fuel consumption via a lower rolling resistance.
“Being crowned winner by MOTOR now three years running certainly creates a compelling argument to consider Goodyear ahead of any others.”
Silver Medal for Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT also polled extremely well in the 2012 MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test, taking out the Silver Medal and being dubbed “a smart choice for all round capability” by the magazine.
Overall MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test results
1Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
2 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
3 Toyo Proxes T1 Sport
4 Kumho Ecsta LE Sport
=5 Maxxis Victra MA-21
=5 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo
7 Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE002
8 Duro DP-8100
9 Pirelli P Zero Rosso
Bridgestone US plant reaches production milestone
On 14 February, 2012, the Bridgestone America Tyre Operations plant in Aiken County, South Carolina achieved a significant production milestone, with its 100 millionth tyre rolling off the production line.
The arrival at the milestone was celebrated by company management, workers and invited guests; with the tyre at the centre of the festivities, a Bridgestone Dueler A/T RH-S, signed by all who attended the celebration and will be displayed in the plant’s lobby.
“Our teammates here in Aiken are dedicated to making the best products possible every day,” said plant manager John Stewart at the commemorative event.
“It’s a reflection of our company’s global philosophy, which we call the Bridgestone Way. We have upheld the same commitment to excellence now for 100 million tyres, and we plan to do the same for 100 million more.”
The Aiken County facility began operations in 1999 and currently employs 950 workers. In 2011, the company announced two phases of expansion for the plant; representing a capacity increase of 37,750 tyres per day or 13.4 million tyres annually and an increase in employment with more than 300 additional full-time and contractor jobs available when fully completed in 2015.
Pirelli Launches P Zero Silver
Pirelli
has introduced the P Zero Silver, the first road car tyre derived directly from its experience providing tyres for Formula One.
Developed for sports cars and sporting saloons, the new tyre expands the P Zero range, and marks the first in a series of highly specialised Pirelli road car tyres, ensuring the maximum level of performance even after long distances.
According to Pirelli: “Thanks to the same processes that are used in Formula One, Pirelli underlines some of the key characteristics of the entire P Zero range through the new Silver – with the emphasis on durability.
“The structure, compound and tread pattern design of the Silver have been developed to resist any deformation in the tyre’s profile, lengthening the tyre’s life and extending the consistency of its performance.
“The Silver has been conceived for drivers who enjoy performance and use their cars frequently. The P Zero Silver is particularly designed for people who drive their cars every day and cover more than 20,000 kilometres per year, mostly on motorways.”
This latest road tyre from the famous P Zero range shares the same mathematical modelling process with its Formula One equivalent. In particular, the design and development took place using the same state-of-the-art computer simulation, which allows the tyre’s performance and behaviour to be assessed under an extremely wide range of conditions.
The P Zero Silver tyre is a limited edition only and will only be available in European markets.
Continental Wins evo Magazine Tyre Test
Continental has been awarded top spot in evo’s annual tyre test, with its ContiSportContact 3 tyre.
The UK sports car magazine, measured performance indicators including wet and dry handling, aquaplaning and braking using 225/40R18 sized tyres on a range of high-end cars.
Evo described Conti’s tyre as giving “an impressively complete performance”.
The magazine praised the ContiSportContact3’s abilities in wet handling and braking, with it taking top spot in both categories. Evo wrote the tyre’s wet handling was “masterful”, even amongst “some great performances on the wet circuit” by competitors.
The tyre set “the fastest lap time, [recorded] the highest lateral G, and [scored] the highest subjective mark, too – it wasn’t bettered.”
Evo summed up the tyre’s all-round ability: “Especially impressive was its stability – it barely acknowledged puddles that were registered by its closest rivals, and its traction was superb. “Amazingly surefooted and grippy; the limit is your nerve.”
Jonathon Hayter, product manager at Continental, said: “This additional win for the ContiSportContact 3 is an excellent endorsement for our product range. The ultra-high performance tyre has proven its worth yet again next to competitor products and has displayed its prowess in a number of disciplines including wet handling and braking.”
Registrations Open for 2013 Michelin Challenge Design
Michelin North America has opened registrations for the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design competition – titled ‘Half! Lightweight with a Passion!’
Participants in the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design have been set the task of designing a family vehicle, whilst addressing the subject of weight reduction through design – a subject the tyre market says is “becoming a new battleground in the struggle for increasing fuel efficiency.”
In the 2013 Challenge, Michelin says it is looking to “bring forward passionate designs that employ innovative vehicle architecture for weight reduction, without compromising safety or comfort.”
Submitted vehicle designs must meet consumer demands for safety and comfort, be usable on the current road infrastructure and be feasibly produced using materials, powertrain solution or manufacturing solutions that are in use today or in development for use in the foreseeable future.
Successful designs will be those that drive desire for vehicle ownership or usage while contributing to lightweight vehicle development through choices of materials and using the most effective manufacturing techniques.
Michelin notes that more than ever before, successful design requires closer cooperation with engineering, manufacturing and planning.
“As an industry, we’ve come to an interesting crossroad,” commented John Moloney, Michelin’s vice-president of original equipment marketing for North and South America.
“Consumers and governments are pushing for dramatic gains in fuel efficiency as the automotive industry is designing and development lightweight next-generation vehicles. We look forward to seeing how participants in the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design will respond to these concerns.”
Further information on the 2013 Michelin Challenge Design is available on www.michelinchallengedesign.com
Gold Medal for Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Goodyear takes top spot in MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test for third consecutive year
Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 has been awarded the Gold Medal in the latest MOTOR Magazine Tyre Test, cementing its position as Australia’s ultimate performance road tyre. The accolade also gives Goodyear a hat-trick of wins in the authoritative test with the original Eagle F1 Asymmetric earning the award the two previous years.
With testing undertaken at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway, V8 Supercar driver, stunt driver and driving instructor Warren Luff was behind the wheel of a MY12 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR, putting nine 245/40R18 size high performance road tyres through their paces.
The tyres were tested in four separate challenges – Figure Eight Road Circuit, Wet Skidpan, Dry Slalom and Emergency Braking – with scores averaged across three attempts for each.
With Australian weather conditions providing a constant and varied challenge for drivers and tyres alike, performance in the Wet Skidpan is always a key performance indicator. Here the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was the clear leader in what was the only wet test, with its new silica tread compound and race inspired resin creating better adhesion on the wet surfaces.
The Goodyear tyre again clocked the outright fastest average time on the Figure Eight Road Circuit, highlighting the credentials of its new improved tread pattern which allows for a more stable outer tread to aid cornering. The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 was also equal first place in the Dry Slalom.
Overall, after taking out three of the four categories, MOTOR awarded the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 the Gold Medal, commenting that, “its solid performance across all categories shows its broad capabilities to cope with a diverse range of situations”.
James Peate, Goodyear’s Communications Manager, said that the result was an accurate representation of the tyre’s ability to perform at the highest standards when faced with a range of tough conditions, taking performance tyres to the next level.
“Having launched the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 in Australia in July 2011, we’re very proud to see this tyre well and truly making its mark in the MOTOR test. As an extraordinary, best in class all-rounder, it goes to show the performance and benefits a premium tyre can offer the consumer,” Mr. Peate said.
“The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2’s Active Braking Technology and improved tread design allows for superior control and comfort, particularly in the wet*. Additionally, the tyre also provides lower noise emission levels, better mileage and features Goodyear’s FuelSaving technology which aids in reducing fuel consumption via a lower rolling resistance+.
“Being crowned winner by MOTOR now three years running certainly creates a compelling argument to consider Goodyear ahead of any others.”
The Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 has been designed for a broad range of vehicles, including sporty models of city cars and compacts as well as large, powerful sedans.
Available in 17” to 19” rim diameters and 22 different sizes, the Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 offers wide market coverage.
* Compared to the average performance of three leading competitors. Braking distance on wet road from 80 km/h (49.6 mph) to 20km/h (12.4 mph), braking distance on dry road from 100 km/h (62 mph) to 0 km/h, measured by TÜV SÜD Automotive in December 2010; Tyre Size: 255/40R19; Test Car: Audi A7; Location: Mireval (FR) & Garching (GE); Report nr: 76244706-1. Your performance may vary based on driving and road conditions, and vehicle and proper tyre maintenance.
+ Goodyear tyre internal tests. Average performance of 3 sizes (225/45R17 – 245/40R18 – 255/40R19) tested in 2010Mireval (FR) and Colmar-Berg (LU) Test period: April to Dec 2010; Test Car pending size: VW GOLF, Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi TT, Audi A5 & Audi A7. Results may vary based on driving and road conditions, and vehicle and proper tyre maintenance.