Yokohama………. MD Appointed President of ITMA
The Managing Director of the UK distributor of Yokohama high performance and motorsport tyres, David Seward, has been appointed President of the Imported Tyre Manufacturers' Association.
David has over 25 years' experience in the tyre industry. After graduating with an Honours Degree in Engineering, he worked for Rolls Royce for four years before joining Southam Tyres within its BFGoodrich sales team.
In 1988, David was one of the founders of Yokohama HPT Ltd, the UK distributor for the Japanese brand of high performance tyres. Since then, the company has established its Milton Keynes base, supplying tyres to its nationwide dealer network.
Over the years Yokohama HPT has also worked closely with British automotive manufacturers and Yokohama tyres have been adopted as original equipment on marques such as Lotus, Bentley and Aston Martin.
Commenting on the appointment, David Seward said; “Yokohama has been a long-standing member of ITMA and I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed President of the Association. ITMA has a vital role in the UK and it is a responsibility I will give my full commitment to.
“I am relishing the opportunity to work with the Association to further strengthen its activities for the benefit of its members.

Maxxis……..Motocross Championship Gets Underway
The Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship got underway on Sunday (February 28) at Little Silver near Exeter, when a host of GP stars and top British riders contested the spoils.
The first of the new venues the series will visit this year, the circuit benefits from all round viewing and is within easy reach of the M5 motorway (J31). Most of the ground was prepared before the winter weather set in and with new jumps and technical sections plus new rules - a Superpole F1/World Superbike style qualifying session will determine the start gate followed by three 20-minute races for both the MX1 and MX2 classes - there will be plenty for the fans to get excited about.
GP riders Zach Osbourne, Tom Church, Stephen Sword, Mattis Karro, Gareth Swanepoel, Jake Nicholls, Evgeny Bobreshev, Graeme Irwin and Pascal Lauret will be supported by the best of Britain's motocross talent. Joining defending MX1 Champion Brad Anderson are Maxxis sponsored riders Jordan Rose, Wayne Smith, Neville Bradshaw and Kristian Whatley.

Kumho……Tire Manufacturer & Design Innovation of the
Kumho's laser etching technology was lauded at the recent Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence 2010. The milestone process won the award for 'Tire Manufacturing and Design Innovation of the Year'. It was one of five prestigious prizes presented at a gala dinner on the second night of the three day Tire Technology Expo at the Cologne Messe.
Kumho's laser etching system was launched at last Autumn's Frankfurt motor show and embodies technology that is set to transform the way the company designs its tread patterns. The award was collected by Roger Jenkins, managing director of Kumho's Birmingham-based European Technical Centre (KETC), who said, “We are delighted to have been selected for this accolade - it means a great deal to us that such a prestigious panel of judges has recognized the pioneering nature of our work. It is a milestone for Kumho and falls on the 50th anniversary of the company's inauguration.
“Of course it represents the work of many people, in particular the engineers at KETC and our R&D operation in Korea, who are always open-minded about our ambitions. Thanks also for the patience and expertise of our development partners in the UK.” This is the second major prize Kumho has received for its laser etching process, the first being an iF Product Design Award. For further information on Kumho or its products log onto www.kumhotyre.co.uk.

GITI……Truck and Bus Tyres Available in Scotland
GITI Tire manufacture the GT Radial brand and currently rank number 5 in the world of radial truck tyre production. GITI are China's largest manufacturer and supplier of premium quality tyres. Offering a complete product range and exporting Passenger Car, Light Truck, Heavy Truck and Bus tyres to over 100 countries around the world.
With state of the art R&D capabilities, premium quality products and a competitive manufacturing base, GITI are focused on building sustainable partnerships to provide operators of commercial vehicles with value added products and services.

GITI Tire is part of a global multi-billion dollar group with diverse business interests that include:
 • Manufacturing
 • Mining and agriculture
 • Banking
 • Real Estate
 • Retail

GITI Tire (UK) Ltd. a subsidiary of GITI Tire, with its sales office based in Manchester and a centrally located distribution centers in Armadale servicing the Scottish market and Birmingham to serve England and Wales.
The company offers an extensive mission matched product range supported by local sales representatives, technical and marketing specialists. GITI Tire (UK) Ltd., are positioning the GT Radial Truck and Bus brand as a highly attractive solution for fleets, large and small, who are looking for a high quality product with an excellent service back up at an affordable price.
With the launch of its new venture in Scotland GITI Tire have partnered with Drummond Distribution for warehousing and distribution. Established in 1927, Drummond Distribution is one of Scotland's longest established and most reliable delivery companies. With a diverse range of products, concentrating on the Manufacturing and Industrial market sectors.
The distribution depot is a 30,000 sq.ft. facility located just off J4 of the M8 motorway, midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow in what has now been designated as Scotland's Hub.
GITI Tire (UK) Ltd strongly believes the key to its success is in providing quality products with excellent service and an easy to do business with philosophy.

Hankook ……Development Centre Team Continues to Grow
Hankook Tire, currently the seventh largest and one of the fastest growing tyre manufacturers in the world, has a new head of development in its European research and development centre, the ETC (Europe Technical Center) located in the town of Langenhagen, near Hannover in Germany. Dr Claus Oberbeck joined the team headed by ETC director Stefan Fischer at the beginning of the year. As Team Manager in Development, the 39-year-old Oberbeck will be in charge of directing the development activities of the ETC, including the areas of original equipment and compound development as well as EU regulations.
Oberbeck can draw on more than six years of professional experience in various development departments in the tyre industry. In his most recent position as the head of an international project team, he worked on the development of state-of-the-art ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre concepts and on putting those concepts into practice in series production. The competencies that Oberbeck, with his doctorate in mechanical engineering, brings to Hankook Tire are a perfect complement to the company's portfolio, which especially in the UHP segment has already earned the tyre manufacturer multiple awards.
“I am happy that we successfully filled this position, which is so important to our future plans,” says ETC head Fischer with satisfaction. “By bringing in Dr Oberbeck, we have gained tangible, highly qualified support for the advanced development projects we are working on today and those that are still ahead of us.”

TOYO……Support Sponsorships at Autosport 2010
Toyo Tyres kick started the year by supporting their main sponsorships deals at the Autosport International Show 2010. They also had two eagerly awaited, great products to launch for the first time in the UK.
Toyo continue their established sponsorship deals with Time Attack and Santa Pod and had a presence at both their stands over the four days of the show. Toyo are proud to boast their commitments to such major players within the motorsport world, which tie-in perfectly with their motorsport heritage.
At Time Attack, Toyo Tyres were the control tyre for all competitors. 'Time Attack' is where the finest professionally tuned vehicles in the UK battle against the clock to see just who is the quickest on the circuit and under pressure.
The Time Attack stand was chosen by Toyo to launch the new Proxes R888 fitment for the Nissan R35 GTR for the first time in the UK, and it was fitted to the Sumo Power 660bhp Nissan R35 GTR demonstration car for all to see. What better platform to launch these on than the competition that uses the Proxes R888 as a control tyre!
Toyo was also the main lane sponsor for the famous quarter mile drag strip at Santa Pod Raceway. This is home to not only the European drag racing, but also many other open track day events that are held there throughout the year. Toyo was delighted to have such a great presence on their stand too!
Toyo Tyres also launched the long awaited Proxes R1R tyre for the first time in the UK at the Autosport show - it was launched on both the Santa Pod and Time attack stands. “We were thrilled to launch our new products on such relevant platforms at a show which is dedicated to motorsports.
“As always, we had our Toyo staff at hand at both of the stands to answer any queries and questions about our brand and products.” said Suneeta Mehmi, Toyo Tyres. For more information on Toyo Tyres and its products visit: www.toyo.co.uk.

Lassa Tyres…… Export to over 50 countries worldwide
Founded in 1988, Lassa tyres are the product of a joint venture between the Sabanci Group of Turkey and the Bridgestone Corporation of Japan known as BRISA.
Boasting a modern production facility in Kentsa, BRISA produce tyres to the highest standards and they export Lassa brand to over 50 countries worldwide via an impressive Distributor network.
Lassa 4X4 Tyres are built to withstand the rigours of Turkish road's so they naturally perform exceptionally well in the UK market. The Competus A/T is a firm favourite with Distributors and Lassa Dealers alike due to the performance and mileage it offers.
Designed as an on/off road radial for 4WD and recreational vehicles , Competus A/T can handle all types of road conditions, including mud and snow due to the excellent traction provided by the squared shoulder blocks. The extra sipes improve traction in winter conditions and the special sidewall profile and compounds offer a comfortable ride. The Competus A/T is a truly reliable work horse.
Competus H/L completes the Lassa 4x4 range by offering an on road pattern for drivers of SUV for summer road conditions. To find out how Lassa can benefit your business, contact: 07768 372826.