Nissan Moving Headquarters to Nashville
Nissan Motor said Thursday that it would move its North American headquarters to a suburb of Nashville, TN, from California. Nissan’s chief executive, Carlos Ghosn, made the announcement in Nashville at the Tennessee State Capitol. The auto company, which is based in Japan, said it would spend $17 million on a new headquarters building in Williamson County south of Nashville.
SEMA to Provide “Up-Close and Personal” Show Experience in November
The upcoming SEMA Show, scheduled for Nov. 1-4, 2005, in Las Vegas, will provide show attendees with a unique interactive experience unparalleled in the automotive industry.
Continental Cuts Production at Charlotte Passenger Plant
Continental Tire North America (CTNA) announced yesterday that it is making a significant cut in tire production at its Charlotte, N.C., passenger and light truck/SUV tire plant, a move that will result in some 200-300 layoffs.
Toyo, CTNA Issue Recall Notices
Following Yokohama Tire Corp.’s recall of 69 medium truck radials produced by GTY Tire Co., a joint venture between Yokohama, Continental Tire North America (CTNA) and Toyo Tire USA Corp., both Toyo and CTNA have issued their own recall notices. All told, 142 tires are being recalled. Toyo is recalling 24 medium truck tires produced at the plant. CTNA issued a non-specific statement relating to the entire group of tires being recalled. However, the remaining 49 tires being sought are believed to be Continental and/or General brand medium truck tires.
Falken Tire to Debut New Spec Sport Radial at SEMA Show
Falken Tire Corp. has announced it will debut next month its next generation of race tuned (RT) Spec Sport Radials designed for the North American and global markets.
Japan’s Fair Trade Watchdog Raids Bridgestone, Other Tiremakers
Japan’s fair trade watchdog on Thursday raided offices of Bridgestone Corp. and more than 10 other tiremakers on suspicion of rigging bids for supplies to the military, a government official said. The Fair Trade Commission launched raids on industry leader Bridgestone, Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., Toyo Tire and Rubber Co. Ltd. and more than 10 other tiremakers, the official said.
SEMA Raises $5,000 for Charity
More than $5,000 was raised for charity through a variety of special activities that took place during the SEMA International Auto Salon-Los Angeles earlier this month. Proceeds benefit Athletes and Entertainers for Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of programs to children in need.
National Tire Safety Week Participation Growing
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) has announced that participation in the third annual National Tire Safety Week has doubled this year, with more than 8,000 tire retail stores participating. As part of the campaign, tire retailers will distribute “Be Tire Smart” brochures produced by RMA.
Tower Automotive Sells Equity Interest in Yorozu Corp.
Tower Automotive has sold its 30.76 percent interest back to Yorozu Corp. through a share buy-back transaction on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Tower received proceeds of $51.7 million from the transaction. The divestiture is part of Tower’s strategy of focusing on core operations and improving liquidity, said Kathleen Ligocki, president and CEO of Tower Automotive.
TIA Off-The-Road Tire Conference Set for Feb.
The Tire Industry Association’s (TIA) Off-The-Road (OTR) Tire Conference is set to take place next month in central Florida. This annual event attracts the largest gathering of executives and business owners that manufacture, service, repair, retread or supply products for the OTR market. Off-road racer Walker “The Legend” Evans will be the keynote speaker for the event. The OTR Tire Conference takes place Thursday through Saturday, February 26-28, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla.