Michelin updates Bib Net system
GREENVILLE, S.C - Michelin North America Inc. has updated its Bib Net online ordering service in a bid to improve performance, response time and appearance, the tire maker said.
The service will have some new features, including drop-down menus and an information screen. Data screens are displayed in a sharper format, the company said, and users can navigate to any active screen without returning to a main menu. Other functions were updated.
The online service originally was designed for Michelin dealers only, but now fleets can use the service for viewing invoices, shipping notification, warranty claims and pricing, the Greenville-based tire maker said.
Yellow, Roadway officially combined
OVERLAND PARK, Kan.-Yellow Roadway Corp. was officially formed Dec. 11 as Yellow Corp.'s nearly $1 billion buyout of Roadway Corp. was finalized.
Shareholders approved the deal Dec. 9. The combined company will generate more than $6 billion in 2003 revenue, the company said.
Though the company has been combined, officials have said the two brands will continue to compete against each other. ``Yellow Roadway team will continue to invest in the strong portfolio of brands for both companies and continue to provide our services as separate organizations as we grow this business,'' said Bill Zollars, chairman, president and CEO of Yellow Roadway.
EnTire Solutions signs Honda, Fiat
DETROIT-EnTire Solutions L.L.C., a joint venture between Group Michelin and TRW Automotive, has signed contracts with Honda Motor Co. Ltd. and Fiat S.p.A. to supply direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).
Officially launched in October, the joint venture is supplying systems for the 2004 Acura MDX and a range of European vehicles by Fiat. The venture also counts several Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. platforms as TPMS customers, and it supplies sensors for a range of General Motors Corp. trucks and SUVs.
``We expect fitments to new vehicles to continue to grow,'' said Rich Wolfe, CEO of EnTire. ``This growth should be accelerated by the availability of new technology that will increase TPM capability while maintaining or reducing costs.''
Vehicle makers can choose either an advanced TPMS that provides early warning of a slow leak before the tire gets significantly underinflated, or a simpler system that only signals the driver when a tire is significantly underinflated, according to EnTire.
SmarTire arranges for more financing
RICHMOND, British Columbia-SmarTire Systems Inc. said it has realized net proceeds of $2.7 million in financing to help build inventory levels and execute business development plans.
The financing is from a private placement of discounted unsecured convertible debentures and warrants to an investment group, SmarTire said. Further details are to be released in the company's 8-K filing.
Volvo skid steers offer Arnco fill
SOUTH GATE, Calif.-Volvo Compact Construction Equipment has ap-proved the use of Arnco Superflex flatproofing polyurethane tire fill as an option on all Volvo skid steer loaders, Arnco said.
In a product information bulletin, Volvo said the Superflex flatproofing fill eliminates flat tires due to cuts and punctures and remains flexible after installation.
Volvo Compact Equipment dealers can have the tires filled by Arnco Certified dealers or fill the tires themselves after purchasing and receiving technical training, Arnco said.