Vol 2

0 • D

ecem

ber 2

014

a new set of tyres to the value of R5 000.00 courtesy of Maxxis

Resale of waste tyres causes concern

Exclusive interview with Riaz Haffejee – SRSA

Best Drive premium fitment chain is launched in SA

New Truck and Bus tyre range from Dunlop

Bandag honours BTS franchisees

Fo

cu

s

on

u

sE

D T

Yr

Es

Syn

c - 1

071

5 -

Tre

ad S

.A

EMERGENCY TYRE ASSISTANCE DOWN TO AN ART

Tel: +27 11 439 6000, Fax: +27 86 682 7027, e-mail: info@bandag.co.za or visit www.bandag.co.za

Breakdowns can leave you dead in the water, but you needn’t be left to the sharks. With Bandag’s Emergency Tyre Assistance (ETA) programme you can be covered throughout South Africa 24/7, 365 days of the year. ETA has one easy to remember toll free number, efficient service, consistent on-road pricing and comprehensive reports. That’s what we do.

10715 - ETA ad - Tread S.A.indd 1 2011/11/08 1:45 PM

Editor Liana Shaw

Technical consultant Wray Shaw

reproduction Diane van Noort

Printing TYPO

– Colour Printing Specialists

Distribution Prestige Bulk Mailers

Advertising Liana Shaw

Contents A note fromthe editor

The festive season is just around the corner

and with it happy times ahead relaxing with

family and friends. But for some, travelling

on the country’s major routes to and from

the Coast could have dire consequences.

Driving under the influence or when tired,

excessive speeds and vehicles that are not

roadworthy are some of the causes cited

contributing to serious road accidents, but

what is not commonly known, is that tyres

are another major contributor to the rising death toll in this country.

The legal tread depth limit currently dictates that a tyre must sport a minimum of

1.6mm across its entire circumference, a law commonly ignored by motorists as

is evident by the number of worn tyres currently in circulation. Part of the problem

lies in that this important legislation is seldom enforced or even policed. But

another, equally grave scenario involves the growing number of badly worn tyres

being resold as second-hands to consumers.

Our lead story takes an in-depth look at this current crisis and its implications.

Thankfully, both industry and government appear to be giving the matter the

serious consideration it deserves. Proposed initiatives to counter this problem

are discussed on page 12 while our resident columnist, Colin Mileman, further

suggests that educating the consumer around the perils of driving on worn or

unsuitable tyres, is of critical importance.

On a lighter note, the Retail sector has been particularly active this quarter. The

recently established Tyres & More franchise (a member of the TiA Group of

companies), is continues to expand its national footprint with a range of new stores,

while Continental Tyre SA has proudly unveiled its new retail offering to market in

the form the ‘Best Drive’ suite of stores, which promises to enhance the tyre-fitting

experience to unprecedented levels, they claim. All this and more in this issue.

Of course the most exciting development of all is the recent acquisition of Apollo

South Africa (Dunlop) by Japanese-based manufacturer, Sumitomo Rubber

Industries, currently ranked number 5 in the top 10 global tyre company listings.

The implications of this to the South African tyre maker are outlined in our exclusive

interview with CEO Riaz Haffejee as he maps out the way forward for the company’s

future.

And last but by no means least stand a chance to win a new set of tyres to the

value of R5 000.00 courtesy of Maxxis (renowned for its high tech range of 4x4

tyres) by entering our quarterly competition, either via www.satreads.co.za or on

fax (011) 658-0010.

If you are navigating those roads remember to take extra special care over the

festive season.

Till we meet again in 2015.

I n t r o d u c t i o n • 1

Publishers Sky Publications cc

PO Box 702

Douglasdale, 2165

Tel: (011) 658 0011

Fax: (011) 658 0010

Cell: 082 851 6777

E-mail: satreads@mweb.co.za

Website: www.satreads.co.za

one-on-one With CEO Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, (SRSA), Riaz Haffejee .......2

Focus on Resale of waste tyres on the up! ....................................................... 12

retreading Bandag/BTS Conference 2014 acknowledges franchisees ....................................................................................... 24

Manufacturing New Dunlop Truck & Bus Range Announced ................................... 26 Sumitomo Rubber South Africa announces R1.1 billion investment plan ........................................... 26 Continental named SA’s top tyre brand at People’s Wheels Awards ............................................................... 27

Distribution New Tyres & More Automotive Fitment Centre Opens in Lynnwood.......................................................................... 28 New Tyres & More Automotive Fitment Centre Opens Its Doors in Kempton Park CBD ............................................ 29 Premium tyre fitment reaches South Africa ...................................... 30

Talking Tyres Tyre Forum – Don’t negate – Educate .............................................. 33

Goodyear news Goodyear partnered with Rainer Zietlow on his record-breaking drive across three continents ...................... 36 Goodyear recognised as a Top Employer ......................................... 37

competition, subscription, Website ................................... 40

2 • O n e - o n - O n e

srsA ouTLInEs sTrATEGY For sA MArKET –

‘WE WILL run our oWn rAcE’

Arguably one of this year’s most significant developments has been the acquisition of local manufacturer, Apollo Tyres South Africa (Dunlop), by Japanese-based Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Indian-based Apollo Tyres originally purchased Dunlop Tyres SA in 2006 and went on to invest a considerable sum of money into the South African operation, most notably, in the Ladysmith tyre factory.

In May 2013, allegedly in a move aimed at consolidating its two global brands – Apollo and Vredestein –Apollo Tyres formally announced the closure of the transaction with Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) which saw SRI taking over Apollo Tyres SA including the Ladysmith passenger plant as well as the Dunlop brand rights that Apollo had in 32 African countries, for a sum of US$60 million.

We caught up with CEO of the newly formed Sumitomo Rubber South Africa, (SRSA), Riaz Haffejee, to map out the way forward for this local tyre maker.

2 • O n e - o n - O n e

www.stamfordtyres.co.za

SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, JAPAN

It’s Summer Time and what better way to enjoy the holidays by purchasing

four of the above Falken passenger or 4x4 tyres (15” or larger) and

receive a Falken 12 can cooler bag absolutely free!

Terms and conditions apply. The campaign commences on the 1st November 2014 and ends on the 31st December 2014.The gifts will be available while stocks last. The gifts are not redeemable for cash.This promotion only applies to purchases of Falken ZE912, FK453, FK453CC, Wildpeak A/T or Wildpeak H/T tyres.

4 • O n e - o n - O n e

The announcement certainly took the market by storm

Riaz. What was the reaction internally?

The initial shock was quickly replaced with excitement

and optimism for the future as we began the process of

outlining SRI’s objectives for its South African operation

via dedicated Road Shows across the country. We

took the decision to do this not only in a bid to inform

our customers of our strategy to market, but more

importantly perhaps, in order to explain SRI’s vision for

this part of the world to our staff force.

Do you believe that SRI is a good culture fit for the

South African organisation?

First, Sumitomo is a world-class tyre company , currently

ranking number 5 among the world’s most reputable tyre brands. Second,

Japanese brands generally have the performance and engineering edge over

most tyre makers , and this is seen in a positive light by both customers and

staff alike.

SRI enjoys much success in Japan courtesy of its grounded history. And

whilst it is not the biggest tyre maker in Japan, it is certainly not the smallest.

My experience with SRI management thus far leads me to believe that the

company is pragmatic yet also aggressive in its approach to market, a winning

combination in my opinion, and one that instils confidence in our future

association with them.

I must add that our parent company is flexible when it comes to its stance to the

local market, opting to take the lead from the local management with respect to

what is right for our market.

They have come to understand that the South African tyre market is mature and

in that we need to take a step beyond the current retail experience, if we are to

grow our marketshare.

Have you ascertained how you are going to achieve this?

Primarily and most importantly, by focusing on the basics and reverting back to

a culture that embraces unparalleled customer service. In my view, this begins

from the minute your customer enters your premises.

A recent mystery shopper exercise aimed at the retail segment revealed

some alarming practices taking place within our industry. It would seem we’ve

lost focus of basic service principles. Instead of treating our customers with

common courtesy and the respect they deserve, especially as they are there to

make a grudge purchase, we are treating them like an inconvenience.

Was this specific to any particular brand, franchise or group of dealers?

Sadly the survey results show that the problem is widespread. In short, this is

an ‘Industry Disease’ and one that needs to be addressed. Of course, there are

many store dealers that excel in customer service, which

we admire greatly. The opportunity rests with those who

are not sensitive to consumer needs or expectations.

How do you believe this challenge can be addressed?

We need to find a way to convince retailers of the

importance of turning this around for their own benefit

as well as the consumers. Change cannot be brought

about overnight but a definite mindshift needs to take

place within the retail sector.

Speaking of retail what plans are in store for your

Dunlop Zone programme?

Much emphasis is being placed on our Dunlop Zone

Loyalty Programme so that our preferred dealers can fully understand our goals

and objectives for the future and how these are likely to affect them.

In July we began a concentrated effort aimed at our internal sales staff furnishing

them with the necessary technical know-how required in order for them to

pass this knowledge down to our retail network.

Training sessions with both owners and counter staff are in the pipeline ahead

of an advertising campaign aimed at the consumer, as it is vital that dealers

become fully au fait with the SRI product and culture first.

We have launched the Sumitomo Dealer Campaign which will roll out across

four regions to ensure that dealers are up to speed with the brand, pricing

and so on. And to complement this campaign, we are giving away a new fully

branded delivery vehicle to the best-selling dealership.

What a great incentive! How will the Sumitomo brand compete on price?

We believe the brand will effectively compete against locally manufactured and

reputable imported products, whilst also providing longevity alongside superior

performance.

How would you respond to claims from the market that the Dunlop brand

is selling far too cheaply?

I agree that in many cases the Dunlop brand is selling too cheaply and this is

something we will be addressing with our dealers in an attempt to reposition the

brand to where it rightfully belongs.

This year’s TGI Icon Brands Survey once again placed the Dunlop brand in

top position, for the third year in a row, in a survey carried out to over 15

000 participants and if this is the case, why is the brand being discounted

to the extent that it is?

What would you say to dealers who claim that purchasing prices from the

local manufacturers could be a whole lot better?

❝

We have launched

the Sumitomo Dealer

Campaign which will roll

out across four regions

to ensure that dealers

are up to speed with

the brand and pricings.

❞

O n e - o n - O n e • 54 • O n e - o n - O n e

6 • O n e - o n - O n e

What is your view on the practice of ‘mixed brand alliances’ in the retail

market?

Although we would obviously prefer our dealers to see more value in the

Zone Programme, we are fairly relaxed about this. If they choose to operate

as multi-franchise dealers we will respect that.

We are running our own race in this market. Although the Dunlop Zone

Programme as it stands can be considered somewhat loose and there is

room for tightening up on certain issues, we do not want to stifle their

entrepreneurial spirit. Instead, we are hoping to create an environment that

supports them buying from us due to our customer service, reasonable

prices, a good supply chain and of course good tyre performance

We also need to ensure that when it comes to our dealer network we do not

over-promise or under-deliver. Remaining as authentic as possible is key.

Apollo SA recently announced that it was Biz-rescue. What is the future

for this Durban-based manufacturer in SA?

RIAZ PLEASE ELABORATE ON ANY NEW DEVELOPMENTS….

The tyre industry has found many challenges in the last five years. Primarily

amongst this is the practice of under invoicing imported tyres. This,

together with a multitude of tyre brands entering the market, has pushed

TBR market share from 27% five years ago to 67% in quarter two.

I would point out that business is a two-way street. It is important for a

dealer to deliver higher volumes in order to qualify for preferential pricing.

Dealers who are fully committed to working with us, and of course vice

versa, will ultimately enjoy the best possible pricing arrangement from us.

You recently launched your new Dunlop TBR range which we believe is

fully imported?

Yes, we are excited about this new product range which has been researched,

designed and engineered in Japan where it was also exhaustively tested in

all road conditions. We are confident our new generation truck and bus

tyres will deliver unparalleled performance for fleet services in all wheel

positions – steer, drive and trail.

*See page 26 for more on this story.

How do you plan on servicing the truck tyre market?

We believe that when it comes to the larger truck dealers, the Dunlop brand

is already well represented. Work remains to be done in the mid and small

tier segment of truck tyre dealers however.

We also introduced a team of in-field tyre technicians last year whose role

is to maintain a close relationship with customers by way of overseeing

fleet surveys, tyre testing and the like. This was done to provide further

assistance to our field technical team which is responsible for on-site

maintenance and assistance to our fleet customers.

Stairs to CEO’s office

Recalling the history Offices

Reception

Boardroom waiting area

SRSA’s New Offices in Durban

REVOLUTION HANDS FREE TYRE

CHANGERROAD FORCE TOUCH

WHEEL BALANCERFULLY INTERGRATED HI-DEFINITION

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS

EVERY INDUSTRY HAS A LEADERwww.leaderquip.co.za info@leaderquip.co.za

17 Rosettenville Rd Village Main Johannesburg, South Africa Tel. +27 (0)11 334 1680 NATIONAL HOTLINE: 086 000 2010

PATENTED HUNTER HI-DEF QUICK

CLAMP TARGETS

8 • O n e - o n - O n e

Infinity Tyres. Built to perform. with complete dependability.When it comes to tyre connecting with tarmac, there can be no room for compromise. Which is why Infinity Tyres are the perfectchoice for your customers. Designed to deliver unfailing safety,dependability and performance, they form the critical connectionbetween motorist and road.

Because the connection is critical.

O n e - o n - O n e • 98 • O n e - o n - O n e

Infinity Tyres. Built to perform. with complete dependability.When it comes to tyre connecting with tarmac, there can be no room for compromise. Which is why Infinity Tyres are the perfectchoice for your customers. Designed to deliver unfailing safety,dependability and performance, they form the critical connectionbetween motorist and road.

Because the connection is critical.

O n e - o n - O n e • 1 1

This has had a detrimental

effect on local TBR

manufacturing and Apollo

Durban factory has

been a casualty of these

circumstances.

How active does SRSA plan

to be in the African market?

We have been working

hard on building sound

relationships with our African distributors and have trained more than 400

people on Fleet Services during the past few months alone. The transport

business is growing significantly in Africa but truck tyre management remains a

big challenge, as does the growing problem of dumping.

We are making a concerted effort to make a difference in this market through

ongoing education campaigns aimed atboth distributors and end users alike.

What are some of the challenges your business is facing at this point in time?

The number of cheap, sub-standard tyres filtering in from China is of growing

concern, but more importantly perhaps, is the growing number of waste tyres

that are finding their way back to market and being resold as second-hand

tyres.

This is a serious issue and my personal objective and the objective of the SATMC

is to address this with the dealer network as well as the relevant government

authorities. As an industry we need to assist government in finding a workable

solution to this problem.

Speaking of waste tyres, how would you rate Redisa’s service levels

currently?

The service from Redisa has definitely improved over the past few months with

collections regularly taking place from our dealers.

However, Redisa still has an issue with transporters not picking up waste tyres

from dealers that have been destroyed. These tyres then find their way back

into the market and for us as tyre manufacturers, there are major safety risks

associated with this practice.

A waste tyre from a dealer must be destroyed and collected by Redisa – no

compromise.

Hopefully with Redisa’s service to industry now beginning to improve coupled

with a unified approach on the part of the SATMC, TDAFA and TIASA, we can

begin eradicating the growing number of waste tyres from our premises, our

landfills, and more importantly, our roads.

❝

A waste tyre from

a dealer must be

destroyed and collected

by Redisa – no

compromise.

❞

1 2 • F o c u s o n U s e d T y r e s

RESALE OF WASTE TYRES

ON THE UP!According to the N3 Toll Concession, the

number of fatalities on South Africa’s

most popular coastal route continues

to rise for a variety of reasons, not

least of which is faulty or worn tyres.

Industry experts are suggesting that

the problem exists not only because

motorists are failing to remove and

replace worn or damaged tyres in a

timeous manner, but also because of

the number of illegal, second hand

tyres that are being resold to the public

when they should in fact be relegated

to the scrap pile.

According to the N3 Toll Concession, the number of fatalities on South Africa’s

most popular coastal route continues to rise for a variety of reasons, not least of

which is faulty or worn tyres. Industry experts are suggesting that the problem

exists not only because motorists are failing to remove and replace worn or

damaged tyres in a timeous manner, but also because of the number of illegal,

second hand tyres that are being resold to the public when they should in fact

be relegated to the scrap pile.

The charts below, which are only a mere indication of what takes place across

other major routes, outlines the type and number of tyre-related incidents on

the N3 over the last three years:

*Note: Traffic flow varies along the route from around 40 000 vehicles per

day at the southern end to about 15 000 vehicles per day in the middle.

*Total mvkms (million vehicle kilometres) Nb + Sb for the route:

2012 2131.945 mvkm

2013 2189.119 mvkm

2014(up to end Sept 1582.264 mvkm

F o c u s o n U s e d T y r e s • 1 31 2 • F o c u s o n U s e d T y r e s

One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to deduce that scores

of motorists are driving on worn or damaged tyres or tyres that are

completely unsuitable for South African conditions. A mere glance at

vehicles parked outside any shopping mall will confirm this, and sadly,

although the legal tread depth limit is currently at a minimum of 1.6mm,

very little is being done to police or enforce this.

A tyre survey aimed at investigating the quality level and legal compliance

of second hand tyres passenger and light truck tyres intended for sale

in South Africa, carried out by Sumitomo Rubber SA in August, revealed

some further worrying trends. Out of the 275 tyres inspected in all

major metropolitan centres, (at dealers as well as the informal sector),

only 47% were still deemed suitable for use.

This exercise clearly showed that the current economic climate and its

subsequent impact on peoples’ pockets are not totally to blame. Of

more concern to the industry is the growing number of dangerously

worn or damaged tyres that are being resold via retailers as second-

hand tyres.

According to the SATMC (South African Tyre Manufacturers

Conference), there are two distinct sources for these dubious tyres.

Explained CEO, Dr. Etienne Human: “Waste tyres that should be

disposed of in a responsible manner are instead landing up in the

informal sector. In Diepsloot alone, there are currently up to 10 informal

tyre dealers in operation, all of whom purchase waste tyres either from

tyre dealers who are not sorting the used tyres and mutilating the waste

TYrE crAsHEs/IncIDEnTs n3 ToLL rouTE

2012 2013 2014 (Jan to oct)

crashes 98 95 88

Tyre on Fire 43 23 30

Incidents 10 6 7

Fatalities (Tyre related) 13 14 6

Tyre Treads removed from the road 2012 to 2014

JOBSCREATED

Our target is to create a total of 10 000 jobs by the end of 2017.

149 BUSINESSES

SMAL

L

CREATED

EDUCATION& AWARENESSCAMPAIGNS TO

MIL

LION9.5

PEOPLE

26DEPOTS

T NNES 61897OF TYRES COLLECTED

1820REGISTEREDTYRE DEALERS

REDISA is leading the way in creating a sustainable waste management system.

REDISA turns waste into worth through a circular economy that connects all stakeholders to empower communities and solve environmental problems.

OUR RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

JOIN THE JOURNEY | www.redisa.org.za | /wasteintoworth | @wasteintoworth

We’re on track to meet all our fi rst year targets and we will achieve all the objectives set out in our 5-year roll-out plan. Thank you to the tyre dealers who have supported us along the way – we look forward to continuing our partnership and journey to success with you in the future.

Note: All the above stats are as at October 2014.

JOBSCREATED

Our target is to create a total of 10 000 jobs by the end of 2017.

149 BUSINESSES

SMAL

L

CREATED

EDUCATION& AWARENESSCAMPAIGNS TO

MIL

LION9.5

PEOPLE

26DEPOTS

T NNES 61897OF TYRES COLLECTED

1820REGISTEREDTYRE DEALERS

REDISA is leading the way in creating a sustainable waste management system.

REDISA turns waste into worth through a circular economy that connects all stakeholders to empower communities and solve environmental problems.

OUR RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

JOIN THE JOURNEY | www.redisa.org.za | /wasteintoworth | @wasteintoworth

We’re on track to meet all our fi rst year targets and we will achieve all the objectives set out in our 5-year roll-out plan. Thank you to the tyre dealers who have supported us along the way – we look forward to continuing our partnership and journey to success with you in the future.

Note: All the above stats are as at October 2014.

1 6 • F o c u s o n U s e d T y r e s

tyres as per law, or from waste tyre collectors who instead of depositing

the scraps in designated waste depots, sell them to make money.”

Allegations surrounding the waste collectors’ reluctance to collect mutilated or

badly worn tyres from industry, (most of whom are Redisa appointed agents)

have been circulating for months and are adding to the concern that these illicit

practices are on the up.

Corrie Taljaard, Director of the TDAFA echoed: “Our members are regularly

alerting us to the fact that waste collectors are either blatantly refusing to collect

mutilated tyres or are doing so begrudgingly. Redisa cannot be blamed for this

as they have contractors, sub-contractors and collectors that are not playing

ball, however, Redisa does need to address this by way of appointing alternative

and reputable service providers.”

In response, Redisa Director Stacey Davidson said: “Used tyres from tyre

dealers fall into three categories: waste tyres which are tyres that are no longer

roadworthy and not capable of being retreaded, tyres that can be retreaded

and are termed casings and used tyres which are tyres that still have a useful

life and can be sold into the second-hand market. Sometimes tyres with less

than the minimum regulated skid depth tread depth remaining or with large or

dangerous penetrations are sold to unscrupulous people who make a living

from illegally repairing and re-grooving tyres. It is only this practice that is illegal.

“Redisa fully supports the legal sale of used tyres for retreading or sale as

second-hand as it makes the most of a tyre’s useful life and ultimately reduces

the amount of waste tyres. Illegal, unsafe repairs are definitely not supported

by Redisa and we are carrying out training and education programmes

for transporters and depot operators to educate them on the law as well

as the dangers to life of these practices. That being said Redisa has no law

enforcement authority.”

Interjected Human: “ Moreover as Redisa cannot guarantee the quality of the

tyres chosen by its waste collectors for sales back to consumers, if safety is to

be considered as paramount, it stands to reason that this practice should not

be supported.”

Continued Davidson: “Casings can be legally imported for retreading but there

are allegations that second-hand tyres are also being imported under the guise

of being casings. It is illegal to import second-hand tyres and Redisa is actively

engaging with the tyre industry to investigate this.

“With regards to allegations that transporters refuse to collect mutilated tyres

at dealers, a transporter who does so is acting contrary to his contract with

Redisa. Should we become aware of such actions, we would institute action that

includes engagement and training or suspending that transporter’s contract.

If after engagement and training the transporter persists in not delivering the

contracted service, his or her contract will be terminated.

“It is also important to note that solid tyres, tubes, flaps and rubber inserts are

not part of the Redisa Plan and will therefore not be collected. Also, I must stress

that the Redisa Plan has a five-year phased implementation whereby different

categories of tyres will be included at different stages,” added Davidson.

She concluded: “Any dealer who has a transporter refusing to pick up tyres

that are legitimately due for collection should kindly call our contact centre on

087 357 3873, and ideally do so immediately as it makes it easier to deal with

any errant behaviour.

“Redisa is committed to fulfilling its obligations in terms of the gazetted plan

and therefore welcomes all the help, participation and commitment from all

industry role players to ensure that we achieve our objectives together.”SRSA Survey Findings – August 2014

Total Tyre Management is the new system designed to make your

fleet operate at peak efficiency at all times. From calculating cost per

kilometre to alerting you when a vehicle’s tyres need a re-cap or

a re-fit. With a host of other features including financial options for

the leasing of your fleet’s tyre requirements, and 24-hour roadside

assistance. Total Tyre Management, exclusively from Max T Solutions.

THAT’S TOTAL TYRE MANAGEMENT

DWF

COLL

ECTI

VE M

X516

941/

R

Process Colour

Spot Colour

Visit www.maxtsolutions.com for more info, or email info@maxtsolutions.com Call: 011 387 2000. 24 Hours: 086 162 9424

WHEN YOU’RE TRANSPORTING GOODS FOR HUNDREDS OF

KM’S PER DAY, KNOWING YOUR TYRES ARE LOOKED AFTER

The Number One supplier of Nitrogen tyre inflation solutions.

driven by air.

• SuperfastNitrogeninflationsystems,whateveryourmarket

• NewmembraneNitrogengenerator-suitableforlargecommercialvehicletyres

• Automaticdigitalinflationbuilt-intoallourproducts

• Highlyaccurate,easytosetupandoperate–fromyourexistingairsupply

• Designed,builtandcalibratedinSheffield,England

www.pclairtechnology.com

F o c u s o n U s e d T y r e s • 1 9

Argued Taljaard: “ I agree that some used tyres (those

sporting 3mm tread or more) are essentially fit for

the resale market, but not before that tyre is properly

inspected and classified as Part 1 Worn Tyre; see (SABS)

document SANS 1633. In addition, any dealer selling

used tyres must register with their local SAPS as a

Used Goods Dealer after which he will receive a licence

(renewable annually), in accordance with the Used

Goods Act.”

He added: “Tyres that are not fit for resale must,

according to the Waste Tyre Regulation, 2009 be cut by

the tyre dealer before they leave their premises. Only

then, can we ensure that they don’t find their way back

into circulation.”

Added Human: “Tyre dealers are responsible for

destroying their scrap passenger type tyres either by

way of a mutilation machine or by simply putting a knife

through the sidewall, to ensure that these don’t find their way back to market.”

In response many dealers claim that they don’t have sufficient funds to invest

in mutilation machines or the manpower required to carry out tyre mutilations

manually. Yet, during an average days you will constantly finding dealership

staff waiting around for customers, claimed Human. “Any business has the

responsibility to dispose of their waste, especially when peoples’ lives are at

stake,” he added.

And then there are those who are allegedly exploiting the sale of waste hand

tyres to boost profit margins.

“Selling waste tyres provides instant income,” said Human, “which is why so

many are falling prey to this practice, despite that it is ethically wrong.”

According to figures obtained from the TDAFA, currently only about 40 percent

of franchise and fitment stores are fully compliant when it comes to the resale

of used tyres, and this despite regular communication circulated alerting them

to the dangers and legalities around the sale of part-worn tyres.

Said Human: “Part of the problem in South Africa is that there are no formal

standards regulating the sale of second-hand tyres. In contrast, the United

Kingdom abides by a certified standard which falls under the Motor Vehicle

Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 which dictates that certain requirements are

met before any part-worn tyre is fitted to a vehicle.”

And indeed, the UK Standards are not only comprehensive but also very

specific to what constitutes a feasible repair in the event of tyre bulges, tears,

lumps and the like whilst also specifying minimum tread depth around the

entire tyre.

For example, the Regulations clearly stipulate that a tyre may not have cuts

larger than 25 millimetres, or 10 percent of the section width of the tyre,

whichever is the greater, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre

and deep enough to reach the ply or cord. It further

states that a tyre may not have any internal or external

lump, bulge or tear caused by the separation or partial

failure of the structure.

In addition, any part-worn tyre destined for resale must

display the approval mark which was put on when the

tyre was manufactured and must also say “PART-WORN’

in uppercase letters at least 4mm high. Last but not

least, marks showing a speed category symbol and load-

capacity index which were put on when the tyre was

manufactured must also be clearly visible on the tyre.

And insofar as tyre repairs are concerned, repairs must

be carried out properly to meet the requirements of

British Standard BS AU 15ge. 1990.

Failure to comply with all these requirements could

render the offending party liable to a penalty of six

months imprisonment, a fine of up to 5000GBP or both.

Added Human: “The supply of defective used tyres is effectively being

policed in first world countries such as the United Kingdom and most EU

countries, thereby ensuring that the vast majority of dealers and consumers

comply with these Regulations.

“The Rubber Manufacturers Association in the USA produces a practical Tyre

Repair Chart which serves to educate the dealer as well as the motorist on

whether a tyre is fit for use, or whether it can be safely repaired. We are

looking at the viability of either acquiring the rights to reproduce this Chart

in South Africa as transport costs are prohibitive and we believe this would

go a long way towards alleviating at least part of the problem,” said Human.

Imports under scrutiny

As raised earlier by Redisa management, there are numerous scams

surrounding the importation of casings allegedly destined for the retread

sector. According to the TDAFA placing a ban on these imports is simply

not feasible as there are not enough good casings in circulation to meet

local demand by the retreading factories.

That being said, passenger retreading is on the decline with only a handful

of operators still servicing this market.

Said Taljaard: “At one stage, according to figures from ITAC, 1.6 million

casings were being imported for this purpose, a number that has since

reduced to 450 000. Nonetheless, this figure is still too high when one

considers local passenger retreading capacity is currently estimated at

25 000 units per annum on popular retreadable sizes.

In response, Philip Snyman, Senior Manager: Import and Export Control at

ITAC had this to say: “Import permits for the importation of used passenger

vehicle tyre casings were issued to a limited number of importers. To qualify

for an import permit it is required that the applicant operate as a bona

❝

Part of the problem in

South Africa is that

there are no formal

standards regulating the

sale of second-hand

tyres.

❞

YOUR TYRE SPECIALIST

There is also no manufacturer or investor infl uence. This means you have the freedom, not only to retain your business’ name but also stock the brands you want to stock. Give Point.S a call today and set your tyre business free.

We’re not a franchise. We’re the world’s largest independent tyre dealer network that is 100% member owned & driven.

With u your handcuffs are removed!

INDEPENDENT TYRE DEALER NETWORKContact: Dawie Pretorius | T: +27 11 892 0340 | F: 086 403 1971 | E-mail: dawie@point-s.co.za | www.point-s.co.za

With u your

OTR RADIALS

FOR ORDERS & INFORMATIONContact: Ken Martin or Marlin Pillay

Tel: 031 764 6451 | Ken: 083 387 8403 | Marlin: 071 880 9247 | Fax: 086 558 8382 Email: ken@tafrica.net or marlin@tafrica.net

Exclusive Distributor for RSA, Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana

OnLy AvAILABLE fROm

Transafrica Tyre & Wheel

l Suitable for all OTR Machines

l Full size range in 25” to 35”

‘E’ and ‘L’ type Radials

l Robust Steel Belted Radial

construction

l Abrasion resistant tread

compound

l Steelbelt reinforced tread area

l Modern tread patterns

l Global quality standard

l Manufacturer Warranty

= Low Cost Per Hour

TESTED & PROVEN

F o c u s o n U s e d T y r e s • 2 3

fide retreader. Moreover, permits are issued with a

specific condition that all imported used casings must

be retreaded by the importer on their own premises

and that no imported casings may be sold without

being retreaded by the importer.

“ITAC recently circulated a questionnaire to recipients

of import permits to verify whether all permit recipients

are still bona fide retreaders. As a result of the responses

received and also due to the fact that no responses

were received in certain instances, the number of

importers are reduced accordingly, with permits being

restricted to the proven bona fide retreaders.

He added: “It should also be noted that from 1 January

2014 until 31 October 2014, ITAC issued import

permits for the importation of 203 984 passenger

vehicle tyre casings for retreading purposes. During

the same period, ITAC issued importation permits to

import 67 017 628 new pneumatic tyres (including station wagons and

racing cars), which means that the used tyre casings represent a mere

0.30% of the total number of tyres imported during the period.”

Chairman of the Tyre Importers Association of SA (TIASA), Pieter Kruger,

further stated: “Many of the casings coming into South Africa do have a

lot of tread left, but instead of being retreaded, they are sold as second-

hands. TIASA is totally against this form of business. Sadly, there are no

controls or law governing this currently to protect the interests of the

consumer. Importing a tyre that is not homologated should be deemed

illegal. And equally the homologation process should apply to any casings

that are being imported. Currently, this is not the case. TIASA believes that

government and the NRCS must step in and take action in this regard.

According to Human, a draft of the suggested SABS Part Worn Tyre

Standard SANS1633 has been submitted to the TC31 Committee for

approval. “The next step is to make SANS1633 compulsory,” said Human.

“To do this however, it needs to be a compulsory Specification which must

be policed. At this stage, the NRCS needs to assume responsibility as the

number of people killed on our roads due to waste tyres being fitted which

then fail, continues to mount.”

Human continued: “The desire of the SATMC Tech Committee is to write

into SANS1633 a minimum requirement of 3mm tread depth for a part-

worn tyre offered for sale. It makes no sense to sell a tyre if it is worn down

to the 1mm, especially as tyres with tread below the 3mm mark have about

25% less wet road braking ability.

“There are further implications in that when a tyre fails, the brand holder is

seen as making an inferior tyre, when in fact, the blame can be laid at the

doors of the tyre dealer for not sorting and mutilating the waste tyres and

the informal tyre dealer for fitting a waste tyre,” he said.

Concurred Kruger: “Equally disturbing to see is the

number of second-hand tyres being re-grooved and

resold into the market. TIASA condemns the sale of

illegal second hand tyres but also understands that

our law at this stage does not make provision for

protection against this, even though this practice is

in violation of the Consumer Protection Act.”

But despite ITAC’s efforts to address this issue, it

would seem that dubious part-worn tyres are still

managing to enter the market via unorthodox means.

Explained Taljaard: “Containers are coming in

marked with incorrect codes such as, ‘Wool’,

‘Cutlery’, ‘Furnisher’but when opened, they are

stacked with used tyres destined for resale at the

hands of unscrupulous individuals. We have even

found that snow tyres are being sold to customers

in areas where the heat can simmer up to 45 deg C.”

Another tactic commonly used by these dubious operators according to

Taljaard, is the importation of a vehicle or engine with worn tyres used as

packing material.

“This has become big business,” claimed Taljaard, who went on to say

that the authorities are aware of at least 10 dubious operators currently

dabbling in these illicit practices, three of which are large concerns.

“Thankfully, a team of experts has been put in place to investigate this

further,” he said.

In the meantime, and likely for many years to come, the problem of

part-worn tyres unfit for use remains, with countless dangerously worn

tyres filtering through our borders and onto the vehicles of unsuspecting

motorists who often place their faith in tyre retailers who may or may not

abide by the safety rules.

Clearly the situation demands swift action on the part of industry, perhaps

by way of a dedicated education programme aimed at the consumer, it

has been suggested. Plus, industry experts are adamant that tyre dealers

need to sort used tyres and mutilate passenger waste tyres, as well as

supply the retreaders with good casings. Finally, they argue that part worn

tyres must be properly inspected before being offered for sale as the law

requires.

And clearly, ITAC Import –export Control together with Environmental

Affairs have a joint responsibility in implementing effective measures that

will reduce the carnage on our roads.

“An informed consumer will hopefully make the right choices,” offered

Taljaard. “More important, the consumer is more likely to induce the

dealer trade to abandon such illicit practices, if they understand the full

implications of fitting waste tyres to their vehicle.”

❝

Equally disturbing to

see is the number of

second-hand tyres being

re-grooved and resold

into the market.

❞

2 4 • R e t r e a d i n g

Bandag’s 2014 national franchise conference has taken place at the

gorgeous Arabella Hermanus. More than 130 people congregated at this

year’s conference and Gala Awards Evening where the best of the best

Bandag franchisees were acknowledged and rewarded.

This year’s Bandag/BTS conference also saw Bandag Southern Africa

celebrate 10 Years of locals at the wheel. This was celebrated as 10 Years

of LEKKER! The past 10 years has seen Bandag SA continue to deliver

innovation into a market threatened by commoditization. And innovation

was again the focus as Bandag has had tremendous success in adding value

to the bottom line of its customers.

As a commitment to continuous innovation, Bandag SA used this platform

to launch 2 new next generation Application Specific tread designs.

BDR-HG offers a premium product for the long haul and regional drive

applications for fleets who refuse to compromise outstanding performance

for outright muscle. BDR-HG is engineered to deliver serious traction plus

superb mileage and all this, in a gripping fashion. Besides shoulder and

centre tie bars to increase stability and handling, BDR-HG offers open

shoulders and deep sipes for continued traction and excellent grip.

BDV2 is the latest addition to the Application Specific® range and is

dedicated to the Bus and Urban Delivery markets. Like its predecessor,

BDV2 is set to be the next Benchmark in its application. BDV2 offers a

lighter casing friendly tread design. Its wide shoulders and wide tread area

together with the latest in rubber compounding technology ensure an

optimum wear rate (km/mm).

Application Specific treads are engineered not to be your average but your

BENCHMARK!

But the innovation did not end there.

Bandag SA has also made a substantial investment and in roads in electronic

tyre inspection technology. Today nearly 20% of the over 400,000

tyres annually inspected by the Bandag network of tyre professionals is

done electronically. This means faster processing, greater accuracy and

quicker reporting. With the launch of its latest Android application, it is

not inconceivable that more tyres will be inspected electronically in the

coming months.

These innovations show Bandag once again Setting the Pace in the truck

tyre replacement market.

Once the business part of the conference was complete, there was golf, spa

treatments for the lovely ladies and when in Rome… there was of course

a wine experience… but with a twist where everyone enjoyed a wine and

chocolate pairing experience.

The Gala evening was the highlight of the weekend. Long service and

Bandag/BTS Conference 2014 acknowledges franchisees

R e t r e a d i n g • 2 52 4 • R e t r e a d i n g

loyalty is rare in today’s business environment but Bandag has historically

been privileged to work with a strong and loyal franchise network. Long

Service Awards that were handed out this year included:

BTs Franchise 5 Years

• BTSLICHTENBURG–HANSNELBANDE

• BTSEASTLONDON–TREADZTYRES

• BTSCENTURION–VERWOERDBURGTYRES

BTs Franchise 10 Years

• BTSWINDHOEK–TYREPRO

• BTSPTANORTH–TYREAFRICA

Bandag Manufacturing Franchise 10 Years

• TONWAYTYRES–ROSSLYN

• THOMASTYRES–LOWVELD

• NEXORTYRES–KZN

Bandag Manufacturing Franchise 15 Years

• BANDAUTOBEIRA–MOZAMBIQUE

• TREADMASTERS–MALAWI

• LONGLIFETYRES–KZN

• LOMBARDTYRES–KRUGERSDORP,GAUTENG

• SABLENDOLA–ZAMBIA

• RICHARDSBAYTYRES

Bandag Manufacturing Franchise 20 Years

• BANDAUTOMAPUTO–MOZAMBIQUE

Bandag Manufacturing Franchise 35 Years

• SWAZIBANDAG–SWAZILAND

Bandag Manufacturing Franchise 40 Years

• PROTEATYRES–ERMELO

• SPBR–REUNION

Bandag Manufacturing Franchise 50 Years

• CMC–MAURITIUS

TheawardseveningwasalsousedrevealBandag’sQuestforGold(QFG)

Winners. Quest forGold isBandag’swayof rewarding franchisees that

excel in delivering the Bandag Package of Value (POV).

The efforts and achievements of franchisees don’t go unnoticed and is

encouraged to ensure fleet operators get the best products and services

Bandag have on offer! The categories on which franchisees were measured

were very focused on Bandag’s POV.

This year’s winners were:

•Best Web Tool Reporting – Tonway Tyres (Rosslyn)

•Best Application Specific Sales – Longlife Tyres (KZN)

•Best On-Site Servicing – Thomas Tyres (Meyerton)

•Best On-Road Servicing – BTS Roodepoort (Vulindlela)

Overall Bandag and BTS franchisees were also selected and winners for

these categories were:

•Best Bandag Manufacturing Franchise – Mega Treads (Caledon)

•Best BTS Franchise – BTS Cape Town (VT Tyres)

Bandag rewards franchisees that excel in delivering quality, innovation,

reliability and information, which are all paramount to ensuring the

competitiveness of Bandag end-users. The success of end-users,

determines the success of Bandag and its franchise network!

The incentive trip for this year’s QFG winners is the fast paced 2015

Malaysian Grand Prix as well as some rest and relaxation on the luxurious

beaches at Club Med Bali.

All Quest For Gold Winners.

Bandag/BTS Conference 2014 acknowledges franchisees

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SRSA) is excited to announce

the rejuvenation of its Truck Bus Radial tyre range into the African market,

which they say shows the company’s commitment and effort to promote

advanced fleet management services and increase the variety of top-quality

product from its stable

SRSA is part of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd (SRI), which is

headquartered in Japan and is the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturing

company, renowned for producing superior quality tyres in a number of

leading brands, including the iconic Dunlop brand, from its 11 state-of-

the-art manufacturing facilities located in Asia, Europe and Africa. The

company is also a global leader in Original Equipment (OE) supplies, used

by prominent car manufacturers as a tyre specification benchmark.

The TBR range has been researched, designed and engineered in Japan

and exhaustively tested, in all road conditions, to deliver unparalleled

performance for fleet services in all wheel positions – steer, drive and trail.

The tyre range features the latest FM and DECTES technology – a

combination of cool running compounds and unique construction that

work in combination to improve fuel efficiency, prolong original tread life

and promote slow, even wear for optimal retreadability, while adhering to

strict international safety standards.

SRSA has taken strategic steps to introduce SRI’s TBR range into the

African market as means of controlling cost effective pricing and superior

technological quality. The company is confident that this range application

will serve as an asset to any fleet management company and will be well

received having already proven itself in highly demanding international

markets.

The TBR range is available with immediate effect and a dedicated campaign

will launch in January 2015.

2 6 • M a n u f a c t u r i n g

NEW DUNLOP TRUCK & BUS RANGE ANNOUNCED

SUMITOMO RUBBER SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCES R1.1 BILLION INVESTMENT PLAN

Sumitomo Rubber South Africa

(Pty) Ltd (SRSA) is excited to

announce a R1.1 billion company

investment in their operations in

support of Original Equipment (OE)

business and African expansion.

The investment includes plans

to initiate local production of the

Sumitomo Tires’ brand as well

as range extensions and quality

enhancements to the iconic Dunlop

brand at the company’s South

African manufacturing plant in

Ladysmith. These new ranges will

require significant technological

enhancements and physical

expansion to the 41 year old plant.

This announcement was made at the opening of the new corporate head office

in Durban by the Group CEO & President, Mr. Ikuji Ikeda.

SRSA has also invested significantly in its Ladysmith based workforce and

included multiple stakeholders in a structured programme to promote unity,

productivity and motivation of the workforce in line with the expansion plans.

“The Ladysmith plant is set to undergo significant changes over the next 18

Mr. Ikuji Ikeda (CEO & President of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd) and Mr. Riaz Haffejee (CEO Sumitomo Rubber South Africa)

M a n u f a c t u r i n g • 2 7

CONTINENTAL NAMED SA’S TOP TYRE BRAND AT PEOPLE’S WHEELS AWARDS

Continental has been named South Africa’s top replacement tyre

choice in the 2015 Standard Bank People’s Wheels Awards for the

third year in a row.

The initiative is run by the Future Group, in association with

Standard Bank Vehicle and Asset Finance, research house TNS

Global and media partner Sunday Times.

According to the organisers, the fourth annual nationwide survey

of vehicle owners, which drew its biggest-ever response this year

with more than 60 000 online votes, determined which automotive

brands were considered the best by SA’s motoring public.

Continental once again topped the motoring public’s list of preferred

replacement tyre brands, having already won this category for the

past two years.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Continental, and reinforces

the hard work that has gone into establishing and maintaining our

status as the leading tyre brand in the original equipment sector,

and the preferred choice in the replacement tyre market,” says

Dieter Horni, managing director of Continental Tyre South Africa

(CTSA).

Continental is a global leader in the development and manufacture

of original equipment (OE) tyres to vehicle manufacturers, and

retains its status as CTSA’s premium tyre brand with best-in-class

braking and driving safety.

It is also the only tyre manufacturer that supplies to all seven local

vehicle manufacturers in South Africa, comprising Mercedes-Benz,

BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, Toyota, General Motors and Nissan.

months and we really wanted our employees to feel part of this process

and to be excited by the expansion,” explains Mr. Riaz Haffejee, CEO of

SRSA.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd (SRI), the Japanese tyre manufacturing

giant acquired the manufacturing and distribution license for Dunlop tyres

in South Africa and 33 African countries from Apollo Tyres Limited in

December 2013. This led to the formation of Sumitomo Rubber South

Africa (Pty) Ltd. This latest investment is an indication of the company’s

commitment to growing its business in South Africa and boosting the

quality of the company’s products and ongoing improvement of the range

offering to consumers. Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd, manufactures

and distributes Dunlop tyres across many territories as well as Falken and

Sumitomo Tire brands worldwide.

Today, SRSA produces tyres in passenger, SUV/4x4 and light truck

applications and will introduce its new range of Truck Bus Radial tyres in

January 2015, which will be distributed both locally and internationally.

The Sumitomo Tires’ range, although new to local markets, is a highly

acclaimed brand that has a proven track record in the competitive

European and North American markets and the company believes that it

will perfectly complement the flagship Dunlop brand.

“The Dunlop brand already has a strong consumer loyalty base in South

Africa, and is instantly recognisable throughout Africa, having recently

taken top place in the TGI Brand Icon Survey 2013 / 2014 for the third

consecutive year,” says Mr. Haffejee, who goes on to elaborate, “First

introduced into the country in 1935, when Dunlop Limited opened its

Durban factory and subsequently the Ladysmith factory in 1973, Dunlop

has since gone on to build an impressive track record of achievements in

this country and around the world.”

At a time when the industry faces challenges from high manufacturing

costs, tough labour relations and imported tyre competition, SRSA is still

confident in making the investment and has taken a long term view of the

South African motor industry and African tyre market potential.

SRSA is sure that this investment will have a hugely positive effect on the

country’s tyre industry and local employment and will serve to facilitate

the company’s future growth and development on the African continent.

“The Dunlop brand already has a strong consumer loyalty base in South Africa, and is instantly

recognisable throughout Africa.”

says Mr. Haffejee

2 8 • D i s t r i b u t i o n

Another Tyres & More automotive fitment centre has opened in Lynnwood

at Willow Way Shopping Centre, 404 Lynnwood Road, Lynnwood.

Franchisee Thomas Rundle, owner of this new Tyres & More store

commented: “We are excited to bring Tyres & More to Lynnwood and our

staff are eager to introduce motorists to the brand and our fast-becoming-

legendary, hassle-free service. We recently changed over to the Tyres &

More brand to offer our customers the ‘more’ we know they are looking for.”

Jeff Saayman, manager of the new fitment centre, concurred and added that

he and the other staff members are looking forward to demonstrating to

customers just how well they are able to meet their automotive needs now

and in the future.

For consumers who are not yet familiar with Tyres & More, the automotive

fitment centre does tyres, wheels, alignment, batteries, brakes, shocks,

exhausts, tow bars and more; and does them at better than usual prices, with

better than average service; so that you can get on with the business of doing

more of the things that really matter to you, the company claims.

Front Row: Russell Meyers, Victor Ndhlovu, Kenneth Masha, Mike Dombo, Ernsest Skosana: Ephriam DikgaleMiddle Row: Vera Gomes, Springbok Mtsweni, George Lekalakala, Dupie Du plessisBack Row: Lourens Smit, Lourens Dye, Andre Jacobsz, Johan Vermeulen, Jeffrey Saayman, Bennie Van Niekerk

New Tyres & More Automotive Fitment Centre Opens in Lynnwood

D i s t r i b u t i o n • 2 9

A new Tyres & More (a division of the established TiAuto Group) automotive

fitment centre has opened in Kempton Park at 105 Pretoria Road, Kempton

Park. The chain is rapidly expanding its nationwide footprint, and gaining

traction with its promise to take care of motorists’ automotive needs with

quality products and service at affordable price points.

Franchisee Jan Brak is owner of this new Tyres & More store. He commented:

“We are excited to bring Tyres & More to Kempton Park CBD and our staff are

eager to introduce motorists to the brand and our fast-becoming-legendary,

hassle-free service. We recently changed over to the Tyres & More brand to

offer our customers the ‘more’ they are looking for.”

Said Martin Faurie, manager of the new Kempton Park Tyres & More, “We invite

everyone who lives in or commutes to the area to stop by and see what we

have to offer. No pressure, just come in and say ‘hi’ and see what’s on offer and

what we can do for you, whether it’s now or in the future.”

For consumers who are not yet familiar with Tyres & More, the automotive

fitment centre does tyres, wheels, alignment, batteries, brakes, shocks,

exhausts, tow bars and more; and does them at better than usual prices, with

better than average service; so that you can get on with the business of doing

more of the things that really matter to you.

Tyres & More Lynnwood has eight fitment and two alignment bays, manned

by skilled technicians. In addition to the aforementioned services, the fitment

centre also sells and fits wiper blades, Agri Tyres, Bull Bars and McGard wheel

locks and offers balancing and nitrogen inflation for tyres.

“To fully appreciate the Tyres & More offering, you must experience it

firsthand,” explained Marketing Manager, Natashé Taljaard, “Staff members

approach each customer interaction with the understanding that in all

likelihood you want to be anywhere else but here, taking care of your car. So

the agreement is that we’ll get on with it quickly, efficiently and get it right the

first time, so you can be on your way to do the things you really care about.”

New Tyres & More Automotive Fitment Centre Opens in Lynnwood

Tyres & More Kempton Park CBD has five fitment and one alignment bay,

manned by skilled technicians. In addition to the aforementioned services, the

Kempton Park fitment centre also sells and fits wiper blades, and McGard wheel

locks and offers balancing and nitrogen inflation for tyres.

“To fully appreciate the Tyres & More offering, you must experience it firsthand,”

explained Marketing Manager, Natashé Taljaard, “Staff members approach

each customer interaction with the understanding that in all likelihood you want

to be anywhere else but here, taking care of your car. So the agreement is that

we’ll get on with it quickly, efficiently and get it right the first time, so you can be

on your way to do the things you really care about.”

For more information on Tyres & More Kempton Park, call the store on 011 394

0198/9 or head over there and check it out for yourself. If you’re strapped for

cash,youcanalsoapplyin-storeoronlineforXpressCredit,becauseatight

budget should never get in the way of your safety on the road.

Visit the website www.tyresandmore.com for information on current

promotions and special offers, and to learn more about the brand. If you are

interested in owning your own Tyres & More fitment centre, the website also

offers information on franchising opportunities and benefits, and the option to

enquire online.

For more information on Tyres & More Lynnwood, call the store on 012

807 6201 or head over there and check it out for yourself. If you’re

strapped for cash, you can also apply in-store or online for Xpress

Credit, because a tight budget should never get in the way of your safety

on the road.

Visit the website www.tyresandmore.com for information on current

promotions and special offers, and to learn more about the brand. If you are

interested in owning your own Tyres & More fitment centre, the website also

offers information on franchising opportunities and benefits, and the option

to enquire online.

Back: Jacques, Phillip, Vusi, Chief, Efrim, Steven, Martin, Duncan, Anton. Front : Eric and Mike

New Tyres & More Automotive Fitment Centre Opens Its Doors in Kempton Park CBD

3 0 • D i s t r i b u t i o n

Driven by the need to provide superior, top-notch service to discerning

customers who demand the best, BestDrive brings stylish lounge amenities,

superior expertise and service excellence to the tyre fitment business,

claims holding company, ContiTrade (a Division of Continental AG.

South Africa is the latest country to benefit from the BestDrive phenomenon,

which was first developed in Europe more than eight years ago. Today, an

extensive network of BestDrive fitment centres operates around the globe,

and the number is growing all the time.

The company claims: “Regardless of country or location, the objective

of each BestDrive centre is the same: to become the world’s leading tyre

service network through an unwavering commitment to premium service,

premium quality, premium products and premium facilities.”

HIsTorY

A leading tyre retail brand in Europe and in Asia since 2006, and jointly

developed by the tyre division of Continental, and the Continental

Corporation’s trade division, ContiTrade, BestDrive focuses on delivering

an exceptional service experience.

From a local perspective, BestDrive is managed by ContiTrade Africa,

which will be responsible for Continental’s tyre fitment, retail and franchise

operations on the African continent.

D i s t r i b u t i o n • 3 1

Both ContiTrade Africa, and Continental Tyre SA are subsidiaries of

Continental AG, and they co-operate closely to achieve their shared

mission of ensuring that Continental’s premium tyres are fitted to the

highest possible standards.

A real commitment to a first-class tyre fitment experience is evident at

South Africa’s first four BestDrive tyre fitment centres, all located in the

northern suburbs of Johannesburg. This quartet of BestDrive outlets will set

the benchmarks, and become the springboard, for the planned expansion

of the brand to key centres around South Africa.

The four fitment centres previously formed part of the Jody’s Tyre group of

outlets, arguably the most successful tyre fitment group in Johannesburg’s

northern suburbs.

The group’s success was pivotal in the decision of ContiTrade Africa to

BestDrive brings stylish lounge amenities,

superior expertise and service excellence to

the tyre fitment business

Premium tyre fitment reaches south Africa

D i s t r i b u t i o n • 3 1

acquire the Jody’s Tyre group in

September 2013.

The acquisition allowed ContiTrade

to fast track the opening of

its first four BestDrive fitment

centres, utilising the existing,

knowledgeable teams, and

benefiting from an established

customer base.

Applying BestDrive’s elevated

standards to the newly upgraded

facilities, and training the teams

to further improve their service

levels in order to meet the

highest expectations, has allowed

ContiTrade to offer the premium-

grade BestDrive tyre fitment

experience to customers in record

time. The experiences gained

in the process will also allow the swift and efficient roll-out of BestDrive

fitment centres countrywide.

THE BEsTDrIVE EXPErIEncE

The BestDrive brand targets motorists who are accustomed to premium

quality, regardless of the product or service being offered. Meeting and

aiming to exceed the expectations of these customers is at the core of the

BestDrive philosophy.

BestDrive fitment centres thus deliver a unique customer experience that

starts with the initial contact and advice, followed by being offered a choice

of premium tyres to match the customers’ requirements.

The experience continues during the time spent enjoying the sophisticated

amenitiesofthewaitinglounge.Qualitycoffee,freewi-fi,dedicatedwork

booths with power sockets, and elegant furnishings create an ambience of

quiet elegance.

While some customers will make full use of their time to catch up on

correspondence, others will simply enjoy the respite offered by their relaxing

surroundings.

But there’s more to BestDrive than a sophisticated lounge, the company alleges.

The BestDrive experience is anchored by an expert team that is driven by a real

commitment to service excellence. Customers can expect professional advice

and quality workmanship, using latest-generation fitment systems.

All BestDrive fitment centres provide a comprehensive portfolio of services

that includes the fitment of brakes, shock absorbers and other related services.

These include strategic alliances with quality-driven brands such as the Thule

range of racks and carriers.

BestDrive fitment centres have full access to the comprehensive Continental

Tyre product offering, which includes tyres for passenger vehicles, SUVs, light

commercial vehicles, truck (radial and bias), and speciality tyres. Other well-

known, premium tyre brands are also available.

A GroWInG DEMAnD For soPHIsTIcATIon

Dieter Horni, managing director of Continental Tyre SA, believes that demand

for premium services as support for premium products is a trend that will

continue to grow locally.

“BestDrive is about more than just fitting tyres – it’s a complete, premium-

driven concept, designed to satisfy discerning customers in both product and

service terms. Service excellence is backed up by the expertise of the highly

trained staff at our BestDrive fitment centres.

“Vitally, the close link between Continental and BestDrive allows direct access

to specialist knowledge: after all, Continental is not only a leading manufacturer

of tyres, but also of vehicle systems and components, which ensures an

exceptionally wide and valid knowledge base,” Horni concluded.

www.continental.co.za

T a l k i n g T y r e s • 3 3

TYrE Foru M

Tyre awareness and

education needs to be

taken to the next level as

there’s still a fundamental

lack of understanding

regarding how important

tyres are to overall driving

safety! Especially with the

flood of cheap imports …

By Colin Mileman

Don’t negate – EDUCATEIt’s a well-hashed phrase, but tyres continue to be regarded as a grudge purchase. Many people will happily

spend thousands on a set of flashy new rims or upgrading the car’s sound system. But when they have to

replace the tyres, it’s usually done with teeth clenched and cash reluctantly handed over.

Only a relatively small proportion of the motoring public willingly opt for the most expensive tyre to suit

their needs. The priciest aren’t always the best, but as they say in the classics, you do get what you pay for!

Most often the choice is made on price and price alone. It’s truly astonishing to see owners of high-

performance cars wearing out their first set of original equipment (OE) tyres and then slapping on a set of

cheap rubber as a replacement.

And I’m not just talking about the junior GTI brigade, but also the M, RS and AMG category too – cars

3 4 • T a l k i n g T y r e s

Colin Mileman is a freelance motoring journalist, photographer and advanced driving specialist with over 17 years of experience in this

field. As a former editor of Topcar and Topbike magazines, he’s as enthusiastic about cars and bikes as they come, and has extensive

knowledge of all motoring-related matters, including the topic of tyres, having run the annual and highly regarded Topcar tyre tests for

several years.

teetering on the brink of the million rand mark. The

problem becomes even worse when you head further

down the income scale – hence the South African market

is seeing a terrifying increase in the importation and sale

of cheap tyres from Asia, and China specifically.

The Chinese manufacturers are driven by two things:

volume and profit, which is quite ironic for a communist

country that seems to have the whole capitalism concept

aced better than the capitalists themselves.

Research and development – at this stage of the game – seem to have little

priority in their business models. While there may be some exceptions

to the rule, for the most part it’s a case of maximum penetration into

increasingly receptive price-sensitive markets, regardless of the actual

quality of the final product.

There’s a very good reason that OE tyres are expensive – it’s because they

have been developed and tested to offer the best compromise in terms of

safety, comfort and durability. And that research and development costs

a lot of money!

Vehicle and tyre manufacturers alike spend billions evaluating tyre

construction, compounds and tread patterns to ensure the best on-

road performance for their products. Often the development of a new

car is done hand-in-hand with the tyre manufacturer to deliver the best

performance across a predetermined set of criteria.

Naturally it’s always a compromise. You can’t have a tyre that will

easily clock up 100 000 km while still offering class-leading levels of

braking, handling and outright grip. I know of certain 4x4 tyres that have

comfortably surpassed that mark and still appear to have many years

ahead of them. But drive with the rock-hard compound in the wet and it’s

like you’re skating on ice.

Equally you can’t expect a high-performance tyre to last forever. Gravity-

defying cornering and mind-bending braking ability needs super-sticky

rubber that is sacrificed in the fight for ultimate levels of grip and

performance.

But one thing you can expect is a premium tyre to perform far better

than a product that costs a fraction of the price, features

a tread design just randomly copied from a decade ago, a

seemingly arbitrary mix of compounds and a brand name

that appears to have been dreamt up by a six-year-old.

Some recent tyre tests that have pitched established

brands versus cheap imports, and the results have been

scary, to say the least. I’ve experienced this first-hand

where the drop-off in performance, safety and durability

is not just worrying, but terrifying from cheap imports that

appear to look the part but cost a third of the price.

What has proven even more interesting is that some of the tests have

not just evaluated new versus new, but also compared premium tyres

that are half-worn, as well as some that are reaching the end of their

recommended lifespan.

The results are simply astonishing, and have shown that quality

tyres typically offer much higher levels of grip, safety and predictable

performance at all stages of their lifespan than an equivalent ‘ultra-cheap’

new tyre.

Clearly reduced tread depth and driving in the wet is a less than desirable

combination – but even so a carefully designed and developed tyre still

has merit over random rubber that is just churned out by the millions.

We certainly can’t fool ourselves into thinking that it’s always going to be

this way. Ask anyone who dismissed the Japanese automotive infiltration

in the 1960s as a flash in the pan. Or joked about the longevity of the

fledgling Korean car and tyre brands that blasted onto the scene in the

1990s. Many of these are now market leaders and trend-setters.

But for now, the mainstream brands still lead the way in the tyre

sector, and the customer’s choice between proven products and cheap

alternatives could make the difference between avoiding an accident, and

becoming part or the cause of it in the first place.

We need to educate people about the real pitfalls of buying on price rather

than product. And there’s still a terribly long way to go to get motorists

to realise the critical importance of proper tyre care and maintenance –

particularly inflation pressure, damage inspection and tyre wear.

20066 Trentyre SA Treads Advert FA.indd 1 2012/02/28 3:14 PM

3 6 • G o o d y e a r N e w s

Rainer Zietlow and his Cheallenge4 team in partnership with Goodyear have

set a new world record for the fastest drive between Nordkapp in Norway and

Cape Agulhas in South Africa. They completed this epic 17,752-kilometre

drive in 21 days and 16 hours. With this feat, the Cape-to-Cape team beat

the existing record of 28 days from Nordkapp to Cape Agulhas.

The team departed on 21 September 2014. Their journey took them across

three continents in a Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI fitted with Goodyear

Wrangler HP All Weather tyres, designed to resist the rigorous demands of

the extreme climates and road conditions en route.

The challenge was delayed after an incident in Tanzania where the car was

damaged as the result of an impact from another vehicle and required

repairs for 13 days. Without the incident in Tanzania, the car would have

completed the challenge in 8 days and 10 hours.

Rainer and his team used only one set of Goodyear Wrangler tyres to achieve

this world record, which involved battling through the most challenging

terrain and extreme weather conditions on earth. Their obstacles included

Goodyear partnered with Rainer Zietlow on his record-breaking drive across three continents

G o o d y e a r N e w s • 3 7

Rainer Zietlow drove from Cape-to-Cape in

less than 22 days, conquering more than

17,000 kilometres on one set of Goodyear

Wrangler tyres.

floods, mud, serious off-road driving and the ‘road to hell’ in Kenya, putting

their equipment to the test at every stage of their 17,752-kilometre journey.

Tracy Maclear, Marketing & Brand Manager at Goodyear South Africa, said

“Without a doubt, the Goodyear Wrangler tyres were the best attire for

Rainer’s Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI. We are very proud to have been a

reliable partner of the Challenge4 team for this amazing challenge. We have

demonstrated that our passion coupled with a hundred years of safety-

driven innovation has lead to success.”

G o o d y e a r N e w s • 3 7

Rainer Zietlow added “We were armed with exceptional equipment,

ensuring total success throughout the journey from Norway to South

Africa. The support we received at various stages of the journey was truly

exceptional, especially when the car had to be repaired after our unfortunate

collision in Tanzania. Crossing different climate zones and encountering the

full spectrum of challenging road conditions was the ultimate test for the

Touareg and the Goodyear Wrangler tyres. Both lived up to expectations,

proving their quality and endurance.”

Much thought went into choosing the right tyres for the record-breaking

journey. After evaluation of different tyre types by Goodyear and Zietlow’s

team, it was decided that the Goodyear Wrangler tyres would deliver the

best performance.

GoodyearWrangler tyres,designedforSUVand4X4vehicles,givesolid

year-round performance on tarmac and hardened roads. They have strong

off-road abilities and are also fuel-efficient. These tyres offer an aggressive

grip in wet weather, strong aquaplaning resistance and a quiet, comfortable

ride, which delivered peace of mind to the team as they made their way

down to South Africa.

“The Goodyear and Challenge4 teams worked hard and made sure that we

delivered the right tyre for the job”, said Tracy Maclear, Marketing & Brand

Manager at Goodyear. “We knew that Rainer’s journey down to South Africa

would primarily be on hardened roads, but that he would also encounter

potholes, roads in disrepair and he would need basic off-road capabilities.

Goodyear’s Wrangler HP tyres were able to meet all these challenges while

at the same time ensuring a comfortable ride. As a result the team were able

to focus on the task at hand, to set a new record.”

Goodyear recognised as a Top EmployerGoodyear has been honoured with certification as

a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute of

South Africa.

This exclusive recognition demonstrates that Goodyear is a leading

and trusted employer in South Africa that provides an outstanding

employment environment, nurturing and developing talent

throughout all levels of the organisation.

“We are extremely proud of this recognition,” said Julia Modise,

Group Human Resources Director, Goodyear Tyre & Rubber

Holdings. “Achieving the ‘Top Employer’ award is a testament of

Goodyear South Africa’s competitive Human Resources conditions

that enable us to attract, develop and retain top talent”.

YTS

Johannesburgtel: +27 11 974 7732 | email: yts.sales@telkomsa.net

Cape Towntel: +27 82 337 8699 | email: aeolus.cape@netactive.co.za

Official Distributors in South Africa:

YTS TYRE SALES

E N G I N E E R E D T O G O T H E D I S T A N C ETruck and Bus | Dump Trucks | Scrapers | Loaders | Compactors | Graders

1 • O n e - o n - O n e

With the reliability you get from Bandag, your fleet can take on anything. www.bandag.co.za

8182 Bandag Strip Ad.indd 3 5/15/08 4:39:38 PM

South African truckers have grown accustomed to expect best in class products from

Bandag. Innovation is central to ensuring that durability, quality and reliability are

not compromised! This infectious spirit to innovate has once again gripped Bandag!

Bandag Southern Africa is proud to announce the launch of not one, but two, Next Generation

Application Specific® products.

BDR-HG is a premium product for the long haul and regional drive applications

for fleets that refuse to compromise outstanding performance for outright muscle.

BDR-HG is engineered to deliver serious traction plus superb mileage and all this, in a

gripping fashion. Besides shoulder and centre tie bars to increase stability and handling,

BDR-HG offers open shoulders and deep sipes for continued traction and excellent grip.

With Bandag, you don’t have to be a tyre expert. You just have to know one! Bandag specialises in the manufacture of retreads and best-in-class after sales service. That’s what we do!

For more information please contact Bandag on 011 439 6000 or visit the website at www.bandag.co.za.

BDV2 is the latest addition to the Application Specific® range and is dedicated to the

Bus and Urban Delivery markets. Like its predecessor, BDV2 is set to be the next

Benchmark in its application. BDV2 offers a lighter casing friendly tread design. Its

wide shoulders and wide tread area together with the latest in rubber compounding

technology ensure an optimum wear rate (km/mm).

Bandag’s range of Application Specific® products now boasts an improved product

offering geared to offer best in class products for your trucking needs. It is testimony

to Bandag’s commitment of continuous innovation to deliver Application Specific®

products that are not your average, but your BENCHMARK!

Not your average,but your BENCHMARK!

B a n d a g N e w s • 3 9

Name: __________________________________________________________________________Company: ________________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________Code: _______________________________________________________________________________

Profession: ___________________________________________________________________Telephone: _______________________________________________________________________

QuEsTIon: In which vehicle segment does the

Maxxis tyre brand excel?

AnsWEr: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________ Code: ______________________________________

Telephone: __________________________________ Cellphone:________________________________

4 0 • C o m p e t i t i o n / S u b s c r i p t i o n

Please address your competition entries and subscriptions to: Sky Publications cc, PO Box 702, Douglasdale, 2165,

or Fax entries to: (011) 658 0010 (only one per person please)

or enter online at www.satreads.co.za

Congratulations!to our previous competition winner

Sabeen Hasan Ali of Neyor International whose correct answer wins them a R5 000 shopping voucher courtesy of TiAuto Group.

Win…a new set of

tyres to the valueof R5 000.00

courtesy of

Maxxis!

click ontowww.satreads.co.zato enter!quarterly competition

subscription

Get your entries in on:www.satreads.co.za

I/we wish to subscribe to SA Treads for one year’s subscription (incl. VAT and postage)

Local (SA) R 121.00 International R 302.00(Please address cheques to Sky Publications)

click ontowww.satreads.co.zato enter!

Remo Ad 12/5/12 12:17 PM Page 3

Composite

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

WHEEL SERVICE & GARAGE EQUIPMENT ¥ TYRE RELATED ACCESSORIES

TOUCHLESSWHEELALIGNMENT

CLAMPLESS

A REVOLUTIONfrom

021

5566

798

HD1400

ARTIGLIOMASTER

A 2025 “DV”

PNEUSEALTUBE REPAIRS

REMO REVOLUTIONREMO REVOLUTION

WHEELALIGNERS

EM 9380

TYRECHANGERS

LIFTS TRUCK EQUIPMENT CONSUMABLES

ERCO TP LIFT

EXACTBLACKTECH

X

ERCO 321

ERCO 4004B

ET66

w w w . r e m o r e v o l u t i o n . c o m

EM 7240 DD

WHEELBALANCERS

RUBBER SNAP-INVALVE

STICK-ON WHEEL WEIGHT

Johannesburg 011 390 7160 Cape Town 021 949 0010Windhoek 00264 61 301161 Durban 031 705 9505Port Elizabeth 082 553 9987 Welkom 082 921 5450

It’s coming...LaunchingMarch 2013