Tires & Wheels

Michelin SA said Monday it will stop producing car tyres for export by 2009 at its Ota plant in Gunma Prefecture as it trims output capacity in Japan. The plant has a production capacity of 3 million units a year and 60 per cent of the tyres made there are shipped overseas, such as those for sport utility vehicles for the North American market. The plant's current work force of 850 will be cut to roughly 300. Michelin intends to concentrate on high-function tyres for the domestic market.

Due to popular demand, Revolution Wheel & Tire will be holding their 2nd Annual Car show on Sunday, June 17th from 11am – 3pm. The Show, which will take place in their plaza, located in Barrie’s south end, at the corner of Mapleview Drive and Huronia Road, will feature 14 street and custom classes, including classics, oldies, tuners, imports, European, and more.

The Show is expected to attract well over 100 entries from across Ontario.

For those looking to enter their ‘ride’, registration runs from 10 – 11am sharp, and proceeds from the $10 entry fee will be donated to the Royal Victoria children’s ward.

Trophies and prizes will be awarded to all class winners, courtesy of national and local show sponsors including Barrie Honda, Jackson’s Toyota, Continental Tire, Tint King, Performance Improvements and more. Spectators are also encouraged to fill out ballots to win some great giveaways, and last but not least, there will be free food sampling courtesy of Wild Wing South.

This latest edition just-auto company profile is part of a major series of reports that will provide you with convenient and concise analysis on the world's largest component and vehicle manufacturers. Each individual company is profiled in a consistent format, allowing you to quickly and easily make comparisons between companies.

Company Dossier

A series of grab pages summarising the main chapters of the profile. Ideal for busy executives who just need the key facts now!

Worldwide Locations

Details the company structure from head office down. With tables listing key locations worldwide, plus available details on employee numbers.

Financial Analysis

A review of the financial strategy of the company as recorded in public statements and reports, followed by an analysis of the accounts for the last five years. It includes commentary offering our opinion on how the company has performed.

Competitor Analysis

just-autos review of how the company is performing against its key competitors.

Key Events

A quick history lesson: detailing the major events that have affected the company, running right up to recent news.

SWOT Analysis

just-autos proprietary SWOT analysis provides a snapshot barometer for the company, detailing its key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Customers

Provides commentary and pie charts detailing % share of sales by region for the company.

Products and Product Development

Provides commentary and pie charts detailing % share of sales by product group for the company.

Man charged for driving on flat tire

A Johnson City man classified as a "habitual motor offender" has been arrested after witnesses spotted him driving his vehicle with a flat tire.

James Clark, 41, of Belmont Avenue, also was driving with a revoked license, the Johnson City Police Department reported. He has been taken to the Washington County Detention Center.

Clark is being held on a $5,000 bond.

Race: NASCAR Nextel Cup Pocono 500 (Race 14 of 36)

Weather: Race start delayed three hours by rain followed by a rain-shortened end.

Winner: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 Chevrolet from Hendrick Motorsports

Top-five finishers: Gordon, Ryan Newman, Martin Truex Jr., Casey Mears and Tony Stewart.

Race Recap: Shortly after the Pocono 500 was red flagged for rain at lap 106 of a scheduled 200 while Jeff Gordon was at the front, he was declared the winner, thanks to smart pit strategy.

Gordon snagged his fourth victory this season, making it 10 wins out of the 12 Nextel Cup points races this season for the Hendrick Motorsports team of drivers.

Gordon's crew chief Steve LeTarte gambled and won with his call to pit out of sequence when the car's brakes were balking and dark clouds were moving in, taking Gordon out of the lead. However, when the other teams pitted, Gordon resumed the lead and was holding off a challenge from Ryan Newman when a downpour caused NASCAR to stop the race. A race must get past the half-way point to be an official contest, so after a 35-minute rain delay, Gordon was declared the winner.

The race had four cautions for 15 laps and 15 lead changes among eight drivers. It lasted. It ran just over 1 hour and 15 minutes before ending early.

Gordon continues to lead the championship points chase, with Matt Kenseth behind by 242 points, followed by Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Burton.

Goodyear comment from Phil Holmer, marketing manager for NASCAR racing: "The new tire setup for Pocono worked exceptionally well from our standpoint. While it's unfortunate for the fans that the race ended early, they still got to see some very competitive racing through the 106 laps."