вторник, 22 мая 2007 г.

Goodyear Introduces Versatile Transfer Hose

To help North America promote alternative fuels and reduce its dependence on foreign oil, Goodyear Engineered Products (NYSE:GT) has introduced its most versatile transfer hose to handle many fuel types.

Goodyear Flexwing VersaFuel transfer hose meets the needs of expanding alternative fuel markets and conventional fuel markets.

Unveiled today at the annual NAHAD hose distributor convention, VersaFuel is used in tank truck and plant operations to transfer diesel, gasoline, oil, biodiesel and ethanol blends, as well as petroleum-based products with up to 60 percent aromatic content.

It gives Goodyear Authorized Distributors the flexibility to service existing and new fuel markets with one product, according to Keith Collett, marketing manager for Goodyear's industrial hose business. "VersaFuel helps simplify product selection, lower distributor inventory costs, and meet the needs of emerging fuel markets," he said.

This year alone, the ethanol market is expected to surpass six billion gallons of clean burning fuel, according to the American Coalition for Ethanol, and in 2006 U.S. biodiesel fuel production surpassed 200 million gallons, the second consecutive year of triple digit growth as reported by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB).

Alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel blends are good for the environment and farm industry but may aggressively attack rubber hose compounds and possibly degrade a hose cover and inner tubing, said Collett.

VersaFuel's outside cover resists degradation from fuel blends and is abrasion resistant. The inner tube material helps resist swelling, softening or cracking possibly caused by alternative fuels, which can extend hose life and ensure metal coupling retention.

Its helix wire reinforcement reduces the risk of collapse, permitting VersaFuel to also be used for full vacuum applications.

"In addition, the hose construction helps dissipate static build-up that can lead to a static discharge near volatile fuels," said Collett.

He added that VersaFuel's rugged construction is designed to withstand extreme cold and heat. It operates at temperatures ranging from -30 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, permitting use during all seasons and eliminating any outdoor storage concerns.

The hose is stocked in 100-foot lengths and seven diameters from one to four inches.

In addition to industrial hose, Goodyear Engineered Products manufactures and markets industrial power transmission products; heavy-duty and lightweight conveyor belts; hydraulics; and automotive hose, belts, tensioners and air springs.

For more information, go to www.goodyearep.com/hose

Source: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
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вторник, 15 мая 2007 г.

All-Season Touring Performance Is Dunlop's New Signature

A new all-season touring performance tire from Dunlop combines the wet-road gripping power of Hydro-Paddles and a new Dry Performance Sector for enhanced cornering on twisting country roads.

The new Dunlop SP Sport Signature performance tire, a cousin to the brand's family-car Signature brand, is "built for the growing numbers of performance drivers who demand all-season traction and enhanced treadlife to go with cornering g forces," said Todd Hershberger, director of Dunlop in North America.

The new tire is available in several high-performance speed ratings and sizes.

Patrick King, senior development engineer for Dunlop, said the tire's Wet Performance Sector and Dry Performance Sector enable the tire to deliver performance on two very different levels.

Located inboard, the Wet Performance Sector features Dunlop's Hydro-Paddle Technology, a hydrodynamic feature that literally helps pump water through a narrow channel and away from the tire, silica tread compounds that help maintain grip on wet surfaces and full-depth sipes for enhanced water evacuation, King said.

SP Sport Signature's Wet Performance Sector helps provide up to 8.5 percent better wet handling, compared to the award-winning Dunlop SP Sport A2 Plus, according to test results. The tire carries the highest "AA" traction- grading label.

Outboard, the tire's Dry Performance Sector uses a solid shoulder area for enhanced dry handling, straight sipes for a stiff solid contact surface and a solid center rib for enhanced road feedback for stability and driving confidence, he said.

The tire's Dry Performance Sector helps dry handling up to 4.3 percent. In addition, subjective handling is improved up to 13.7 percent when compared to the SP Sport A2 Plus, according to testing.

Seventeen SP Sport Signature performance touring sizes join 33 Signature tire sizes in Dunlop's Power Line. SP Sport Signature tires with an H- or V- speed rating are backed by a 60,000-mile treadlife limited warranty. The tire also comes with Roadside Assistance in the United States and Canada for two years after purchase.

The broad market Signature tire and SP Sport Signature tire rounds out a Power Line strategy, which includes 50 sizes to fit everything from the family car to ultra-performance European sports cars.

When all sizes are available, "the Power Line size lineup targets a potential 79 million replacement-tire opportunities annually," Hershberger said. The Power Line also is focused on touring and high-performance tires, two fast-growing areas each expected to grow 20 percent in volume in the next five years.

Dunlop is a global tire brand with an excellent reputation among performance car enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original- equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring "tuner" tire sizes and race series sponsorships.

For more on Dunlop's Signature tire lines, go to http://www.dunloptires.com/

Source: Dunlop Tires

четверг, 10 мая 2007 г.

Goodyear Plans Ultra-High Performance All Season Tire

Carbon Fiber Technology used by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is shifting into high gear with the company's new, ultra-high performance Eagle F1 All Season tire. Shipments of the new tire to retail outlets are scheduled to begin this summer, with consumer availability in July.

This revolutionary tire lets drivers take command of their driving experience by offering crisp, responsive handling on dry roads along with all- season performance. The key to the Eagle F1 All Season's performance is its high-tech carbon fiber-reinforced inner and outer sidewalls. The carbon fiber helps stiffen both sides of the tire to help maintain enhanced contact with the road during hard turns. It is the kind of technology that captivates ultra-high performance drivers who want a performance edge.

The Eagle F1 All Season is enhanced by the Ultra High Performance Zone with aggressive shoulder blocks and continuous center rib. This action-packed zone helps provide confident handling and steering precision through twisting curves and sharp corners.

The Eagle F1 All Season is more than a superb ultra-high performance tire. This Eagle has earned its "All Season" name by offering traction in the rain and snow.

According to Bob Toth, Goodyear's marketing manager, auto tires, "The Eagle F1 line of ultra-high performance tires is synonymous with precise control, crisp handling and effective dry traction. The award-winning Eagle F1 GS-D3 brought these performance attributes to wet roads. And now, the new Eagle F1 All Season completes the circle by offering traction on dry, wet and snow-covered roads.

"The Eagle F1 All Season lets enthusiasts experience the thrill of driving their sports cars all year long. When it's wet traction you're looking for, look to this tire's All Season Zone comprised of Aquachutes to help clear water from beneath the tread for enhanced grip on wet roads."

Additionally, the new Eagle F1 All Season incorporates Goodyear's patented TredLock(TM) Technology, consisting of a series of cups and domes between the tread grooves. This allows the tire to have biting edges for grip in all- season conditions. As the tire experiences the forces of a turn, the cups and domes lock the tread elements together to help stiffen the tread area and keep more rubber on the road.

Other important features include:
- A layer made with DuPont(TM) KEVLAR(R).
- A silica tread compound.
- Goodyear's PermaBlack(TM) Compound, an innovation that helps keep the sidewall looking new throughout the life of the tire.
- A rim flange protector.
- Dual zone directional tread.

For more information on Goodyear tires, visit www.goodyeartires.com

Source: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

среда, 9 мая 2007 г.

Rhino Linings Partners with Tradesman to Seal and Protect Truck Bed Tool Boxes

Tradesman Introduces New Line of Truck Bed Tool Boxes Protected With Rhino Linings' HardLine for Increased Protection Against Impact, Abrasion, and Corrosion

Rhino Linings(R) USA, Inc., the global leader in sprayed-on linings for trucks, as well as commercial, industrial, and military applications, has teamed with Tradesman(R) Truck Accessories to offer a new line of truck bed tool boxes, tanks, job site boxes and specialty boxes sprayed with Rhino Linings' HardLine. The new boxes with HardLine(TM) provide unmatched strength and durability and are built to withstand the wear and tear that comes from rugged commercial use. HardLine's harder surface characteristics provide maximum protection and toughness at a tremendous value for Tradesman customers. The new Tradesman line is being introduced at the National Hardware Show, May 8-10, Orlando, FL., Tradesman booth S25405.

"We are very excited about our partnership with Tradesman," stated Pierre Gagnon, President and CEO of Rhino Linings. "Tradesman customers can take immediate advantage of tough, securely-sealed bed tool boxes tenaciously protected against the elements with Rhino Linings."

"Professionals demand, and expect more," said Chris Schiphof, Tradesman National Sales Manager. "Tradesman offers a wide selection of commercial grade aluminum and steel products and this new line, protected with Rhino Linings, gives our customers unmatched protection and security. That's why we teamed with Rhino Linings to create the best boxes with the best protection available."

Key benefits of Tradesman truck boxes protected with Rhino HardLine:

* Tenaciously protects against leaks, spills, corrosion, and abrasion

* Delivers superior toughness and skid resistance for tools, supplies and more

* Shrugs off impact and protects against scratches

* Linings are environmentally friendly (100% solids, no VOCs, no CFCs, no solvents)

About Rhino Linings

Rhino Linings, established in 1988 and headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, is the world leader in sprayed-on elastomeric polymer protection, saving customers millions of dollars in maintenance and repairs. Rhino Linings' family of tough formulations are 100% solids, environmentally-friendly, contain no VOCs, CFCs, or solvents, and can be sprayed onto virtually any surface to match a specific need or application.

Rhino Linings has production and distribution facilities strategically located around the world to ensure uninterrupted supply with just-in-time inventory. Rhino Linings has satisfied commercial, industrial, and military customers, along with a global retail and industrial dealer network consisting of more than 1400 independent businesses in over 70 countries.

For more information about Rhino Linings, visit their web site at www.rhinolinings.com

About Tradesman

Tradesman Truck Accessories is a mature company manufacturing truck and specialty tool boxes in Winters, Texas, approximately 40 miles south of Abilene. Its facility has been in operation since 1970 and consists of 135,000 square feet of manufacturing space, warehouse, and shipping facilities. The products produced are sold throughout the United States and Canada. Tradesman products are protected with a three-year warranty. Tradesman offers a wide selection of commercial grade aluminum and steel products.

For more information about Tradesman, visit its web site at www.tradesmantruck.com

Rhino Linings is a registered trademark of Rhino Linings USA, Incorporated. Tradesman is a registered trademark of Tradesman Truck Accessories.

Source: Rhino Linings USA, Inc.

пятница, 4 мая 2007 г.

GMAC Insurance Introduces Industry's First Nationwide OEM 'SmartParts Promise' Guarantee

Company Responds to Growing Trend of Generic "Aftermarket" Parts Used Instead of Manufacturer Parts in Auto Collision Repairs

ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- GMAC Insurance today announced its "SmartParts Promise," a unique program guaranteeing the use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts -- those made by the same company as the vehicle -- in all collision repairs(1) to ensure the best quality repairs possible after an accident. The benefit is immediately available free of charge to all policyholders nationwide.

According to a study conducted by GMAC Insurance, more than half of Americans do not know if their insurance companies specify the use of OEM parts in repairs. And it's not an issue drivers have to face until they have an accident.

"Drivers who have just been in an accident have enough on their minds," said Sheena Poe, chief claims officer at GMAC Insurance Personal Lines. "They shouldn't have to worry about the quality of their repairs. With our SmartParts Promise, we do the legwork, making sure drivers receive OEM parts, so they can focus on getting back to their lives."

Understanding the differences between OEM parts and aftermarket parts can help consumers get the high quality repairs they expect from their auto insurance company. An OEM part is made by the same company that made the original part, as opposed to an aftermarket part that is made by another company as an imitation of the original part. These less expensive parts may decrease the value of the car, affect its appearance, compromise safety and jeopardize the warranty.

Unless an insurer specifically states that OEM parts will be used in repairs, aftermarket parts may be used instead. Ve Linda Weatherly from Birmingham, Alabama, who has auto insurance through another company, experienced that first hand. After learning that aftermarket parts were used, she said, "I feel cheated. I had insurance, and the insurance was supposed to restore my vehicle to non-accident status. Why else would you have the car repaired? But I felt like they didn't do that. They used inferior materials, so it wasn't the same car anymore. If you pay for insurance, you shouldn't have to be worried about the coverage."

As one of the few companies to specify OEM parts, GMAC Insurance allows its customers to have their car repaired with parts from the same company that originally built them. As always, customers can use the body shop of their choice or use a certified Gold Medal shop and receive a lifetime guarantee on repairs.

Paying the Price with Aftermarket Parts

With more than 50 million insurance transactions each year, many consumers will literally pay the consequences of not knowing the importance of using OEM parts. Reasons to select OEM parts include:

-- Money: Your car may lose value with aftermarket parts, and the use of OEM parts maximizes the residual value of your car. Also, if you wan OEM parts and your insurance company will not cover them, you may have to pay out of your own pocket to cover the difference.
-- Vulnerability: Aftermarket parts may void your vehicle manufacturer's warranty on adjoining parts and systems that those aftermarket parts cause to fail. That means you may have to pay if something goes wrong in the future, unless the body shop guarantees the repair.
-- Safety: OEM parts ensure that the original safety specifications of your vehicle are maintained. They are built by the same company that made the original part.
-- Aesthetics: OEM parts typically offer better fit and appearance than imitation aftermarket parts.
-- Peace of Mind: You'll be left with the satisfaction of knowing your car's value, warranty and your safety will not be compromised if OEM parts are used.

The SmartParts Promise is just one of GMAC Insurance's Smart Services, a first-of-its-kind collection of benefits intended to help ease the entire recovery process after an accident. The company plans to roll out these value-added policy perks throughout 2007.

To learn more about the SmartParts Promise and to receive a quote, call 1-800-123-GMAC, or visit www.gmacinsurance.com

The GMAC Insurance Group is one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GMAC. GMAC Insurance Personal Lines offers a variety of property and casualty insurance products, including personal auto, RV, motorcycle, boat and commercial auto insurance. With a nationwide network of claims professionals, local independent agents and a 24-hour, toll-free claims hotline available 365 days a year, the GMAC Insurance Group provides superior claims service for its customers.

(1) This guarantee does not extend to radiators, A/C condensers, windshields, and routine maintenance parts, such as batteries, spark plugs and oil filters.

Source: GMAC Insurance

Mizati Secured $1 Million Line of Credit

Company Moves Forward with Its RTO Brand: WHEEL LOTS

LOS ANGELES, May 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc. , a distributor of high-quality luxury alloy wheels for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, announced today that is has finalized paperwork and secured its $1 million line of credit enabling the Company to move forward with its Rent-To-Own (RTO) business "Wheel Lots."

Mizati formed its wholly owned subsidiary Wheel Lots, a California based LLC, to launch its Rent-To-Own business. Mizati has also reserved the domain name www.wheellots.com to establish a strategic online presence.

"We're excited about entering the $6.7 billion RTO market. The line of credit we obtained has enabled us to execute our plans on schedule," noted CEO Hazel Chu. Wheel Lots' product offerings will be consisted of Mizati brands, including MIZATI(R), HERO(TM), ZATI(TM), as well as a wide range of other wheel brands and wheel packages that will be determined by market demands and demographics for each individual store.

The Company recently announced its plans to enter the $6.7 billion Rent-To-Own industry with corporate-owned RTO wheel and tire stores. Securing additional capital was the last step of Mizati's preliminary planning stage as it will move forward with its RTO agenda. The next step for "Wheel Lots" includes securing and preparing retail locations, permits, staffing, promotion activities and logistics. Also experiencing growth in its core business, Mizati has added additional suppliers in China to keep pace with growing demand. This infusion of capital will fund organic growth as well as assist in launching Wheel Lots.

About Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc.

Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc. ("Mizati") designs, markets and distributes high-quality custom alloy wheels for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks. Incorporated in 2001, the company operates from its corporate headquarters in Walnut, California. Mizati currently markets and distributes three separate and unique brands of luxury wheels, "Mizati(R)," "Hero(TM)" and "Zati(TM)," through a network of 300 dealers and distributors. Mizati has achieved an average annual revenue growth rate of 102% for the past three years.

For more information about Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc. , visit the company website at http://www.mizatiwheels.com/

"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: Any statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It is possible that the assumptions made by management for purposes of such statements may not materialize. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward- looking statements. Such statements may involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those relating to product demand, pricing, market acceptance, the effect of economic conditions, intellectual property rights, the outcome of competitive products, risks in product development, the results of financing efforts, the ability to complete transactions, and other factors discussed from time to time in MZTI Securities and Exchange Commission filings. MZTI undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement for events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.

Source: Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc.

Mizati Chooses Strategic Rent-To-Own Store Location

LOS ANGELES, May 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc. , a distributor of high-quality luxury alloy wheels for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, announced today that it has chosen its location for the first of its Rent-To-Own (RTO) stores.

Mizati recently announced the formation of "Wheel Lots" that will focus on the RTO wheel and tire business. The Company has chosen to implement stores in the greater Los Angeles area and Inland Empire area. The Inland Empire area is the 14th largest metropolitan area in the country with a population exceeding 4 million people. "These two areas are very representative of our target market. Car culture thrives in these areas with the 92,000 seat California Speedway in Fontana that hosts major NASCAR Busch Series and NEXTEL Cup events," noted Hazel Chu CEO of Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc.

Ms. Chu shares strong feelings about Mizati's RTO strategy in relation to the market segment it will cater to. "When I came to the United States to attend college, I couldn't afford a decent car. The ability to customize the car I had gave me a sense of pride and individuality. Our RTO model will give our customers a chance to attain luxury wheels at affordable prices," Ms. Chu noted.

Mizati also sees the RTO segment as an opportunity to increase brand equity and profitability. In a November, 2006 RTO Magazine article, Premier Wheel Rentals President, Scott Savell asserted that his company's stand-alone RTO wheel and tire stores consistently produce revenues of $75,000 per month and higher. Mizati will gain a competitive advantage in this segment by realizing higher margins on Wheel Lots sales than competitors through vertical integration. Wheels will be distributed internally, cutting out the wholesale mark-up paid by most wheel and tire stores. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizati, Wheel Lots will also avoid franchise fees that can strain cash positions of competing RTO outlets.

Mizati plans to open its first three locations by the end of the second quarter of this year. "Now that we have the cash to move forward, we can focus on details such as permits, remodeling, and equipment," added Chu.

About Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc.

Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc. ("Mizati") designs, markets and distributes high-quality custom alloy wheels for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks. Incorporated in 2001, the company operates from its corporate headquarters in Walnut, California. Mizati currently markets and distributes three separate and unique brands of luxury wheels, "Mizati(R)," "Hero(TM)" and "Zati(TM)," through a network of 300 dealers and distributors. Mizati has achieved an average annual revenue growth rate of 102% for the past three years.

For more information about Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc. , visit the company website at http://www.mizatiwheels.com/

"SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: Any statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It is possible that the assumptions made by management for purposes of such statements may not materialize. Actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Such statements may involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those relating to product demand, pricing, market acceptance, the effect of economic conditions, intellectual property rights, the outcome of competitive products, risks in product development, the results of financing efforts, the ability to complete transactions, and other factors discussed from time to time in MZTI Securities and Exchange Commission filings. MZTI undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement for events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.

Source: Mizati Luxury Alloy Wheels, Inc.