This is the fourth in a series of reports about the Reifen 2014 International Trade Fair from esteemed international journalist John Stone. The event is being held in Essen, Germany, May 27-30.
Stone, who writes European Notebook for Modern Tire Dealer, wrote previews in his inimitable British style until the show began. Now, look for his daily updates on the Reifen Trade Fair.
This year's biannual European tire show in Essen, Germany, has got off to a relatively slow start in terms of attendance due to seriously wet weather. However, a slightly disappointing first day at the event has not prevented some companies from making interesting and innovative announcements.
For example, Netherlands-based Apollo Vredestein held a lively international press conference this afternoon to announce the introduction of its new Apollo Alnac 4G range which incorporates two new all-season and winter tire patterns as part of the group's ongoing policy of continually increasing its market image throughout Europe. The Apollo booth was besieged with members of the international press who were invited to inspect both patterns for themselves.
The Alnac 4G all-season pattern has been specifically designed for drivers who prefer not to switch from winter to summer patterns whilst the Alnac 4G winter range is suitable for handling all types of winter road conditions in Central and Western Europe.
At the same time, U.S.-based Gaither Tool Co. Inc. along with its European division Gaither Europe were introducing their eye-catching new corporate image along with promoting their latest innovation to Europe -- the Smart Cart for easily transporting stacks of tires around the work environment. Gaither Europe was also making visitors aware of its new headquarter base in The Netherlands which is considerably larger due to market demand.
It's still the early days for this four-day event and tomorrow I will be reporting on my interviews with U.S.- and European-based Hunter Engineering Co., Triangle Tyre and point S Retail Network, plus much more.
For more on this subject, see:
Reifen 2014 countdown, plus a point s preview
