Coltrane to head CMA's consumer tire launch

ERJ staff report (TB)

Monrovia, California - Tire Business reports that China Manufacturers Alliance L.L.C. has hired Ken Coltrane, formerly marketing vice president for Del-Nat Tire Corp., to be vice president, consumer tires, overseeing the launch later this year of the firm's car and light truck tire programs.

Mr Coltrane brings more than 19 years of tire industry experience to CMA, most of it with Del-Nat, where held positions in export and purchasing. Most recently he was marketing vice president. With CMA he will responsible for establishing consumer tire marketing and sales strategies, which should be unveiled at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas in November.

"Ken's experience with tire manufacturers both domestically and internationally in developing and marketing product lines will be instrumental in strengthening our market position," said CMA vice president Aaron Murphy.

"His knowledge of this evolving market segment will prove invaluable to our organisation. This development is a key part of CMA's strategic growth plan and enhances our already strong product offering and reputation."

CMA, a subsidiary of China's Double Coin Holdings Ltd., is a dedicated truck and OTR tire manufacturer with two plants in China. It declared its intention to expand into car and light truck tires two years ago, when it created a joint venture with Group Michelin - Double Coin Group (Anhui) Warrior Tires Co. - in Wuwei, China.

CMA did not specify which brand or brands of consumer tires it will sell in North America, but the company does have rights to the Warrior name.