European replacement tire markets vary in first half

WASHINGTON—The 2019 Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors' program, held in Washington June 24-25, had the most diverse group of participants in the event's history, according to Anne Forristall Luke, CEO and president of the USTMA.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have designed pliable 3D-printed mesh materials for medical applications such as knee and ankle braces.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.—Collector car tire and wheel distributor Coker Group is rebranding itself as "Legendary Companies," an identity meant to provide the Chattanooga-based group with greater opportunities for growth and diversification.

BIRMINGTON, Ala.—Motion Industries has named Jeremy Barton vice president of its West Group, effective Aug. 1.

COSTA MESA, Calif.—Subaru ranked highest among mass-market brands—and overall—in loyalty, while Lexus topped luxury brands in the first J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study.

CHICAGO—The World Adhesive & Sealant Conference, to be held April 20-22 in Chicago, is seeking abstracts for event presentations.

WASHINGTON—The International Trade Commission has moved the date for a hearing on whether mattress imports from China are causing material injury to the U.S. mattress industry.

BAMBERG, Germany—Michelin is considering the future of its car tire production plant in Bamberg as demand continues to fall for smaller-rim tire sizes.

MAUMEE, Ohio—Dana has been named a 2018 Supplier of the Year by Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles.

GOODYEAR, Ariz.—Athletic shoe giant Nike is planning to invest at least $184 million in a plant in Goodyear to make its Nike Air soles.