Westlake introduces PCR fitments, Vacu-Lug deal

The Al Dobowi Group’s Eskay Tyres distributes the Westlake brand in several European markets, including the UK, and the company used the occasion of Brityrex to endorse personally the recently sealed distribution agreement with Vacu-Lug, the Lincolnshire-based retread tyre manufacturer. Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of Al Dobowi Group and Tim Hercock, managing director of Vacu-Lug, met with their respective teams over lunch during the show. The deal is intended to expand the sales of the Westlake truck tyre brand throughout UK and Ireland (see Fleet Business for more details). At the show itself, Eskay staff introduced the latest Westlake passenger car fitments for the H and V rated RP26 and the high performance SA07.

Jorge Crespo, European general manager for Eskay Tyres, stated: “this move will further consolidate the Westlake brand in the UK and Ireland through our association with Vacu-Lug, a highly-respected retread enterprise with a great reputation in the tyre industry.” KK Singh, Eskay Tyres’ Sales manager for TBR/OTR for UK & Europe, added that with Vacu-lug’s relationships with its network partners and fleet users “Westlake tyres would be able to fulfil the key requirement of a good retreadable casing with a strong first life performance at an affordable price.”

Westlake PCR fitments displayed

Westlake also displayed its passenger, van and 4×4 tyres at Brityrex 2012. Since late 2011, this range has been distributed by National Tyres and Viking International. The brand’s parent company, Hangzhou Zhongce was recently named China’s largest tyre manufacturer and its product range continues to expand, especially since the manufacturer’s decision to position Westlake as its worldwide flagship brand.

The newly introduced RP26 is designed for mid-range family cars and already incorporates 27 dimensions predominantly in H and V speeds (including the ever popular 195/65HR15 and 205/55VR16). The design of the tyre’s shoulder blocks has been enhanced to deliver improved dry and wet traction and tread life.

Westlake’s extended range of SA07 tyres was also highlighted at Brityrex, with the recent addition of popular sizes such as 245/45R17 and 245/45R18 meaning that the tyre now includes 23 high performance sizes in W and Y speed. It has latest silica compound technology and the inclusion of four circumferential grooves to enhance water evacuation, the Westlake SA07 is the premium performance tyre in both wet and dry conditions.