Interstate adds 46 new sizes
Interstate Tire & Rubber Co. increased its already large program with 46 sizes. The total number of sizes of their summer tyre range is now more than 300.
Triangle: no Russian tyre plant…for now
International News, NewsTriangle Tire representatives have denied online reports that the company is planning to invest in a Russian tyre production facility any time soon. Following online reports which surfaced in August, Tyres & Accessories contacted the company and its UK importer TYM International. According to TYM managing director Steve Eke, there were talks with Russian government officials along these lines last year, but at the start of 2013 the decision was taken not to follow these through any further.
Goodyear debuts new road-derived NASCAR tyre in Atlanta
MotorsportGoodyear is unveiling a new Eagle race tyre with roots in consumer tyre technology at this weekend’s NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series races at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Reversing the usual development trend of racetrack-to-road, Goodyear’s newly designed right-side tyre marks the introduction of its Multi-Zone Tread Technology, combining two different rubber compounds in a single tread to face the conditions of one of NASCAR’s most demanding speedways.
Lotus principal backs Pirelli tyre supply
MotorsportMichelin’s confirmed interest in the Formula One tyre supply deal may have caused a stir, but it appears the French brand’s approach remains limited to detailing its desire for regulation changes to governing body, the FIA. F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that the sport’s teams currently have a deal with Pirelli, and Lotus team principal Eric Boullier has suggested that fewer changes at this stage would be welcome, considering the regulation changes already due to take place this winter.
Mouldmaker Greatoo looking to expand into OTR markets
Company NewsChinese mould manufacturer Greatoo Incorporated is reportedly planning to establish intelligent factories for the production of large OTR tyre and speciality as well as other apparently high-end moulds as part of a so-called “structural adjustment strategy”. The move is being seen as a way of strengthening the core value of its company by focusing on the highest value sectors.
Triangle investing in Russian tyre production plant
International NewsVarious news sources are reporting that leading Chinese domestic tyre manufacturer Triangle Tire is taking its international operations to the next level with the investment of some 250 million euros in a new tyre factory in the Western Russian Republic of Bashkortostan. The unconfirmed reports suggest that the new plant will be built in one of two areas near Sterlitamak and that the government is offering Triangle a subsidy that will save the company as much as 10 years’ property tax.
Continental Tyres takes Mercedes-Benz World to Contidrom
Company NewsContinental Tyres recently invited Mercedes-Benz World representatives and driving instructors to experience its Contidrom testing facility in Hanover, Germany. Utilising Contidrom’s 2km wet handling track, Continental set out to demonstrate the difference between premium and budget tyres on a Mercedes-Benz C-Class among other tests.
Wheelwright’s 2013 winter strategy
Company NewsThe unpredictable winter of 2012 may not have brought consistently high levels of snowfall, but according to Wheelwright it did see a flurry of another sort; a deluge of demand for winter wheel and tyre packages as consumers – and even UK-based automotive manufacturers – quickly wised up to their safety benefits. This year could be the most significant yet in market terms claims the Kent-based wheel distributor.
Trelleborg launching ProgressiveTraction technology
NewsTrelleborg has announced plans to launch what it calls ProgressiveTraction technology with a feature at the forthcoming Agritechnica 2013 exhibition which is due to take place from 10 to 16 November in Hannover, Germany. The technology is designed to improve grip and weight distribution, while also improving wear and fuel consumption performance.
Nexen to make IAA debut
Company NewsKorean tyre manufacturer Nexen is to make the its IAA debut when it exhibits at the automobile trade fair from 10 to 22 September in Frankfurt, Germany. Nexen reports that it will present 26 products including six brand new products with the theme “Enjoy NEXEN, Dynamic Driving Partner” at Hall 4.0 Stand C23.
Hofmann Power Weight releases new black HPW 161 knock-on weight
Product NewsHofmann Power Weight has released a new black coloured knock-on weight 161. The company says the weight is a tried and tested top-seller, but the new addition of black powder coating means the zinc weight appears almost invisible when fitted. It adds that the weight’s “premium coating” gives the weight “optimum corrosion resistance”.
Federal signs Russia, Taiwan Manchester United sponsorship
Company Profiles/ReportsTaiwan’s Federal Tyre has become the latest tyre manufacturer to sign a sponsorship agreement with Manchester United FC. The three-year agreement, making Federal United’s Official Tyre Partner in Russia and Taiwan was launched at the Interauto Show in Moscow, led by Federal CEO, Jamie Ma.
‘We have a deal with Pirelli’ – Ecclestone
MotorsportFormula One chief Bernie Ecclestone has dismissed whispers that Michelin is readying a move to supply the series in 2014. While it seems that the French manufacturer has confirmed some level of contact with the FIA – thought to be about changes it would require to the series’ regulations to supply its tyres – Ecclestone said this was irrelevant, since Pirelli has a contract with F1’s teams (FOM). He also restated his opposition to competition between tyre manufacturers.
Trelleborg and OK Tire Store partner at World Plowing Contest
NewsTrelleborg and OK Tire Store participated in the World Plowing Contest held 19 – 20 July 2013 in Alberta, Canada. During the two day championship, 60 competitors from over 30 countries took part in conventional and reversible ploughing classes on both stubble and grass plots.
Rubber prices enter ‘bull market’, tyre makers will be affected
NewsRubber prices are entering a “bull market” as futures hit a three-month high following indications that China's economy is likely to demand more rubber for tyres. According to a Bloomberg report, rubber for delivery in January advanced as much as 3.2 per cent to 278 yen a kilogramme (2,817 a metric tonne) on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange, 22 per cent up from this year’s lowest close.
