High performance cars are by definition a cut above the average family run-around. That means they’re far more demanding on their tyres. Consequently have to be more careful when it comes to choosing replacements, says Stapleton’s.
Titan International could be planning to enter the Russian market, having bought a stake in Voltair Prom, the Kordiant-owned plant in based in Volgograd. According to the Moscow Times and Vedemosti newspapers, the factory, which produces agricultural and industrial tyres is valued at 5.1 billion rubles (US$160 million). One Equity Partners Fund, a JPMorgan affiliate, and the Russian Direct Investment Fund, could co-invest with Titan, a source close to the negotiations is quoted as saying.
Toyo Tires has launched a new tyre promising the highest levels of safety, grip and wet-weather performance in an attractive case design that comes in many sizes and fitments. The new Proxes CF2 offers outstanding all-round ability and excellent value for money.
Ideal for medium and high-powered cars, the CF2 utilises the very latest materials and production methods, drawing heavily from Toyo’s UHP and Motorsport ranges to create a tyre that offers exceptionally high levels of safety, durability, and comfort.
Kumho is promoting its ECSTA LE Sport KU39, an asymmetric ultra high performance tyre designed, as a product designed for Europe’s top car marques. According to the company, it was developed using the company’s KADAS prediction tools and on Europe’s most demanding test tracks. The Y speed rated product’s key selling points are said to be its enhanced performance, braking in wet conditions and controlled ride and refinement. Its high grip tread compound ensures maximum traction and braking performance, while its specially designed casing provides impressive high speed stability.
A report in French financial magazine Les Echos suggests that the Chinese Government is considering imposing an additional tariff on cars imported from the EU. The report was picked up by analysts Morgan Stanley, who suggest that the new tariff could be in response to the recently-announced 11 per cent tariff by the EU on Chinese-made solar panels. ACEA, the EU car association, says that the car tariff could be in place as early as September.
With Cooper Tire Europe renewing attention on its Cooper brand, while also upping marketing efforts in general including on its Avon brand (see separate article in our June magazine's Company News section for more on this), here is a summary of the company’s current range including details of both brands’ line ups.
Motorsport plays a key part in how Cooper markets its performance tyres. Continuing support of the Cooper Tires British F3 series highlights the company’s ability to produce tyres that perform at the toughest limits and for 2013, Cooper is appearing in the FIA European Rallycross Championship, showing how the company’s tyres can perform in a range of conditions.
The Firenza ST-05A high performance range offers a competitively priced option as a quality mid–range brand for both the UK and European markets specialising in an impressive combination of safety at high speed with drive comfort. That’s the view of the brand’s UK representatives, who pitch the products at “sports minded” drivers.
Shanghai-based contract manufacturer SD-International reports that both its Pace and Zeta brands have “steadily emerged as a popular competitive option within the high performance markets in the UK and Europe.”
According to the company, the Pace PC10 and Zeta ZTR10 patterns are produced in China within a plant that uses European pattern design technology. Both tyres are approved to meet a number of important standards such as ETRTO, DOT, GCC, E4, S-Marking and are REACH compliant.
For Infinity Tyres, 2013 has brought with it the introduction of the Ecomax range, a new high performance tyre with an ecological and economical twist – presented under the “performance delivered” strapline.
Two thirds of UK drivers would be devastated if they lost their car according to figures published as Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond launched a new THINK! drink-drive campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of a conviction. The survey of nearly 20,000 adults, commissioned by the AA and conducted by Populus, also shows that:
Total CV registrations dipped 4.7 per cent in May to 24,149 units, but market remains up 8.3 per cent for the year-to-date. Van registrations were 3.8 per cent behind May 2012 at 20,503 units; the January-May volumes remain strong; up 13 per cent to 110,136 units. Truck demand fell 9.4 per cent to 3,646 units in the month and declined 14.3 per cent during the first five months of 2013.
In May, private demand for cars in the UK climbed 20.9 per cent, outperforming pre-recession volumes recorded in 2007. However, May's total new car market remains down on 2007 levels. May's new car market secured the 15th successive month of growth and the largest May volume in six years. Registrations have risen 9.3 per cent for the year-to-date to 948,666 units.
A wonderful opportunity has come BEN's way in the form of a competition '#tweetcharity' which is being run by Automotive PR, leading motor industry PR business, to mark their milestone of reaching 13,000 followers on Twitter. The prize is for Automotive PR to provide a charity with £13,000 worth of free consultancy.
Automotive PR asked the automotive industry to suggest a deserving charity with links to the motor industry and five charities have been shortlisted and BEN is amongst the nominees.
The first Isle of Man TT Supersport race once again saw Dunlop riders take 1st, 2nd and 3rd places on the podium – with Michael Dunlop continuing his winning streak using the latest road legal Dunlop D212 GP PRO tyres that were launched earlier this year. Michael Dunlop was joined by his brother on the podium, with William Dunlop taking third place and Bruce Anstey coming in second, 10 seconds behind Michael.
Young Redditch motocross rider Rob Yates’ hopes for national stardom were given a boost today when tyre manufacturer Bridgestone agreed to become his official sponsor. Aged 15, Yates has gradually moved up in stages from 50cc to 125cc bikes and is currently preparing for the British schoolboy Finals later in the year. Bridgestone will supply him with his tyres for the year, as well as essential racing gear.
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