Test World gearing up for introduction of European Ice Grip Label
Ahead of May’s introduction of the new-style European tyre label, Test World has begun ice grip testing for customers at its facility in Ivalo, Northern Finland. The existing 3PMSF ‘snowflake’ symbol indicates that a tyre is suitable for both Central Europe and Nordic countries, but Test World says that, in reality, the technical demands of these two markets are very different. Nordic winter conditions are typically far harsher than in Central Europe, with more snow and ice on the roads.
Continue ReadingKumho Tire agrees Vietnam rubber processing plant sale with Hyundai JV
Kumho Tire Co., South Koreas second-largest tire maker, said Tuesday it will sell its natural rubber processing plant in Vietnam to focus on its core business. According to an official statement published on 23 March 2021, Kumho Tire said it has struck a deal with a joint venture between Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. and Thanh Cong Group of Vietnam to sell its rubber factory.
Continue ReadingKumho investing $300 million in tyre factory expansion plans
Kumho Tire Co is planning to invest some 340 billion won (£217 million; 255 million euros; US$298 million) in expanding its tyre production facilities in Vietnam. The planned investment aimed at bracing for an increase in demand from North American markets and mitigating tariff-related price pressure, according to local news sources.
Continue ReadingYokohama appoints Watanabe head of tyre design department
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has appointed Koji Watanabe to the position of Associate Officer, Deputy Head of Tire Development Div., Head of Tire Designing Dept. No.3. Previously he was Associate Officer, Deputy Head of Tire Development Div., Head of TBR Tire Design Dept.
Continue ReadingGeneral Tire Grabber AT3 OE on Ford Ranger Raptor
The Ford Ranger Raptor is now exclusively fitted with General Grabber AT3 tyres as standard. The high-performance off-road pickup from Ford features a specially developed motorsport-friendly chassis. And its particular performance qualities come to the fore at high speeds away from paved roads. Like all vehicle manufacturers, Ford defines a wide range of requirements, which Continental (the manufacturer of the General Tire brand) reports the Grabber AT3 “more than met during intensive testing”.
Continue ReadingGoodyear OE on classic Land Rover Defender
With Land Rover Defender production ceasing after 67 years of manufacturing, an exclusive limited build programme by Land Rover’s Classic division is going to give 25 enthusiasts the chance to own a special version of the original Defender wearing the Works V8 Trophy badge.
Continue ReadingTronchetti Provera proposes Prometeon chairman as deputy CEO of Pirelli
Pirelli executive vice chairman and CEO, Marco Tronchetti Provera, has proposed current Prometeon Tyre Group (PTG) chairman and CEO Giorgio Luca Bruno as Pirelli deputy-CEO, reporting directly to him. Tronchetti Provera made the proposal with the aim of supporting the execution of Pirelli’s forthcoming industrial plan, which will be presented on 31 March 2021, according to a company statement dated 24 March 2021.
Continue ReadingGlobal launch for ZC Rubber’s Flagship Series at virtual dealer conference
ZC Rubber hosted its first Global Online Dealer Conference on 19 March. The theme of this event was ‘Innovate into The Great Future’, and conference speakers outlined the company’s strategic vision and plans for continued growth in 2021 and also introduced its latest products, technologies, and services.
Continue ReadingUSA: Michelin remains atop J.D. Power rankings
It’s 18 years in a row for Michelin. The tyre maker has ranked highest in all segments of the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study and points out that this result marks its 18th consecutive highest ranking in the Luxury category as well as sixth consecutive highest ranking in the Truck/Utility Vehicle category.
Continue ReadingGolf 8 GTi and 4×4 upgrades to Tread Ltd’s tyre testing fleet
A year after Tread Ltd added a Golf 8 to its vehicle line-up, the testing specialist has once again upgraded its tyre test fleet in a move that includes SUV and 4x4 investment.
Continue ReadingFirenza promotes its AT186, HT183 and ST185 SUV tyres
Singapore-based contract tyre manufacturer Sumo Firenza is promoting its “tough and rugged” Firenza-branded AT186, HT183 and ST185 SUV/4x4 tyres. All three patterns are designed and produced in what the company calls “state-of-the-art tyre building facilities in Asia”.
Continue ReadingApollo Tyres’ #BadRoadBuddies returns
Following the inaugural edition in Goa two years back as well as thousands of smaller editions in different locations over the last 24 months, Apollo Tyres’ #BadRoadBuddies concept returns in a digital format. Since most of the activations have moved to the virtual space, the company has also chosen to build the community of enthusiasts online and is opening this event to SUV owners/drivers and the two-wheeler riders, who enjoy drives during the weekend or on leisure/adventure trips.
Continue ReadingGlobal retreaded tyre sales to hit $8.8 billion in 2021
Global retreaded tyre sales are expected to reach US$ 8.8 billion in 2021, according to research produced by ESOMAR-certified market research and consulting firm Future Market Insights. According to the new report entitled “Retread Tires Market”, the increase in average miles driven and growing vehicle parc will drive the tyre aftermarket, subsequently fuelling the demand for retreaded tyres. Check out the Retreading Special supplement that ships with the March, June and September issues of Tyres & Accessories, which you can also read here as an e-paper, for more like this. Not yet a subscriber? No problem. You can change that here.
Continue ReadingGoodyear & Voyomotive collaborate on efficiency-enhancing tyre intelligence
A new collaboration between the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and connected car technology company Voyomotive aims to notify drivers and fleet managers of slow losses in tyre pressure days before a vehicle’s own TPMS system would provide a warning. In a pilot programme in the USA, Goodyear is processing real-time vehicle data provided by Voyomotive telematics controllers to create tyre pressure loss and pressure alerts that are sent to Voyomotive consumer and fleet customers via an app, SMS messages or to a fleet management system.
Continue ReadingGeneral Tire recalls 612 passenger vehicle tyres in the UK
General Tire has announced a voluntary exchange programme involving a maximum of 612 passenger vehicle tyres that were produced at the company’s Mt. Vernon, Illinois plant and sold in the UK replacement tyre market. The affected tyres are specific DOT and mould numbers of these products: General Tire Grabber AT³ LT235/85 R16; General Tire Grabber X³ LT265/70 R17. Affected tyres will be replaced free of charge.
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