![UK reaches million EV milestone as new car market grows](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SMMT-Car-regs-summary-graphic-Jan-24-01-1024x512-1.png)
UK reaches million EV milestone as new car market grows
Britain’s millionth battery electric car (BEV) reached the road in January 2024, while the new car market grew 8.2% for the month, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The first month of the year saw 142,876 new cars registered, the best performance for the month since 2020 and the 18th consecutive month of growth. The increase was driven entirely by the fleet market, which rose by 29.9%, while private retail uptake fell -15.8%. Fleets accounted for 63.2% of new cars registered.
Continue Reading![Michelin Guide 2024 Great Britain & Ireland now out](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Michelin-Ledbury.jpg)
Michelin Guide 2024 Great Britain & Ireland now out
The Midland Hotel in Manchester was the setting Michelin chose to mark the 50th anniversary of The Michelin Guide in Great Britain & Ireland. It also presented the 2024 restaurant selection, which includes 1,162 restaurants.
Continue Reading![SRI using AI to reduce tyre air resistance](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SRI-air-resistance.jpg)
SRI using AI to reduce tyre air resistance
A new simulation technique will aid tyre development at Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) by helping to minimise the impact of air resistance. This ‘Tire Aerodynamic Simulation’ technique uses artificial intelligence to visualise the airflow that develops around the tyres when a vehicle is in motion, and the Falken brand manufacturer will use the knowledge it gains to “pursue the development of a tyre shape that optimises aerodynamic performance.” SRI aims to launch an EV tyre developed using Tire Aerodynamic Simulation in 2027.
Continue Reading![Bring back the spare wheel, say 82% of drivers](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/no-spare-scaled.jpg)
Bring back the spare wheel, say 82% of drivers
More than 15 years have passed since I last had to deal with a punctured tyre, something I’m thankful of whenever looking at the spare wheel-shaped space under the floor of my car’s boot. I miss the security that a spare offers, and it appears I’m far from alone. In a survey of 11,959 AA members carried out on behalf of the motoring organisation, 82 per cent of respondents said they’d prefer to have a spare wheel in their boot rather than a tyre inflation kit.
Continue Reading![Government EV strategy needs rapid recharge warns Lords committee](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UK-flag2.jpg)
Government EV strategy needs rapid recharge warns Lords committee
The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has reported back, following its inquiry (launched in August 2023) into possible obstacles to meeting the Government’s target for the introduction of electric vehicles.
Continue Reading![BMW chooses Vredestein Ultrac for X2 & 5 Series](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Vredestein_BMW_5Series.jpg)
BMW chooses Vredestein Ultrac for X2 & 5 Series
The BMW Group has selected Vredestein Ultrac summer tyres as original equipment for its BMW X2 and 5 Series models. It is also extending an existing supply agreement for the BMW X1 to encompass an additional Ultrac size option.
Continue Reading![Bridgestone closing Shenyang, China TBR tyre plant](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bridgestone-Shenyang.jpg)
Bridgestone closing Shenyang, China TBR tyre plant
It appears that Bridgestone is preparing to close its tyre factory in Shenyang, China. A plant employee told our Tyrepress China site that production in Shenyang ceased at the end of January 2024 and that Bridgestone will officially shutter the site at the end of February. As of 5 February, Bridgestone had issued no official announcement regarding the plant.
Continue Reading![No work please, we’re British](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pint-of-beer-sml.jpg)
No work please, we’re British
We almost spilled our pints upon reading comments Neeraj Kanwar allegedly made about British workers. In news now reported by numerous media sites, Daily Mail associate city editor John-Paul Ford Rojas quotes the vice-chairman and managing director of Apollo Tyres Ltd. as opining that employees in the UK “hardly work,” preferring instead to “go to the pub.” Kanwar concedes that these comments were just a “quip” – but he’s unlikely to consider the UK for a future tyre plant.
Continue Reading![Update for Nokian Tyres Noktop 21](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/NT-Noktop-21-relaunch-Feb24-sml.jpg)
Update for Nokian Tyres Noktop 21
Nokian Tyres says it has “improved” its all-season Noktop 21 truck tyre. The drive-axle pattern gains a new look and new features for 2024 while retaining its “time-proven” rubber compound, tread pattern and two-layer cap/base structure. Nokian Tyres Noktop 21 now comes in a broader width range of 240–280 mm and has added stud holes for every width, clear product markings for identification as well as the 3PMSF marking as proof of safe winter use.
Continue Reading![IDA award for Continental UltraContact NXT](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Continental-UltraContact-NXT-scaled.jpg)
IDA award for Continental UltraContact NXT
Continentals most sustainable series tyre to date is a winner at the International Design Awards 2023. The International Design Awards (IDA) jury has awarded the Continental UltraContact NXT its Gold award in the Automotive & Transport / Cars Accessories category for its special sidewall design.
Continue Reading![New Magna MB410 size](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mb410-500x600-1.png)
New Magna MB410 size
Magna Tyres has added a further dimension to its range of Magna MB410 cross-ply construction tyres, 21L-24. MB410 is now available in a total of six sizes, including 17.5L-24, 19.5L-24, 18.4-26, 16.9-24 and 16.9-28.
Continue Reading![Sailun Group anticipating 133% profit growth for 2023](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/sailun-placeholder.jpg)
Sailun Group anticipating 133% profit growth for 2023
Driven by recovery within the domestic tyre market and the declining impact of destocking measures internationally in the second half of the year, Sailun Group expects to achieve a net profit of RMB 3.1 billion (£341.1 million) for 2023. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of some 132.77 per cent. Improving capacity utilisation rate pushed production and sales volumes within the company’s consumer, commercial and specialty tyre segments to “record highs,” with the gross profit margin of these products “substantially” increasing year-on-year.
Continue Reading![TMD Friction Hartlepool strikes off after revised pay deal](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TMD-Strikers.jpg)
TMD Friction Hartlepool strikes off after revised pay deal
Strike action by more than 180 Hartlepool workers employed at TMD Friction, which make brakes for OEMs, has ended after Unite secured a two-year 11 per cent pay deal.
Continue Reading![Cybertruck wheel covers causing excessive tyre wear](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cybertruck-wheel-cover.jpg)
Cybertruck wheel covers causing excessive tyre wear
Form follows function’ is typically the rule, with intended use influencing a product’s design. However, electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla hasn’t quite achieved this with its Cybertruck, at least when it developed the vehicle’s aerodynamically shaped wheel coverings.
Continue Reading![Michelin signs disability policy agreement in France](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Michelin-placeholder.jpg)
Michelin signs disability policy agreement in France
On 30 January 2024, Michelin France and three trade unions signed a new agreement to enhance the employment of people with disabilities. This agreement builds upon a prior deal from 2021 and covers the period from this year through to 2027.
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