UK’s LCV tyre market retained 2019 value in 2020 – GfK
The UK light commercial vehicle tyre market had a relatively dynamic year in 2020, with value and volume changes in certain sub-segments driven by an increase in higher rim diameter tyre sizes, as well as increased demand for all-season – and even winter – performance. According to GfK panelmarket data, which tracks points of sale, comparing the calendar year 2020 to 2019, these growth subsegments supported a 2020 light commercial vehicle tyre market value change across all rim sizes of 0 per cent, while volume was down only -2 per cent. While LCV operators were not entirely immune to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant lockdowns, these figures show how the essential services supported by van operators, such as last mile delivery resulting from booming e-commerce, allowed LCV tyres to achieve results within touching distance of pre-pandemic norms.
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Pirelli tyre partner for RiMS Racing simulation game
From information related to pressure to tyre warm-up times, from grip coefficients to tread wear dynamics: Pirelli is contributing its technical and racing experience to the new RiMS Racing simulation game by RaceWard Studio. RiMS Racing is a new motorcycle simulation concept that blends the adrenaline of riding on two wheels with a deep mechanical knowledge of the motorcycle; both aspects equally influence a player’s chances of success.
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Supply shortages stunt new van sales but market expected to recover
The light commercial vehicle (LCV) market saw its first decline since December 2020 as July registrations fell -14.8 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Supply issues – most notably of semiconductors – has meant only 23,606 vans were registered during the month. Despite this challenge, the month’s performance was only a moderate -4.0 per cent decline compared to the pre-pandemic five-year average.
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July car sales fall – SMMT revises outlook
July’s new car registrations fell by -29.5 per cent to 123,296 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The decline was artificially heightened by comparison with the same month last year, when registrations rose dramatically as showrooms enjoyed a full month’s operation following the first 2020 lockdown.
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Galileo CupWheel combines advantages of tyre & track
When we met Avishay Novoplanski at a major agricultural fair prior to the first lockdown, he was holding a paper takeaway coffee cup and reflecting upon the utility of air. But he hadn’t just taken a caffeine hit, nor were his musings on the invisible, gaseous substance that surrounds us out of place. For Novoplanski is the inventor of the Galileo CupWheel, and this explains his interest in both.
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Fisker Ocean to roll on Bridgestone tyres
Bridgestone will serve as the exclusive tyre supplier to the Fisker Ocean. Announcing its selection of Bridgestone yesterday, the US-based carmaker shared that its all-electric SUV will ride on custom-developed Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres featuring Enliten technology in Europe. It will offer the Potenza Sport on selected models sold in North America as well, equipping other models with the all-season Alenza Sport.
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Anti-diesel spill and siphon device innovator TISS rebrands as TankSafe
Diesel spills from HGVs are listed as a major cause of death and serious injury on the UK’s roads. In addition, they represent both an obvious environmental contamination issue and unnecessary wastage of a fleet’s most costly commodity. A company based in the UK, with offices on four continents, TISS has innovated a range of award-winning fuel security products to tackle this issue, called TankSafe. Approved by leading truck original equipment manufacturers, the product can be fitted on new-build trucks or purchased for fitment retrospectively from distributors in 60 countries. In recognition of the brand’s global reputation, TISS has opted to rebrand the company TankSafe. TISS CEO, Ryan Wholey, explained that the “global transport industry trusts and respects the TankSafe brand, so it makes sense to fully align our identity with that.” He added that the flagship TankSafe Optimum “is far more than an anti-siphon. It certainly stops all fuel theft but, crucially, makes roads safer and protects the environment due to its unique capability to prevent overfilling of fuel tanks and diesel spills.” To find out more about TankSafe and its products, click here.
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Coach tyre market debut for Apollo with EnduComfort CA
Apollo Tyres is launching its first coach tyre, the all-new EnduComfort CA. It says the tyre “delivers premium levels of mileage, durability and all-weather grip” as well as “superior standards of comfort for passengers and drivers.” The Apollo EnduComfort CA is available in size 295/80 R22.5.
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Launch launches upgrade to Pro S diagnostic tool
Launch UK has introduced a new diagnostic tool designed for challenging workshop conditions, the X-431 Euro Turbo. The tool is an upgrade of the Launch Pro S. Developed for the European market, the tool features Launch’s diagnostic software, which includes wide model coverage, powerful test functions, accurate test data, and numerous special functions.
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Continental to use recycled PET bottles in tyre production
We’re used to encountering yarn spun from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in clothing and soft furnishings, but from next year motorists will be able to buy Continental tyres containing this material. Continental will use PET-sourced polyester yarns in the construction of tyre casings and says these can “completely replace” conventional polyester. It will present a concept tyre built upon a PET polyester casing at the IAA Mobility show in Munich this September.
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GRI Peakmaster Snow tyre offers winter material handling performance
Sri Lanka based tyre manufacturer GRI has designed and developed a special material handling solid tyre to operate indoors and outdoors snowy terrain. The manufacturer said the Peakmaster Snow reflects the company’s “innovation and engineering ingenuity,” developed to meet special customer needs and specifications. The solid tyre combines an innovative design and an advanced construction for performance in winter weather, including snow. GRI developed samples with special compounds to function in sub-zero temperatures, testing the resulting solid tyres in specific regions over a complete winter season. It says the tyre “proved its vitality and utility for material handling customers.”
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Wheely-Safe signs deal with Translink after successful trial
Translink has signed a contract to protect its entire 1,400-strong bus and coach fleet with the latest generation Wheely-Safe technology. The deal was secured following a successful trial that highlighted the unique safety benefits of the system. Northern Ireland’s biggest public transport provider will now roll out the full suite of Wheely-Safe’s intelligent tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), wheel loss and brake temperature sensing systems over the course of the next 12 months.
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Prometeon expands warehouse, adds to Pirelli IF agri range
Prometeon Tyre Group shares that it recently extended storage capacity at its central warehouse in Germany to accommodate additional stocks of agricultural tyres. The tyre maker says it expanded warehouse operations in order to speed up delivery times throughout the region as well as to offer better its trading partners a higher level of service, however, it that this extra capacity at the Dieburg site, which has been available since 1 July, coincides with growth in its Pirelli IF agricultural tyre range.
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Mulch from OTR tyres: Eagle Edge 360
US-based tyre recycling equipment specialist Eagle International has unveiled a machine capable of producing rubber mulch. The Eagle Edge 360 is designed to remove high-quality mulch from the treads and sidewalls of OTR tyres ranging in size from 33-inch through 63-inch rim diameters.
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Hyundai chooses Pirelli for Kona N
Pirelli has developed a version of its P Zero tyre specifically for the recently-launched Hyundai Kona N, the first SUV produced by Hyundai’s sporting N division. The Kona N will wear Pirelli P Zero tyres in size 235/40R19 96 Y.
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