Absolute Alignment partners Halfords Yuasa Racing in BTCC
Absolute Alignment has announced a new two-year partnership with the Team Dynamics-run Halfords Yuasa Racing outfit in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
Continue ReadingMotor oil: mineral, synthetic or fully synthetic?
Motor oil has developed from a simple lubricant to a high-tech liquid. At the same time, the number of oil grades and specifications has increased significantly. Oliver Kuhn, deputy head of the oil laboratory at Liqui Moly, provides more insight and explains what really matters.
Continue ReadingUK commercial vehicle output falls -24.8% in 2020 to date despite June growth
UK commercial vehicle production increased 23.9 per cent in June year-on-year, but this was not enough to mitigate first-half contraction in 2020. Figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 4,144 vans, trucks and buses left production lines last month. The increase appears particularly strong because it follows a particularly weak June 2019, when output fell by more than half due to key model changeovers. Despite this production ramp-up, the first six months of 2020 saw total output decline by -24.8 per cent, on the same period in 2019, due to the pandemic lockdown of global markets.
Continue ReadingMichelin extends Track Connect to amateur racers with Leisure mode
Michelin has developed its Michelin Track Connect motorsport monitoring system with a new Leisure mode. The new mode is the third available in the tyre monitoring system, and the first designed to extend its accessibility to all users, regardless of the type of tyre fitted. The new mode joins Expert mode for track day participants looking for to improve their performance, and Motorsport mode for rally drivers – and soon track competitors too. Both of these modes require the Michelin Track Connect Kit – comprising sensors and a Bluetooth receiver as well as the smartphone app – and connected Michelin tyres, unlike the Leisure mode. The system has recently become original equipment on the new Renault Clio Rally.
Continue ReadingYokohama to supply Advan Sport V107 to new Mercedes AMGs
Yokohama has been chosen by Mercedes-AMG to supply original tyres on several new models. The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé, GLE 63 4MATIC+, GLE 63 4MATIC+ Coupé, GLA 35 4MATIC, GLA 45 4MATIC+ and GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ will all run on the Japanese tyre manufacturer’s Advan Sport V107.
Continue ReadingLKQ Euro Car Parts launches cloud-based GMS
As part of its ongoing efforts to future-proof the independent aftermarket, LKQ Euro Car Parts has introduced a new, cloud-based version of its Garage Management Software (GMS), CarSys. Exclusively available to customers of LKQ Euro Car Parts, CarSys is a user-friendly software platform that allows garages to streamline the way they work – boosting productivity and efficiency in the workshop, while delivering a more professional customer experience. The system houses customer and vehicle databases, meaning technicians can easily look up MOT and service histories, as well as all the data needed for accurate quoting and invoicing.
Continue ReadingNew BKT Earthmax tyres for earthmoving and mining
BKT is launching three new Earthmax models which, according to the company, will complete the range. The new tyres are the Earthmax SR 412 – a 29.5R25 tyre designed to equip articulated dump trucks with a tread pattern that optimises traction; the Earthmax SR 475 - specially developed for rigid dump trucks, and available in size 18.00 R 33; and the Earthmax SR 452 - previewed at the ConExpo 2020 fair in Las Vegas last March, the size 24.00R35 tyre was developed for rigid trucks requiring greater traction and stability on uneven terrain.
Continue ReadingPirelli P Zero Race range leads manufacturer’s range for road race bikes
Pirelli has launched the tubeless P Zero Race TLR and P Zero Race TLR SL flagship tyres for high-performance cycling. The brand returned to cycling in June 2017, reflecting a recent trend for global tyre brands producing new tyres for pedal-powered two-wheelers following global growth in cycling. Three years after the launch of the P Zero Velo clincher, Pirelli says the new tubeless-ready road tyres complete its cycling tyre range.
Continue ReadingKenda Knarly tyres now available in UK via Cambrian
The new Kenda Knarly extreme enduro tyre is now available in the UK via well-known two-wheel tyre specialist wholesaler Cambrian Tyres. Developed in conjunction with top US pro riders, the road legal Knarly features a soft compound front and supersoft compound rear designed to tackle the very toughest of obstacles.
Continue ReadingHankook introduces new Laufenn truck and bus tyres for UK market
Hankook has introduced a new line of Laufenn brand commercial vehicle tyres in the UK. With Laufenn the Korean tyre manufacturer targets the second tier of the market. Hankook initially launches Laufenn in the UK with nine patterns covering more than 85 per cent of tyres in the market for goods and people transportation, as well as construction truck tyres. Hankook adds that most sizes offer the three peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) marking for use in winter conditions. The Laufenn CV tyre range was due to be presented in the UK at the Commercial Vehicle Show, before the Birmingham NEC event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Continue ReadingCooper Tire Europe partners Brute Jeeps
Cooper Tire Europe is supplying tyres to 4x4 tuner Brute Jeeps. Cooper will provide Brute, which focuses on creating exclusive customised editions of the Jeep Wrangler, with “professional off-road tyres”.
Continue ReadingCosmo Mud Kicker tyre launched
Cosmo Tires, Tire Group Internationals (TGI) oldest private label, has launched what it describes as “a premium mud tyre that is all about functional design”. The Cosmo Mud Kicker features a patented shoulder and bead area design designed to “raise the bar in off-road performance.” In addition, TGI reports that the tyre features an industry first reinforced bead area that provides grip features for added traction surface in deep mud or snow.
Continue ReadingKünz Freerider fitted with Continental CraneMaster tyres
Künz, an original equipment manufacturer of machinery including the rubber tyred gantry cranes (RTG) used in ports, is fitting Continental’s CraneMaster tyres to its new Freerider RTG.
Continue ReadingMachine Mart promoting new Clarke impact wrench lines
Machine Mart is marketing Clarke’s new CEW520 mains powered impact wrench for heavy duty applications. Designed for quickly removing wheel nuts, studs, stubborn nuts and bolts in general, the CEW520 features a massive torque output of 320Nm. It comes complete with the following accessories:
Continue ReadingMichelin launching CrossClimate 2
Michelin introduced the first CrossClimate tyre in 2015 in a move that saw the manufacturer shift from its long-held position of being broadly opposed to all-season tyres on the basis that best seasonal performance is achieved by either summer or winter tyres. However, arguing that the CrossClimate is a summer tyre with year-round capabilities, Michelin pioneered a new category of tyre. The initial CrossClimate was followed by the CrossClimate + and the CrossClimate SUV variants 2017 and now there is the news that a completely revised version – the CrossClimate 2 – is on its way.
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