![Top tyre manufacturers deny involvement in tyre test manipulation](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/nokian-reports.jpg)
Top tyre manufacturers deny involvement in tyre test manipulation
Along with Nokian’s admission and apology for “mistakes” in its practices concerning tyre tests, the Finnish tyre manufacturer stated that “several operators in the field… have been suspected or evidence has been presented against them of differences between tyres in magazine tests and tyres that are for sale in stores.” After the Nokian statement’s implication of other tyre manufacturers in malpractice regarding independent tyre testing, Michelin immediately responded by stating categorically that it has “never designed or manufactured tyres specifically for tests conducted by the media, automobile associations or any other organisations.” Tyres & Accessories approached 11 more of the world’s leading manufacturers, many of whose products regularly appear in magazine tests, for their response to the question: Have you ever designed or manufactured tyres specifically for tests conducted by the media, automobile associations or any other organisations? Listed below are their responses.
Continue Reading![Goodyear reveals spherical concept tyre at Geneva Motor Show](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/WEB-GY-Eagle360.jpg)
Goodyear reveals spherical concept tyre at Geneva Motor Show
Goodyear has unveiled its latest concept tyre, the Eagle-360, and it’s one of the more radical departures from traditional tyre design; it is a sphere. The 3-D printed model presents a long-term vision of future mobility, in which autonomous driving is expected to be more mainstream. Goodyears video demonstrating its vision of the Eagle-360s place in the future of autonomous mobility is embedded in the full article.
Continue Reading![Michelin releasing new Bibendum truck mascot](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/bib-camion_889x288.jpg)
Michelin releasing new Bibendum truck mascot
The Michelin Man – aka Bibendum – was voted the last century’s best corporate symbol by an international panel of judges in 2000. Although today’s Bibendum is a slimmer, more active and environmentally-responsible character than the gorging, wine-drinking epicurean created by French illustrator O’Galop in 1898, his perky charm remains. A new, trucker-friendly version of the congenial Michelin Man is now available to purchase.
Continue Reading![Falken to launch new UHP tyre, Azenis FK510](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Falken-Azenis510.jpg)
Falken to launch new UHP tyre, Azenis FK510
Falken has announced the launch of its latest ultra-high performance tyre for high-end vehicles, the Azenis FK510. The tyre is the company’s response to the continuously growing demand for UHP tyres. The new flagship Falken tyre has already received a ‘Highly Recommended’ rating from testers at German auto magazine, Autozeitung (Issue 6/2016). The German association of technical inspectors, GTÜ, also gave the tyre ‘Highly Recommended’ status.
Continue Reading![DS E-Tense rolls into Geneva on bespoke Michelin concept tyres](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Michelin-PSS-DS-E-TENSE.jpg)
DS E-Tense rolls into Geneva on bespoke Michelin concept tyres
When the DS E-Tense high performance electric GT rolls into the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show it will be fitted with bespoke Michelin Pilot Super Sport concept tyres. Created by DS Automobiles, the car was unveiled in Paris on 26 February. The French luxury brand says the Michelin concept tyres reflect its stylistic vision, while enhancing the exhilarating driving sensations it offers.
Continue Reading![Haulage company switches to Michelin after trial](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web-Harts-haulage.jpg)
Haulage company switches to Michelin after trial
Cornwall-based Hart’s Haulage has switched to a 100 per cent Michelin policy, after a trial revealed the premium tyres deliver “cost-efficiency, reliability and longevity”. The family-run company, which operates from a depot near the picturesque town of Redruth, previously operated a mixed tyre policy, but made the move to Michelin following a trial with a set of X MultiWay 3D XDE drive and XZE all-position tyres.
Continue Reading![Honesty is the best policy](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/honesty.png)
Honesty is the best policy
As in life, when it comes to tyre testing, honesty is the best policy. Nokian Tyres’ “worst day ever” happened at the end of February – with the Finnish manufacturer and well-known winter tyre specialist accused of manipulating tyre test results for a decade and then apologising for “mistakes” relating to tyre tests. The two quickest responses to the story were from Nokian Tyres itself and – more surprisingly – Michelin, which deftly pre-empted the widening of questions relating to tyre testing by putting out a statement of its own. As a result, both Nokian and Michelin have adopted exactly the right approach, from a communications perspective at least. Looking at the story through this lens we can see practical examples of the golden rules of PR in action – control the narrative, take initiative and tell the truth.
Continue Reading£5.4 million funding for five-strong battery development consortium
A consortium, led by Thurso-based AGM Batteries, has been awarded funding towards a £5.4 million project to develop the next generation of battery packs for high performance, low carbon vehicles.
Continue Reading![Nokian CEO ‘proud’ to come clean about tyre testing](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Screenshot_2016-02-29-09-30-58-2-e1456748163705.png)
Nokian CEO ‘proud’ to come clean about tyre testing
Yesterday was “my worst day ever” Nokian CEO Ari Lehtoranta tweeted on 27 February 2016. The reason? The last Friday in February (the 26th) saw Finnish news reports suggesting Nokian had cheated in tyre tests for a decade translated and distributed around the world. This was followed by an official statement in which Nokian apologised for tyre test “mistakes” and began to outline what it was doing about it, while also reassuring customers and consumers that its products have always been safe.
Continue Reading![Michelin releases statement on tyre testing and transparency](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/mich-tyre-test.jpg)
Michelin releases statement on tyre testing and transparency
Last week, the world learned that Nokian Tyres may have supplied bespoke products to tyre testers in past years in order to win or perform better in their tests. In the wake of the publication of such allegations, Michelin has issued a statement regarding its own approach to tyre testing. The tyre maker affirms that it has “never designed or manufactured tyres specifically for tests conducted by the media, automobile associations or any other organisations.”
Continue Reading![Bus manufacturer Solaris approves ContiPressureCheck for OE fitment](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/solaris.jpg)
Bus manufacturer Solaris approves ContiPressureCheck for OE fitment
The ContiPressureCheck tyre pressure monitoring system from Continental has been approved for operational use by Polish bus manufacturer Solaris, and will be fitted as original equipment on the city and regional buses it produces. Solaris began delivering the first 60 city buses equipped with ContiPressureCheck to a customer in Krakow at the start of February.
Continue ReadingNokian “regrets” tyre test “mistakes”
Nokian Tyres has apologised for past “mistakes” with magazine tyre tests. In an official statement company representatives said: “we apologise and regret the mistakes we have made in the past,” adding that the company’s tyres have “always been safe.
Continue Reading![Podium pride of place for Goodyear in all-season tyre test, Nokian & Michelin recommended](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/gute-fahrt-table.jpg)
Podium pride of place for Goodyear in all-season tyre test, Nokian & Michelin recommended
It isn’t just assessment time for summer tyres as the warmer months of the year approach. Gute Fahrt magazine has put nine all-season tyres to the test, and this is good news for UK consumers who are taking to this product segment in growing numbers. The tyres were evaluated for their summer characteristics (wet and dry braking and handling, rolling resistance, noise and comfort) as well as their performance in the snow. All-season mastery of the various weather scenarios was also compared to the characteristics of dedicated seasonal rubber.
Continue Reading![Falken launches studded Espia Ice tyre designed for Nordic market](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Espia_ice-copy.png)
Falken launches studded Espia Ice tyre designed for Nordic market
Falken has launched a new studded winter tyre for the Nordic and Baltic markets, featuring a new tungsten carbide stud design and pressure-optimised sipes for increased levels of extreme winter weather performance. With temperatures as low as 50 degrees Celsius and between 250-300 cm of snow covering the landscape for up to six months of the year, the Nordic and Baltic regions place exceptionally high performance demands on winter tyres.
Continue Reading![Maxxis International bolsters 4×4 range with launch of RazR](https://www.tyrepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Razrmt.png)
Maxxis International bolsters 4×4 range with launch of RazR
Maxxis International has launched its new RazR 4x4 tyre range. Officially unveiled at 2015’s Sema Show in Las Vegas, and featured on the brand’s stand at the Birmingham NEC’s Autosport International in January, the RazR range was developed for short course racing. The RazR name has been around for more than a decade within Maxxis’ speciality ATV tyre range, giving it plenty of off-road motorsport heritage.
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