Supertracker STR210R wheel alignment system a ‘little brother’ to flagship STR420
Southampton based wheel alignment equipment specialist Supertracker has recently added a brand new product to its product portfolio, while continuing to provide a high standard of customer training. While the new, “bridge model” STR210R model was initially previewed at the Commercial Vehicle Show in April, its introduction came into the second half of 2013, and […]
Continue ReadingConti extends 3G commercial range to goods haulage sector
Last year, Continental introduced the first tyres in its third generation commercial vehicle range. These initial products, the HA3 Conti Coach, Conti CityPlus and the Conti Urban, catered to passenger transport, and now the manufacturer has followed up with the launch of its first 3G tyre for the goods sector, the Continental EcoPlus HT3 trailer tyre.
Continue ReadingTPMS trends in emerging markets
The US mandated TPMS installation in new cars some time ago and we and we all know that the same will happen in Europe in November this year, but what about the emerging markets? Ask any market analyst and you will learn that China in particular is set to overtake the US and become the world’s largest economy in the next few years. Many sources suggest the People’s Republic is already there in terms of car production and – as a consequence – tyre manufacturing. So what about TPMS take-up and manufacturing infrastructure in this market in particular?
Continue ReadingChinese TPMS market worth 1.5 billion yuan in 2013
The TPMS market was worth 1.4 billion yuan in 2012, according to research published in 2013. According to Huidian Research, this number is expected to exceed 1.5 billion yuan in 2013. Although China’s TPMS market has maintained rapid growth in recent years in parallel with a booming automotive and following tyre sector, the market scale is still relatively small compared with other automotive electronics products (such as EMS, ABS, automotive audio, airbags and auto instruments) and this industry is still described as being “in the initial stage of development”.
Continue ReadingLaser launches TPMS tool set
With already high levels of OE TPMS fitment increasing as the 1 November 2013 fitment mandate approaches, Laser has launched a set of tool designed to assist in the aftermarket servicing of these products.
Continue ReadingBridgestone’s first ‘large and narrow’ tyre hits the road on BMW’s i3
BMW UK says the new electric i3 electric “defines the car of tomorrow”, a sizable claim backed up by exclusive tyre supplier Bridgestone, who describes the i3 as representing a “milestone in automotive history”. The tyres designed specifically for fitment on the i3 also required, says Bridgestone, the adoption of an entirely new concept. The answer was something it calls ‘ologic technology’.
Continue ReadingTÜV Süd, Dekra tests back performance of Michelin CV tyre range
Data derived from tests conducted by independent certification organisations TÜV Süd Automotive and Dekra backs Michelin’s fuel efficiency and safety claims for its current long distance and regional commercial vehicle tyres. TÜV Süd compared the Michelin X Line Energy long-distance tyres against four competing brands in June 2013 on a Mercedes Benz Actros 1842, with a gross train weight of 40 tonnes and equipped with new tyres. In July Dekra compared the Michelin X MultiWay 3D regional tyre against three competing brands fitted on a Mercedes Benz 1820, loaded to a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes and equipped with new tyres that were two-thirds worn. Both tests were requested by Michelin and were designed to recreate “real world” conditions.
Continue ReadingPanAridus joins Cooper in guayule consortium
Genetic bioscience firm ParAridus has joined Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in the consortium sharing a US$6.9 million Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) grant toward development of guayule plant-based polymers for use in tyre manufacturing. According to the companies, he BRDI is a joint effort between the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) to promote development and analysis of feed stocks, biofuels and bio-based products. PanAridus replaces Yulex Corporation on the grant team, assuming Yulex’s responsibilities as the primary manufacturer of the material.
Continue ReadingNexen OE for Škoda Rapid
In addition to supplying tyres for the Octavia, Nexen Tire now also ships products for original equipment fitment on Škoda’s latest Rapid. Nexen’s N’blue tyres are fitted to Rapid and Octavia models manufactured at Škoda’s Mladá Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic.
Continue ReadingKumho introduces self-sealing technology
On 2 January, Kumho Tire announced the domestic market launch of its first self-sealing tyre. The company’s ‘K-Seal’ technology has been introduced on the Kumho Majesty Solus range and is available in three sizes – 275/40ZR19 XL 105W, 245/45ZR19 XL 102W and 235/45ZR17 XL 97W. These tyres are capable of self-sealing tread punctures of up to five millimetres in diameter.
Continue ReadingFoj, Race2Recovery aim to build on 2013 success on Cooper rubber
Cooper Tire Europe will help two very different teams to build on the success they experienced in the 2013 Dakar when the 35th edition of the event begins on 5 January in Rosario, Argentina. Catalan rally ace and Cooper Europe 4x4 ambassador, Xavi Foj is looking for his third successive T2 Production Class title on Cooper rubber, while the Race2Recovery team returns to build on its impressive achievements in 2013.
Continue ReadingUK Insa Turbo 4×4 retread sales rising steeply – Micheldever
The UK distributor of Spanish 4x4 retread tyre brand Insa Turbo has reported “extremely strong” growth for the product, having increased year-on-year sales by more than a third in 2013. Micheldever (MTS)’s 4x4 specialist division Southam Tyres said unit sales have risen by 36 per cent, as sales director Alan Baldwin suggested several reasons for the brand’s strong performance.
Continue ReadingMagna confirmed as OE for Terex Gottwald cranes
Magna Tyres Group reports its confirmation as a key strategic partner to Terex Port Solutions following the latter’s conclusion of a six-month test trial of the Magna MB300 tyre on its GHMK 6407B harbour crane in Ghent. The MB300 will now be fitted in size 14.00-24 as original equipment on three Terex Gottwald harbour crane models – the GHMK Model 6, Model 7 and Model 8. This trio, Magna points out, are the most widely used Terex Gottwald crane models in the world.
Continue ReadingFast Bike declares Dunlop D212 GP Pro Tyre of the Year
The UK’s biggest selling superbike magazine has awarded the Dunlop D212 GP Pro its ‘Tyre of the Year’ honour in the 2013 Fast Bikes Awards. The supersport tyre, launched in 2013, received the accolade in the magazine’s round up of 2013’s leading motorcycles, accessories and events.
Continue ReadingAudi A7 fitting Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season as OE in US
Audi has chosen the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season as OE for its A7 model in the North American market. Therefore Pirelli will supply 18 and 19-inch versions of the tyre to equip the companys most powerful sportback model. As a result the Cinturato P7 All Season will be marked “AO”.
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