BiGDUG offers discounts on tyre racking systems
BiGDUG’s tyre racking is up to 30 per cent cheaper than other market competitors. That’s the claim being made by the Tewkesbury-based commercial and industrial racking company. The tyre system itself is said to be boltless and “easy enough for anybody to construct.”
Continue ReadingInfinity to hold European tyre launch at Reifen 2012
Infinity has announced that it will hold the European launch of its new tyre range at Reifen 2012. The tyres will be unveiled to a select international audience of dealers and journalists in May during Infinity’s Partners Day celebrations, taking place in Beijing, China, before Infinity takes its new tyres – details of which have yet to be revealed – at Europe’s largest tyre expo, held at Messe Essen in early June.
Continue ReadingTurkey leads strong Eastern Europe heavy trailer demand
Automotive and transport consulting group, CLEAR has shown that there was growth of 58 per cent in heavy trailer demand in Eastern Europe in 2011. Thirteen of the fifteen countries covered in the report had growth of over 30 per cent, while three other markets grew by more than 100 per cent. The stand-out nation was Turkey, which completely recovered from the downturn of 2009 to post record trailer demand in 2010 and 2011, making it the largest trailer market in Eastern Europe.
Continue ReadingBilstein launches Jaguar air suspension modules
German suspension manufacturer, Bilstein has announced that it will make its OEM-quality air suspension modules available to the independent aftermarket with immediate effect. The latest application, the B4 air suspension module, is a direct replacement for all C350 models of the Jaguar XJ. The company says the decision was made in response to the increasing market popularity of air springs.
Continue ReadingTowsafe helps car dealers stop illegal towing
Vehicle data expert, HPI, is offering motor dealers online access to information that will enable their customers to buy a car that will safely and legally tow their caravan. Many motorists are unaware that if their car is incorrectly matched to the caravan they are towing they may be stopped, fined £1,000 or gain three points on their licence. Towsafe, powered by HPI, has been providing a car and caravan matching service for over 10 years and now dealers can use this as a robust tool to secure a sales opportunity and increase customer satisfaction levels, whilst meeting their Duty of Care obligations.
Continue ReadingDairy farm fits Michelin radial tyres to skid steer loader
Michelin has fit its new BibSteel Hard-Surface radial tyres to a skid steer loader for one of the first times in the UK. Cornish dairy farmer, Graham Kitto, owner of Higher Coombe Farm in Liskeard, used cross-ply tyres on his three Bobcat skid steers, which are used to scrape yards and clear slurry. The unforgiving working environment, in which the tyres run on abrasive surfaces, meant the cross-plys rarely lasted more than 300 hours.
Continue ReadingVredestein launches its “ultimate high performance tyre”
Apollo Vredestein has introduced its new ultra high performance summer tyre in Budapest, the Ultrac Vorti. The tyre, like the simultaneously launched Sportrac 5, has been designed by Italian company Giugiaro for a sporty, distinctive appearance. Vredestein says the Y-indexed tyre excels in terms of grip, handling and braking on both dry and wet surfaces. The Ultrac Vorti name was also created by Giugiaro, inspired by the powerful vortex air flow that is generated, for example, when a helicopter takes off. The name reflects the speeds and forces that the Ultrac Vorti can handle, rated for up to 300kmh, while the tread is reminiscent of the tips of helicopter blades.
Continue ReadingDouble Star embarks on “Rainbow” tyre production
At the end of 2011 Double Star Tires based in Qingdao, Shandong province, China announced plans to produce a range of multi-coloured tyres. According to local news reports, Double Star has dared to differ from the overwhelming trend towards manufacturing black tyres having developed a patented process to make tyres of any colour. This range has been appropriately dubbed “Rainbow” and is set for imminent market release.
Continue ReadingTPMS maker Schrader sold for US$505 million
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and valve supplier Schrader has been sold for US$505 million after parent company Tomkins agreed a deal with private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC. The deal is subject to the normal conditions and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012. Schrader, which produces both OE and aftermarket TPMS and valve products reported 2011 revenues of approximately US$451 million and adjusted EBITDA of approximately US$76 million.
Continue ReadingHankook launches Vantra LT
Hankook Tire’s light commercial vehicle line-up has been expanded with the introduction of a new all-season light truck tyre, the Vantra LT. The company says it developed the range to deal with the high demands placed on passenger and goods transport vehicles in regional traffic; it adds that durability, fuel efficiency and mileage played a key role during development, as did safety-related driving characteristics such as short breaking distances and superior wet performance. The new Vantra LT is available in 34 dimensions, covering 14 to 16-inch rim diameters in series 82 to 60 and tread width from 165 to 235. All tyres in the Vantra range bear the M+S marking.
Continue ReadingInfinity promotes 2012 marketing strategy
Infinity has announced plans to expand and customise its DNA campaign to fit the national markets where it operates. The company describes its new campaign as featuring “iconic monuments re-interpreted using an Infinity Tyre.” In addition Infinity has revealed that the company will run a competition which will include trips to some very exciting destinations. Prizes will include trips to some very exciting destinations.
Continue ReadingFleets to benefit from Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre technology
Pirelli has extended its Cyber Tyre technology to the commercial vehicle sector through the introduction of Cyber Fleet, an ‘intelligent’ tyre that uses an electronic sensor and computer system to provide drivers and fleet managers with up-to-the-minute data regarding the tyre’s condition and the vehicle’s geographical position. The new product was unveiled at the manufacturer’s recent Truck Safety Day in Italy.
Continue ReadingNew Tatneft range, sizes for 2012
Russian tyre maker Tatneft has announced the introduction of a new tyre range and new sizes in several of its product lines. All new for 2012 is a 4x4 range from its Viatti brand. The Viatti Bosco A/T will debut in a size 205/70R15 fitment. Tatneft says this new range has been specially designed for the growing crossover utility vehicle segment and is said to combine comfort with a quiet, stable and efficient ride. It is also able to withstand heavy loads, the manufacturer states.
Continue ReadingGebhardt presents ECOTIRErack
Load carrier specialist, Gebhardt of Cham in Bavaria, has launched the latest addition to its product portfolio: the new tyre rack ECOTIRErack. The newly designed rack, which is manufactured in Germany, lowers both price and net weight, according to the company. Gebhardt also claims the rack should allow companies to reduce empty rack cargo space by 20 per cent.
Continue ReadingConti launches EV-specific tyre range
According to Continental, an estimated 2.8 million electric vehicles will be registered worldwide and on the road by 2020. To cater to this currently small yet fast-growing market, the tyre maker has introduced the Conti.eContact, a new range featuring dimensions specifically aimed at electric vehicles.
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