Transense launches iProbe tyre inspection tool
Transense Technologies plc has launched its iProbe multi-function RFID/TPMS tyre inspection tool into the market. Developed by its subsidiary Translogik and following consultation with potential customers, the iProbe provides wireless measurement of tread depth, tyre temperature and tyre pressure combined with integrated RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag and TPMS (Temperature Pressure Monitoring System) sensor reading capabilities.
Continue ReadingVan-motorhome sector well catered for by Michelin Agilis range
Michelin produces an extensive selection of van tyres catering for the latest generation of vans and motorhomes. These include the updated Agilis range, which when originally launched was the first range of tyres designed specifically for vans.
Continue ReadingBridgestone’s van tyre line-up: Lightening the load
Key requirements of van tyre users are durability, economy and good performance, particularly in the wet. Bridgestone aims to meet these with its van tyre range. The tyre maker notes that long distances frequently come with the territory for the average commercial van driver, and for businesses and individuals who are often on the road, going the distance with long-haul journeys, it recommends the Duravis R410. This is, Bridgestone comments, a durable, high mileage tyre, designed for withstanding heavy use and daily deliveries at highway speeds.
Continue ReadingToyo covers all operating conditions with H08 and H09
The two products in the Toyo range aimed at van users are the H08 and H09. The first of these is a tyre designed to meet the requirements of vehicles operating at motorway speeds as well on urban roads. Toyo reports the H08 gives first rate performance in the wet or dry combined with a long working life, and was designed to be a low maintenance tyre. Thus, the tyre maker adds, it is “very robust and durable to satisfy the most demanding users including the modern multi drop van fleets.” The H08 is also relied upon by the emergency services, Toyo notes.
Continue ReadingContinental recommends global OEMs adopt direct TPMS technology
Continental recommends car manufacturers worldwide adopt the consistent use of direct measuring technology in their new car models to ensure “vehicle tyres are always inflated to an optimum level.” Writing in a press statement promoting the international tyre, TPMS and automotive supplier’s position on the issue, Continental said its recommendation is based on “steadily rising requirements to take on TPMS” and also reflects the “significant potential of direct measuring technology, making it possible to exploit the greater contribution to CO2 reduction.”
Continue ReadingAutoSocks for trucks
After two particularly cold winters, there has been a noticeable increase in the attention of tyre manufacturers on distributing their cold-weather lines in the UK. This of course includes tyre products for commercial vehicles, without which the logistics business would always run the risk of getting stuck. One surprise exhibit at the CV Show addressed this problem is a more surprising way.
Continue ReadingMaxxis – van operators can rely on us
The range of van and light truck tyres sold by Maxxis in the UK exceeds 50 sizes and covers the whole segment. The tyre maker reports its van line-up is purpose-designed to provide superb handling in all weathers, with tyres manufactured from a premium rubber compound and featuring a double steel belt construction plus continuous shoulder ribs for long life and uniformity and extra plies for improved puncture and abrasion resistance. “Van operators can rely on Maxxis tyres to help them keep costs down, to maximise profitability, without compromising on durability and performance,” comments Maxxis International UK’s managing director Derek McMartin. Maxxis van and light truck tyres are available exclusively in the UK from Grouptyre.
Continue ReadingCourier achieves 350,000+ miles with Michelin Agilis
Michelin reports that a pair of Agilis van tyres fitted to a vehicle owned by Cumbria-based courier Bryan Davidson have clocked up an impressive 353,000 miles – enough to have taken the van more than 14 times around the world. The 215/75 R 16C Agilis tyres were shipped as an original equipment fitment on the rear axle of Davidson’s 2004 Citroen Relay LWB Hi-Roof van from new and have just been changed – with the odometer reading 353,000 miles. The front tyres lasted around 120,000 miles.
Continue ReadingNew app from General Tire
A new General Tire application giving its North American customers quick access to an arsenal of product information and a database of pictures and videos has been approved by Apple and released into its iTunes Store, where it is available for free download. Within the General Tire app are five key functions, including Tire Descriptions, which feature sizing and pictures to help customers find the right tyre for their passenger car, light truck, off-road or commercial vehicle; Dealer Locators with maps to assist customers in finding the most convenient location to purchase General Tires; Team GT Race Videos; a Photo Gallery and a News/Promotions section. Off-road enthusiasts can watch the latest and greatest from Team GT and consumers can research the right General Tire for their car or truck.
Continue ReadingHankook continues ‘success story’ with Ventus Prime2
Drawing inspiration from sources that include the “teeth of predatory cats,” the next generation Hankook Ventus premium comfort tyre has pounced onto the European market. The all-new Ventus Prime2 follows on from its similarly-named predecessor, a tyre that achieved European sales of more than ten million units during the seven years it was available. Hankook describes the new tyre, intended for “frequent drivers with a high safety awareness and maximum demands, as an evolution of a format “Ventus Prime drivers have known for many years and grown to love.” The lion’s share of the range will be produced in the company’s Rácalmás, Hungary factory.
Continue ReadingApril launch for Yokohama BluEarth in Europe
Yokohama Rubber says its preparations for the 2010 European tyre label are to be strengthened through the April release of its BluEarth-1 range, which it says has achieved an ‘A’ grade rating – the highest possible – for fuel economy under the upcoming label’s expected classification system. The BluEarth-1 is the first of a series of BluEarth products that will be launched in Europe; the product family was first publicly previewed at January’s Tokyo Auto Show, where the top of the line BlueEarth-1 was displayed alongside the premium BluEarth RV-01 minivan tyre and the standard BluEarth AE-01.
Continue Reading‘Green’ Vredestein Quatrac Lite launched
A new addition to Vredestein’s Quatrac all-season family, first established in 2007 with the Quatrac 3, is scheduled for release at the Geneva International Motor Show. This new product, the Quatrac Lite, is described by Apollo Vredestein as being “revolutionary” and the “first ‘green’ all-season tyre.” In announcing its imminent launch the tyre maker says the Quatrac Lite “meets all the environmental regulations due to be implemented across the European Union in 2012, and is focused on fuel efficiency.” Apollo Vredestein further comments that the new range “meets the premium quality and safety standards for which Vredestein is renowned.”
Continue ReadingHyundai develops tyre pressure monitoring system
Hyundai Mobis Co., (the South Korean carmaker’s mobile, system, parts and service arm) reports that it has developed the first locally made tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and plans to supply it to foreign auto firms as well as its local affiliates. The company said the new device demonstrates equal performance with overseas-made rival products and is easier to install due to its use of rubber valves. The new device reportedly weighs 10 per cent less than rival products due to its smaller battery size, uses 30 per cent less electricity and shows a stronger performance in securing wheel balancing, Hyundai Mobis said.
Continue ReadingChennai tyre shop looks to the future with TAC-Scan technology
Remember the TAC-Scan technology RL Automotive and Tire Profiles Inc launched at SEMA 2008? (see related links below) T&A mentioned at the time that a machine capable of predicting tyre wear sounds like science fiction. But what was first put to use in top-flight motorsport applications such as Formula One, has now landed in tyre retail in India it may surprise you to learn that some of the most discerning technicians in the tyre business are already using prototypes based on exactly the same technology.
Continue ReadingConti sensor helps EV users avoid a shocking experience
Many batteries in electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles generate some 400 volts, almost twice the voltage employed in standard domestic plug sockets and enough to give a potentially fatal jolt. Vehicle occupants risk exposure to this electric charge in the event of an accident, and US legislators have already stipulated that vehicle power supply voltage must drop to below 60 volts within five seconds of an accident occurring. No comparable laws yet exist in European markets, yet Germany’s Continental is switched onto the challenge of reducing electric vehicle battery voltage to safer levels following a collision. The automotive supplier has now come up with the evSAT, a sensor that will immediately shut off high-voltage batteries in the event of a collision while the vehicle is in charge mode, enabling emergency service personnel to recover the vehicle without the risk of receiving an electric shock.
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