Snap-on Releases Quadriga Tyre Changer
The latest generation John Bean, Hofmann and Boxer automatic tyre changers – the Quadriga 1000 and Quadriga 1 – are ready for their market launch. These changers from the three Snap-on Equipment brands offer fully automated mounting and demounting and are amongst the first changers of this type to come with certification from the ‘wdk’, Germany’s rubber industry association. Snap-on reports that the changer offers outstanding dynamic procedures along with controlled power and accuracy and consequently; therefore, it says, optimum results are guaranteed as all operations, especially bead braking, are accomplished efficiently and without harm to tyre and rim.
Continue ReadingInfinity Displays Two New Products to Bologna Attendees
Situated in a prime location in Hall 20, the Infinity stand at the recent Autopromotec 2009 was, the company believes, one of the show’s busiest, displaying the general confidence and determination to push the brand forwards in Europe. As well as showcasing two new products – the Infinity 059 and the Infinity 200 – there was a comprehensive series of distributor update meetings. All the main European and International Infinity distributors visited the stand and were welcomed by the Infinity team from Europe and Dubai.
Continue ReadingBridgestone Receives Volkswagen Group Award
Bridgestone Corporation has been awarded the Volkswagen Group Award 2009 in recognition of its performance as a supplier and business partner to the vehicle manufacturer. The award was presented by Dr. Francisco Javier Garcia Sanz, member of the Volkswagen AG Board of Management, at a ceremony at Volkswagen’s “phaeno” Science Center in Wolfsburg, Germany, on 18th June 2009. The award was received by Mr. Y Ryuto, vice president & officer, Original Equipment Tire Sales, Bridgestone Corporation.
Continue ReadingInter-Sprint Promotes Brands, Private Labels
It all began in a small workshop in Rotterdam. By offering customers quality, service, expertise and craftsmanship the small workshop quickly grew into a major business. Now, more than 35 years later, Inter-Sprint tells T&A that it has grown into a dynamic car tyre distribution centre that is admired throughout Europe. The company says that in addition to all brands of tyres, particularly in original equipment sizes, it also supplies a substantial private label selection. With these private labels Inter-Sprint has the ability to market made-to-measure solutions with very good trade profit margins for its customers. The company buys in volume and supplies in small quantities. All of its customers, throughout Europe, are supplied on a weekly basis at a fixed time using Inter-Sprints own transport fleet. An express delivery system for urgently required orders is also available. The company believes its philosophy has always been based upon offering customers quality, service, expertise and courtesy.
Continue Reading60% of Drivers ‘Zone Out’ Behind the Wheel
Ever driven to work and realised you can’t remember any of the journey? You are not alone. A new study commissioned by Continental Tyres reports that 59 per cent forget parts of their journey, while 60 per cent admitted “zoning out” whilst behind the wheel. Over half (51 per cent) say they switch to “auto-pilot” on their daily commute to and from work. The survey of 4,000 motorists found that drivers were only fully concentrated on the road for 67 per cent of the time spent in the driver’s seat. And tuning the radio, talking to passengers and gawping at the scenery topped the list of everyday distractions. Nevertheless 86 per cent of the stereotypically humble and self-deprecating British driving public rate themselves as good drivers! Guy Frobisher at Continental Tyres commented: “These statistics are really worrying. When driving, so much can happen in just a few seconds that you need to be able to react quickly so you can brake safely. If you’re not fully paying attention you are less likely to anticipate the risks that emerge during a journey and reactions are slowed. The net effect is that people are not avoiding the risks and they are less likely to brake in time, meaning more accidents.
Continue ReadingDenman Adds Trailer Tyres
Denman Tire Corp. has introduced a new line of radial trailer tyres. The new tyres will be available in sizes ST175/80R-13 6 PR; ST205/75R-14 6 PR; ST215/75R-14 6 PR; ST205/75R-15 6 PR; ST205/75R-15 8 PR; ST225/75R-15 8 PR; ST225/75R-15 10 PR and ST235/80R-16 10 PR. (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingTire Monitor System Gains Interest in OTR Tyre Market
Tire Monitor System, a OTR TPMS system developed by A M Bromley Limited, is now being distributed to the OTR/earthmover market in the UK via Earthmover Tyres (Wakefield) Limited. The device features a new Operator Interface Unit which is said to enhance performance to the retrofit OTR/earthmover tyre market by displaying tyre pressures and sound alarms for up to six wheels. The unit also has a real time log feature so data can be downloaded and analysed at a later date.
Continue ReadingNew US BMWs Get Bridgestone Duelers
Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport Run-Flat tyres have gained OE fitment on the new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. The Bridgestone Plant in Tosu, Japan will be supplying the tyres for the 2009 BMW X5 M and X6 M produced in BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Both vehicles will carry the tyres in sizes 275/40R20 106Y EL (front) and 315/35R20 110Y ERL (rear). (Tire Review/Akron)
Continue ReadingSerious Fraud Office Called Following MG Report
The Serious Fraud Office has been asked to consider whether there should be a criminal investigation into the collapse of MG Rover, after an inquiry into the demise of the MG Rover Group on in April 2005 owing creditors nearly £1.3 billion.
Continue ReadingHayes Lemmerz Files Reorganisation Plan and Disclosure Statement
Hayes Lemmerz International has a plan….a reorganisation plan, that is. The company announced on July 3 it has filed a proposed plan of reorganisation and disclosure statement with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. If confirmed by the court, the plan provides that the companys debtor-in-possession (DIP) lenders and prepetition secured lenders would own substantially all the reorganised company’s common stock and all of its global manufacturing locations upon its emergence from chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Continue ReadingDunlop Reports 20% Increase in Visits at Festival of Speed
Goodwood Festival of Speed saw 20 per cent more people view the Dunlop Motorsport presence than previously. Dunlop reportedly “pioneered” a new concept at this year’s event with a media stage. Dunlop’s communications manager James Bailey commented: “More than 13,000 people have been through the Dunlop Drivers Club Stable Yard today, watching and listening to their motor racing heroes and looking at some of their cars. This is an increase of around 20 per cent on last year. The public have the chance to get up-close and personal with the people and machines that have made history over the years and who are making history right now. This is the first time we have thrown our efforts fully behind a media stage, and judging by public reaction on day one, it’s a winner.”
Continue ReadingContinental: Women Show More Interest in Hybrid Technology
New research conducted by Continental AG suggests female drivers are more interested in Hybrid Technology than men. In 2007 less than a third (61.6%) of all female motorists surveyed knew anything about hybrid technologies. This percentage grew to around 75 per cent in 2008 and stood at 79 per cent this time.
Continue ReadingBandvulc Celebrates Low Carbon and Efficiency Award from Motor Transport
On 1 July Bandvulc won the Low Carbon and Efficiency Award at the Motor Transport Awards in London. Bandvulc was up against stiff competition from companies such as Tesco, United Biscuits, John Lewis, DPD and A F Blakemores, but was judged to be winner by an independent panel of experts drawn from the industry. According to the company, these annual awards are the ‘Oscars’ of the Motor Transport Industry and recognise companies demonstrating innovation, outstanding service, efficiency and quality.
Continue ReadingApollo Wins India Pajero Fitment
Apollo Tyres reports that its Hawkz 4x4 tyre has been selected as an original equipment feature on the Indian market Mitusbishi Pajero. The Japanese 4x4, said to be named after a certain South American wild cat – Leopardus pajeros (the vehicle is sold in the UK as the Shogun), is sold with the Apollo Hawkz in size 265/70 R15.
Continue ReadingCTNA Unveils Three New Truck Tyres
Continental Tire North America has released a trio of new truck tyres, the HSU2, HSR2 and HTL1. The HSU2 (Heavy Steer Urban) heavy truck steer tyre replaces the HSU, and Conti says the redesigned size 315/80R22.5 tyre offers increased tread life through its wider 26/32-inch deep rib design, now with 17 per cent more wear volume than the HSU. The HSU2’s tread is formulated with a cut and tear-resistant tread compound, intended to provide excellent wear in both high scrub and on/off road applications. These qualities, notes Conti, makes the tyre ideal for waste haulers, construction and other on/off highway service.
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