Hankook’s European original equipment truck and trailer tyre business ‘interrupted’
A special report on a delicate situation shows why the major supplier to the European commercial vehicle tyre market made new supply agreements with contracted OEM partners, and how the period of flux could work in its favour as tender processes commence Hankook Tire Europe’s intensive expansion of its original equipment truck tyres business over the last half-decade hit significant headwinds at the end of 2021. As a result, the manufacturer made the decision to largely discontinue corresponding deliveries at the start of 2022. Speaking to Tyres & Accessories’ sister magazine in Germany, Neue Reifenzeitung (NRZ), representatives from Hankook’s European headquarters in Neu-Isenburg were clear that the company had not withdrawn from original equipment, but that there has been an interruption, which will be followed by a “restart” in the next two years. This raises the question of how this strategic decision will be received in a shrinking market, while many in the aftermarket are wondering why such a drastic move was necessary in the first place.
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Michelin longevity is key to tyre brand switch
Ballymoney-based J Adams & Sons Transport is switching its fleet of 16 tractor units and 35 trailers to a full Michelin X Multi new and Remix policy, in a move designed to maximise tyre life and sustainability.
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Yokohama Advan tyres OE on the new Lexus RX
The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. is supplying its Advan V61 tyres as original equipment (OE) for the fifth-generation Lexus RX. Launched in Japan and overseas, including Europe, from this November, the new RX is specifically being fitted with 235/60R19 103V size Advan V61 tyres.
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Launch Tech introduces X-Prog3 key programming device
Aftermarket diagnostics equipment supplier Launch Tech UK has revealed the X-Prog3, a new vehicle programming tool to provide powerful anti-theft system coverage and engine and gearbox reprogramming capabilities.
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Bridgestone exclusive OE on Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
On 30 November 2022 Automobili Lamborghini launched its unconventionally rally-equipped Huracán Sterrato at Art Basel, Miami Beach. Compared with the Huracán EVO, the Sterrato comes with an updated version of the LDVI (Lamborghini Integrated Vehicle Dynamics) system, with specific strada and sport calibrations, and bringing the rally mode for low-grip conditions to the Huracán line for the first time. It is also exclusively factory fitted with Bridgestone tyres.
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Kumho all-season, winter tyres get Auto Bild commendations
Kumho has continued its recent good form in tyre tests, outstripping 30 rival manufacturers to take fifth place overall in Auto Bild’s latest all-season tyre test. The Kumho Solus 4S HA32 was comprehensively put through its paces in a test that spanned two continents. Kumho rates the test highly, saying its results “will be regarded as highly significant by both the European tyre trade and its consumers.”
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Pro-Align supports Kwik Fit wheel alignment upgrade
UK Hunter tyre servicing equipment distributor Pro-Align is helping to upgrade wheel aligners throughout Kwik Fit’s 600-plus site network. The company is supporting the software upgrade to WinAlign 17 on Hunter Elite TD aligners used by the chain. The new version increases accuracy and efficiency, and therefore revenue opportunities, Hunter says. Kwik Fit has been using the Elite TD since 2014. In addition to the network wide software upgrade, Pro-Align is also installing the Hunter Elite TD system across 14 Kwik Fit and Tyre Pros centres, with one site investing in a new Hunter DSP706 aligner for its workshop.
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Porsche chooses Dunlop Sport Maxx Race 2 for 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Dunlop Sport Maxx Race 2 tyres are available as an ‘N2-rated’ original equipment option on the new Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the range-topping variant of Porsche’s 718 family. Porsche has homologated the N2 version of Dunlop Sport Maxx Race 2 for use on the 718 Cayman GT4 RS as well as the 718 Cayman GT4 in the front axle size 245/35ZR20 and in 295/30ZR20 for the rear axle.
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Bridgestone tyres for Lexus RX
Days after announcing that its Alenza is an original equipment fitment on the all-electric BMW iX, Bridgestone shares that the fifth generation Lexus RX will also roll on these tyres. Lexus will equip models of the hybrid SUV sold in Europe and Japan with Alenza 001 tyres, while Bridgestone will supply the Alenza Sport A/S for versions of the Lexus RX sold in North America.
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Yokohama Advan tyres OE on Nissan Elgrand
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has selected Yokohama Advan tyres as original equipment (OE) on its Elgrand MPV. Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has confirmed that it is supplying its Advan V51 tyres in 225/55R18 98V.
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New Clarke Ranger air compressors
Machine Mart has added two new Clarke brand air compressors to its product range. Compatible with a wide range of air tools, the Clarke Ranger models are suited to spraying, nailing, stapling, polishing and sanding in workshop, DIY, garage and site applications.
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Continental develops weight-saving electric vehicle brake caliper
Continental has developed a so-called Green Caliper, a brake caliper for disc brakes which is significantly lighter than previous designs and has a lower residual brake torque. The Green Caliper reportedly saves up to five kilograms per brake – and the reduced friction between brake pad and disc contribute to increasing the range of an electric vehicle.
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BM Catalysts expands coverage by 1.3 million vehicles
BM Catalysts has expanded its product range with 12 new references. According to the company, the latest additions are compatible with 77 vehicle fitments, providing coverage to a further 1.3 million vehicles in the combined UK and European car parc.
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Vredestein: Quatrac Pro EV the first all-season tyre with HL mark
Following the news of the launch of the Quatrac Pro EV earlier this month, Vredestein has revealed further details about the product’s performance and range.
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Bridgestone bespoke EV-tyres on BMW iX
Bridgestone reports that it has applied its electric mobility expertise to the development of bespoke tyres for the BMW iX, the company’s first all-electric vehicle since its pioneering BMW i3. According to the tyremaker, the ultra-low rolling resistance Bridgestone Alenza tyres feature a host of cutting-edge technologies.
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