If you are not happy with the results below please do another search
Bridgestone’s Blizzak LM-80 was the clear winner of German automobile club ADAC, TCS and ÖAMTC’s new SUV/CUV winter tyre tests (size 215/65 R16 on a Volkswagen Tiguan), while its Blizzak LM-32 received the association’s highest snow ranking. The passenger car tyre was awarded AutoBild’s highest winter rating, published in early October.
Lanxess AG has launched a business-to-consumer version of its new green tyre information app. The launch follows the release of the first version of the consumer orientated app in Europe during the Essen show, then in the UK in September at a tyre labelling roundtable sponsored by the compound supplier. The unveiling of the new app created in conjunction with the NTDA was previewed at October’s Brityrex exhibition before being officially launched at the association’s annual dinner.
US-based green materials manufacturer Lehigh Technologies has been in business for just under a decade and claims five of the top ten tyre and retread manufacturers as its customers. The company specialises in the production of micronised rubber powders (MRP), produced mainly from recycled tyres. Its main tyre product for the tyre industry is PolyDyne, a specifically-developed material that is said to offer a significant cost advantage over SBR and natural rubber; using figures published in the Rubber Statistical Bulletin, Lehigh shows that, as of September 2011, PolyDyne was less than half as expensive as SBR and around a quarter the cost of natural rubber. Furthermore, Lehigh Technolgies says that every kilogramme of its MRP used saves around nine litres of oil and some 20kWh of energy in comparison to traditional tyres, while it releases less than half the CO2 of synthetic rubber.
TyreSafe is encouraging motorists to consider fitting winter tyres, offering 147 reasons why they should. The 147 refers to the number of times temperatures fell below seven degrees Celsius during prime commuting hours on 147 separate days between the beginning of October 2011 and the end of March 2012, according to the Met Office.
Sales of non-ETRMA member produced tyres are now at record levels. That’s what the latest data published by the ETRMA in its 2012 Statistic Booklet clear shows, based on full year 2011 figures.
Shane Byrne recorded a hat-trick of victories at Brands Hatch to win his third British Superbike Championship. The Kentish rider entertained a large crowd, pushing hard for the three wins, including a final race overtake on series runner-up Josh Brookes, despite a safe points cushion. The series’ tyre supplier, Pirelli pointed out that the man known as “Shakey” had completed victory on the 20th anniversary of the Japanese manufacturer’s last title in 1992. Pirelli also took part in BSB history across its twelve 2012 rounds, making a foray into Europe at Assen. With new power and budget equalling regulations as well as single tyre supply, Pirelli argues that the series has never been more open and level, producing an incredible eight different winners during the year.
Although the World Superbike Championship is switching to 17-inch tyres for the 2013 season – a change promoted as one that will aid in the motorsport-driven development of road-going motorcycle tyres – the British Superbike Championship will continue for one further year on Pirelli’s 16.5-inch tyre.
Continental Tyres has been named as “Partner in Excellence” of Mercedes-Benz World, the brand experience centre located at the Brooklands motor racing circuit in Weybridge. According to Mercedes, this means Continental will supply tyres for all Mercedes-Benz vehicles used in the driving experiences both on the circuits and challenging 4×4 off-road terrain. As the lead tyre development partner for Mercedes-AMG division, Continental is said to be well placed to serve the many and varied demands of the entire Mercedes-Benz driving experience range.
Goodyear Dunlop is now sole tyre supplier to the 500 vehicle fleet operated by A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd after the West Midlands-based logistics firm signed a service agreement with the tyre maker. The deal, which will involve A.F. Blakemore fitting a combination of Goodyear’s Regional Haul range and NextTread products, was brokered by Truck Tyre Solutions – a member of Goodyear Dunlop’s TruckForce network.
An unusual thing happened in the 2012 Avon Tyres British GT; the Motorbase pairing of Michael Caine and Daniele Perfetti that prevailed claimed the GT3 title at Donington Park despite not having won a race all season. The duo lined up eighth on the grid for the season finale of a remarkably close British GT Championship, but following an electrifying start to an action-packed race, a number of changes at the front of the pack included the pairing, which crossed the line in fourth place. Title sponsor Avon Tyres said the team had been rewarded for its consistency and clean racing; the duo stayed out of trouble to bring the Porsche 997 GT3-R home and clinch the title by 3.5 points, in dramatic fashion.
Trevor Willis won the Avon Tyres MSA British Hillclimb Championship at Loton Park on 28-29 September to take his first ever national hillclimb title. Speaking after Sunday’s run-offs, Willis said he was glad to have secured the title: “That was a huge relief! I was so glad to take the title in the first run-off as I just couldn’t take the pressure anymore – it was getting too much,” he laughed.
Cooper Tire Europe has raised more than £600 for Help for Heroes’ Tedworth House project, in an auction of “art tyres”. The manufacturer commissioned the series, effectively using Cooper Avon brand tyres as canvases, earlier this year and auctioned three of the designs for the charity. Tedworth House was selected as an extension of the company’s links with the Race2Recovery team, which aims to help injured soldiers compete in the Dakar Rally in 2013 on Cooper’s 4×4 rubber. Based in the garrison town of Tidworth, Tedworth House is a leading recovery centre for injured service personnel seeking to inspire residents and day visitors to lead full and independent lives.
When Tyres & Accessories visited Nankang’s stand at CITExpo, Caysha Mai from the company’s export department was able to report that Nankang’s changeover to a new corporate identity, which began in 2010, is almost complete. “The new identity includes a modified logo and a new slogan – free your way,” she shared. “This means have a smooth ride.”
Leading international branding consultancy Interbrand has just published its 13th Annual Best Global Brands report, listing the world's 100 most valuable brands. However, it has to be pointed out that despite the size of some of the industry’s leading brands – and despite their ability to communicate their various brands online (see separate article) – there are no tyre brands in the top 100 this year.
Michelin’s Energy E-V first caught the public’s eye at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year through the release of the ZOE, Renault’s new, affordable electric car, and the tyre maker officially debuted the Energy E-V – now bearing an AA label – at last week’s Paris Motor Show.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.