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On the one hand, a steadily growing economy and healthily increasing commercial vehicle registrations figures appear to point to a bright future for the UK truck tyre segment. However, on the other hand, the situation is complicated by the increasing imports of low-cost and often un-reported Chinese tyre imports – something that is particularly affecting both current and future retread sales, owing to these products’ lack of retreadability.
Kings Road Tyres (KRT), one of the largest specialist distributors of truck tyres in the UK, has reported substantial growth in sales of its budget ranges of TBR fitments, with volumes up 20 per cent year-on-year. KRT sells a number of exclusive budget brands including Aeolus, Antyre, Fullrun and Blacklion.
A number of tyre makers have recently shown interest in Taraxicum kok-saghya (TKS), or Russian dandelion, as an alternative source of natural rubber – one manufacturer is even looking to launch tyres containing this raw material within the next five to ten years. Now Sumitomo Rubber Industries has added its name to the list of tyre firms examining the potential of TKS as a replacement for rubber from the Hevea tree; the Japanese manufacturer has commenced joint research with emerging US-based biotech company Kultevat and is working to find practical applications for natural rubber derived from the yellow-flowered plant.
2015 is proving to be an eventful year for Bridgestone. In September Bridgestone re-launches Dayton as a truck tyre brand, following the rebrand of the firm’s independent distribution network as Bridgestone Partners as well as the news that OE sales are at a seven-year high, while buses and other fleets continue to sign Bridgestone contracts. Tyres & Accessories spoke with Bridgestone’s commercial sales director Greg Ward in order to learn more.
In his position as Bridgestone’s north region managing director, as well as chair of the SMMT Aftermarket Section, Robin Shaw has expressed concern at Chancellor George Osborne’s plans in last month’s Budget to extend the deadline for new cars and motorcycles to be MOT tested after four years instead of three. Shaw believes the added 12 months will result in more cars running on tyres with tread depths below the 1.6mm legal limit.
Continental has begun hiring employees for its HPTC (High Performance Technology Center), the “factory within a factory” built over the past year at its Korbach plant in Germany. Although construction work is not yet complete, the tyre maker expects to fill 24 job vacancies by the end of this year.
With large numbers of low-cost truck tyres, the development of retreading – not to mention legislative pressures and technological advances – hot topics in the truck tyre sector, Tyres & Accessories interviewed Continental Tyres’ sales and marketing director, Commercial, Arthur Gregg in order to get the well-known German tyre manufacturer’s inside perspective.
Shearography is often used to inspect tyre casings for damage prior to retreading, and this technology may soon be employed to check the quality of used tyres imported into Ghana. Official news agency the GNA reports that the Ministry of Transport in Ghana is considering shearographic screening of part-worns as a means of weeding out sub-standard tyres.
Singapore-based brand Firenza is purportedly striving for a position in the mid-range UK and European truck tyre markets by offering a “versatile” commercial vehicle tyre option in a “variety of sizes for all current TBR vehicle applications”.
Firenza range features include a solid shoulder construction plus a zero angled steel band designed to significantly reduce irregular wear. In addition, a special tread groove is designed to further eliminate stone retention and casing damage.
Nokian has released the new NTR 74S, which is designed for “safe travel under all weather conditions, all year round”. The tyre is optimised for use on main roads and it is primarily intended for trailers, but it is also said to be suitable for use on the steer axle. The Nokian NTR 74S is 3PMSF approved and is aimed at use on the varying conditions of the Nordic countries, Central Europe and Russia.
ATS Euromaster has been contracted to provide tyre support for all 28 buses operated by OmniServ that provide transfer services between all Terminals at Heathrow airport. OmniServ is also adopting a complete Michelin tyre policy.
Davanti has bolstered its UK logistics infrastructure to support the rapidly growing network of Davanti Distributors. The brand has commissioned a fleet of new vehicles, featuring two 40ft artic trucks and two 7.5t trucks. The fleet will provide a nationwide support stock service to Davanti regional distributors, backing up supply direct from the factory.
Falling natural rubber prices have driven output in India down, and many anticipate that tapping of natural rubber will soon reach its lowest point in almost two decades. Last month the state of Kerala announced an Rs 150 (£1.51) per kilogramme subsidy to help small-scale producers, however Onkar Kanwar believes that subsidy programme such as this can only be of limited help.
At the end of July Toyo Tire Europe GmbH, President Tatsuo Mitsuhata, announced that the Toyo Snowprox S953A has been selected by Audi AG as Original Equipment for the Audi A3 model. The 205/50 R 17 93H XL Snowprox S953A will be fitted to Audi A3 models delivered with winter tyres from the 2015 season.
Toyo brand Open Country A28 tyres have been selected by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for the firm’s all-new, Mitsubishi L200 pick up. Open Country A28 tyres, in size 245/65 R17 111S, will be fitted throughout Europe to the 5th generation Mitsubishi L200.
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