(Akron/Tire Review) Continuing its emphasis on its sub-brand products, Yokohama Tire Corp. launched two new tyres during last week’s SEMA Show – the Advan S.4 all-season UHP, and the Parada Spec-X for the custom/tuner market segment.
Varta is to introduce AGM technology to the aftermarket, with its premium range of Ultra Dynamic batteries. Varta is the European market leader in OE Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery technology, claiming a share in this sector of over 90 per cent.
AGM uses special micro-glass fibres in between the battery plates to fix the electrolyte. This increases the bonding of the active plate material between the plates and the electrolyte, which increases both the life span and the electrical performance of the battery, as well as making it spill proof.
Pirelli has announced that it will provide original equipment for the new Audi RS4 range. The Italian tyre manufacturer made the announcement at the Pirelli proving ground in Vizzola Ticino – exclusively fitting the vehicle with the company’s ultra high performance P Zero Rosso and P Zero Corsa Asimmetrico tyres.
Corporate image and brand awareness have always been regarded as important by those involved in marketing. In the fiercely competitive automotive industry getting potential customers to instantly recognise a company’s products and services is a key factor to securing more business.
(Akron/Tire Review) Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has expanded its Zeon 2XS and Zeon XST ultra-high performance lines with new sizes for performance cars and SUVs. And it added two new sizes to its Cooper Lifeliner SLE touring line. Cooper added five new 18 and 19-inch sizes to, its Zeon 2XS line targeting BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Cadillac, Lexus, Mustang, Audi and Chrysler models.
In addition, it added sizes 305/35R23, 305/40R23 and 285/45R22 to the Zeon XST line to target sport tuned trucks and SUVs. Sizes 235/65R16 and 225/60R17 were added to the Lifeliner SLE family, Cooper said, to target the Saturn Vue, Chevy Equinox and Lincoln Town Car.
The latest addition to Autoclimate’s fast-growing portfolio of air conditioning components is the range of Denso compressors; the brand fitted as OE by many of Europe’s leading car makers.
Euro Car Parts has been appointed as the UK’s largest distributor of Contitech drive belts. The deal ensures that Euro Car Parts, the UK’s largest independent supplier of car parts, can meet the highest volume demands from trade and retail customers 30 branches nationwide. Contitech is an original equipment manufacturer on some of the world’s leading car marques including BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Volvo, Seat and Audi.
Bosch has released the updated 2005 version of its range of DVD-based technical information, ESI[tronic]. The new version of the company’s software package will provide garage technicians with more technical knowledge for problem solving on a wider range of modern vehicles.
Montupet S.A., the French aluminium wheel manufacturer, is to put 70 million levs (£24.6 million) in the construction of a new production plant in Bulgaria, according to the Bulgarian investment agency.
Pirelli has introduced a range of interactive tyre technologies including the X-Pressure AcousticBlue, a bluetooth compatible tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and an upgraded version of its Safety Wheel self inflation system – now redesigned for SUVs. At the same time, the Italian manufacturer announced the expansion of its existing range of run flats.
According to the company, the X-Pressure AcousticBlue (available from September) is a world first. Pirelli reports that the development of this mobile based TPMS was motivated by the “often too broad and potentially insufficient” legal regulations. In response the company is offering high-level tyre pressure monitoring capabilities to anyone who owns a Blue Tooth compatible mobile phone. By utilising the new this system Pirelli is offering customers a higher level of tyre pressure awareness, the company says.
Honeywell Friction Materials has introduced the 2005 edition of the Bendix and JURID Disc Brake Catalogue for passenger cars and light utility vehicles. Containing over 1000 pages, and with a new cover design, this catalogue proposes a full range of disc brake products including brake pads, brake discs, disc kits (boxed set of pads with corresponding discs) as well as accessories and wear indicators.
Pirelli has won several summer tyre tests carried out by German motoring publications. Products ranging from the ultra high performance sector to the balanced performance ranges were put through their paces.
In particular, Pirelli’s UHP tyre, P Zero Nero, fitted to BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz C 320 Sport Coupé, Audi A3 and Audi TT and the P Zero Rosso fitted to Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 returned performances of “extremely high levels,” says the manufacturer, winning tests on both wet and dry asphalt.
Pirelli’s SUV Scorpion STR tyre, tested on a Jeep Cherokee, also received recognition, as did the high performance P6 on a Volkswagen Golf V and P3000 Energy on a Ford Fiesta.
The tension is rising for the 12 potential ‘Top Technicians’ who will battle it out at next month’s Automotive Trade Show.
Once named, the winner will be able to choose from a wide variety of prizes, including holidays, VIP tickets, motor sport events, tools, equipment or formal training opportunities.
JE Design has added a 16 spoke “Multispoke” light alloy wheel to its product range. The wheel rim is available in 7×17”, 7.5×18” and 8×19” for the shadow silver version (CSS) as well as 7.5 x 18” and 8×19” for the ‘Chrome-Look’ version (SLC). The latter puts special emphasis on ensuring a highly durable finish. JE Design also provides a 3-year warranty on the chrome finish.
Matador has completed a majority share purchase agreement with joint-stock company Pal-Inalfa from Vrable, Slovakia. The acquisition will now provide the group with access to the suppliers and producers segment of the car industry.
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