The latest Audi A8 Sport will come with a no-charge option of a nine-spoke 20 inch wheel. This will also be available on the A8 Quattro. The standard A8 will be offered with an 18 inch hollow-spoke five-spoke polished alloy wheel.
ContiTechFluid, the business unit of tyre producer’s subsidiary ContiTech, has recently purchased 51 percent of shares of Chinese hose producer Grand Ocean (Chang Chun). From January 2002 the 100 employees will produce parts for VW models Jetta and Bora and the Audi A6. The project in the north of China requires an investment by ContiTech of up to five million euro.
Kleber is introducing its new Dynaxer DR series of tyres, in 31 different sizes, for wheels from 14″ to 18″ and H, V and W speed ratings. The new tyres have been developed from the previous generation Dynaxer DR 502 and 503 series of tyres, with the emphasis being placed on three core areas; the compound, the mould design and the optimisation of the tread pattern. The compound has been chosen for its properties in grip and wear and the tread pattern designed for maximum water evacuation – these features make the Dynaxer an excellent wet-weather performer. A large number of tread blocks means lower noise and lateral grooves positioned along the tread pattern’s flow lines allows the even dispersion of water, giving peace of mind, whatever the weather. The mould contributes to the tyre’s good wear rate, thanks to its ability to evenly distribute the pressures enforced. This contributes too to reduced tyre noise and ride comfort. At the same time as the new tyre is introduced, Kleber has revamped its logo. The new logo is said to reflect Kleber’s three core values of peace of mind, serenity and reliability and is aimed at the trade and general public alike. Although not the most famous name in tyres, Kleber claims to be Europe’s sixth-best-selling range and has OE contracts with such manufacturers as Audi, Renault, Peugeot and Vauxhall.
The new Cadillac Roadster in North America will be introduced with PAX as original equipment. Audi is also interested in using PAX, Michelin boss Edouard Michelin revealed in an interview with Modern Tire Dealer. The joint venture with Goodyear has proved to be very efficient in the development of PAX.
The turnover of car manufacturer Audi increased last year to 39 billion DM (1999: 29.6 bn DM). The Italian importer Autogerma S.p.A., which distributes Volkswagen cars in Italy, is included in this figure for the first time. Worldwide, Audi sold 653,404 cars in 2000; a 2.9 per cent increase over 1999.
Dr. Paolo Masera, the current boss of Pirelli Reifenwerke, is convinced that Pirelli has every reason to look to the future as a profitable, independent tyre manufacturer. The revolutionary production method MIRS will not only make it possible for the Italian manufacturer to gain cost leadership, he believes, but the automated production process also promises a great improvement even on today’s quality. He stresses Pirelli’s role as the well-accepted technology partner of the motor manufacturing industry in Europe, supplier to Porsche, BMW, Rover, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Opel and others. Pirelli will not offer a multi-brand strategy because users are less interested in so-called cheap brands; they would rather buy first-class brands at a more favourable price. That does not exclude arrangements with larger customers for the supply of certain group house brands, e.g. Courier, if there is a call for it. The German organisation is facing a fundamental change. In future the emphasis will be more on key accounters, and so-called “channel marketing” is to be strengthened.
US auto sales in 1999 reached 17.4 million; a 9.1% increase over 1998. Audi car sales rose 39% to 65,959, Porsche sold 17,243 cars (+21%) and Mercedes 189,437 (+11.3%). Chrysler “only” achieved an increase of 5.1%.
DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen-Masters), the popular German racing series, will be revitalised this year. Dunlop is supplying all participating teams (Audi, Opel and Mercedes have confirmed their participation) with tyres. AMG-Mercedes’ teams, eight expected, will have wheels fitted by ATS.
Perhaps as a backlash following the BMW/Rover situation, and aided by lower prices for Mercedes and Audi, UK sales of BMW cars fell 20% in April. Sales of Rover cars rose 500% as Rover and its dealers acted to clear stocks because of the uncertain situation.
Once more German Car Producers were successful in the USA becuase DaimlerChrysler, VW, Audi, BMW and Porsche have increased their shares of the world’s biggest car market in April. Leader in the growth rates is the VW-brand Audi with an increase of 43.7 p.c. The complete US car market grew 10.9 p.c. in April.
Beru AG (Ludwigsburg/Germany) has announced growing demand for its tyre pressure control system. As well as the BMW 3, 5 and 7 series, Mercedes S- and AMG E-class and SLK and Audi A8, the tyre safety device is now also available as an option for Mercedes CL Coupe and Audi allroad Quattro, and from autumn for the BMW X5.
According to the German magazine Stern VW has to reduce its profit expectations for the actual business year by 1.9 billion DM in comparison with its mid-term forecast. In February VW-boss Ferdinand Piëch already requested better results from subsidiary companies Audi, Seat and Skoda. Critics fear that the latest excursion into the luxury-segment (D1) will have a negative effect on the core business of VW.
Hayes Lemmerz International is going to acquire the Schenk foundry in Germany in order to expand its suspension presence in Europe. Klaus Jünger, President European Chassis Components Group said that “this is an excellent base for our expansion in Europe.” Major customers of Schenk are Audi, BMW, Opel and Porsche.
Light alloy wheel supplier Ronal has been honoured by the Volkswagen Group with the Corporate Supplier Award “The Leading Edge”. Ronal is a supplier of the car brands VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda and has also received new development orders for the prestigious Bentley brand.
More concern for Bridgestone; reports in Business Week say that the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received around a dozen complaints concerning sidewall bulges on Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tyres, fitted to Audi S4 sedans. An Audi spokesman said there was no cause for concern and the NHTSA said that there was no safety investigation planned.
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