Lotus to Become Fourth New F1 Team in 2010
While it seems odd to be talking about a company with such a rich racing heritage in these terms, Team Lotus is to become the fourth new Formula One team in 2010, according to recent reports by the BBC.
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Reitzle to Lead Conti Amidst Board Appointments
Career TracksWolfgang Reitzle, CEO of industrial gas company Linde, was confirmed as the new chairman of Continental AG's supervisory board. "We are very pleased that we have been able to persuade Professor Reitzle to take on this challenging mandate," said Schaeffler owner Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler in a statement. Reitzle has been highly sought after by a number of major firms, including BMW, and served as an executive with Ford Motor Co. The move came after owner Schaeffler Group forced out the previous board chairman Rolf Koerfer, who will nonetheless remain on the board. Also stepping down is board member Michael Frenzel, CEO of travel company TUI.
Meanwhile, the Schaeffler Group recently appointed Dr. Peter Pleus (55) and Norbert Indlekofer (51) to the position of President of Schaeffler Group Automotive. They have been appointed successors to Dr. Elmar Degenhart (50), who was appointed Chairman of the Executive Board of Continental AG on 12 August 2009.
Conti Chairmanship Now a Three Horse Race?
Career TracksThe list of contenders for the position of Supervisory Board chairman has apparently been whittled down to three. According to the Financial Times Deutschland, three executives from outside the group remain under consideration: former Volkswagen boss Bernd Pischetsrieder, former BMW boss Helmut Panke and outgoing ThyssenKrupp board member Ulrich Middelmann are the reported to be […]
Yokohama UK Distributor Reports WTCC “Great Success”
MotorsportJuly's UK round of the FIA World Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch was dubbed “a resounding success” by the UK distributor of Yokohama tyres, whose flagship ADVAN range is used as control tyre for the series. Yokohama HPT hosted dealers and clients to witness the spectacle of the world's best touring car racing.
20-Inch Finichi Firenze Now Available
Product NewsItalian Wheel Designers Finichi has announced the availability of one of its best-selling designs, the Firenze, in a 20-inch fitment. Upon releasing news of the latest fitment, Finichi commented that the Firenze has already established itself as one this season’s ‘must-haves’, thanks to its ‘aggressive split spoke design and deep stainless steel lip’. The manufacturer adds that the wheel’s pseudo split-rim bolts add the final finishing flourish.
Applications include most core Japanese fitments, including 300ZX, 350Z, Evo, Supra and Skyline on the 5 x 114.3 PCD, plus most BMW fitments on 5 x 120. Width wise, both 10.5 and 9-inch can be ordered for the all-important ‘staggered’ look. Prices start at £238.40 + VAT for the 9-inch width.
New Sizes, Website For Nitto Touring Line
Product NewsNitto Tire U.S.A. has added six new sizes for its luxury-touring tyre, the NT850 Premium. Among the new sizes, Nitto said, are OE replacement sizes for popular sedans, including the Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Ford Fusion and Infiniti G35.
Sold exclusively through American Tire Distributors, the NT850 is backed by a national marketing campaign that includes in-store displays, print and online advertisements, and a newly launched website – www.NT850.com.
The six new sizes – all extra load – include 205/55R16 94V, 235/50R17 100V, 225/45ZR18 95W, 225/60R18 104V, 235/50ZR18 101W and 245/45ZR18 100W. All of the new sizes have a UTQG of 500AAA, and are backed by a 30-day consumer satisfaction guarantee and a 50,000-mile limited treadwear warranty. (Tire Review/Akron)
New US BMWs Get Bridgestone Duelers
Product NewsBridgestone Dueler HP Sport Run-Flat tyres have gained OE fitment on the new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M.
The Bridgestone Plant in Tosu, Japan will be supplying the tyres for the 2009 BMW X5 M and X6 M produced in BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Both vehicles will carry the tyres in sizes 275/40R20 106Y EL (front) and 315/35R20 110Y ERL (rear). (Tire Review/Akron)
Bridgestone to Supply Dueler to US BMW Models
Product NewsBridgestone tyres are now available on every BMW series sold in the US following the decision to offer the brand as an original fitment on the BMX X5 M and BMW X6 M. Both vehicles will receive the Dueler HP Sport run-flat, in size 275/40R20 106Y XL for the front axle and 315/35R20 110Y XL for the rear.
“The ultimate in performance, premium technology and a passion for excellence make the Bridgestone brand and BMW a winning combination,” said Mike Martini, president, Original Equipment, US & Canada Consumer Tire Sales Division, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “The Dueler HP Sport plays to win. Selecting the Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport run-flat for this high profile vehicle is a clear victory for the brand and for the driving enthusiast. Now, with the new BMW M Automobile fitment, every class of vehicle manufactured by BMW is riding on a Bridgestone-brand tire and the majority of those are our run-flat tyres.”
Dunlop Roadsmart Apprehended as OE for US Police Bikes
Product NewsBMW Motorrad has approved the Dunlop Roadsmart for use on all R 1200 RT-P police motorcycles in use in the US. The Roadsmart is designed to provide longer tyre life; the multi-compound rear tyre incorporates a longer-wearing compound in the tread centre along with a lateral grip compound in the shoulders for performance when cornering.
“Operating costs for police motors are a major issue for most agencies,” observed Frank Stevens, Authority Program Manager, BMW Motorrad USA.
Vanstyle Encourages Van Owners to “Tame the Beast”
Product NewsWe’ve been bombarded with a multitude of Trinny & Susannah style homely to comely shows and home renovation programmes along the lines of ‘Changing Rooms’, but to date vans have been largely left out of this makeover mania. One UK company – Vanstyle – intends to change all this. While it won’t be coming to a television near you any time soon, the company is calling upon all van, SUV and truck drivers to join its campaign to give the nation’s vans the once-over with new wheels and accessories.
Ultimately every van or truck driver chooses his or her vehicle for its functionality, and this naturally shouldn’t be overlooked at makeover time. But Vanstyle says this “doesn’t mean the beast can’t be tamed”. In other words, why not make your machine look good?
Johnson Controls: Check Your Bike Battery for 2009
Product NewsJohnson Controls, the manufacturer of market-leading Varta motorcycle batteries, is reminding riders that they can take advantage of a free battery check at their nearest participating stockist. In addition a new 2009 pocked-sized Varta motorcycle battery catalogue is available to help riders choose exactly the right replacement battery to match the unit supplied with the bike or scooter as original equipment. The pocket guide has been updated to include over 300 new models, including the latest BMW bikes such as the R 1200 HPZ sport, and the F 800 GS. Varta’s range provides 98 per cent coverage of the UK two-wheel market. For commuting and sports bikes, VARTA LF AGM batteries are the ideal solution. They are vibration, spill and leak proof and 100 per cent maintenance free. They offer high starting performance and longer lifespan, while a low self-discharging rate means that they can withstand longer periods out of use.
Teen Drivers Get Lessons from Michelin, Tire Rack
Product NewsMichelin North America teamed with Tire Rack last weekend on a special teen driver instruction program at its test track in Laurens, South Carolina.
Thirty teenage drivers attended a comprehensive day-long course with a certified Tire Rack Street Survival driving coach, learning real-world vehicle control techniques. Students practiced vehicle maneuvering through acceleration, turning and braking exercises, and received classroom instruction as well.
Street Survival was formed in April 2002 by the BMW Car Club of America Foundation. Tire Rack signed on as a title sponsor in 2006. (Tire Review/Akron)
Dunlop to Supply New BMW UK Contest
Product NewsHeadline brand and tyre suppliers to the 2009 Great and British Racing Festival, Dunlop has announced that the latest addition to the UK racing scene, the new ‘CSL Cup’ for BMW M3 E46 and CSL racing models will be part of the Festival’s calendar this year. The Great and British is one of the UK’s premier race series, comprising racing from Radical, Mini and the Dunlop Sport Maxx Production Cup.
John Thorne of Thorney Motorsport, the promoter of the CSL Cup series, was pleased to secure the spot on the Festival’s bill: “We’re delighted. The CSL Cup is a new series for 2009 so to be awarded the opportunity to appear on such a prestigious series with an enviable calendar is really quite groundbreaking.
Dunlop Great and British Schedule for 2009:
18-19 April: Rockingham
6-7 June: Brands Hatch
4-5 July: Donington Park
18-19 July: Castle Combe
22-23 August: Croft
26-27 September: Snetterton
Former Conti Deputy Director Appointed to Autoliv Board
Product NewsThe Board of Directors of automotive safety systems specialist Autoliv Inc. has elected former Continental AG deputy chairman Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Ziebart to the Board, following the announcement that Board member Per Welin will retire from the board at its 2009 AGM.
Hans-Rudolf Hein Leaving BMW to join Bridgestone
Product NewsAccording to his own words, Hans-Rudolf Hein – in charge of tyre and wheel development at BMW – will after 32 years turn his back on the automobile industry to join Bridgestone Europe at the start of next year. While he cites private reasons for the change, he also states that he’s always wanted to know what it’s like to work for a tyre manufacturer. Among other things, Hein will in his new position be responsible for representing Bridgestone’s point of view in various committees and organisations.
