BMW and Mercedes-Benz have announced that they are putting their autonomous drive technology collaboration on hold. David Leggett, automotive analyst at data and analytics company GlobalData, comments on the news: “The two companies cited the cost of developing a new next generation shared autonomous drive technology platform, as well as current business and economic conditions, as reasons for putting the cooperation on hold.”
Audi announced its withdrawal from the German Touring Car Masters (DTM), effective at the end of the 2020 season. As things stand, BMW will be the only remianing factory team at the beginning of 2021; R-Motorsport dropped out earlier in the year. Audi wants to concentrate on Formula E and customer sport in the future according to a statement from Ingolstadt. The 2020 season of DTM has yet to start, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. DTM has not started its 2020 series yet due to the Coronavirus crisis, but has announced a new Esports series with Hankook a founding partner.
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that it has been supplying its Advan Sport V107 to the BMW Group for use as original equipment on BMW X3 and X4 models since July 2019. The cars are being equipped with 225/60R18 104W size tyres on markets outside Japan. The Advan Sport V107 replaces the Advan Sport V105 tyres that had been an OE fitment on the two globally marketed BMW models since 2018.
BMW Group has approved the Pirelli P Zero as an original equipment tyre for the BMW M8. The Pirelli tyre has been homologated for the M8 in size 275/35 ZR 20 (102Y) XL (front axle) and 285/35 ZR 20 (104Y) XL (rear axle).
BMW has confirmed it will join the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) with a factory-supported entry, using the latest new S1000 RR equipped with Dunlop tyres.
It’s not just the car that’s grown. This August Mini officially began celebrating the iconic marque’s 60th anniversary. We at Tyres & Accessories wanted to join in with the celebrations by sharing a couple of interesting points about how the Mini’s tyres have evolved over the last 60 years.
Kumho has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with BMW, having for many years supplied tyres for the 1, 2 and 3 Series ranges. Recently, it also supplied original tyres for the latest X3 and MINI Countryman. Now the new 5 Series BMW has joined the supply list, with Kumho’s Ecsta PS91 Super Sports tyre in 245/45R18 XL 100Y size delivered to the German marque’s Dingolfing plant in Bavaria.
BMW has chosen the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (PS4S) tyres as a 21-inch summer tyre fitment for its new high-performance X3 M and X4 M models. According to company, the new BMW X3 M and X4 M Competition models, which are fitted with 21-inch light alloy wheels, will be equipped with Michelin PS4S 255/40ZR21 102Y front and 265/40ZR21 105Y rear ultra-high-performance tyres.
Northvolt has raised US$1 billion of capital to build Europe’s first homegrown gigafactory for lithium-ion battery cells – Northvolt Ett, in Skellefteå, Sweden. At the same time, in cooperation with the Volkswagen Group, the company also announced plans to establish a second gigafactory with an intended location in Lower Saxony, Germany. The news of both factories was announced on 12 June 2019.
DRiV braking specialist brand Ferodo has launched a new composite rotor brake range, initially comprising 17 part numbers suitable for many popular BMW models. Directly compatible with models from the 1- to 7-Series, including GranTurismo models and the Z4 roadster, the brakes are manufactured to original equipment rotor specifications.
The General Tire brand has been approved as original equipment (OE) fitment for the latest BMW X5, according to Continental Tyre South Africa. The manufacturer reports that the all-terrain Grabber AT3 has been recommended in size 275/45 R20 110V XL on the Bavarian automaker’s latest X range model for its optional ‘Off-Road Package’.
Bridgestone says it is the number one tyre supplier to BMW, and reinforces this by announcing original equipment arrangements for the latest X5, 8 Series and 3 Series models.
Kumho Tire reports that models of the BMW X3 manufactured at the BMW America plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina are being fitted with the Kumho Crugen HP91 as original equipment. The sport activity vehicle rides on the Crugen in size 245/50R19 105W; the tyres are manufactured at Kumho’s Gwangju plant in South Korea.
Kumho has added the new BMW 5 Series to its portfolio of OEM supply deals. The tyre manufacturer’s Ecsta PS91 super sports tyre in size 245/45R18 XL 100Y is now being delivered to the German marque’s Dingolfing plant in Bavaria.
Falken Motorsports has introduced a new Porsche 911 GT3 R for the start of the 2019 motorsport season. The new Porsche will compete alongside the team’s BMW M6 GT3 at the Nürburgring, continuing the Japanese tyre brand’s 20-year commitment to the legendary Nordschleife with racing cars from two premium car manufacturers.
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