Pirelli announces USA price rise
Pirelli is increasing prices for the car and light truck tyres it sells in the USA. From 1 July 2021, increases of up to six per cent will take effect, varying by line and tyre size.
Pirelli is increasing prices for the car and light truck tyres it sells in the USA. From 1 July 2021, increases of up to six per cent will take effect, varying by line and tyre size.
Linglong Tire has introduced a new tyre range within its Leao Tire brand. It targets the Leao Nova Force Acro at drivers of ultra-high-performance luxury cars.
Giti Tire has launched a new UHP tyre under its eponymous brand, the GitiSportS2. The manufacturer says the tyre delivers a five per cent improvement in wet and dry braking and handling, a 14 per cent increase in aquaplaning resistance, and around 10 per cent longer mileage, depending on driving behaviour against the previous model. The tyre’s overall target is higher levels of precise control. Aimed at compact and intermediate size cars and SUVs with a sport orientation, such as the Mercedes C Class, Cupra Leon, Audi TT and Audi Q5, the GitiSportS2 is launched initially in 14 sizes for rims from 16-20”, section widths from 205-275, series sizes from 35-45 and with speed indices across W-Y.
Michelin will supply replacement tyres to the all-inclusive electric car subscription service Onto. Speaking about the decision to fit Michelin tyres, Onto states that it wants to ensure users can access dedicated electric vehicle (EV) tyres. Rob Jolly, co-founder and CEO of Onto said the company wanted a tyre partner that “truly understands EVs” and the “huge impact” tyres can have on EVs’ performance. The company wants its tyres to support extended battery range, low noise and long-lasting safety throughout their life. Chris Smith, managing director of Michelin UK, added that the deal demonstrates both brands’ commitment to sustainable mobility.
In spite of weaker volumes in recent times, truck tyre retreading remains an established part of the commercial vehicle tyre market. In contrast and despite obvious environmental advantages, the use of retreading to give car tyres a second life has long been little more than a niche business. But this may change and car tyre retreading may one day re-enter the mainstream.
Giti Tire’s GitiSynergyH2 high performance tyre in now available on the European aftermarket. The tyre’s original equipment derivative has already secured several fitments with the Volkswagen Group. The tyre is initially available in 17 sizes between 15” and 18”, section widths 185-235, series sizes 50-65 and with speed indices T, H, V, W and Y. Aimed primarily at compact and family cars, crossover vehicles and small SUVs, a further 25 additional sizes will follow throughout the year. On the EU label, the GitiSynergyH2 is rated A in wet grip and A-C in rolling resistance.
Davanti has launched its new ultra-high performance tyre for the premium vehicle market, the Protoura Sport. The brand calls the Protoura Sport its “most advanced car tyre,” with “decades of engineering expertise” and “thousands of miles of testing” going into its development. “With Protoura Sport, we’ve created a tyre with many new and innovative features,” said Davanti Tyres general manager Peter Cross. “This tyre sets a new bar for responsiveness, handling and performance. It’s at one with the driver.” Davanti previewed the tyre just over a year ago at its first international dealer conference, where it discussed development plans for its range and brand development. It had previously previewed the tyre at 2019 trade shows.
Giti Tire’s GitiSynergyH2 has won another European original equipment tyre fitment. The Seat Ateca will roll off production lines on the AA-rated size 225/55R17 97V. The news represents the manufacturer’s second VW Group passenger car OE selection in the last month following its fitment in the same size on the Skoda Karoq. The GitiSynergyH2 is also specified by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, selected in size 215/55R17 XL 98H and 205/60 R16 XL 96H for the VW Caddy 5, one of the best-selling commercial vehicles in Europe.
Pirelli has shared further details about its new Powergy range. The tyre maker says it will offer this replacement market summer tyres for cars, crossovers, SUVs and MPVs in 55 sizes for 17- to 20-inch rims and H to Y speed ratings by the end of this year.
Nokian Tyres is increasing production capacity for passenger car tyres at its factory in Finland approximately 30 per cent by adopting a four-shift production schedule. To accommodate this capacity increase, it will hire around 70 new workers for passenger car tyre production in Nokia, Finland. Recruiting begins immediately and four production shifts will be in action by the start of August at the latest.
The car registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) for the month of March shows that the UK new car market recorded its first ‘growth’ since August 2020, with 29,280 more units registered during March compared to the same month last year. However, the month represents the anniversary of the first lockdown in March 2020, when the pandemic brought Britain to a standstill and registrations fell by -44.4 per cent.
Goodyear brand Sava has launched a new all-season tyre with fitments between 14 and 18 inches. The Sava All Weather is designed for versatile performance in varied road conditions. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (3PMSF), certifying its winter performance. The tyre is the latest all-season product from parent company Goodyear, whose 2020 launched Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 was recently named both the All-Season Tyre of the Year and overall Tyre of the Year by Tyrepress sister site WhatTyre.com. The Sava All-Weather features a similar V-shaped tread design to its premium stablemate, with a range of technologies designed to improve life and fuel efficiency as well as all-season capabilities.
Giti Tire is introducing the successor to its most popular European market tyre. The GT Radial FE2, which replaces the Champiro FE1, is aimed primarily at compact and family passenger cars and small and crossover SUVs. The tyre will be available initially in 17 sizes from 15-18″. These sizes will have speed indices T, H, V, W and Y, section widths from 185-235 and series sizes from 50-65. Tyres dedicated to SUV vehicles carry the initials on the sidewall to highlight their core market.
Welcome to the first of a new series of articles, in which leading executives give their insights into matters affecting today’s tyre industry. We begin the series with Gary Oliver; Chairman of Grouptyre, the national network of independent wholesalers. In the article we discuss the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the business, new automotive innovations and long-term trends, and current attitudes towards tyre distribution.
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Pirelli has joined its global premium-brand tyre manufacturer counterparts in announcing a significant decline in 2020 revenue, around one-fifth down year-on-year (-19.2 per cent). As you would expect, the company said the sharp contraction was due to the Covid-19 pandemic emergency. The more optimistic news for Pirelli was the relative resilience of the high-value car tyre segment, which, at -14.4 per cent, beat the overall revenue figure significantly.
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