With the year’s first full month of showroom openings, new car registrations in May reached 156,737 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The total represents an almost eightfold increase on the same month last year, but is down -14.7 per cent on pre-pandemic May 2019, and -13.2 per cent on the 10-year May average.
Stapleton’s (Tyre Services) is conservatively optimistic for the summer months thanks to its exclusive brands, which offer particularly strong UHP tyres in the mid-range. Korean manufacturer Nexen Tire is due to begin shipping new N’Fera and N’Blue tyres to the UK imminently, while the latest tyres from Maxxis have helped the Taiwan-based brand to its best year of independent tyre test results ever in 2020.
Linglong is introducing a new range of European focused car tyres in 2021, all carrying the new “Master” brand. The UHP Sport Master represents a big leap forward for the manufacturer in terms of wet grip, with a 17 per cent improvement over its previous UHP products snaring it an A grade on the tyre label. Linglong says its new summer UHP tyre inherits the genes of its D1 racing tyres; the Linglong Tire Drift Team Orange won two annual championships in the Japanese D1 Grand Prix 2020. The manufacturer adds that this sporting pedigree accounts for around 20 per cent of the tyre’s performance – its sporty handling – with the other 80 per cent tuned for regular driving performance.
Founded in roughly 1994 as a casing collection company which focused on imports, Radburg is now one of the leading retreaders in Europe and certainly the biggest car tyre retreader in Eastern Europe and Romania. What’s different about Radburg compared with most of the other retreaders across the continent, is that the majority of Radburg’s annual retreaded tyre output (70 per cent) is made up of passenger car products.
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.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.
Radburg
Michelin
Davanti
Seat
SMMT