Fleet success for Goodyear Marathon Coach
More than 17 fleets have fitted the Goodyear Marathon Coach tyre, an all-position tyre for year-round use and the first tyre Goodyear designed specifically for coaches, launched in 2012.
More than 17 fleets have fitted the Goodyear Marathon Coach tyre, an all-position tyre for year-round use and the first tyre Goodyear designed specifically for coaches, launched in 2012.
This week Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe is offering the industry a glimpse at the future of tyre technology, exhibiting its “chip-in-tyre” sensor technology at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. As you would expect the technology is designed to enhance the cornering, braking and stability performance of the car. What’s new is the extent to which the Dunlop chip-in-tyre offers direct link between its microchip, the car’s on-board computer and even the increasingly common infotainment screen.
Dunlop says the latest rear touring tyre its motorcycle portfolio, the D407T, will be fitted as original equipment on all 2014 Harley-Davidson Touring models that feature black sidewall tyres; the tyre, which was designed in cooperation with Harley-Davidson, will be supplied for the Road King Classic, Street Glide, Electra Glide Ultra Classic and the Ultra Limited. The D407T also fits all 2009-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring models.
As of the start of this month, Arthur de Bok is no longer with Goodyear. De Bok stepped down as senior vice-president – Sales and Marketing Excellence at Goodyear Tire & Rubber on 28 February. He took on this role on 1 December 2013. Prior to this most recent role, de Bok was president of the tyre maker’s EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) business unit, a position he held since February 2008, and before that was president of the company’s European Union business. De Bok joined Goodyear in January 2002, taking on the role of vice-president of Goodyear-Dunlop Europe.
Dunlop will test nine separate specifications of rear tyre at Australia’s Phillip Island circuit as it seeks to avoid similar problems to those that caused the Moto2 and Bridgestone-supplied MotoGP races to be shortened in October 2013. The circuit was resurfaced in 2013, and its abrasiveness caused the organisers of the Australian grand prix to […]
Dunlop has launched its latest passenger car tyre for smaller European car models, the StreetResponse2. Available in 13”, 14” and 15” sizes, the tyre fits four of the UK’s top five selling vehicles in 2013, including the Ford Fiesta, which Dunlop notes sold more than 72,000 units. The tyre improves several characteristics of its predecessor, […]
Aviation tyre manufacturer Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Limited has distanced itself from Goodyear Dunlop’s decision to end motorsport tyre production in the UK later this year. In a short statement, the company points out that it is “in no way connected to Goodyear Dunlop” and clarifies that “there are no changes to the operation of Dunlop Aircraft Tyres.
Goodyear Dunlop says it is “not possible” to retain motorsport tyre production at its current UK location, and therefore this will transfer to plants in France (Montlucon) and Germany (Hanau) later in the year. Nevertheless, upon urging from MP for Erdington Jack Dromey on 5 February, the Prime Minister indicated he’d investigate the matter more closely. He told the House of Commons that I am happy to look carefully at it and see what can be done” in order to “get a good outcome.”
Blackcircles.com has become the latest tyre firm to share its experience of how the adoption of tyre labelling is (or isn’t) affecting the purchase choices motorists are making. According to Blackcircles’ sales data, consumers are definitely using the EU Tyre Labels when deciding which tyres to purchase. Additionally, data collated by Blackcircles.com suggests shows that tyre safety is of more importance to motorists than fuel efficiency.
The member of Parliament for Erdington, the constituency when Goodyear Dunlop is based has criticised the “outrageous and irresponsible” way in which the tyre manufacturer has opted to close its Dunlop Motorsport factory in Birmingham. Jack Dromey (Labour) said the closure confirmation came two days after a summit with business secretary Vince Cable.
Dunlop is set to transfer its European motorsport tyre production to plants in France and Germany, following confirmation from the company that there are no viable plans for its manufacturing operation to stay in the UK when the lease for its Erdington home expires on 1 September 2014. The company reports that it has begun consulting with affected employees and Union representatives of the Erdington site. 241 jobs, mainly in the manufacturing part of the operation will be affected, however company representatives told Tyres & Accessories that Dunlop remains committed to motorsport tyre production and as such wants to retain talent – especially in specialist fields such as research and development – wherever possible.
Coach travel’s status as one of the most fuel efficient modes of transport will be boosted further by an increase of the EU weight limit for passenger service vehicles to 19 tonnes. To maximise the efficiency and profitability further – as well as to comply with safety requirements – premium tyre manufacturers in particular are readying their commercial vehicle ranges, with specialised lines delivering load capacity increases and improved, coach-specific characteristics. Goodyear states that its Marathon Coach and Ultra Grip Coach tyres have been developed with load capacities in anticipation of regulation changes proposed by the European Union.
An all-new tyre designed from a clean sheet of paper is something of a rarity. Evolution is more typically the way forward, and every manufacturer worth its salt engages in ongoing product testing to evaluate how new technology and design can be applied to improve a tyre. Within Michelin’s motorcycle and scooter tyre business, the result of this ongoing development work is seen in the two to three new products it brings to market each year. And 2014 will be no different.
Dunlop will supply its Sport Maxx RT tyre to Mercedes-AMG as original equipment on its new CLA 45 AMG model in size 235/35ZR19 91Y XL MO, which was specially designed for the sporty coupé. With a peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and maximum torque of 450 Newton meters, its turbocharged engine is the […]
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has appointed Stephen Ray as its new financial director. He replaces Oliver Burns who worked at the company for six years. Before moving to Dunlop, Stephen Ray spent 13 years at LINPAC Group, a producer of plastic packaging for the retail, catering, manufacturing, packing and food sectors.
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