The Road Haulage Association's latest weekly fuel price survey – the most reliable guide to what hauliers actually pay for diesel deliveries to their depots – shows a national average price of 116.33 pence before VAT (139.60 after VAT).
The official opening of Continental’s new winter test centre in China’s Heilongjiang Province was held on 23 February. The Heihe-based facility, operated by the company’s Chassis & Safety Division, is located in what Conti calls a “favourable environment for cold weather testing” and is made up of a 7 million square metre lake and 30,000 square metre land area. The Heihe winter test centre is the German company’s fourth ABS and ESC test facility; the others are located in Europe, the US and Japan. The focus for activities at the centre will be testing vehicle stability in all driving conditions, especially on low friction surfaces.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries subsidiary, Falken has launched a new all-terrain tyre onto European markets. Available from spring 2012, the Wildpeak WP/AT01 blends off-road operational performance with construction and design features typically reserved for high performance road tyres. The tyre marks a new venture into the European all-terrain tyre market for the Japanese manufacturer; the tyre was previously launched in the USA, where a derivative of the Wildpeak won the 2011 Pikes Peak mixed surface hillclimb.
Hofmann has added a second iteration of its popular Fusion tyre changer and wheel balancer machines to its line-up. The launch of the Monty Fusion 2 tyre changer, and the Geodyna Fusion 2 digital wheel balancer is heralded by a Spring Collection promotion, running until 31 May, which allows garages to buy both machines for £3,999 (excluding VAT). Hofmann general manager, Chris Behan says the company is “delighted to announce the launch of Fusion 2, which spearheads our Spring Collection promotion.”
Bridgestone has launched the Adrenalin RE002, in an extension its premium Potenza sport tyre line-up. The Potenza Adrenalin RE002 provides a contrast with Bridgestone’s original equipment and replacement market flagship, the Potenza S001, by offering a sportier feel, largely tuned for dry performance. It is designed to increase steering response and handling for the two-seat roadster, hot hatchback or tuned car driver.
Goodyear Dunlop has promoted Romanian staff members, Alina Mihaescu and Daniel Matei to regional management positions. Alina Mihaescu was appointed commercial marketing manager central and south-eastern Europe (CSEE) starting from January of this year and Daniel Matei is now the trade marketing & customer training manager for CSEE.
Europe is to become the first international market for Yokohama’s new Geolandar SUV range. The 4×4 tyre went on sale in Japan this month and when it arrives here in March the Geolandar SUV will be available in 27 sizes from 245/50R20 102V to 205/70R15 96H. Following its European release, the energy efficiency-themed tyre will be gradually launched in other global markets.
Almost a year ago Yokohama Rubber introduced the first of its BluEarth series, the BluEarth-1, into Europe. Now the European BluEarth portfolio is to be extended with the release of the BluEarth AE-01 fuel-efficient range of standard passenger car tyres. Scheduled for introduction into our region in March, the AE-01 will be available in 40 sizes from 205/55R16 91H to 155/80R13 79T. Following the tyre’s European launch it will also be introduced into other global markets.
A new Bridgestone radial for larger scooters is due for release this year – The new Battlax SC will be launched in Japan on 1 April and will also be introduced into other global markets during the course of 2012, including North, Central and South America, Asian and Oceania. In Europe it will be available as a replacement tyre for maxi scooters of 300cc and above.
Bridgestone UK has strengthened its sales and marketing team with the announcement of new appointments within its consumer and commercial tyre operations. The new structure sees Brett Emerson and Greg Ward extend their current roles as UK consumer sales director and commercial sales director respectively into Ireland. Jackie Wherity, Ireland consumer sales manager, will support Brett Emerson with Greg Ward being supported by Ireland commercial sales manager Frank White.
In a first for Renault Sport in Australia, Bridgestone tyres will be fitted to the gloss black 18” Interlagos wheels of the company’s new Clio RS Angel & Demon. The RE050A UHP tyre has an asymmetrical tread that provides dynamic sporty handling and a quiet, comfortable ride according to the company.
Now well established in the UK and European market sectors, the Firenza SV053 light truck and van tyre, manufactured by Singapore based Stamford Tyre International, offers a pattern designed using Japanese technology, the company says. Rob Henderson, Firenza business manager for the UK and Europe says: “Our transition into the light commercial and van market has proved to be really successful and during the course of 2012 Firenza will be looking to maintain steady growth pattern in this competitive sector.”
Sailun’s specialist light truck and commercial tyre pattern is called the Commercio – available in 16 sizes, the range is available through Sailun’s expanding European distributor network. The company’s European managing director, Martin West says: “the Commercio has been very well received in all of our European markets – the current levels of orders and the development of Sailun brand awareness and channels of distribution across Europe is very reassuring and 2012 promises to be a successful year the full range of Sailun passenger car and truck tyres.”
Johnson Controls Batteries has appointed Mike Hall as managing director to develop new market share growth strategies in the UK and Irish aftermarket. Prior to his new appointment, he was Sales Director for Europe and Africa within the Building Efficiency Division of Johnson Controls.
The third China (Guangrao) International Rubber Tire & Auto Accessory Exhibition will be held in Guangrao International Exhibition Center in Shandong Province in China on between 15 and 17 May 2012. According to the show’s organisers, preparations related to investment and promotional work are currently in progress.
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