At this year’s eSafety Challenge, which begins in Vienna on May 30, Bridgestone will present and demonstrate two new tyre pressure monitoring systems. The patented commercial system that Bridgestone will demonstrate features a valve containing a built-in radio frequency unit that screws onto the valve stem; a passenger car version integrated to a snap-in valve will also be demonstrated.
Aston Martin refers to its V8 Vantage S as a “driver-focused” vehicle: “The Vantage S epitomises every attribute of the V8 Vantage and pushes the driver experience beyond what we have offered before,” exclaims Dr. Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, “It combines dynamic exhilaration with all the charming finesse, beauty and practicality already associated with the Vantage range.” Bridgestone is thus pleased its Potenza RE050A has been selected as original equipment on the freshly released coupé and roadster. The Bridgestone tyre is fitted to the 430hp Aston Martin in size 245/40 on the front wheels and 285/35 on the rear.
Infinity Tyres, part of the Al Dobowi Group recently sponsored the first event of the 2011 horseracing season at York racecourse in a meet which was long awaited by racing professionals and fans. This sponsorship was conducted in conjunction with Bond International, distributor of the brand in the UK and it is reported forms part of two firms’ strategy to “to get closer to the customer”, as Reg Bond, owner and managing director of Bond International, stated. “To promote a brand, you must go to the consumer and a tyre means little to a consumer, what grabs him, is something special, and this is special.”
The UK features strongly in the Klarius Group’s plans for growing its European business, and the Leicester based manufacturer of exhaust systems, catalytic converters and other automotive components says this commitment to UK growth can be seen in the appointment of Richard Morley as UK sales director. Morley, who was previously with German owned automotive electrics company Hella, brings more than 21 years of automotive aftermarket experience with him into his new role, in which he assumes day-to-day responsibility for Klarius’ UK sales team. Key tasks that Morley will undertake include developing and implementing the company’s commercial strategy, identifying and prioritising new business opportunities, developing existing customers whilst bringing innovative new products to market in the UK.
Korean tyre manufacturer Nexen Tyres has announced the availability of its new high-performance summer tyre with what the company terms “smooth-run features”. Nexen believes the CP661 (TR) offers “noticeable energy savings” and “excellent handling on both wet and dry surfaces”. The range comprises twenty-five sizes from 13” to 17” with aspect ratios between 55 and 70 and is made at Nexen’s Korea and China production facilities. A CP661 tyre is currently fitted as OE on the KIA Soul and the KIA Forte model.
Through its new, refreshed web presence, the Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association hopes not only to convey its progressive approach; the association has structured the itma-europe.com website to serve as a valuable tool and resource for its members.
The Campaign for Better Tyres has published tyre comparison data originally commissioned by the Dutch Government. The information supplied covers rolling resistance, road noise and wet grip measures for a number of summer and winter/all-season tyres currently sold in Europe. The Dutch data categorises tyres into those that are ‘safe, fuel efficient and silent’, those recommended as a ‘secondary choice’ and tyres that fail to measure up. The tyre information can be downloaded in pdf form at http://www.bettertyres.org.uk/why-better-tyres/buying-better-tyres.
Gaither Tool is credited for introducing the first portable automatic bead booster, and Gaither Europe has now launched what it considers to be the next generation of modern bead booster – the Gaither Bead Bazooka. This latest model offers the considerable advantage of being lighter and more compact; Gaither reports the Bead Bazooka weighs just 5.5 kilograms – less than half that of the 12.5 kilogram Gaither GB5A. It is also 60 per cent smaller. Gaither believes these reduced dimensions are just one of the advantages the Bead Bazooka offers; it also sees customers being attracted by its pricing and its delivery of the “most powerful automatic rapid air release system” of any bead seating device on the market.
Germany’s PS motorcycle sport magazine has released its 2011 tyre test results, with Bridgestone’s Battlax BT-016 Battlax BT-016 Pro Hypersport receiving top honours. The full wet and dry evaluation of size 120/70 ZR 17 (front) and 180/55 ZR 17 (rear) on a Honda CBR 600 RR with ABS was conducted on an international testing circuit in southern Europe in spring 2011.
The Imported Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ITMA) has launched a new website for its members. Not only does the new site have a much improved visual design, reflecting the association’s recent decision to develop a more two-directional communications strategy, but it has also been structured to be a resource for members.
The Michelin Business Advantage Scheme is dead, long live Michelin Truck Professional. Michelin has introduced a new independent dealer advocate programme in the UK to replace its Michelin Business Advantage Scheme, a decision it says marks a new level of commitment towards selected independent tyre specialists who deal in its truck, bus and coach products.
On May 11, 2011 – a date that coincides with the official global launch of the World Health Organization and FIA Foundation’s ‘Decade of Action’ – Michelin Group managing partner Jean-Dominique Senard added his signature to the Global Road Safety Commitment to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020, a United Nations supported and promoted initiative. By signing the declaration, Michelin says it has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing and further expanding its initiatives to improve road safety.
Alcoa Wheel Products will be showing its forged aluminium wheels at Tip-Ex show (stand C7-8) between 10 and 12 June. The wheel maker recently added some 17.5” wheels to its portfolio including: a 17.5 x 6.75 10 hole low deck trailer wheel, available in mirror polished version; a 17.5 x 6.75 6 hole truck wheel for medium duty trucks. Alcoa reports that the latest sizes will be available in brushed and Dura-Bright finishes from April 2011 onwards.
Goodyear comments that Goodyear and blimps go together like America and apple pie, and this association will most likely continue even though the tyre maker’s next airships will be built using technology sourced from the USA’s old lighter-than-air rival: A new agreement with German zeppelin manufacturer ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik will see Goodyear supplied with airships well into the next decade.
Korean tyre manufacturer Nexen Tyre recently showed its range at the Shanghai Motor Show. According to the company, the aim was to increase awareness of the brand, establish the company’s standing as an international tyre manufacturer and broaden the basis for the Chinese OEM market.
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