Filling stations facing "a tsunami of crime" – PRA
"Independent petrol forecourts are experiencing a rise in crime rates yet the support of local police forces can greatly differ" said Brian Madderson, Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) Chairman.
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SMMT carries out UK's biggest ever automotive census
NewsThe Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has just completed its largest ever analysis of vehicle ownership in the UK. Tracking buying trends, ownership changes and transport preferences, the study records detail of each of the 35,760,901 cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches currently on UK roads.
The research into SMMT's Motorparc data unearthed a wealth of statistically important facts, such as the trend towards smaller engines; the growth of low-carbon diesel power and the rise over time of the smallest class of cars, plus MPVs' increasing market share. Alongside this key data that paints a picture of UK motorists' changing relationships with vehicles, a host of intriguing stats came to light, redrawing the map in terms of the nation's motoring preferences.
Goodyear lauds Which? review results
NewsGoodyear is currently celebrating picking up two Which? Magazine Best Buy awards. The latest issue of Which? Includes tests on 225/45 R17 and 185/60 R15 products, with Goodyear’s Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tested in the former category and its EfficientGrip Performance in the latter.
Halfords: Trust most important factor in garage choice
NewsWhile many of us may have thought that price is the most important determining factor when it is time to visit a garage, the latest research from Halfords Autocentres suggests it is actually more about trust. The study among UK motorists found that, despite fuel and insurance prices driving up the cost of motoring, the vast majority of owners (62 per cent) value trust above all else.
TGI to introduce mileage warranty for Orion brand
NewsThe economies in the Americas are picking up, and US-based wholesaler Tire Group International therefore anticipates achieving 15 to 20 per cent growth this year. Helping the company achieve this target are several key distribution agreements including regional distribution of the Mastercraft and Galaxy brands, increased investment in marketing, and the release of new products.
SmartWay approval for Ringtread pair
NewsTwo Marangoni Ringtread Energeco products, the drive tyre RDA-E and trailer tyre RTA-E, have been approved by the SmartWay programme in the US. Tire Review reports that this month’s verification of the RDA-E, with a tread depth of 19.84mm (25/32-inch), follows the November 2012 approval of the RTA-E, with a tread depth of 9.53mm (12/32-inch).
Pirelli completes its ‘01’ range
NewsWith the recent launch of the ST:01 Neverending Energy line, Pirelli says its ‘01’ commercial vehicle tyre range is now complete. The 01 portfolio now covers the ‘R’ segment (medium to long range), ‘W’ (winter tyres), ‘H’ (long range) and ‘G’ (for mixed road and construction site use).
Pirelli responding to Crossover growth
News, UK NewsPirelli has identified the popularity of what it calls “crossover utility vehicles” (CUV), which continued to grow in popularity over the past year. The more compact SUV has begun to bring new motorists to the segment, with both the safety and comfort of its larger cousins, but also the promise of improved fuel economy. Pirelli’s Scorpion Verde in particular has provided an option within its range to motorists attracted to a more efficient SUV, designed as a low rolling resistance 4×4 tyre.
Used vehicle export boom causing supply problems at home
NewsDemand for used vehicles overseas is leading to cars targeted for export selling for up to twice their UK value or more at auction, say independent car information experts CAP. But the used vehicle export phenomenon is not confined to cars, with CAP's experts also reporting a constant flow of trucks, trailers, motorcycles and vans abroad as the export trade grows every day. This trade, supplying almost every continent with used British vehicles, is pushing prices ever higher in the UK and creating shortages of certain models.
Evolution of Bridgestone’s Blizzak LM-80 launched
NewsBridgestone has introduced an upgraded version of its Blizzak LM-80. Displaying the new Blizzak LM-80 EVO at the Geneva motor show, the tyre maker said the new SUV tyre features three improvements designed to upgrade snow and wet performance: New sipe distribution for traction, a new silica-rich compound developed exclusively for European winter conditions, and an optimised centre rib and shoulder block design for improved handling and road holding.
UK’s ‘most puncture-prone fleet’ appoints ATS-E
NewsA 173 vehicle fleet thought to be amongst the most likely to sustain tyre damage has appointed ATS Euromaster to help maintain its tyres. Oxfordshire-based Chevron Traffic Management is the UK’s largest independent traffic management company and claims to operate in one of the most demanding environments for road-based vehicles in the UK. Chevron runs 4×4 pick-ups, vans and trucks completing daily tasks on debris-strewn motorway hard shoulders.
Pirelli to denote homologations on P Zero, Cinturato P7 sidewalls
NewsOne of the innovations Pirelli has on display at the Geneva Motor Show is ‘autographed’ original equipment tyres. Going into greater detail, the Italian tyre maker explains that the so-called autographs are unique sidewall markings that indicate the rubber compound used in a tyre has been specifically developed to meet a particular vehicle manufacturer’s requirements. Pirelli will include this marking on OEM homologated versions of its P Zero and Cinturato P7.
Michelin prototype on Geneva-launched eco Citroën
NewsThe Citroën Hybrid Air has enjoyed its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and the technology is expected to be in production by 2016. Based on a petrol engine and hydraulic components (engine and pump) but no battery, the French car maker states that Hybrid Air technology combines ground-breaking performance with maximum accessibility. Citroën claims the Hybrid Air demonstrator can achieve 2.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, with carbon dioxide emissions capped at 68 grammes per kilometre; in comparison the Citroën C3, at the same power, uses 4.5 litres of fuel for 100 kilometres and emits 104 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre.
Schrader partnering with Fuller Brothers in OTR TPMS distribution
NewsSchrader is partnering with Fuller Brothers, the manufacturer of the Tire Life tyre and rim protection product, in order to distribute Schrader’s complete Off-The-Road (OTR) range. The partnership was formally announced at the 2013 Tire Industry Association OTR Conference held from 20-23 February 2013 in Puerto Rico.
Bridgestone shows ‘Large & Narrow’ concept
NewsIn the future we may return to the past, at least when it comes to tyre dimensions – tomorrow’s tyres may take their cues from the large diameter, thin tyres of the 1920s and 1930s. By giving tyres a larger vertical diameter and increasing their internal air pressure, it is possible to limit changes in the shape of the contact patch, the section of the tyre that comes in contact with the road. Furthermore, by optimising the structure of tyres created using this technology and using appropriate materials, a significantly lower rolling resistance coefficient can be achieved. And when these tyres are narrower than those typically used today, air resistance is also decreased.
