Michelin reports its Energy Saver and Primacy HP tyres recently walked away with a “highly recommendable” rating in testing by the German motorist’s association ADAC and its Austrian and Swiss counterparts. Both tyres, representing 85 per cent of the summer passenger car tyres produced by the Michelin Group, received this highest rating in a comparative evaluation of eighteen different 185/60 R 14 H tyres and nineteen 205/55 R 16 W tyres.
Toyo Tire USA Corp. has added two new sizes to its Toyo M154 regional highway radial. The new sizes are 265/75R22.5 and 245/75R22.5, both in load range G.
Released last year, the M154 incorporates Toyo’s proprietary “e-balance” technology for endurance and irregular wear resistance. Toyo said the tyre is “ideal for steer applications, but well suited for use in any position” and “helps to reduce fuel consumption while delivering reliable operation.” (Tire Review/Akron)
What risks would you take to save money? Kwik-Fit has expressed its concern about a growing group of motorists who chance damage to their vehicles (and themselves) do to just that. The fast fit chains calls such drivers ‘eco-coasters’, and its caution comes in response to research that shows some 5.4 million “financially prudent motorists’, 15 per cent of all UK drivers, have taken to selecting a neutral gear when going downhill – just to cut their fuel bills.
The Bologna Trade Fair Centre is set to host the 23rd, biennial Autopromotec show between 20 – 24 May 2009. According to the company behind the show, the 2009 event is set to be the biggest and most future-orientated yet. Show organisers Promotec SpA recently visited London and gave Tyres & Accessories details of what we can expect in May
A key new feature confirmed at Autopromotec 2009 is “Futurmotive,” which the organisers call “an attention-grabbing new feature showcasing environmentally sustainable technological innovations for car servicing companies. One of the show’s highlights, Futurmotive is being coordinated by Autopromotec in collaboration with Polo per la Mobilità Sostenibile (POMOS) (Centre for Sustainable Mobility) at the University of Rome La Sapienza; and the Centro Salesiano di Formazione Professionale (CNOS FAP). The new Futurmotive feature is designed to respond to increasingly widespread interest among consumers towards alternative car fuelling and maintenance, with special attention being given to fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Given the wide assortment of 4×4 tyres on the market, how can a dealer best advise the customer to make sure they are satisfied with their choice of tyre? According to Continental, there are two key areas to look at: Product knowledge and knowledge of customers driving habits. By identifying the needs of a customer – for example, how they use their vehicle and where they take it, a retailer can then match the tyre requirements so customer ends us with the right tyre for their needs.
Malaysian Conti subsidiary Continental Sime Tyre (CST) officially launched two new models from its Dunlop 4×4 tyre range at an event held in Malaysia’s Genting Highlands. The two models to be launched are the MaxGrip AT2, an all-terrain tyre, and the Road Trekker 2, a product with a greater on-road focus. Both tyres are available in all CST network dealers.
According to CST chief executive officer Benoit Henry, the continuation of the company’s 4×4 range into the value segment, demonstrates “Continental Sime Tyre’s commitment to our business partners, and with your continued support, commitment and teamwork, this will allow us to face the market challenges together.”
When Tyres & Accessories met with representatives of Rhodia and Dow Corning at Tire Technology Expo 2008, they revealed that the fruit of their alliance to develop a silica/silane for use with natural rubber has already reached an advanced stage. The details of the project will be reported by T&A at length at a later date, however Rhodia’s global business director Peter Browning confirmed that two customers are already, somewhere in Europe, trialling truck tyres made with the silica/silane in a natural rubber compound.
A survey by LV= car insurance has revealed that almost one in five UK drivers (19 per cent) has downsized or sold one of their cars since the onset of the credit crunch in a bid to save money. The main reason given by motorists for downsizing their vehicle over the last eighteen months was to save money in fuel (61 per cent) while nearly a third (29 per cent) said they did it to cut the cost of road tax. Those who downsized their vehicle estimate they have already saved an average £309.
Despite the emphasis from the Government on ‘greener’ driving, only one in six (15 per cent) of those who had downsized cited environmental concerns as part of their decision.
Michelin Energy Saver tyres will be exclusively fitted to future models of the Toyota Yaris 1.0 VVT-i. According to the manufacturer, the tyre contributes to the low environmental impact of the new Toyota, which is scheduled for launch in early 2009, by reducing fuel consumption by 0.2 litres per 100 km and consequently, CO2 emissions by 4 grams per km. According to Michelin, new forms of silica have been introduced into the tyre’s rubber compound and combine with structural improvements to generate the fuel saving results.
Michelin first demonstrated that integrating silica in rubber compounds would reduce the tyre’s energy requirement while optimising performance in other key areas such as grip and wear-resistance in 1992. Since the market launch of these first tyres, Michelin has helped to generate fuel savings of more than 10 billion litres, thereby reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by more than 25 million tonnes.
Kwik-Fit Fleet’s association with the Leasedrive Velo Group continues with the signing of a new three-year contract to provide a range of fast fit services to the vehicle management group. The independent fast fit operator has maintained a relationship with the company since the days before Leasedrive and Velo merged in 2007, and this latest contract replaces the initial 12-month agreement signed following the merger.
As one of the largest distributors of passenger car tyres in the UK, Stapleton’s says it attempts to ensure it has a tyre suitable for every retailer and in every price bracket. In the 4×4 and SUV tyre segment the company accommodates retailer requirements by stocking all major brands.
Of late, 4x4s have found themselves on the wrong end of new tax policy, and this combined with the credit crunch and high fuel prices, has affected the already above average running costs associated with this type of vehicle. Some consumers now feel the need to more closely monitor their spending and make savings of their purchases. To make sure it can help tyre retailers faced with this situation, Stapleton’s says that its wide 4×4 rage includes both premium and more price oriented products.
Bridgestone has chosen the Chicago Auto Show as the venue for the North American replacement market release of its low rolling resistance Ecopia range. The first tyre in the line-up to arrive on American shores is the Ecopia EP100, a summer tyre fitment for vehicles such as the Mini Cooper, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla. Available in H- and V-speed ratings, the Ecopia EP100 has a UTQG of 400AB and will be offered in six different sizes ranging from 14 to 16 inches. The tyre will be available in March in the first phase of a two-phase rollout during 2009.
First Stop has launched a brand new website (www.firststop4tyres.co.uk) designed to help customers get more from their local tyre dealership.
The website features a UK-wide dealer locator as well as detailed information on Bridgestone’s tyre range and – currently – details of the network’s free fuel competition.
In parallel with the launch of the updated web site, a brand new dealer locator text service and phone-line is also running. To be put in touch with their nearest dealer, customers simply need to text or call the dedicated number which will be featured in a First Stop advertising campaign being rolled out across the UK.
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Michelin is all pumped up about the results two of its products recently gained in an Auto Express comparison test. The Michelin Single Barrel foot pump was awarded the ‘Best Buy’ 5-star rating for performance and accuracy whilst the Michelin Twin Barrel foot pump took the runner-up ‘Recommended’ award and a 4-star rating.
Both foot pumps from the Michelin motoring accessories range were compared with ten competitors’ products in tests carried out by Auto Express’ technical experts. The accuracy of the pressure gauges and their pumping power were at the heart of the tests, with points given for stability in use, build quality, hose length and ease of tyre-valve connection.
Rhodia and Dow Corning Corporation are to exhibit together at Tire Technology Expo, which is being held in Hamburg, Germany, between February 17 and 19. The two companies can be found in Hall 1, at Stand 4140.
The companies’ joint appearance at the exhibition follows last November’s announced agreement to develop and market new tyre industry silica/silane products. The aim of the agreement, according to Rhodia, is to develop and commercialise innovative silica/silane combinations, principally for the tyre industry where the association of precipitated silica and silane is used in low-energy tyres to help reduce rolling resistance. Silane is the component that enhances the interaction between polymer and silica.
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