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Marangoni Launches New “e-logic” Tyre Range

Marangoni has announced the launch of its new range of premium summer-weather tyres, the e-logic. The brand evidently takes its inspiration from the three key demands that the Italian manufacturer wishes to satisfy: that it is economical, ecological and saves as much energy as possible. According to Marangoni, traditional tyre requirements of performance, grip, comfort and safety, are increasingly met with growing demands for economical, ecological and energy saving solutions, hence the new release’s explicit focus on the newer requirements.

Marangoni says that its new silica compounds achieve “substantially stronger tyre economy”, with lower rolling resistance. In comparison with the company’s own Trio tyre, the e-logic can lower fuel consumption “by 2 per cent, and offer mileage gains of approximately 15 per cent.” The e-logic, so says the manufacturer, is the most economical Marangoni tyre to date.

Available Sizes

165/60 R14 T
175/60 R14 T
175/60 R14 H
155/65 R13 T
165/65 R13 T
175/65 R13 T
155/65 R14 T
165/65 R14 T
175/65 R14 T
175/65 R14 T XL
175/65 R14 H
175/65 R15 T
145/70 R13 T
155/70 R13 T
165/70 R13 T
165/70 R13 T XL
175/70 R13 T
185/70 R13 T
165/70 R14 T
175/70 R14 T
185/70 R14 T
185/70 R14 H

22nd December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Regulation Change Opens Door To Single Wide Tyres in Ontario

An amendment to Ontario’s regulation governing permissible truck axle weight limits has opened the door to single heavy truck tyres. The Canadian province now permits the use of these tyres at the same weights as conventional dual tyres – it is, however, only the second province, after Quebec, to approve this weight parity.

Regulation 435/08 will amend the current weights and dimension regulations to allow wide based single tyres to operate at weights up to 9,000 kilograms per axle and provide flexibility on vehicle track width so that retrofitting can take place. Previously, the Ontario weight threshold for single tyres was 8,000 kilograms per axle on a standard 53-foot tandem trailer.

19th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Under Pressure

A survey conducted by Continental suggests that Britain’s young drivers are the social group least likely to check their car tyre pressure. The national poll revealed that under-25s are twice as likely to leave their tyres unchecked than any other age group, with almost half (46 per cent) completely unaware what their tyre pressure should be.

One in five of the young people polled had not checked their tyre pressures in the last month compared to the standard across all ages of one in 12. Conti estimates that “an average driver could waste as much as £120 a year on fuel by not regularly checking their tyre pressure.” With this in mind, younger drivers facing high motoring costs with more expensive insurance premiums can not afford to ignore their tyre pressures. For a generally more environmentally aware sector of the public, young people should also be considering that the average car driver could produce an extra 250lbs of CO2 a year by not maintaining their tyre pressures.

18th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Agilis Receives What Van? Technology Award

Michelin’s Agilis van tyre is the recipient of the What Van? Technology award for 2008. This is, says the tyre maker, further recognition that its Agilis sets the standard for van operators seeking increased grip, extended longevity, reduced fuel consumption and thus lower CO2 emissions.

Presenting the What Van? Technology award to Michelin, magazine editor Neil McIntee emphasised the significance of the Technology award. “The attributes of the new Michelin Agilis light commercial vehicle tyre offer vehicle operators improvements in all sectors of a tyre’s performance. In judging this category these advantages clearly indicated the merit of the Technology Award being presented to Agilis. This award is not presented every year but only when the judging panel identify such an important innovation as Agilis.”

17th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Hybrid Buses Join London Transit Fleet

A red London bus with a BAE Systems hybrid electric drive train joined Transport for London and Metrobus, one of the city’s principal bus operators, in November. The bus, a double-deck model built by Britain’s Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), is among 17 hybrid units built by ADL and BAE Systems that will be evaluated in passenger service starting later this year.

16th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Haweka Opens Gloucestershire Educational Unit

Haweka (UK) Ltd, one of the world’s leading independent manufacturers of wheel alignment and balancing solutions, announced on 10 November the opening of a specialist Wheel Alignment Training Centre in Gloucestershire, UK. The brand new facilities contain a state-of-the-art commercial vehicle MOT bay, lecture room and communal area. Haweka believes that the educational facility will help garage workers to speed up significantly the process of alignment and balancing. It is designed to provide a platform for the company to train UK commercial workshop technicians on the next generation of Haweka’s wheel alignment systems, the TA-20.

Located at Richard Read Transport’s Longhope depot, the new training centre gives Haweka the resources to keep offering tailor-made courses to customers nationwide. The lecture room contains the modern facilities needed to communicate the theoretical side of wheel alignment and how to provide optimal logistical angles, reducing tyre wear and fuel consumption to customers. The communal area is spacious and comfortable allowing course attendees to discuss the theory between themselves and relax during breaks. It overlooks one of two workshops where the practical training sessions will take place.

16th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Hankook Truck Tyre Gains US Environmental Accreditation

Three of Hankook Tire’s commercial fleet tyres have been certified under the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Program. According to a company statement, this means the tyres are more environmentally friendly and have reduced rolling resistance by at least 3 per cent. The three certified products are: the AL07+ steer tyre, the Z35a drive tyre and the TL01 trailer tyre.

“Diminishing the carbon footprint, improving fuel economy and reducing costs are the key areas of focus for the commercial fleet industry currently,” said Brian Sheehey, commercial tyres director, Hankook Tire America Corp. “The SmartWay Program specifically addresses those concerns, providing fleet owners a clear means to reduce costs and help the environment. It’s a win-win, and Hankook is privileged to be a part of the solution with our SmartWay compliancy. This certification coupled with our industry-leading warranties and competitive pricing further enhances the value of our product offering to the 1,000 SmartWay Partners. This is a true validation of Hankook’s innovative technology, product and performance.”

15th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Commute by Car and Help the Environment

Could a tyre rolling over a stretch of road generate energy? According to the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), Britain’s largest charity focused upon transport and the environment, a new tyre of road developed in Israel could become such a source of cheap power.

The engineers behind the project claim that a one-kilometre stretch of the power-generating asphalt will generate 400 kilowatts – enough power to run eight small cars. If the system was installed on every stretch of British motorway, adds the ETA it would generate enough energy to run 34,500 small cars.

12th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin OE for Honda City in India

Michelin India has announced an agreement to supply its silica based compound tyre Energy XM1 tyre as OE to the new Honda City in the Indian market.

“This initiative is part of our long term strategy for India and has also strengthened our relationship with Honda and we hope to continue with this relationship” said Mr. Jean Paul Caylar, the CEO of Michelin in India.

11th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

CTNA Expands Environmental Efforts

Continental Tire North America launched a new environmental program tied to reduction in tyre rolling resistance and reduced production emissions. The program – Continental Tire Responsibility – extends the company’s efforts at improving tyre-related fuel efficiency and cuts its use of resources while cutting CO2 emissions. According to Andreas Gerstenberger, CTNA executive vice president of sales and marketing, by 2012, the company is committed to reducing energy consumption by 18 per cent from 2007 levels; water usage by 17 per cent; waste by 16.3 per cent and CO2 emissions by 15.5 per cent.

“We are continually aligning the production, quality and performance of our products with environmental soundness, and we strive to conduct all of our activities in an environmentally conscious manner,” he said. “Going forward, each and every employee is obligated to protect the environment, and we will continue to avoid harmful emissions and waste. Continental is not just focused on a green message but a responsibility message which encompasses community, environment and fuel efficiency.” (Tire Review/Akron)

11th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

No Going Back

In 2008 the Ultra High Performance tyre market experienced changes unlike any year before it; and as a result will, never be the same again, Sentaida USA general manager Don Mathis recently told Tyres & Accessories

“UHP aftermarket sales have been the main and nearly only, shining star in the tyre business for the last eight to 10 years. The margins and growth have surpassed nearly every other segment of the market,” he explained. However, this year has also been unlike any other in Mathis’s 36 years of experience. His thinking is that the unique combination of surplus capacity in UHP factories, the early year surge in the raw material costs, a mid-year surge in fuel cost, and the credit crunch halting new car sales and taking aftermarket wheel sales with them means the market has hit a watershed.

His advice? “Reduce your UHP stock to bare minimum. I think it is really ugly now, and is going to get worse. Clear out old, high priced stock, so money can re-circulate. Take whatever loss there is now. Get it over with, as it will only get worse in 2009. Buy smart for the future with an emphasis on value in the popular passenger car sizes.” For more overview on US market sales see January’s issue of Tyres & Accessories.

9th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

HiQ Names Three More Franchisees

HiQ has attracted three new partners in its national franchise programme. HiQ now boasts more than 140 centres across Britain, having secured Alister McGill, who will take over the company’s Alnwick, Berwick and Sunderland outlets, adding to his existing Blyth and Gateshead centres. Gary Thomson will take on the Exeter, Bath, Honiton and Weston Super Mare stores with four experienced partners. Meanwhile, Phil Godfrey has added HiQ’s Banbury store to his Abingdon and Carterton businesses.

According to the company the latest announcement means HiQ’s national franchise plan is now more than half full, with all remaining partners to be announced in the coming months.

9th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Beat the Crunch with MAM

Dynamic companies that exploit I.T. can survive the downturn and emerge stronger according to aftermarket software specialist MAM Software. Managing Director Mike Jamieson says that by using ERP systems to their full potential, companies can improve efficiency, lower costs and even increase sales.

“The latest business management systems offer a wealth of functionality that can help your business survive the current economic downturn and actually emerge stronger” said Mr Jamieson. “They provide a comprehensive set of integrated business functions that can help you improve day-to-day productivity, improve customer service levels, and make informed business-related decisions that will help fuel growth.”

9th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Biogas-Powered World Record Set on Dunlop Rubber

Achieving speeds of 327.5 km/h (204.7 mph), the Hohenester-tuned biogas Audi A4 Quattro equipped with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT tyres has set a new world speed record. The TÜV Rheinland-organized record attempt took place at the proving ground in Papenburg, Germany, and demonstrates the performance abilities of climate neutral fuels.

In breaking high-speed record Hohenester used biogas extracted from field grass. With an octane number between 120 and 140 ROZ the alternative fuel offers higher numbers than conventional fuels. “High speed tuning and ecological aspects don’t have to exclude each other,” believes the record-breaking driver, Jürgen Hohenester. “This Audi A4 is a prototype, which proves how powerful these new fuel technologies can be already today.”

8th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Continental Named Fleet Van Tyre Provider of the Year

This year’s inaugural Fleet Van awards ceremony in Birmingham saw Continental Tyre Group named as Tyre Provider of the Year. The judging panel evaluated entrants based on a number of criteria, which included: validated performance of the current product range; availability of supply; simplicity of fitment and evidence of the company’s commitment to future development and innovation. Trevor Gelken, Editor of Fleet Van Magazine commented: “We were very impressed with Continental’s performance in all of the judging categories, but the deciding factor for us was the outstanding focus on safety”.

Continental actively promotes safety through its work with road safety and government organisations using initiatives such as the 3mm minimum tread depth campaign. In addition, safety has always been the first consideration for Continental’s research and development teams in developing new product.

4th December 2008/by Tyrepress Editors