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More Goodyear Plant Shutdowns Imminent

News of further shutdowns at Goodyear truck tyre division factories is circulating in the US media. The latest, reported by the Topeka Capital Journal and local television stations, concerns the company’s Topeka, Kansas factory, most recently closed for the week starting October 13. Goodyear says that two further week-long closures await the plant this year.

According to Goodyear spokeswoman Amy Brei, the shutdowns are to take place the weeks of November 3 and December 1. Goodyear officials blame the shutdown on Hurricane Ike and reduced demand for truck tyres. Raw material and fuel costs, along with a flaccid economy were also factors, said Brei.

23rd October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Volvo Trucks UK Fits Monityre TPMS to Training Vehicle

With fuel economy now an integral part of commercial vehicle driver training, Volvo Trucks’ official UK truck importer recently fitted the latest Monityre tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) from Safe Europe plc to one of its driver training vehicles.

“We talk about the importance of having the correct tyre pressures on your vehicle as part of our overall fuel economy training programme. By having the Monityre TPMS fitted to this Volvo FH-440 tractor unit, drivers can literally keep an eye on the Monityre in-cab display while undergoing their full driver training tuition. All participants using this vehicle get to see the tyre pressure monitoring system in operation, which we believe is part and parcel of any driver training programme,” said Andy Collett, Truck Evaluation Manager at Volvo Trucks.

21st October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Drivers Downsize As Credit Crunch Bites

Over a third of used car buyers are looking to counteract rising motoring charges and challenging economic conditions by downsizing to a smaller, more cost-effective car. In a survey carried out on www.glass.co.uk – the Glass’s Guide used car valuation website, 38 per cent of buyers cited fuel prices and rises in road tax for heavier polluting vehicles as factors motivating them to swap their car for a more compact and efficient model.

The poll also revealed that a growing number of motorists are switching to diesel as a way of cutting running costs. Of those surveyed, 29 per cent stated an intention to exchange their petrol vehicle for a diesel model, expecting to take advantage of significant reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

20th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Hankook’s Enfren Wins 2008 Green Product Award

Hankook Tire has stated that its enfren tyre, which the company says is Korea’s first fuel-efficient, environment friendly tyre, received a Korea Green Management Excellence Award in the green product category. The award was presented by the Korea Management Association Registration & Assessments (KMAR). Attending the October 7 awards ceremony were South Korea’s vice minister of Environment Lee Byung-wook, Korea Management Association chairman Shin Young-chul and officials from Hankook and the other award-winning companies.

16th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Team Michelin Drivers Beat Published MPG by 30%

The two teams of drivers Michelin entered into this year’s MPG Marathon scored notable success in the annual fuel economy run, both taking top ten places at their first attempt. Both crews achieved more than 80 miles per gallon, and one team exceeded published figures by 30 per cent, in Peugeot 308s fitted with Michelin’s latest low rolling resistance Energy Saver tyres.

The ALD Automotive Total Excellium MPG Marathon organised by Fleetworld Magazine took 39 competing teams over a “real-world” route from Bristol to Macclesfield and back – a distance of more than 400 miles – with all the normal road traffic conditions of delays, traffic lights, hold-ups and slow moving tractors!

15th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Motors.co.uk Poll Reveals Car Gadgets Driving Us Crazy

Used vehicle website motors.co.uk is urging manufacturers to go back to basics after a survey of 726 UK motorists revealed 70.6 per cent of drivers polled are being ‘driven to distraction’ by car gadgets and would feel safer if they had fewer accessories in their vehicles.

The survey, which motors.co.uk said canvassed attitudes towards 21st century driving distractions, highlighted that more than half (52.9 per cent) would like to see fewer ‘non-essential’ features in cars to help avoid confusion. In-car add-ons were cited as greater distractions than noisy passengers, convoluted road signs and even the family dog.

13th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Corvette Wins MPG Marathon

Would you believe it? The Corvette T&A mentioned in last week’s report on the MPG marathon was crowned the overall winner in the annual Fleetworld/ALD Automotive event. The American muscle car recorded a record 61.26 per cent improvement over the official combined figure in the two-day, 411-mile economy driving event. Driven by Press Association journalist Richard Hammond, the Corvette Z06 achieved a combined mpg figure of 30.96mpg over the challenging route, proving that even a 198mph supercar can achieve fuel economy similar to a family hatchback if driven with a sensible approach to road and traffic conditions.

13th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Tyresure First UK TPMS Provider to Join TyreSafe

UK Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems provider Tyresure has joined TyreSafe, the non-profit making organisation set up in 1992 with the responsibility of raising the awareness of the dangers of defective and worn tyres. As such, Tyresure is the first UK TPMS manufacturer to join forces with TyreSafe, and the company’s technology offers an obvious synergy with TyreSafe’s message of safety through correct tyre pressure.

On announcing the partnership, Tyresure UK managing director, Ian Smith looked happy to be part of the TyreSafe team. “’We’re delighted to augment TyreSafe’s message and be part of the push to educate the public into safer driving. Human nature being what it is, we know that this sound advice often falls on deaf ears, with people still rarely checking their tyre pressures. Tyresure does it for you, meaning that once you have set your tyres to the correct pressures, it’s impossible to encounter a problem without getting both a visual and audible warning. It’s hopefully something that even the most apathetic driver can do to make themselves safer.”

10th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Rolling Resistance for Summer & Winter Tyres Equal, says Conti

Yes, we already know – some of you don’t think cold weather tyres are necessary in the UK because “we don’t have a winter here”. But for those who have noticed that it does indeed get rather cold in the months before and after Christmas, Continental has some heart warming news: Rolling resistance for winter tyres, contrary to common misconceptions, is no greater than that of their summer counterparts, thanks to the materials used, their low weight and tread design, all of which reduce tyre deformation.

9th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

The Slowest Race in Town Visits Michelin

Michelin invited participants in this year’s MPG Marathon to “Fill up With Air” at a specially prepared pit-stop at the company’s Campbell Road UK headquarters. This year 39 cars and 9 vans are taking part in what must be the only race where going slow helps you win. The two-day event sees the whole spectrum of car and light commercial vehicles follow a 411 mile course with one simple object – use as little fuel as possible.

Drivers come from a range of backgrounds including: fleet companies, the motor industry and the media. According to company representatives, roughly a third of cars were sporting Michelin tyres a fact that the company hopes will help communicate the message that good tyres and the right tyre pressures have a great impact on fuel economy.

To this end Team Michelin has entered two cars of its own into the competition. Tyres & Accessories witnessed the arrival, second from last, of the company’s Peugeot 308 entrant. Fitted with 195/65 R15 Michelin Energy Saver tyres, the team Michelin car was said to be doing well. The results won’t be released until tomorrow, however, Michelin’s Pegeot 308 was achieving fuel consumption of roughly 78 miles-per-gallon when it reached Stoke (12 mpg better than what the car’s handbook quotes for a combined cycle).

At the other end of the spectrum, the Corvette Z06 Coupe T&A saw roll into the Campbell Road car park was hypermiling its way to a normal level of fuel consumption. With a handbook mpg of 19.2 miles per gallon, the drivers of this 7-litres 505 BHP V8 managed to squeeze 26.9 mpg at the Stoke pit-stop.

Michelin also unveiled its new “Fill Up With Air” van, which has been purchased in preparation for the company’s 2009 pressure-check campaign.

8th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

TPCATS: Built to Last

Product News, UK News

Staffordshire based TPCATS specialises in the manufacture of stainless steel manifolds, front pipes and catalytic converters to OE standards. Production to an OE standard of course ensures a high level of quality, and the company comments that its stainless steel products are far more efficient and reliable than ceramic alternatives, yet they are available at comparable prices. And as TPCATS has confidence that its products will not break, rattle or fail an emissions test, it is happy to offer a three-year warranty as standard on its constantly growing range. The result, says TPCATS, is fewer returns, less failures and less hassle for customers. TPCATS boasts a valid warranty claims rate of less than 1 per cent, far below the aftermarket standard of 4 per cent.

7th October 2008/by Chris

General, Pirelli, Michelin Top LT/SUV Tests

Consumer Reports tapped the General Grabber HTS and Pirelli Scorpion ATR as highest rated all-season and all-terrain light truck/SUV tires in its latest tyre tests. In addition, the Michelin Latitude X-Ice received the top rating among the four winter tyres CR tested. The new test results will be published in the magazine’s November issue.

CR tested 34 all-season and all-terrain light truck/SUV radials, all in size P265/70R17, considering all-season performance, tread life, fuel economy, braking, wet/dry traction, handling, and price, among other attributes. The General Grabber HTS earned the top spot among all-season tyres and the Pirelli Scorpion ATR rated highest among all-terrain tires. Tests were performed on a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup and a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban, CR said.

“Most of the all-season tyres CR tested performed very well in braking, handling, and hydroplaning resistance,” the magazine said. “The tyres produced a wide range of tread life and rolling-resistance ratings. But the fact that a number of all-season models with very good tread-life ratings ranked near the bottom in overall performance, shows that it’s necessary to look at the big picture when choosing tyres.” (Tire Review/Akron)

7th October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Alcoa to Supply US Bus Fleet

Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products has announced it has entered into a partnership agreement the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, one of the oldest bus fleets in the US. The Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, with over 11 million passenger trips a year, is Ohio’s fourth largest public transit system. Its fleet includes diesel buses, electric trolley buses, ‘Project Mobility’ vans and buses and vintage ‘Wright Flyer’ trams.

3rd October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Supporting Audi Mileage Marathon

On October 1 Michelin’s Green X energy saving tyres set out on a 15-day, 4,800 miles journey across America, fitted to Audi clean diesel vehicles. Audi Q5 and Q7 models have been fitted with Michelin Latitude Tour HP tyres, and A4 and A3 cars with Primacy HP tyres for the Audi Mileage Marathon journey, which is been undertaken to increase public awareness of environmentally friendlier automotive equipment and technology.

2nd October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Active Wheel Spectacle at Paris Motorshow

Visitors to the Paris Motorshow are witnessing what Michelin developers hope is a vision of the future of the wheel, as two cars fitted with the French manufacturer’s Active Wheel (instead of the traditional engine, suspension and transmission fixtures) are presented for the first time. The Venturi Volage is a roadster with an electrical drive motor freed from the constraints of the traditional prerequisites, while the new WILL – built in partnership with Heuliez, Michelin and Orange – is an electric car capable of competing with traditional cars in addition to providing a practical solution to road transportation concerns in the areas of energy resources, urban pollution and personal safety.

The Active Wheel has been enabled through the substantial reduction of component size, making it possible – Michelin says – to “reinvent the wheel”. The energy that powers the integrated motor is always electric, whether it comes from a lithium ion or other type of battery, a fuel cell, and/or super-capacitors. In all cases, these power sources offer two important benefits—zero pollution and optimal comfort—since vehicles equipped with the wheel emit no greenhouse gases. The WILL’s two engines housed in the front wheels make the car extremely responsive. As for the Venturi Volage, with its four motorised Active Wheels, it offers impressive performance in the areas of acceleration and road holding.

2nd October 2008/by Tyrepress Editors