Giti Tire has added sizes to its wide base tyre range for the growing volume transport segment. The company has added size 445/45R19.5 alongside the 435/50R19.5 in its Giti GTL925 pattern. The lower diameter of the new size gives high cube trailer fleets the opportunity to maximise the inside loading volume of up to three meters height, while still respecting the total vehicle height of four meters allowed across Europe.
Giti Tire Deutschland has made its Giti brand car tyres available to end users via its own web shop. In doing so, it joins a select band of tyre manufacturers pursuing similar distribution strategies in particular markets.
Giti Tire has added key 19.5” and 22.5” sizes to its Giti GTL919 trailer tyre for long and regional haulage. With the addition of sizes 245/70R19.5, 265/70R19.5 and 385/65R22.5, the portfolio now contains eight dimensions. Tony McHugh, TBR sales and marketing director UK at Giti Tire, said that the new sizes will be of particular interest to low platform trailer users, while the higher load indices show Giti is developing its commercial tyre range in line with European standards.
Giti Tire has won its first European original equipment contract for the Volkswagen Group. The manufacturer will supply its GitiSynergyE1 for the Seat Ibiza in size 185/70R14 88H. Giti Tire Europe managing director for product technology, Stefan Fischer stated that the new approval “underlines our ambition for the OE segment,” in addition to the “outstanding work” of the company’s Hanover-based European R&D centre.
Giti Tire has renamed its UK retread programme Giti Genesis as part of its European truck and bus rebranding project. Originally known as GT REE-Tread when it was launched at the CV Show 2012, the next generation products show strong continuity in most aspects – it will remain a hot cure bead-to-bead retread manufactured using Giti casings, though there have been some changes, the biggest of which is the identity of the retreader. The Giti Genesis is available in two patterns: the GDR690 regional drive axle tyre is available in 295/80R22.5, 315/70R22.5 and 315/80R22.5; the GTR990 regional trailer tyre is offered in size 385/65R22.5.
In its first truck and bus tyre racing series partnership anywhere in the world, Giti Tire has become the main sponsor of the 2017 Super Truck Nationals race series in Australia. The tyre maker’s truck and bus race debut coincides with the launch of the Giti brand truck and bus range in the Oceania region.
While Giti Tire presented the first six patterns for its Giti brand truck and bus tyre range at this year’s CV Show and intends for these products to replace the GT Radial commercial range in Europe, the company has yet to announce when it will launch its flagship brand into the UK consumer tyre market. Germany remains the only European market to have received the Giti car and SUV tyre range to-date, and this means we won’t be seeing the newest winter product, the GitiWinterW1, over here – at least for the time being.
Giti Tire has extended its track day partnership with leading performance car publication evo into 2017. The tyre manufacturer will focus particularly on the promotion of the GT Radial SportActive, targeting all event attendees and evo magazine readers. Throughout the year five track evenings will take place, with three at Rockingham Motor Speedway in May, August and September and two at Bedford Autodrome in July and September.
Giti has launched two new regional mixed service tyres: the GAM837 and the GAM851. Available in 295/80R22.5 and 315/70R22.5, the Giti GAM837 all-position sizes target the growing number of on/off road bulk haulage delivery vehicles, which later need aftermarket replacements. The GAM851 is a wide base steer and trailer design for rough terrain applications, such as construction sites. Initially available in 385/65R22.5 with a load index of 160 (158), further sizes will be released throughout 2017 and 2018. It supersedes the popular GT Radial GT876.
Giti Tire has promoted Craig Tominey to senior regional sales manager for its UK truck and bus (TBR) operations. He will take up the role while maintaining his position as area sales manager (ASM) for Scotland. Giti adds that Tominey, who joined Giti in April 2013 from BSUK, will support the company’s five ASMs around the country while having greater input into strategy with senior management and the office-based sales team. He will report directly to Tony McHugh, TBR sales and marketing director UK at Giti Tire.
Giti Tire has launched the GT Radial WinterPro2, available for the 2017 winter season in the UK from exclusive PCR distributor Micheldever Tyre Services. The tyre showed wet performance gains while maintaining snow handling against its previous generation and four main competitors in independent tests by Dekra. Giti states that the tests, which were conducted early this year in Rovaniemi, Finland and Fontange, France, confirm the tyre was up to 10 per cent better in wet braking exercises and 2 per cent ahead in wet handling.
Giti Tire has introduced its leading urban bus tyre, the Giti GT867, into the European market. The tyre, also suitable for refuse collection fleets, has reinforced sidewalls to prevent kerb damage, and is designed for constant stop and go operating conditions with frequent changes in speed and direction. The GT867 is available in 11R22.5, 295/80R22.5, 305/70R22.5 and 315/80R22.5 sizes. Load capacity ranges from 148/145 to 158/150.
Giti Tire will sponsor Team BRIT (British Racing Injured Troops) in the Fun Cup endurance championship. The manufacturer is the official tyre partner for the series, and will supply Team BRIT cars with its Giti GTR2 competition racing tyres. The sponsorship increases the manufacturer’s involvement in the series; it is also running a car with its GT Radial brand in the 2017 series.
Giti Tire has presented its three-year development programme for its GT Radial brand to key dealers, including UK distributor Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS). The annual PCR European Marketing Council, held in Austria, was attended by customers from across the continent. It looked at current market conditions, future trends, product development and marketing direction, including the brand proposition across advertising, point-of-sale and online activities, comprising the brand website and social media.
Giti Tire’s GSW226, the brand’s first specific winter marked tyre, has won plaudits following a nine-day trip to Switzerland and Austria, fitted by one of the North East’s leading coach hire companies. Stockton-on-Tees-based Compass Royston, which undertakes transport for schools and travel operators, and counts Middlesbrough and Hartlepool United Football Clubs among its many sport clients, decided to trial the tyre based on brand feedback from its sister companies, Esk Valley Coaches and Proctors Coaches.
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