Labelling
Kumho Tires claims to have developed a tyre capable of achieving an ‘A’ rating in the European tyre label for both rolling resistance and wet grip. The tyre in question is the Ecowing ES01, which Kumho intends to launch in Europe in the second half of 2012.
At this year’s Reifen trade fair in Essen Germany, Kraiburg Austria will be demonstrating in what company representatives call “galactic style” that the firm has the right patterns, the right compounds and the best service for all retreading material requirements and applications.
Pirelli has announced that the number of its UK Performance Centres (PPCs) has increased by 25 per cent over the past two years. Pirelli presented the information at a PPC meeting the headquarters of reigning FIA Formula One Constructors' World Champions Red Bull Racing in Milton Keynes last month. In August 2010, there were 66 PPC branches but this figure has “steadily grown over the past 20 months” to reach 83 in the UK and Ireland. PPCs are audited for quality, helping the manufacturer to direct high performance car drivers to the outlets that will best suit their needs.
Which? magazine published its latest ranking of summer tyres in its April edition. Testing 14” and 16” sizes, the magazine gave rankings to 26 tyre models in total, ranking them out of five for dry and wet braking and handling, wet grip on straights and bends, noise, fuel consumption and wear. It also discussed the impact of energy labels, to be placed on passenger car tyres from November, with a Which?-conducted survey suggesting that most people have yet to hear about the tyre label – the magazine spoke to 1,291 members of the public and 2,742 Which? members and “nine out of 10… weren’t aware of the scheme”. In addition to this, the consumer advice magazine said that “only half the people…who were aware…were able to identify the three ratings that will be included.”
Those in Scotland and particularly Aberdeenshire may not agree, but normally April marks the end of winter and the coming of spring. In tyre markets across Europe this often means the re-introduction and re-fitting of summer tyres that have been nestled in “hotels” during the cold months. In fact those running Goodyear Dunlop’s HiQ retail franchise twitter account began prompting consumers to change back to summer tyres on 26 March. There’s not room to get into a discussion on the whys and wherefores of this particular approach here. Instead let’s highlight something else the seasonal change brings with it – trade shows.
Maxxis has announced that it has become the most recent tyre manufacturer to sign up with EDIWheel. “The economic environment means that tyre retailers are looking to maximise their existing resources to reduce the costs involved in running their businesses and EDIWheel represents a no cost benefit to them because they do not have to upgrade their software to access it,” says Maxxis International UK’s managing director Derek McMartin.
Say hello to ‘Terry the technician’. Goodyear Dunlop’s retail team has rolled out a new communication campaign strategy on tyre labelling to the direct dealer partners in its HiQ network, and will show the importance of reading labels through the activities of an imaginary tyre fitter.
Forget that song made famous by Kermit the Frog – it’s never been easier to be green. The tyre industry has embraced the trend towards more environmentally-friendly products, and there is hardly a serious player in the business that doesn’t offer consumers a green option.
Ahead of the European tyre labelling laws that will be implemented from the middle of this year, Bandvulc has developed a new tyre labelling system of its own which it will be demonstrating at this year’s CV show.
Danish firm Starco wears several hats. The company was once best known for specialising in tyres for wheelbarrows and hand-powered vehicles, and during its 50 years in the business it has also gained a reputation as a manufacturer – initially of steel wheels and small tyres, and very recently as an industrial tyre maker – the company’s Solid tyre factory in Sri Lanka is now in operation. And another, very important hat Starco wears is that of wholesaler.
Tyre retailers and bike dealerships are being urged to take part in TyreSafe’s ‘PACT’ campaign and help bikers maximising their road safety. PACT stands for – Performance, Air, Condition and Tread. The idea is that if riders make a PACT with their bike and ensure they check their tyres for air pressure, overall condition and tread depth then they will be rewarded with better performance including improved handling, grip and fuel economy.
Leading tyre sector software firms will be on hand at Brityrex International 2012 in Manchester, offering show visitors the latest technology to improve the efficiency of their businesses. Cam Systems, MAM Software and TEAM Systems for example will each demonstrate their own solutions to the imminent tyre labelling legislation, due to come into force in November.
Long-term Brityrex exhibitor TEAM Systems, an ever present at the show since 1992, will mark the occasion by celebrating 20 years as an IT supplier to the tyre and fast fit sector. The latest version of its popular TEAM software containing a number of exciting new features will be on display, as will the company’s tyre labelling facility, which will be offered free of charge to existing customers.
Merityre has introduced Cam Systems’ Wholesale Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. The system is designed to help the tyre specialist improve its customer intelligence and data reporting specifically for its retail customer base, according to the software provider.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed, billed as “world’s greatest celebration of car culture”, takes place this year between 29 June and 1 July. The event is sponsored by a roll call of the world’s most prominent vehicle manufacturers, and Michelin has also announced its sponsorship of the event. As well as maintaining a stand at the Festival of Speed, the tyre maker will also sponsor the Supercar Paddock and Supercar Run to highlight its links with manufacturers of some of the world’s fastest cars.
A symposium held by Goodyear Dunlop in Brussels bringing together a panel of transport exports has identified the most important fuel-saving measures in front of around 170 transport executives and senior government figures. Aerodynamic devices, incentives, training, low rolling resistance tyres and new length regulations were some of the key techniques in helping to reduce vehicles’ CO2 emissions. The symposium, entitled, ‘Best Practice in Reducing Fuel Consumption’ included panellists Marco Digioia, secretary general of UETR (European Road Haulers Association); Benny Smets, managing director of Belgium-based haulage company NinaTrans; and Gandert Van Raemdonck, researcher at Delft University of Technology.
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