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Richbrook Offers ‘Pro Valve’ Bolt-in Wheel Valves

Why do some enthusiast enthusiasts think nothing of forking out a four-figure sum on a decent set of wheels and tyres and then finish them off with a cheap rubber valve? That’s the question Richbrook are asking with the launch of their latest range of high quality low weight wheel valves aimed at so-called “automotive aesthetes.” As the title suggests, these new units are simply bolted into the wheel to not only provide a more secure fitment and seal, but also a subtle visual kick to any style of wheel. They’re also a worthwhile addition to any track car or club motorsport racer looking to remove the worry of rubber valve failure during those more ‘press-on’ moments. Priced from just £12.95 for a set of four, they don’t cost much, but they do make a better aesthetic impact than the standard rubber valves.

18th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Pirelli Launches 4×4 Dealer Award

Pirelli has introduced a 4×4 dealer of the Year Award which will judged businesses on key areas of 4×4 tyre customer service. Each 4×4 Key Dealer Club member will be “mystery shopped” once a quarter by an independent agency in order to ensure regular assessment of credentials. The announcement follows the launch of the Pirelli Performance Centre of the Year Award for Pirelli’s UHP focused network in 2006. Pirelli will announce the winner of the inaugural 4×4 Key Dealer of the year award in December.

Pirelli established its 4×4 Key Dealer Club 11 years ago in response to demand from this unique segment of the tyre market. Initially consisting of four members, the network of 4×4 specialist dealers now stands at 14 members who cover 100 points of sale. All member companies offer end users specialist advice on 4×4 tyre related matters and are required to stock a range of key Pirelli 4×4 fitments.

8th May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone Launches Updated, Fresher Global Website

On May 1 Bridgestone Corporation announced the launch of its newly updated and refreshed corporate global bridgestone.com website. The aim of the new design, Bridgestone says, is to improve the site’s ease-of-use and to explain the company’s activities in a more easy-to-understand manner.

Bridgestone’s previous global website was a portal site to the websites of the main group companies. However, through its new more user-friendly redesign, Bridgestone’s says its goal is to disseminate information about the Bridgestone Group’s global activities from a centralised website to its many audiences throughout the world.

1st May 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Vredestein Launches Ultrac Cento

Dutch tyre manufacturer Vredestein has launched the new Ultrac Cento high performance tyre. At the launch, Vredestein UK managing director, Stuart Jackson explained that the company is aiming its latest tyre at the kind of high mileage, high performance motorists that drive Mercedes, Audis and other 16 to 17-inch 45 to 55 series fitments.

The Centro is 20 per cent lighter than its predecessor and has been developed with compliance to the new EU noise, wet grip and rolling resistance regulations that are scheduled for introduction in 2012. Therefore, as you would expect, it includes a –SW (noise and wet grip) mark on its sidewall signifying this. It is Y-rated, indicating that its can cope with speeds up to 300 km/h, and is already available in 13 sizes. This includes two run-flat fitments – 225/50 R17 94Y and 225/45 R17 91Y.

28th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Kraiburg Updates All Three Ranges to Increase Economy

Kraiburg Austria has updated its K_base, K_tech and K_plus range of products. According to the company, the changes it has made are aimed at attaining: “maximum economic efficiency for all involved.” The retreading specialist has updated the designs, widths and lengths of its cut-to-size tread sections and has added new dimensions in some lines. Some designs have been pared down to just one version, such as the KDR and the KZU+. Others have changed segment in response to customer demands. The K47 bus tread designed for road use has been removed from the K_tech technology line, for example, and added to the all-round K_base line. At the same time, Kraiburg Austria announced the autumn launch of the new KST2/K222 tread for year-round use.

24th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Intermat Launch for Michelin XHA2

Those in the heavy-duty construction equipment industry have flocked to Paris this week for Intermat 2009. And good thing they did: the trade show, one of the world’s three largest, is the chosen introductory venue for Michelin’s new XHA2 loader tyre.

This is a product that Michelin reports is designed to accomplish three goals – reduce hourly operating costs, ensure that work continues smoothly and safely, and improve operator working conditions. The XHA2 is intended for loaders in quarries and cement plants and on construction and infrastructure worksites. Its introduction into global replacement markets will begin in May.

23rd April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

‘Michelin Man’ Ready to Advise Fleets on Tyre Issues

Have tyre related issues? Go ‘ask the Michelin Man’….Commercial vehicle operators with smaller fleets (up to 15 vehicles, to be precise) can now do just that following the launch of a new Michelin initiative on April 22. The service, named ‘Ask the Michelin Man’, encourages fleet owners, transport managers and owner-drivers to contact the manufacturer with any tyre related issues they may have.

“Smaller fleets have been telling us they would like greater access to technical assistance and advice on how to improve their tyre performance,” says Martin Covington, head of Truck and Earthmover Marketing at Michelin’s UK headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent. “Taking simple steps, such as fitting lower rolling resistance tyres, adjusting pressures or regrooving can have a significant impact on your bottom line, whether you run a single tractor unit and trailer or a fleet of 10 rigids. Through ‘Ask the Michelin Man’ we are making our tyre expertise more easily available to the smaller fleet market, by both helping with specific technical issues and teaching best practice.”

22nd April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Alliance Expands Product Range with New Flotation Tyres

Agricultural tyre specialist Alliance has complemented its range of radial flotation tyres with a number of new sizes. The manufacturer has a long tradition in the development and manufacture of flotation tyres for agricultural use; in 1998 the Israeli-Indian company became the world’s first manufacturer to produce this type of radial. Now the manufacturer is launching further new developments that broaden the range of suitable applications to include use on slurrey tankers and dumpers.

16th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Keegan Outlines Strategies to “Weather the Economic Storm”

In his address at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s 2009 Annual Shareholder Meeting on April 7, chairman and chief executive officer Robert J. Keegan said he remains confident in Goodyear’s ability to drive performance during challenging economic conditions and emerge in a position of competitive strength. This confidence, he said, derives from Goodyear’s “game tested” leadership team, a proven track record based on strong strategies and continued new product success, as well as actions the company is taking to improve its cost structure and strengthen its cash position.

7th April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

NAPA Launches Rebate Program for Brakes

In May, NAPA Brakes will launch a rebate program supported by a nationwide campaign for its Adaptive One brake pads and The Perfect Brake Job. Adaptive One pads have been engineered to offer superior stopping power, low noise and low dusting attributes. Adaptive One is tailored for any driving style, and boasts excellent coverage for passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs, according to NAPA

During the month of May, consumers can get The Perfect Brake Job – a combination of the correct premium parts and the correct repair procedures – for less, with a mail-in rebate. Those who have brake service at any participating auto repair facility with qualifying Adaptive One and Ultra Premium brake parts can get up to $90 cash back on a four-wheel brake job. Do-it-yourselfers who purchase qualifying Adaptive One or Ultra Premium brake parts at any NAPA Auto Parts store can get up to a $70 rebate on a four-wheel brake job. Media support for Adaptive One will include radio ads in 150 markets and satellite outlets; syndicated “Bob and Tom” voiced spots; USA Today color ads; Google ads; and FoxSports.com Fantasy MLB league advertising. (Tire Review/Akron)

1st April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Autumn Release for Timberland Recycled Tyre Footwear

Last November Tyres & Accessories reported on plans by footwear manufacturer Timberland to launch two footwear ranges featuring soles made containing rubber from discarded tyres. These ranges, says Timberland, will be released in Autumn 2009, and the company expects to manufacture more than 200,000 pairs of shoes containing tyre rubber outsoles.

1st April 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Bridgestone Launches New Hyper Sports Street Bike Tyre

One week before the final pre-season MotoGP test in Jerez, LCR Honda rider Randy de Puniet and Pramac Racing’s Niccolo Canepa flew to the southern Spanish circuit of Almeria to support the media launch of Bridgestone’s Battlax BT-003. The tyre is designed to provide outstanding street and track day performance for all sports motorcycles from 250cc upwards, giving riders of all abilities the chance to experience the grip performance of Bridgestone’s MotoGP multi-layer compound technology. A range of 2009-specification street bikes from MotoGP manufacturers Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha were fitted with the BT-003RS tyres and used during the five days, alongside machines from BMW, Triumph and KTM.

26th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

JK Announces New Indian Tubeless Range

JK Tyre today announced the launch of its new Ultima NXT tubeless tyre range. With sizes suitable for the Maruti 800, Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Zen, Zen Estio, Alto and Hyundai Santro, the new range represents an attempt by the Indian manufacturer to grab a larger slice of the domestic small car pie.

“With the launch of Ultima NXT, we demonstrate our leadership in advance technology in tyres. The unique features of the Ultima NXT range of tyres include high control, smooth and silent drive. This captures all the benefits of the product and the experience we would like to give to the customer,” states company marketing director A S Mehta.

The tyres boast hydroplaning channels for increased wet handling and anti-aquaplaning. They are also equipped with the company’s new “Unique Split Wing” design which aims to provide better dry and wet traction.

19th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin India Launches Primacy LC

With a view to increase its market share in the high-performance tyre segment, Michelin today launched its new product for the Indian market. “With the launch of ‘Primacy LC’ tyre, we are hopeful of increasing our market share in high-performance tyre segment significantly,” Michelin India CEO Jean Paul Caylar said in a statement. The new tyre is set to become the company’s next ‘best seller’ in Asia Pacific, he said, replacing its previous generation Energy MXV8 tyre.

The new product is aimed at cars such as Skoda Octavia, Skoda Superb, Skoda Laura, Toyota Innova, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry and Maruti SX4 Zxi.

19th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors

Sumitomo Certified as an ‘Eco-First Company’

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. has pledged its Eco-First Commitment to the Japanese minister of the environment. In response the company has received “Eco-First Company” certification in recognition of its group’s efforts on environmental conservation based on the country’s Eco-First Program.

However, from the tyre industry’s point of view, the most striking news is that the company is aiming to develop “the ultimate eco-tyre…100 per cent free of fossil resources and fuel-efficient tyre whose rolling resistance is reduced by 50 per cent for launch in 2013 and in 2015, respectively.” The company’s Enasave product is already 97 per cent petrochemical free, however, Sumitomo’s goal of achieving a fossil-free tyre in the next 4-6 years is certainly ambitious.

18th March 2009/by Tyrepress Editors