Yokohama Rubber reports that it will supply original equipment tyres for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class in certain markets. The compact SUV will come equipped with either a standard or run-flat version of its C.drive2; both are size 235/50R18 97V tyres. The standard tyre will have the letters ‘MO’ printed on the sidewall while the run-flat version has the original equipment designation ‘MOE’.
Its tyres are already fitted on Mercedes-Benz S- and E-Class cars, and now Hankook Tire reports it has begun supplying Daimler AG original equipment tyres for the C-Class, including run-flat tyres. The midsize Mercedes receives both standard and HRS (Hankook Runflat System) versions of the Ventus S1 evo² in size 225/50 R17 W. This is the first time that Hankook has supplied run-flat tyres as original equipment.
Later this month Yokohama Rubber will showcase its latest technologies and products at the Reifen 2014 exhibition on a stand (Hall 3, booth 3A18) featuring both market-ready and concept products.
Speedline Truck has reported a further advance in its OE sales drive alongside developments in its aftermarket marketing strategy.
In mid-March Speedline truck announced that it has been chosen by its ongoing industrial partner Daimler as exclusive partner for equipping the weight-optimised Arocs Loader cement mixer with its lightweight forged wheels.
Catalytic convertor (CAT), diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust theft protection specialist Catloc has confirmed Halfords Autocentres as its new national fitting partner. Catloc says CAT, DPF and exhaust theft is on the increase in the UK, and the company sought a partner that would give potential customers easy access to its solutions and fitment of these; for this, it wanted to partner with a sizable and experienced national chain, and Catloc says the presence of more than 300 outlets in the UK made Halfords Autocentres the “obvious choice”.
Catalytic Converter (CAT), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Exhaust Theft protection market leaders Catloc have just confirmed Halfords Autocentres and Kwik Fit as their new national fitting partners. With CAT, DPF and exhaust theft on the increase in the UK, Catloc wanted to ensure that potential customers had easy access to fitting of their solutions and to partner with a fast fit chain who had the size and experience in covering the whole of the UK. With over 900 centres between them nationwide; Kwik Fit and Halfords Autocentres were the obvious choices.
Award-winning haulier Dixon International is switching to Michelin X Line Energy tyres across its fleet, after a successful trial showed it could slash fuel use by more than five per cent.
A report in the Financial Times, which focussed on the expectations of German car producer companies, showed that younger people are shunning buying new vehicles. According to the report, the average age of a new car buyer in Germany rose to a record 52.2 years in 2013, three years older than the average a decade ago, reflecting a trend observed in other industrialised countries.
Mercedes-Benz has signed a deal with Maxxis to supply its MCV3 van tyres as original equipment on the 5.0T and 3.88T variants of the Sprinter.
One of the most effective means of elevating brand awareness is through original equipment fitments, and after rising through the ranks of aftermarket tyre suppliers, Hankook Tire is busy assembling a portfolio of new vehicle approvals that place it in league with the world’s best-known and trusted tyre brands. The list of Hankook original equipment approvals from the last few months alone includes fitments for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-Class, plus the BMW 5-Series and X5. These deals come at a time of growth for Hankook’s performance tyre business – as evidenced by the 12.9 per cent year-on-year rise in European UHP tyre sales during 2013 – and Hankook is in the mood to celebrate its success. The tyre maker recently invited journalists from Europe and beyond to Spain in order to get to know the company and its latest Ventus lines a little better.
Tuning parts supplier JMS has launched its 2014 Mercedes Tuning & Styling catalogue. Coinciding with the start of the new season, the catalogue includes: aerodynamic parts, car alarm systems exhaust systems, spacers, suspension kits, chiptuning, speedpedal, strut braces, headlights, taillights, spacers, windstops, floor mats and sport seats within its 48 pages. JMS says the catalogue […]
Dunlop will supply its Sport Maxx RT tyre to Mercedes-AMG as original equipment on its new CLA 45 AMG model in size 235/35ZR19 91Y XL MO, which was specially designed for the sporty coupé. With a peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and maximum torque of 450 Newton meters, its turbocharged engine is the […]
Ho-Youl Pae has been announced as the new Hankook chief operating officer in Europe, following former COO, Jin-Wook Choi’s move to a consultancy role within the manufacturer’s global headquarters. Pae has been promoted from his previous role in the company as marketing & sales executive. Pae will also take on the position of senior vice president and member of the board of Hankook Tire.
Hankook Tire chief operating officer Europe and member of the board of directors, Jin-Wook Choi will leave his current position following 38 years with the company. Choi will take on a new consultancy role in the manufacturer’s global headquarters, having served more than thirteen years at top management positions around the world.
Vredestein and German tuner Carlsson have agree to extend their cooperation agreement for a further three years following the signing of a new contract on 3 December. This partnership is part of Vredestein’s Premium Styling concept and has already resulted in unique Mercedes-Benz models styled by Carlsson. In the coming years, the cooperation will move up a gear, focusing on the development of models such as the new Mercedes-Benz S, E and ML. Vredestein is the strategic tyre partner supplying its range of premium designer tyres to Carlsson within the partnership.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.