The new smart #3 Brabus edition is begin factory equipped with EcoContact 6 Q tyres from Continental. Specifically, the SUV coupé is being fitted with 245/40 R20 99V XL tyres as original equipment. The smart #3 is the second model produced by the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and the Chinese manufacturer Geely.
ZC Rubber has extended its strategic partnership with logistics firm DSV. The new agreement extends their successful collaboration by 10 years. DSV A/S, the parent company of DSV Road Holding NV employs over 60,000 people across 90 countries. Recently, DSV outbid several competitors to acquire DB Schenker, the logistics subsidiary of German state-owned railway operator Deutsche Bahn, for approximately 14.3 billion euros. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for DSV in the logistics sector, positioning it to become the world’s largest freight operator.
Tesla Cybertruck owners are complaining of getting just 6,000 miles tyre life from the the famous electric pickups. According to The Drive, one member of the Cybertruck Owners Club says his barely three-month-old Cyber truck has just 6,251 miles on the odometer but is already needing a tyre change.
The Goodyear DriverHub application has been into PACCAR Connect, the new advanced online fleet management platform from DAF Trucks. According to the company, this addition “provides benefits for both truck drivers and fleet managers by offering tyre data insights that can enhance fleet performance and support more informed decision-making”. As a result, the Goodyear DriverHub application within PACCAR Connect is available on all new DAF trucks equipped with a PACCAR Connect tablet.
Hankook is supplying its iON evo SUV tyres for the new Cupra Tavascan. Specially developed for all-electric vehicles, this summer tyre has been developed to match the handling characteristics of the SUV, according to the tyremaker. The Hankook premium tyre, with the “+” marking for original equipment, is available for the Cupra Tavascan as a mixed tyre in the 19-inch variants and as an all-position tyre in the 20- and 21-inch sizes. The 21-inch tyre also comes in a special sport design, identifiable by the notation “e-Performance” on the sidewall. In keeping with its sporty tuning, it offers even more traction and shorter braking distances thanks to its high-grip mixture. Hankook also offers a 19-inch all-season tyre, designed specifically for electric vehicles, as original equipment for the model.
Goodyear tyres have been chosen as original equipment (OE) on the Audi Q6 e-tron, the German automaker’s new fully electric premium SUV. Goodyear’s Audi Q6 e-tron fitments come from its Eagle F1 Asymmetric and UltraGrip ranges for summer and winter applications, respectively. The approved fitments will fit multiple trim levels, with Goodyear’s SKUs ranging from 18” to 21”. Goodyear reports that it collaborated closely with Audi throughout the modelling and testing phases of tyre development, resulting in fitments specifically tailored to enhance the vehicle’s performance.
Bridgestone is launching the Potenza Sport A, Bridgestone’s first mass-produced tyre to source 55 per cent recycled and renewable materials1 in its production, following certification from International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS.
Across the Atlantic, Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (Continental) is conducting two parallel recalls. The largest relates to Continental’s ProContact GX AO tyres. According to US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filings, centres on size 255/35R19 96H XL fitments of the tyre made between 9 May 2021 and 17 August 2024 and relates to potential belt separation issues. Continental reports that ProContact GX AO was mainly sold as an OE fitment for the Audi A4/A5. But approximately 10 per cent of the affected tyres were sold in the US replacement market. As many as 146,568 tyres are covered by the recall and Continental estimates that 100 per cent have the described defect.
Kumho Tire is supplying ECSTA HS52 tyres as original equipment (OE) for the new generation Volkswagen Multivan. The ECSTA HS52 product will be provided in 235/55 R17 and 235/50 R18 sizes, according to the Korean tyremaker.
BMW Group has selected a range of Vredestein summer, all-season and winter tyres as original equipment (OE) for the Cabrio, three- and five-door variants of the new Mini Cooper.
Bridgestone reports that it has custom-engineered three tyre fitments for Lamborghini’s latest Hybrid High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV). Specifically, Bridgestone has delivered bespoke Potenza Sport and Potenza Race tyres for the Temerario’s summer and track fitments, and a custom-developed Blizzak LM005 tyre for its winter fitment to answer all drivers’ needs. All three tyres were developed using Bridgestone’s proprietary Virtual Tyre Development technology for additional benefits in terms of sustainability and efficiency.
Yokohama TWS North America has received the “Global Above & Beyond” award for its excellent customer service at the Hyster-Yale Global Suppliers Conference, in recognition of the support its team has provided to Hyster-Yale Materials Handling (HYMH). The award goes to the supplier that has “most demonstrated a willingness to do whatever it takes to surpass expectations, going above and beyond standard supplier relationships.”
Pirelli reports “stable” sales of 3,447.5 million euros in the first half of 2024 (First-half 2023: 3,437.5 million euros). Adjusted pre-tax profits (EBIT) amounted to 539.1 million up 4.2 per cent compared with first half of 2023. Executives put the improvement down to “solid commercial performance (volumes and price/mix)” and “efficiencies”.
In its fifth annual survey the Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei asked car users in four major automotive markets (Germany, the United States, China, and Japan) about brand loyalty and key motivators for buying electric vehicles (EVs). The results suggest tightening competition, new manufacturers entering the markets, and – perhaps as a result – “brand loyalty is wavering worldwide”.
Just days after the election of new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a brand-new cabinet has been appointed and significant shifts in policy are being implemented. And with minister rapidly developing and executing plans for the management of the economy, the automotive industry remains at the heard of UK industrial strategy. For example talks are underway with steel producers and energy minister Ed Milliband has U-turned the previous governments ban on on-shore wind farms. Of course, raw materials such as steel and energy have a direct impact on both vehicle manufacturing and the automotive aftermarket.
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