The MG marque returned last year as a brand owned by China’s SAIC, and now the second new MG model has arrived in the UK. Following its launch at Auto Shanghai 2013 in April the new MG3 is now available here – and Goodyear has been chosen to provide original equipment tyres for all versions.
The SMMT has released figures showing that in October domestic demand supported the biggest monthly increase in 2013 UK car manufacturing
Car output in October rose 17.4 per cent to 160,854 units, the largest monthly increase so far this year. 1,286,287 cars have been produced in the year-to-date; a rise of 5.4 per cent.
Michelin will provide three tyre lines as original equipment on Porsche’s new Macan SUV. Most notably, the French tyre manufacturer’s new Latitude Sport 3 will make its debut on the SUV, while the Latitude Alpin 2 will equip the Macan with a winter fitment and the Latitude Tour HP all-season tyre will be used for the SUV’s American release, in addition to some other specific regions. The Sport 3 and Tour HP are available in three size specifications, while the Alpin 2 will be supplied in one size specification.
Kumho reports that in October it began delivering its Ecsta HM KH31 for original equipment fitment on the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The compact Mercedes-Benz receives size 195/65R15 91H tyres produced at Kumho’s Tianjin factory in China.
A supply deal finalised with Mercedes-Benz in October will see some S-Class models fitted with 19-inch versions of Bridgestone’s Potenza S001 as original equipment. Bridgestone says the Potenza-equipped S-Class will be sold globally.
It may look like a Morgan three-wheeler from the future, but the Elio is one American company’s vision of fuel-efficient, safe motoring. The American-made car (or, as defined by US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, motorcycle) is expected to be market ready late next year and deliver 84 mpg on the highway and 49 mpg in the city (2.8 litres per 100km and 4.8 litres per 100km), plus an anticipated 5-star safety rating. Original equipment tyres will be supplied by Cooper Tire & Rubber, a relationship that has just been sealed by the signing of a letter of intent between the tyre maker and Elio Motors.
More manufacturers are selecting Yokohama’s flagship environmental BluEarth tyres for their model ranges, according to the company. Manufacturers such as Toyota, Lexus and Honda have all chosen the products as original equipment on some of the most recent additions to the range of hybrid and environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Yokohama Rubber’s North America division, Yokohama Tire Corporation, has announced two new executive appointments: Naoki “Nick” Takeda, executive vice president and chief financial officer; and Taketoshi Morita, vice-president, OE business.
Motor Trader magazine, which focuses on dealer activities, has reported that last minute self-registration activity distorted the record breaking September plate change, with over a quarter of the month’s volumes being registered on the closing day of the month. But could the heady days of growing registration figures be over? Some analysts believe strengthening markets elsewhere could knock the UK market back.
Car enthusiasts looking for a car that’s big on style and perfect for London’s busiest roads should head for the Regent Street Motor Show on November 2. One of the stars of the day will be the world’s smallest ever production car, the Peel P50, as driven by Jeremy Clarkson on BBC’s Top Gear.
Bridgestone has received the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) supplier award 2013 for delivery performance. The award was presented to Bridgestone at the HUM Annual Supplier Convention held at its Swindon manufacturing plant in the UK on 1 October. The tyre manufacturer supplies tyres to HUM for the Civic and Jazz models.
The Duke of Cambridge and family may be hogging UK headlines at present, but others may be more interested in a duke set to enter the realm in December. The recently unveiled KTM 1290 Super Duke R, dubbed ‘the Beast’ by its manufacturer, features a 1,301cc, 2-cylinder engine that delivers 180hp, paired with a weight of just 189 kilogrammes. KTM describes it as “hottest street-legal naked bike around.” And all this power will roll on Dunlop’s SportSmart2.
Michelin Aircraft Tire has announced it will provide its Air X radial for original equipment fitment on Dassault’s newest large cabin long range business jet, the Falcon 5X. “Michelin is proud to have been selected by Dassault as its official partner and the sole source supplier on the new Falcon 5X aircraft,” said Mathias Kratzsch, Michelin Aircraft Tire Company’s director of Marketing and Sales.
Metzeler has enlisted some celebrity help to introduce its latest models at the Metzeler Legendary Knight, a free entrance and open bar event to be held on 5 November at Fonderia Napoleonica in the Motoquartiere of Milan. Aerosmith frontman and Dirico Motorcycles USA spokesman, Steven Tyler will unveil Metzeler’s custom touring ME 888 Marathon Ultra tyre in a Whitewall version and new 23” front size, while popular British rider Guy Martin will help the brand launch its new Sportec M7 RR supersport tyre.
Pirelli has launched two fitments for the recently launched Alfa Romeo 4C. The new 4C lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 8:04 on the P Zero Trofeo tyres – a new Alfa Romeo record – which were developed in less than a year of intense work between Pirelli and Alfa Romeo engineers. The car has the option of fitting 17” on the front and 18” on the back, or 18” on the front and 19” on the back.
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