Uniwheels reports that its ‘Thalassa’ rim has been selected as an original equipment fitment on the Volvo XC90. The Swedish four-wheel drive will receive a 20-inch diameter version of the lightweight, five twin-spoke alloy rim.
The 2014 Chevy Spark EV, now on sale in the US states of California and Oregon and scheduled for release into some European markets, Canada and South Korea, is being supplied with Bridgestone’s Ecopia EP150 tyres as original equipment. Bridgestone says the 140hp 119 combined miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) compact car is fitted with Ecopia EP150 tyres manufactured at its Hikone plant in Japan; size 185/55R15 82T tyres will be mounted on the front wheels and size 195/55R15 85T on the rear.
Kumho’s original equipment portfolio with major auto manufacturers has been expanded to include the recently revised Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The Korean tyre manufacturer will supply the new edition of the 4×4 with its Solus KL21 in size 265/60 R18 110H manufactured in the company’s Vietnam plant.
Pirelli has won the contract to supply original equipment tyres to the new Ducati 899 Panigale, launched at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. The Italian tyre supplier said that the launch of the younger sister of the 1199 Panigale represented a good opportunity for Pirelli to confirm its leadership in the top range segment, in addition to continuing the strong technological partnership with the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer.
The organisers of the Bologna Motor Show have announced that the 38th edition has been cancelled. According to GL events, the central reason was “the total lack of the car manufacturer,” which are of course absolutely key to the presentation of an automotive exhibition.
The new 63 registration plate boosted the car market for September, seeing it rise 12.1 per cent to hit 403,136 registrations, according to figures released by the SMMT. This made September 2013 the best performing month since March 2008 with the highest volume in 66 months. Private registrations have risen 16.7 per cent over year-to-date, helping the overall market rise 10.8 per cent. More than 1 in 7 new cars registered in the month is UK-built.
SMMT figures show that bus and coach registrations were up 13.5 per cent to 1,036 units in September. However, registrations for the overall bus and coach market remain down 12.8 per cent for the year-to-date.
With rises in the number of registrations of buses, coaches and cars in September, the commercial vehicle sector continued the good news, with total CV registrations performing strongly in the month, up 12.4 per cent to 49,197 units. This means the overall commercial vehicle market is up 8.1 per cent for the year-to-date, at 239,356 units.
The latest version of the most serious Mercedes-Benz 4×4 offering, the G-Class, is now fitted with Kumho’s Solus KL21 as original equipment. The Korean firm has begun supplying the Solus KL21 in size 265/60 R18 110H, adding another string to its Mercedes-Benz original equipment agreement bow.
Goodyear’s EfficientGrip and Vector4Seasons have been selected by Italian car manufacturer Fiat to fit its latest 500 models, including the 500C and the new 500L Trekking. The models will be supplied with tyres in size 195/45R16 84V. Fiat has selected Goodyear’s EfficientGrip for the 500 and 500C cabrio version, while the Fiat 500L Trekking will roll on the Vector4Seasons. The popular mini is available in more than 100 countries, with over 1.1 million cars produced since 2007.
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has shared details of its latest long-term supply contract. The company will provide new and retreaded tyres to Czech Republic carrier Travel Service Airlines’ fleet of 23 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, as well as to the four Boeing 737 Next Generation planes flown by its low-cost subsidiary SmartWings. The supply deal includes nose and main wheel tyres.
Uniwheels shares that it is supplying 20-inch alloy wheels to the latest BMW 6 Series M Sport Edition. The wheels are produced at the company’s Werdohl plant in Germany and are fitted to order on Coupé, Cabrio and Gran Coupé versions of the model.
British firm Trax JH Ltd, the second largest wheel balance weight manufacturer in Europe, has been selected to supply wheel weights for the new Ford Transit to be built in Kansas City, USA. Widely known in Europe, the Transit will be new to North America and is expected to be sold as the “T” series. The model will be launched in 2014.
Michelin’s tyre supply and co-development relationship with Porsche dates back to 1961, and this long joint history continues with the French manufacturer’s selection as sole tyre supplier to Porsche’s new hybrid supercar, the 918 Spyder. The 918-specific Sport Cup 2 will be fitted in size 265/35-ZR20 at the front and size 325/30-ZR21 on the rear.
YHI reports that its expanding Malaysia factory has gained some new OE deals including one with Proton as part of its strategy to grow its aftermarket and OEM businesses in Malaysia and wider region. According to YHI, the contract is to supply alloy wheels to Proton for its Satroa Meo R3, Global Small Cars and Saga FLX models. This order of alloy wheels will be manufactured at the Group’s Malaysia plant.
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