The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced a new aviation tyre supply deal, continuing its original equipment range expansion in the industry. Brazil-based Embraer Defense and Security has selected the tyre manufacturer to equip its KC-390 twin-engine, jet-powered military airlifter and tanker with Goodyear military aviation tyres.
In recent times run-flat champion BMW has spurned this particular sort of tyre for a number of entry-level models, and now it is offering its 316d to 320d and 316i to 320i with standard tyres. Hankook has been selected as a supplier for this more affordable end of the range; its Ventus S1 evo² has will be fitted in size 205/60 R16 W as original equipment. Following on from the Mini and the 1-Series, the new 3-Series is the third BMW Group model to be fitted with the Korean manufacturer’s tyres.
Nexen Tire has announced that it has been selected as original equipment (OE) manufacturer by Fiat. Under the agreement, Nexen will supply tyres for Fiat's Multipla model range, scheduled for production from March 2013, as well as Fiat's Doblo light commercial vehicle (from 2014).
"The increase in retail car sales highlights the early signs of a more stable market" said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s new car registration figures.
New car sales figures show month on month sales were up 1.8 per cent compared to March last year. Private registrations showed one of the best monthly increases in the past two years, up 7.4 per cent in March.
After winning the "Car of the Year 2012" award, the Vauxhall/Opel Ampera has now also won the 13th International Monte Carlo Rally for electric and alternative propulsion cars.
Four Amperas ranked among the top 10 vehicles. The French duo Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert managed to beat the entire competitive field. On Sunday, the final day of the contest, the revolutionary electric vehicle reached the finish line in the capital of the Côte d'Azur principality.
Under a newly-announced original equipment supply agreement, Hankook Tire will supply Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) with tyres for its Freightliner Cascadia and Coronado models, starting in May 2012. The two flagship Freightliner trucks will be equipped with Hankook Tire’s AL11 steer and DL11 drive tyres, the tyre maker stated during the 2012 Mid-America Trucking Show.
Russian car maker AvtoVAZ, manufacturer of the Lada brand, has announced its entry into a three-year strategic partnership agreement with tyre maker Nizhnekamskshina. The deal was signed by Damir Kashapov, vice-president of procurements at AvtoVAZ and Nail Maganov, first deputy general director of Nizhnekamskshina’s parent company OAO Tatneft; it provides for delivery of up to nine million tyres from 2012 to 2014.
"Vehicle manufacturers must comply with European legislation and make their technical information available to independent garages" said Stuart James, Independent Garage Association (IGA) Director, speaking to fleet operators at the BVRLA Technical and Operational Management Forum.
Europe's new car sales decline by 9.5 per cent in February, and 8.1per cent Year-to-Date compared to last year. According to the latest analysis from leading provider of automotive intelligence JATO Dynamics, the European new car market continues to suffer, as economic uncertainty kept customers out of showrooms in February.
Goodyear’s Eagle F1 SupercarG:2 has been selected by General Motors as an original equipment fitment for the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Goodyear said the tyres – size 285/35ZR20 for the front and 305/35ZR20 for the rear – have been optimised specifically for the 6.2 litre, 580hp V8 to “yield outstanding handling while maintaining excellent street tyre performance for wet handling, tread wear, low noise and rolling resistance.”
Toyo has announced a new original equipment deal in the US, where its all-season A23 tyre has been selected for the Grand Touring model of the 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV. The Toyo A23 will be supplied in size 225/55 R19.
The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures show sales overall were up 1.4 per cent against February 2011. Under 50cc scooter sales were down 15.8 per cent in February, while over 50cc motorcycle sales have increased six per cent.
"February 2012 sales figures saw a dip in the overall commercial vehicle market after a period of strong recovery in 2011. While truck registrations continued to rise, up 26.4 per cent in February, van registrations fell by 26.4 per cent" said Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association which represents commercial vehicle and franchised car retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT's van and truck registration figures.
Mercedes-Benz UK has maintained its record 4.8 per cent market share in February and year to date (YTD), according to figures from SMMT. February 2012's new car registrations showed an 11.0 per cent increase for Mercedes-Benz, to 2933 new cars. The year to date figure of 9,182 vehicles is a rise of 17.2 per cent, compared with the first two months of 2011. During the same period the overall new car market was down 0.7 per cent.
The total bus and coach sector grew significantly in February to 519 registrations, up 73.6 per cent, with the year-to-date up 39.9 per cent, says the SMMT. Registrations of purpose-built buses and coaches rose 121.7 per cent in the month and 72.6 per cent for the first two months of 2012. Converted bus registrations were up 32.3 per cent in February, and 8.7 per cent for the year-to-date.
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