Titan signs Caterpillar OEM deal
Titan Tire Corporation has entered into a three-year supply contract with earth moving machinery manufacturer Caterpillar. The tyre supply agreement begins this year and is valued at more than US$100 million.
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Electric car sales sluggish
NewsA report in the UK press says that there are more charging points for electric cars in the UK than there are actual vehicles on the road.
Chinese OEMs aiming for UK debut in 2012
NewsWith the first Chinese brand models set for sale in the UK and various European markets by the end of 2012, Chinese tyre manufacturers with OE-supply deals in their homeland could begin to see a very small amount of pull-through.
While some Chinese cars such as the Shanghai Automotive-owned MG brand are already driving on British roads under local monikers, Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd’s Emgrand EC7 family hatchback and saloon will be something of a first when it goes on sale in the UK. Geely, which is currently mid-way through a UK dealer recruitment programme targeting 40 dealers, appears to be trying to do what Hyundai and Kia have done in recent years and build a position quickly from scratch by offering “good quality, really good value for money and a long warranty.”
2011 a record year for Rolls-Royce
NewsWe are told that we are living in an age of austerity and belt-tightening, but this has not stopped Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announcing that 2011 was a record year for sales of the luxury marque. 3,538 cars were sold globally during the year, a 31per cent increase on the 2010 total of 2,711 cars. The figure represents the best sales result in the company's 107-year history; the previous record of 3,347 cars having been set in 1978 during the Silver Shadow II era.
VW sales pass eight million
NewsGood news from the Volkswagen Group at the Detroit Motor Show, when it announced that global vehicle sales rose above 8m for the first time last year, passing Toyota and moving closer to expected number one General Motors.
Range Rover Evoque wins Detroit accolade
NewsThe Range Rover Evoque has been named the 2012 North American Truck of the Year. The announcement, which was made at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, saw the Evoque triumph over tough competition from the BMW X3 and the Honda CR-V. The judging panel of senior US automotive journalists chose the Evoque as the winner after reviewing it against its competitors in six key categories: value for the dollar, innovation, handling, performance, safety and driver satisfaction.
Goodyear OE on ‘Super Bee’
NewsGoodyear has given word that its Eagle F1 Supercar has been selected as original equipment on the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee, which will begin arriving at dealers in the US early next year. In announcing the tyre’s supply, Goodyear commented that the “ultra-performance tread compound on Goodyear's Eagle F1 Supercar tyre helps provide exceptional dry traction and cornering grip to the 470-horsepower automobile.” Goodyear has not given specifics on tyre dimensions.
Hankook OE on Toyota iQ
NewsHankook Tire America reports its selection as an original equipment fitment on Toyota’s iQ micro car, the company’s first deal with the Japanese car maker. Hankook Tire says that after “successfully satisfied Toyota's testing, tuning and customising process criterion” it will supply size 175/65R15 84S for the iQ; the tyre maker has not specified which specific Hankook tyre range will be fitted to the Toyota.
Hankook secures first BMW OE with Ventus Prime²
NewsBMW has selected Hankook’s Ventus Prime² for several of its 1 Series models. The Hankook tyre will be fitted to the 116i, 118i, 116d and 118d in size 195/55 R16V. The upmarket 120d will also receive the Ventus Prime², in size 205/55 R 16W. The 1 Series fitment is Hankook’s first OEM deal with the German vehicle manufacturer.
Porsche fits 19” Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 to new 911
NewsGoodyear has announced that its Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tyre will be fitted as original equipment to Porsche’s new 911 Carrera 2. The tyre, which recently won the Auto Express 2011 tyre test, will be supplied in the sizes 235/40ZR 19 (front) and 285/35ZR 19 (rear). Goodyear remarks that tyre choice on the new 911 is vital, due to its rear engine configuration. The traction improvements yielded require the rear tyres to transfer 350 break horsepower to the tarmac; Goodyear says its Eagle F1A2 will meet this need through its “solid performance and quality credentials”.
Bridgestone OE on mini Aston
NewsToyota has fitted the Bridgestone B250 Ecopia to its IQ for a couple of years now, and now the tyre has been selected as original equipment on a vehicle that bears more than a passing resemblance to the pint-sized city car. Bridgestone has started supplying the B250 Ecopia as standard equipment for the Aston Martin Cygnet, launched in Europe in September 2011. Each and every Cygnet sold will be delivered with Bridgestone B250 Ecopia tyres in size 175/60 R16.
Tremcar chooses Aeolus as OEM supplier
NewsAeolus has been selected as an original equipment supplier to tank trailer manufacturer Tremcar. The Canada-based company has decided replace its existing OEM tyre brand with Aeolus tyres at its three Canadian manufacturing facilities; Aeolus will supply a variety of products, mixed-service tyres, all-position tyres and rib tyres.
Yokohama OE on two further Mercedes models
NewsMercedes-Benz has selected Yokohama tyres as original equipment for two additional models. The Japanese tyre maker’s C.drive2 AC02 MO tyres, which is based upon its export market C.drive2 high-performance comfort tyre, will be fitted in sizes 205/55R16 91H, 205/55R16 91V and 225/45R17 91V to Mercedes A- and B-class models. In addition to these two recent homologations, Yokohama already supplies original equipment tyres for a range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the G class, CL-class AMG, ML-class AMG, C class, C-class AMG, CLS class and SLK Class.
22-inch Goodyear Eagles OE on luxury electric car
NewsUS specialist vehicle manufacturer Fisker describes its first-ever model, the Karma, as being “the first true electric luxury vehicle with extended range” and the “embodiment of an environmentally conscious vehicle with passion, style and performance.” Along with boasting a solar panel roof and reclaimed wood interior, the Karma sets itself apart from other cars by having 22-inch wheels fitted as standard equipment. And wrapped around these massive rims are Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres.
Bridgestone run-flat tyres OE on top marques
NewsAlongside the introduction of the Run-Flat version of its flagship Potenza S001 UHP sport tyre, Bridgestone announced a run of OE fitments on some of the best known marques. Available in 4 40 to 55 series sizes, Bridgestone Run-Flat Tyres are now fitted right across the BMW and Mini range in Europe, in addition to a large number of models from Audi, Mercedes, Lexus and Volkswagen. Many top sports cars are also equipped with Bridgestone Run-Flats, including Ferrari and Maserati models.
