Nexen N’Fera Sport OE on Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz has approved the Nexen N’Fera Sport as an original equipment tyre for the latest E-Class. The 11th generation model will wear the Nexen tyre in size 225/55 R18 102Y XL.
Mercedes-Benz has approved the Nexen N’Fera Sport as an original equipment tyre for the latest E-Class. The 11th generation model will wear the Nexen tyre in size 225/55 R18 102Y XL.
In February, the EU experienced a surge in car sales, up by 10.1 per cent compared to last year, totalling 883,608 units. France and Italy led this growth with double digit increases (13 per cent and 12.8 per cent respectively), while Spain and Germany followed with solid single-digit growth (9.9 per cent and 5.4 per cent). Battery-electric cars maintained a stable market share of 12 per cent, with sales growing by 9 per cent to 106,187 units. Hybrid-electric cars saw a surge in sales by 24.7 per cent, totalling 255,511 units and capturing nearly 29 per cent of the market. Plug-in hybrid cars also experienced notable growth, now representing 7.3 per cent of the EU car sales.
The international automotive supplier Forvia Hella has received the John Deere Award in the sustainability category. The leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery honours Forvia Hella for its heat recovery system at the Großpetersdorf site in Austria. The system saves around 175,000 kilowatt hours of natural gas per year and therefore around 32,000 kilograms of CO2. The award was presented at the John Deere European Supplier Conference in March 2024 in Mannheim, Germany.
Pirelli is supplying a specially developed version of its P Zero tyre for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the manufacturer’s first high-performance electric car. Developed to meet the additional dynamic requirements of the sporty EV in a two-year collaboration, Pirelli and Hyundai tested the tuned P Zero on the demanding Nürburgring circuit to prove its performance in extreme driving conditions. The P Zero also offers performance, reliability, and comfort for everyday driving.
Peugeot has selected Michelin to exclusively equip Peugeot 3008 and E-3008 models sold in Europe. Depending on model and customer preferences, the vehicle manufacturer will fit the Michelin e.Primacy in size 235/50 R 20 104V, 235/55 R 19 105V, or 225/55 R 19 103V, or the Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV in 225/55 R 19 103 V or 235/55 R 19 105 V.
Introducing its ë-C3, Citroën invites us to “forget everything” we know about electric cars as this new model “challenges the rulebook” for European-designed and built B-segment vehicles. Citroën intends to debut the fourth generation C3 in the UK late in 2024, and may deliver cars with Goodyear tyres as standard. Citroën has selected the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 as an original equipment tyre for the new model.
UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 2.2 per cent in February to 17,934 units, marking 14 months of consecutive growth, according to the latest figures from the SMMT While February is traditionally a lower volume month, as many operators delay procurement until March for the new numberplate, the increase represents the best February performance since 1998.
The UK new car market has recorded its best February performance for two decades as registrations rose 14.0 per cent to 84,886 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
It was the 19th month of consecutive growth, which has primarily been driven by fleets investing in the latest vehicles. Indeed, fleets and businesses were responsible for the entirety of February’s increase, with registrations up 25.2 per cent and 15.5 per cent respectively. Private uptake continued to struggle, with a -2.6 per cent decline to record a 33.7 per cent market share. February is traditionally volatile as the lowest volume month of the year, with buyers often electing to wait until March and the new number plate.
Volkswagen is launching the latest versions of its Passat estate, which is known as the Variant in most markets, and has selected a range of Goodyear summer, all-season and winter tyres as original equipment. A Goodyear tyre is available for all applicable sizes on the new model.
Bridgestone has revealed four tyre trends to look out for as the automotive industry evolves with the rise of electric vehicles. The tyre manufacturer is a major tyre supplier for many of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers, holding a significant share of the OE market. It is designing and supplying more fitments for EVs than ever before. In the European OE market, Bridgestone’s team has shared four major trends it believes will have the biggest impact on an evolving automotive industry throughout 2024 and beyond.
UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 8.4 per cent with 23,962 vehicles joining businesses and company fleets across Britain during January, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The increase marks 13 consecutive months of growth and the highest January total since 2021, reflecting the growing role of vans in Britain’s economy, from local trades and deliveries to national retailers.
“With the final months of 2023 signalling a challenging time for motorcycle sales it is promising to see a turnaround as we enter 2024. It is encouraging to see these positive sales when we look at the current economic climate and the impact of the usual winter months.” says Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), commenting on the latest MCIA registration figures.
The BMW Group has selected Vredestein Ultrac summer tyres as original equipment for its BMW X2 and 5 Series models. It is also extending an existing supply agreement for the BMW X1 to encompass an additional Ultrac size option.
Suzuki Italy has revealed a special edition of its popular V-Strom model, featuring Dunlop Trailmax Raid tyres as part of a package of adventure-focused upgrades that aim to “evoke memories of Suzuki’s historic off-road prowess.”
Mercedes-Benz has a new E-Class, and Continental is supplying original equipment tyres. The tyre maker shared news of this OEM arrangement today, but the cat actually made its way out of the bag when Continental announced tyre supply to the new BMW 5 Series last December. Like its Munich-based rival’s car, the E-Class will wear Continental EcoContact 6 Q tyres, with seven dimensions approved for original equipment fitment. Mercedes-Benz has also homologated the WinterContact TS 860 S in five sizes.
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