Markus Bögner, COO and president, Falken Tyre Europe, has told Tyres & Accessories that the brand reached a “turning point” in 2018, marked by “strong sales in an increasingly competitive market, with volumes exceeding expectations.” He said that the “Falken brand has become a genuine player in the premium tyre field, with OE sales continuing to grow over the past two to three years, particularly with premium manufacturers.
Porsche has homologated the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS – the most race-focused member of the new Eagle F1 SuperSport range, for the 911 GT2 RS and Porsche 911 GT3 RS. This approval covers the sizes 265/35 ZR 20 (99Y) XL and 325/30 ZR 21 (108Y) XL. The homologated Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport RS tyres bear the Porsche N0 marking and will be sold through the Porsche dealer network.
Kumho has developed a 20-inch commercial vehicle tyre in 45 profile, a product it calls a world first. The manufacturer will supply the PorTran KC53 in size 245/45R20C 115/113R to Hyundai as original equipment on the Solati Limousine. The minibus was originally shod with 16 inch tyres, with a number of tyre manufacturers tasked with increasing the tyre size prior to Kumho satisfying the car manufacturer’s needs.
Toyota has chosen Hankook tyres as original equipment for the North American market 2020 Corolla. The new model, which went on sale in April, wears the Hankook Kinergy GT (pattern H436) in size 205/55R16 91H.
Kumho Tire has produced the world’s first 20-inch, 45 profile tyre for light commercial vehicles, and is supplying it as an original equipment fitment for the Hyundai H350 in global markets. Purchasers of the Hyundai van who select the Kumho tyre will receive the PorTran KC53 in size 245/45 R20 C 115/113R.
The latest generation Mazda 3 went on sale last week, and Yokohama Rubber shares that its Yokohama BluEarth-GT AE51 is an original equipment tyre on vehicles sold in all markets except North America. The Mazda 3 wears the BluEarth-GT AE51 in size 205/60 R16.
Manitou telescopic handlers have become the latest products to be equipped with Vredestein agri segment tyres as original equipment. From April, they can be delivered to customers fitted with tyres from the Vredestein Endurion radial agro-industrial range.
The Yokohama Avid GT has been selected as an original equipment tyre for the latest Toyota RAV4. The crossover, which was first launched in North America in 2018 prior to its release in Europe and other global markets this year. The fifth generation RAV4 will wear the Yokohama tyre in size 235/55R19 101V.
Falken has won original equipment approval from Porsche, demonstrating the increasing premiumisation of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ brand. Falken is supplying the current generation of the Porsche Macan with the SUV version of the Falken Azenis FK510 in sizes 235/60R18 and 255/55R18. The tyres are rated W for speed (up to 270 km/h) and have load indexes of 103 and 105 respectively.
Bahraini national airline Gulf Air has announced its selection of Michelin to equip every aircraft type within its fleet with tyres. Michelin’s supply to Gulf Air includes fitment on its new fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Airbus 320neo and Airbus 321neo planes.
Following a rigorous selection process, Michelin Air X radial aircraft tyres have been chosen for All Nippon Airways’ new Airbus A380 fleet.
Bridgestone says it is the number one tyre supplier to BMW, and reinforces this by announcing original equipment arrangements for the latest X5, 8 Series and 3 Series models.
Caterpillar Inc has approved the Maxam MS302 L3 tyre for use on specific Cat medium wheel loaders in size 23.5R25. The tyre is currently available as a factory fitment option on Cat 950GC, 950L, 950M, 962L, and 962M in certain regions. Additional Maxam MS302 tyre sizes have also been validated and approved for future factory fitment on additional Cat medium wheel loaders.
Kumho Tire reports that models of the BMW X3 manufactured at the BMW America plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina are being fitted with the Kumho Crugen HP91 as original equipment. The sport activity vehicle rides on the Crugen in size 245/50R19 105W; the tyres are manufactured at Kumho’s Gwangju plant in South Korea.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Europe has appointed René Delonge sales director, global OE light vehicle tyres. Delonge has many years of experience in the tyre industry, with previous positions at Apollo Vredestein and Hankook. Delonge will be responsible for overseeing and managing sales of original equipment (OE) motorcycle tyres, as well as global sales of OE light vehicle tyres. He will build relationships with OE manufacturers and grow Cooper’s business portfolio with global OE partners.
If you would like the latest news from the Chinese tyre industry in Chinese, visit our partner site TyrepressChina.com. Or click below to continue on Tyrepress.