The fifth-generation Subaru Impreza, which launched in Japan on 25 October, will be fitted with Yokohama tyres as original equipment in a number of markets. Yokohama Rubber shares that it is supplying Fuji Heavy Industries two different tyre lines for fitment on cars sold in Japan, North America and Australia.
Maserati has selected Bridgestone tyres for the new Levante, the brand’s first-ever SUV. The all-wheel-drive SUV began leaving the company’s Mirafiori plant near Turin in May 2016, fitted with Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport tyres in size 255/60 R18 108W. Tyres supplied to Maserati will wear the initials ‘MGT’ on the sidewall to indicate the manufacturer’s approval of the Dueler H/P Sport as original equipment on its vehicles.
Hankook Tire reports that its Sealguard anti-puncture technology is now being applied to its winter tyres. For the upcoming season, certain original equipment fitments – the Volkswagen Passat and Touran are two models Hankook specifically names – will receive i*cept evo tyres containing the sealing material, which can seal tread punctures up to 5mm in diameter.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. has begun supplying its Falken Sincera SN250 A/S to Volkswagen AG for use as a factory standard tyre on its Golf Alltrack, which goes on sale in North America this autumn.
Schmitz Cargobull trailers have rolled out the factory on Hankook-supplied tyres since 2013, and the two companies began collaborating in full-service business early last year after signing a further agreement covering the European market. During the IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Germany last month, Hankook Tire and Schmitz Cargobull signed a new agreement that extends their cooperation until 2019.
On 10 and 11 October, a team from Volkswagen Group evaluated Shandong Linglong Tire co. Ltd.’s suitability as an original equipment supplier. The Chinese tyre maker reports that it has passed this audit, and in doing so comes one step closer to having its tyres fitted on Volkswagen vehicles manufactured in China. At present, no tyres produced by domestic Chinese tyre makers come with Volkswagen cars as original equipment.
A number of the most eagerly-awaited cars debuting at the Paris Motor Show this month wear Pirelli rubber as original equipment, the Italian manufacturer reports. Pirelli tyres can be seen on two new Ferrari models and on the latest Audi Q5, Porsche Panamera and Land Rover Discovery. The latter three benefit from the Pirelli Noise Cancelling System, a sound-soaking sponge within the tyre that reduces tyre noise by two to three decibels – an amount equivalent to around half of all cabin noise.
Lexus has introduced its Lexus UX concept car, fitted with Goodyear Urban Crossover concept tyres, at the Paris Motor Show 2016. The car is matched with special tyres, showcasing the cooperation between the two companies.
The RFT (Run-Flat Technology) versions of two Bridgestone tyre models have been selected as original equipment fitments on the new Alfa Romeo Giulia. Bridgestone Europe reports that the Guilia will be available with the Potenza S001 in an all-round size 225/50 R17 94W fitment or in size 225/40 R19 89Y for the front wheels and 255/35 R19 92Y for the rear. The run-flat Turanza EL450 all-season tyre will be available in two dimensions, 225/50R17 94V and 225/45R18 91W. All tyres will be marked with the letters ‘AR’ on the sidewall to denote they are original equipment products.
In addition to unveiling several new products, Hankook Tire’s big news from the IAA Commercial Vehicles show is its approval by Scania as an original equipment tyre supplier. As of November, Hankook Tire will supply 18 tyre dimensions to all Scania truck and bus models produced in Europe. According to Stefan Brückner, Hankook OE account manager Europe, 11 of these 22.5 inch dimensions will be for the important long haul segment, and the other seven for regional haul applications.
The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2 has been selected as an original equipment tyre for the Mini Clubman. The latest model Clubman will be available with the Dunlop UHP tyre in size 225/45R17 94W XL, with its original equipment approval denoted by a ‘*’ marking on the sidewall.
Starco is supplying wheels designed to withstand high water tank loads and speeds of up to 140 km/h for the Panther range of airport fire trucks. The family-owned manufacturer, Rosenbauer has been a Starco customer since January 2015, and is represented through its high-end, speciality product in more than 100 countries.
Hankook Tire extends its sympathies to the family of Peter Großklaus following his sudden and unexpected death on 5 August. Großklaus served as director of Hankook’s original equipment passenger car tyre business in Europe and had worked for the tyre maker since 2006.
First Line has become one of British sports car manufacturer Zenos’ original equipment (OE) supply partners. Following the sports car manufacturer’s business ethos of building a British car using British suppliers, Zenos fits a range of First Line’s premium products to all their models, including Borg & Beck’s Becktec braking, First Line’s steering and suspension components and a bespoke handbrake cable.
The new Giulia Quadrifoglio is, as evo magazine puts it, the car that “could potentially re-launch” Alfa Romeo. The saloon can sprint from 62mph in just 3.9 seconds and its 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 sends a healthy 503bhp to the rear wheels. This power comes in contact with the road through Pirelli tyres – the P Zero Corsa has been selected as the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s original equipment fitment.
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