Pirelli has launched its fifth year of partnership with the GT Cup at Brands Hatch. Drivers used Pirelli’s intermediate tyres in damp conditions on the day, using the Indy circuit – the shortest configuration of the track – to test high-speed stability in fast corners such as Paddock Hill Bend and traction coming out of the slow hairpin at Druids. The GT Cup’s first round takes place at Donington Park from 28-29 April.
Pirelli has supplied its first MINI Challenge event at the MotorSport Vision Racing Media Day. Hosted by Brands Hatch on Tuesday, former MINI Challenge champion Lee Allen in a Pirelli-branded MINI John Cooper Works among others demonstrated the tyres to gathered media representatives. For the Challenge’s drivers, this was the first chance to try out the new Pirelli tyres, and thanks to damp morning conditions were able to sample both the Pirelli 225/625-17 WH wet tyre and the 225/625-17 DH slick tyre; the latter used as the track dried out in the afternoon. There are two classes within the MINI Challenge: the turbocharged JCW class and the Club class. The Pirelli RX5 15” intermediate tyre is also used for the less powerful Club class. The first round of the championship takes place at Silverstone on 14 April.
January 2012 saw the most cars manufactured in the UK for 16 months, a Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders statement has revealed. While car manufacturing rose 15.6 per cent to 127,382 compared with January 2011, commercial vehicle output fell by 1.2 per cent, reaching 9,844.
Infinity Tyres has helped to organise a tyre identification awareness training programme with Nigeria’s Custom Service in Lagos. Infinity said it had identified the Nigeria Customs Service as a suitable gateway for checking the authenticity and quality of tyres brought into the country in the interest of “improving safety” on the country’s roads.
Federal has announced that it will continue its motorsport activities through the supply of the 2012 RACEceiver US Legend Cars series, which runs from 19 February until 6 October. It has previously used its 595 ultra high performance tyre in the series in the 2010 and 2011 seasons. “Federal Tire has a lengthy and rich heritage in the leading motorsport categories across the world; we are proud and excited to enter the new chapter of such a promising partnership with US Legend Cars to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the fun and affordable racing series in which anyone can compete,” commented Taz Yeh, project manager of Federal Motorsports.
Westlake Tyres and the National Tyre Distributors Association have announced the venue for 2012’s Golf Day, which will take place on 2 August. The NTDA event, sponsored by Westlake for the second time, will take place at The Belfry Golf Club, host of four Ryder Cups, more than any other venue, and several European Tour events. Guests will play the championship Brabazon Course. Westlake and the NTDA say they want to make the event “an even greater success”, especially given that it will be held at what is one of the most famous Golf courses in the UK.
Automotive business group, The Parts Alliance used the event of National Apprentice Week (6-13 February) to call for the UK automotive aftermarket to increase its support of training and apprenticeships. “The best investment our industry can commit to, alongside the best equipment, is training,” said Mike Smallbone, The Parts Alliance, garage programme manager.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber has become the latest company to join The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), a collaboration between automotive manufacturers and suppliers and the US Environmental Protection Agency that aims to create new business-centred approaches to environmental protection; solutions that address green issues while providing value throughout the automotive supply chain.
With impeccable timing during the current cold snap, Pirelli and the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy have got together to help learner drivers become more aware of the risks of hazardous driving conditions.
Pirelli has supplied the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy’s fleet of A-Class cars with Pirelli Cold Weather tyres to help raise awareness of the importance of preparing your vehicle before the onset of wintery road conditions.
If you have no objections to having your driving behaviour constantly monitored, then prepare to be rewarded with a potentially lower insurance premium. Satnav company Tomtom has entered the insurance market through a partnership with insurance broker Motaquote and is providing the technology behind a new insurance product, Fair Play Insurance, which bases premiums on driving behaviour.
Transense sales subsidiary Translogik Limited reports that it has received an order from Bridgestone Brazil iProbe commercial tyre inspection tool. According to the company, Bridgestone began work on integrating the iProbe into its systems in April (see announcement dated 21 April 2011). This work is now complete and, following a successful field trial and positive feedback from Bridgestone's customers, it is anticipated that further orders will follow as part of an on-going deployment programme by Bridgestone.
Michelin has strengthened its relationship with Rockwell Automation with the signing of a four-year preferred supplier agreement. As per the agreement, Rockwell will supply tyre manufacturing automation and control equipment to Michelin facilities all over the world.
Sibur-Russian Tyres has announced the promotion of Dimitry Sokov to the role of chief executive officer. The chief operational officer’s appointment to the position takes effect 6 February. Sokov replaces Vadim Gurinov as chief executive officer; Gurinov now serves as chairman of the company’s Board of Directors.
Starting in the 2012 season, Hankook Tire will serve as exclusive tyre supplier to two Italian-organised events, the Superstars International Series touring car championship and the GTSprint International Series grand touring championship. The company will provide tyres to both series within the framework of what it calls a “long-term partnership.” The tyres to be used in both championships are the Ventus F200 slick and the Z207 rain tyre.
Wheel alignment equipment specialist, Pro-Align has made DCM Tyres in Shaftesbury its first ‘Alignment Centre of the Month’ winner for January 2012. The Hunter distributer says DCM has enjoyed a considerable month on month increase in turnover and profit generated from its HawkEye HD imaging aligner, installed five months ago when the Shaftesbury site opened. The retailer reports income of £4,000 from the machine in January alone.
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