News from the world’s largest tyre industry show, Reifen 2014, at Messe Essen, Germany
According to David Lewis, Mark Water Pumps Limited has always promoted OEM quality across its product range, and he considers the ’ProFlow’ range of automotive water pumps no exception. Mark Water Pumps acts as supplier to leading OEM manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin and Volvo; plant manager Lewis believes ProFlow products provide this “OEM quality and performance for the aftermarket.”
A quarter of all truck tyres currently sold in Europe are imported, and as the manufacturers of these products don’t operate production facilities within the region, the tyres aren’t reported in Europool. The extreme nervousness these truck tyre imports are causing some corners of the market can be seen in the European Commission’s anti-dumping proceedings against bus and truck tyres originating in China, which began last summer. Usually the free trade-specialised EU favours other technical or qualitative restrictions to entry into the European market, such as the EU tyre label or other standards, yet as figures from the ETRMA frighteningly illustrate, such measures have no effect on the pressure placed upon European retreading by cheap Far Eastern tyres.
When B&J Rocket first announced the development of new buffing blades at Reifen 2014, the talk was of “evolution.” B&J had developed a new manufacturing process that enabled the blades, whose external appearance remained almost unchanged, to work much more effectively. The individual teeth cut much more aggressively, faster and remain sharp for a longer period. This in turn reduces heat and smoke build-up and results in an overall longer service life for the blades.
Messe Essen’s Reifen show will be the epicentre of the global tyre industry from 24 to 27 May 2016. The event organiser has confirmed that the 20 largest tyre manufacturers in the world will be present, including key players such as Bridgestone, Continental, Cooper Tires, Goodyear, Falken Tyre Europe, Hankook, Maxxis, Michelin, Pirelli and Yokohama. The demand for stand space for workshop equipment providers is also growing, according to Messe Essen: Corghi, Rema Tip Top and Snap-on will all be amongst the exhibitors.
A trio of RT-5D sizes enjoying their global debut at the Intermat construction industry show in Paris complete Goodyear’s wheel loader range and fill the remaining gaps in application suitability. A total of five sizes of this level 250 (L5) traction OTR tyre for severe conditions (such as quarries, difficult industrial applications and recycling, open and underground mines) are available following the addition of the new 20.5R25, 23.5R25 and 26.5R25 tyres.
Dubai-based importer-exporter Zafco is to expand the reach of the Thai commercial vehicle tyre brand, Otani. The manufacturer was incorporated three decades ago with the aim of becoming a leading manufacturer of agricultural, off-the-road, and commercial bias tyres in Southeast Asia. Otani has since expanded its TBR range, and now has an eye on Europe, having displayed its 14-size Expero TBR range at Reifen 2014 on Zafco’s stand.
Goodyear’s latest OTR tyre, the RT-5D, has celebrated its original equipment debut with Volvo. The Swedish firm is fitting its L350F wheel loader with the level 250 (L5) severe service radial in size 875/65 R33. The RT-5D is also currently available in a 29.5R25 size, with further sizes to follow.
The time since Reifen 2014 can still be measured in weeks, but even now, Messe Essen reports that it has already firmly rented out around 60 per cent of the area in 2014 for Reifen 2016 on 24–27 May, 2016. The more than 150 exhibitors which have already registered include the following manufacturers (amongst others): Alligator, Giti Tire, Kraiburg, Kumho Tyre, Infinity Tyres, Marangoni, VMI and Yokohama. Moreover, the trading companies Bohnenkamp and Reiff have confirmed their participation in the world’s leading trade fair for the tyre sector.
Netherlands based Gaither Europe will exhibit its new 38-litre bead booster at this year’s Automechanika Show in Frankfurt (Hall 8 D04). Known as the ‘Bazooka Big Booster’, the model extends the Bead Bazooka range’s capabilities to even larger tyres, including the agricultural market.
Displayed at Reifen 2014, Stamford Tyres’ Nu Ice range offers the option of two individual patterns – the studless Nu Ice NTS-01 as well as the studdable Nu Ice XT-01.
It’s never easy to follow up a smash hit – just ask Gotye – but with more than seven million UltraGrip 8s shipped in Europe since 2011, Goodyear’s ninth generation winter tyre is following an all-time great. Travelling to Goodyear’s Innovation Centre Luxembourg earlier this year with dealers from across Europe, Tyres & Accessories got an exclusive preview of the new tyre, in addition to some insights from Xavier Fraipont, director technology consumer tyres EMEA, about the development process that has led to the UG 9.
German OTR tyre specialist Rösler has launched its Intread TPMS system. The system is the first OTR TPMS system with the ability to measure the tread depth and the belt temperature. Rösler exhibited the system at Reifen 2014.
Taiwanese manufacturer Federal marked its 60th anniversary with a gala party held in the Philharmonie Essen RWE Pavillon. Featuring its product range and long-serving and popular mascot Feddi at its Reifen 2014 stand, Federal’s diamond jubilee was described by chairman Jamie Ma as “just the beginning” in a speech given to business partners at the evening event.
Leading UK commercial vehicle tyre wholesaler Kings Road Tyres (KRT) launched its latest addition to a portfolio of exclusive TBR tyre brands at its Reifen 2014 stand. It will distribute the Jinyu manufactured Blacklion brand in the UK exclusively, with stocks available from the third quarter of 2014, KRT says.
Singapore’s Stamford Tyres introduced a new range of 4×4/SUV tyres, while its associated Stamford Sport Wheels company emphasised the availability of new colours in its wheel range. Stamford also announced the arrival of new truck tyre sizes in its 17.5” and 19.5” ranges towards the end of this year. Another key product for Stamford Tyres was the introduction of its Nu Ice winter range. Larry Lee, Stamford’s vice president – international distribution said plans are in progress to add new sizes for the 2015 winter season.
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