KYB is to supply shock absorbers as original equipment for the new Lexus GS luxury sport saloon.
Hajime Sato, MD of KYB Europe, described the agreement with Lexus as “great news” and it is the latest in a series of global OE contracts with manufacturers such as Audi-VW group, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault and Toyota.
Bridgestone has launched what the company calls its “most technologically advanced general use tyre to date.” The new tyre will replace the original equipment B391 and B390 tyres, and the B330 Evo, which is sold purely in the replacement market. The move is designed to simplify the company’s range of general use tyres, increase brand recognition, and make the ordering process easier for dealers, the company said in a statement.
The new Renault Clio, which uses Bridgestone B250 tyres as original equipment, has been named Car of the Year 2006, beating-off stiff competition to win the prestigious title. The supermini has been redesigned with the striking new shape, a range of responsive engines and the comfortable, spacious and stylish interior clearly impressing the Europe-wide panel of judges.
Omitec has released a “comprehensive software update” for its OmiScan hand-held diagnostic tool. This Version 10 update includes updated Citroen and Peugeot applications covering engine management, ABS, Airbag and some Climate Control systems. In addition, Omitec has developed coverage for Renault TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) on Laguna II and login ECM and re-coding functions for VAG (Audi, Seat, Skoda and VW) control units.
As Kimi Raikonnen celebrates what he has described as one of his best victories ever, the FIA is said to be considering a U-turn on its policy of keeping to one set of tyres per race weekend. Despite starting back in 17th on the grid, Raikonnen powered to victory on the last lap of the Japanese Grand Prix. Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella and Fernando Alonso filled the remaining podium places. Once again, Michael Schumacher’s seventh place Ferrari was the only Bridgestone shod vehicle to score points.
Glanworth Tyres has been appointed as Kleber’s exclusive wholesaler in Ireland. It will distribute Kleber car and van tyres in what, the manufacturer claims, is one of the brand’s fastest growing markets and the sixth largest in Europe.
“The link between the largest tyre manufacturer in the world, the largest wholesaler in Ireland and some of the best tyre retailers around is sure to guarantee a successful future,” remarked sales director Estelle.
Kayaba, who claim to be the world’s largest supplier of OE shock absorbers, has further strengthened its relationship with Renault by supplying front and rear shocks for the new Clio. The shocks fitted to the front are struts, while twin tube shocks are fitted to the rear.
Mr Hajime Sato, MD of Kayaba Europe, said he was “delighted” to be continuing Kayaba’s relationship with Renault, adding: “Our on-going aim is to provide excellent levels of safety, comfort and handling to meet the needs of both the vehicle manufacturer and the motorist.”
Vellco has been short listed as one of three finalists by the York Evening Press as Environmental Business of the Year and will shortly be visited by an independent judging assessor at their headquarters in Weaverthorpe, North Yorkshire. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the Voltigeur Suite at York racecourse on 17 November.
Spark plug manufacturer, NGK Spark Plugs, has launched six new spark plugs, all of which have been fitted as original equipment, to meet aftermarket demand.
Kimi Raikkonen has won the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix, beating championship leader, Fernando Alonso, into second position. Meanwhile reports that Michael Schumacher is considering a move to McLaren have emerged in the German press.
(Akron/Tire Review) Hankook Tire Corp. has earned an optional equipment position on the 2006 Saturn Ion. The South Korea tyre manufacturer will supply Hankook H725A tyres in size P205/55R16H to GM for the vehicle. Hankook CEO Choong-hwan Cho said the new OE contract “has not only brought recognition of Hankook Tire’s technology within the advanced auto market, but will also result in a significant boost to exports and overseas brand recognition.”
The new deal with GM pushes Hankook’s non-domestic OE business past $100 million annually, the company said. Hankook currently supplies tyres to Ford, Volkswagen, Renault, Daihatsu and Mitsubishi, among others. Hankook’s overseas OE business will rise to 10 per cent of its total exports, the company said.
Tyre giant Hankook has this week unveiled plans to compete at the very highest levels – starting with Wales Rally GB.
The company has joined forces with Warwick-based Silverline Motorsport to offer a dedicated motorsport service for rallying and racing in the UK.
And to launch the new venture in style, Hankook Motorsports has entered three drivers into three different classes in the British round of the World Rally Championship.
The 2005 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro has a new sport suspension, electric power steering and Dunlop ultra-performance tyres – the latter of which have been praised by Car and Driver magazine in its recent tests. The magazine drove the optional sport package and reviewed the car’s tyres, 235/45ZR17 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, on two fronts; comfort level and steering response.
Renault F1’s executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, has spoken of his confidence that Michelin can provide the tyres that will help the team win at the German Grand Prix.
The FIA senate has recommended that the World Motor Sport Council reverses the guilty verdict it imposed on seven Formula One teams following the US Grand Prix. It is anticipated that this recommendation will be put to the World Motor Sport Council by means of a fax vote in the next few days.
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.
