Tyres can’t function without this critical raw material. Whether its natural or synthetic rubber you are interested in, articles bearing this tag feature this indispensable polymer.
Chelmsford-based Lodge Coaches has become the first operator in the UK to fit Michelin’s new X Coach tyres to a vehicle in its fleet. The X Coach 295/80 R22.5 X Coach XD tyres incorporate elements of Michelin Durable Technologies – the name given to three new patented technologies which have allowed Michelin to develop a self-regenerating tread pattern and to make advances in tyre architecture.
Tyre recycler Rubber-Regen LLP has become the first company to sign up for support through the Recycling Commercialisation Centre, the facility established by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) to support and accelerate the growth and development of early stage technologies in the recycling sector.
Indian tyre major MRF has raised the prices of truck tyres and some other tyre sizes in an attempt to offset the impact of high rubber prices, but a senior company official has indicated that this increase is still not sufficient. Prices will rise by one per cent, but the company reportedly may again increase prices at the end of February, following the presentation of India’s federal budget.
A prominent motoring safety group in the US has voiced concerns about the number of used tyres sold throughout the country each year and the unregulated nature of used tyre sales.
The group, Safety Research & Strategies, say that used tyres are often repaired, repainted or patched before sale, making it difficult for purchasers to get an accurate idea of their safety, and such tyres are the cause of countless accidents every year. “Without self-policing and a more transparent business model, used tyres sellers are courting disaster,” said Sean Kane, the organisation’s president. “Regulators should examine how to ensure consumers are getting safe tyres.”
Sibur-Russian Tyres has instigated the formation of a subcommittee, subordinate to the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s committee on entrepreneurship in the automotive industry, to focus upon the development of Russia’s tyre and rubber industry. The aim of this subcommittee is to facilitate the consolidation of Russian tyremakers in order to protect their interests at the governmental level.
Through its Trelleborg Engineered Systems business area, Trelleborg has signed an agreement to acquire Swedish company Gummiteknik GTM AB, with approximately 30 employees and annual sales of about £2.6 million. Gummiteknik is privately owned and is based in Bålsta, on the outskirts of Stockholm.
The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) has announced that its headquarters will be moving to Singapore before the end of June 2008. In the future the IRSG Secretariat will be situated at the Peninsula Plaza, Coleman Street, Singapore, according to reports.
(Akron/Tire Review) When life hands you lemons, make lemonade, so the old saying goes. For Yokohama Rubber Co., citrus oil may hold the key to reducing petroleum content in its tyres, reducing production costs and reducing impacts on the environment. The company says its has developed a process that combines citrus oil with natural rubber to form a new compound, which it calls Super Nanopower Rubber (SNR), that cuts the use of petroleum products in tires by 80 per cent.
Bibendum, Michelin’s iconic rubber ringed logo, must have joined a slimming club after Christmas because, according to Michelin UK marketing manager, Thierry Rudloff, future images of him will depict him as a shadow of his former sell. In years gone by Bib was depicted as a roly-poly, cigarette smoking, glass eating character. But no more. When Michelin launches a new multi-million-pound marketing campaign next month Bidendum’s image will be ‘refreshed.’
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The Chief Executives from leading tyre companies in North America, Japan, Korea and Europe met on 9th February in Los Angeles, to review progress and set a forward-looking agenda for their global research program dealing with potential environmental and health impacts of their products.
An owner driver with a 610 hp Volvo 6×2 tractor unit says he has experienced the benefits of regrooving his Michelin tyres at first hand by recording the changes in fuel economy via his on-board fuel monitoring system. Tom Hobbs, who lives near Bath, saw his fuel consumption decrease from 6.5mpg to 6mpg overnight, having switched from regrooved Michelin tyres to a set of brand new tyres.
Data from Chinese National Bureau of Statistics reveals 2005 witnessed a sustainable and steady growth in the tyre industry. The data, quoted in a paper recently published by research and markets, reports that output reached 283 million units, up 18.7 per cent over 2004. Sales revenue totalled more than 80 billion yuan (£5.2 billion).
With environmental concerns at the top of everyone’s agenda along with spiralling oil prices, the stage was set for the launch of the Toyo 350; a tyre that provides low fuel consumption and long life. Toyo’s cutting edge computer simulation technology has endowed the 350 with extremely low rolling resistance, reducing a car’s fuel consumption. This reduced rolling resistance also has beneficial effects on tyre life, meaning double savings for drivers as well as reducing their car’s carbon footprint.
Giti Tire, a large-scale tyre manufacturer based in China and headquartered in Singapore, has joined the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG). Giti, with businesses in many parts of the world, is presently exporting its tyres to more than 80 countries. Lion Copolymer L.L.C., reputed to be one of the largest SBR producers in the US, has also joined the IRSG.
Japanese tyre manufacturer Yokohama has recently been chosen to supply OE fitment tyres on three new models. The latest additions to the Yokohama portfolio include high performance, upgrade and off-road applications.
The new Honda Legend comes wearing Yokohama’s flagship tyre, the ADVAN Sport. The Legend is Honda’s flagship luxury saloon and features permanent four wheel-drive, a 291bhp V6 VTEC engine and a host of safety features, such as emergency braking radar and lane changing assistance. The Legend is fitted with 235/50R17 100W Yokohama ADVAN Sport V103 tyres, providing high levels of grip and response.
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