A study across 10 major UK cities, quoted on the IAAF e-bulletin, revealed that some 10.1 per cent of vehicles checked in were found to have a failed headlight, sidelight, rear or brake-light; a proportion equating to some 2.6 million vehicles on UK roads right now.
The scale of the problem is also reflected in MOT failure rates with 1.16 million cars tested in 2012 falling short of required standards because of the condition of their lights.
Exclusive tyre supplier to Formula One, Pirelli has issued a response to a deleted tweet by the Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg following a high-speed tyre failure in Bahrain. The manufacturer explained that there were “a number of prototypes, which were completely innovative in terms of structure and compounds” as part of its development plans for the 2014 tyre range.
Indian action film Dhoom3 will be released later this week and is said to be one of the most expensive films ever to come out of Bollywood. The sequel features plenty of motorcycle action, including a chase scene set in Chicago. Seizing the marketing opportunities this presents, Ceat Ltd has acquired the license from Yash Raj Films to produce a branded tyre – the first H-rated motorcycle tyre from an Indian manufacturer.
During the course of the recent Agritechnica event, Alliance Tire Group launched the 396MPT – an all-steel high-speed radial floatation tyre. Capable of speeds up to 100 km/h, the latest product is described as “revolutionary technology” by Alliance owing to its high floatation, traction, speed, stability and comfort characteristics. Indeed, according to the company, “this new approach provides a performance combination that was not possible before.”
Continental has been named an ‘Excellent Development Partner’ by Tesla Motors, the US-based electric vehicle manufacturer. The acknowledgement from Tesla was given as a result of Continental’s collaboration and development of specialty tyres for Tesla’s Model S electric saloon. The tyre maker announced in August that it was supplying its ExtremeContact in size 245/35 R21 for the 21-inch rim Model S option sold in North America; now Conti reports that for global markets it has developed an XL version of its ContiSportContact 5 summer tyre in size 245/35 R 21 XL 96 W.
Car enthusiasts looking for a car that’s big on style and perfect for London’s busiest roads should head for the Regent Street Motor Show on November 2. One of the stars of the day will be the world’s smallest ever production car, the Peel P50, as driven by Jeremy Clarkson on BBC’s Top Gear.
Bridgestone has entered into a deal to supply tyres for Mercedes-Benz’s Driving Events, the outfit in charge of all driver training and driving experiences at the German car maker. A range of tyres from the Potenza, Turanza, Dueler and Blizzak ranges will be fitted to the full range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles used during all 36 Mercedes-Benz driving events.
The various local Vredestein Facebook pages were recently merged into a single global account in order to give the company’s products better international exposure, and Vredestein reports gaining more than 10,000 fans within the space of four weeks as a result. The new global page can be found at www.facebook.com/Vredestein.
Hamilton and East Lothian’s R&J Strang Tyre Services is introducing Cam Systems’ Cameo and UniSerV platforms in July. The company, which supplies car, truck, earthmover and specialist tyres, is aiming to streamline its job sheet processing, while managing its truck casings “from cradle to grave” via UniSerV’s Integrated Casing Management module. R&J Strang also wants to exert greater control over products and pricing via the Online Tyre Catalogue, while simplifying its stock management and invoicing processes.
Cooper Tire has replaced its mid-range Lifeliner GLS in the US with a new model, the CS3 Touring. The new all-season tyre is available in T, H and V speed ratings, and sizes designed for highway and urban driving in today's modern passenger car and crossover vehicles. Cooper says the launch of the CS3 in combination with its current premium CS4 Touring tyre “offers a wide breath of sizes and feature options, giving appropriate choices for each consumer.”
The observation that trends regarding tyre size and speed rating have been tracing an upward trajectory for some time is nothing new, but the clear focus of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers on higher than high performance segments in Europe has perhaps never been so pronounced. Chasing improved profit margins with increased technology is always attractive to those with the capability and the incongruously strong luxury car market has provided an additional reason for migrating business focus from V-rated and 17” tyres into WYZ and 18”-plus territory, according to Automotive market research company GfK.
Kumho has launched a new super ultra high performance, or S-UHP, tyre aimed at cars with a 500hp or higher output. The Ecsta PS91, which recently enjoyed its global debut at the Shanghai International Circuit, is said to incorporate Kumho’s motorsport experience. This reportedly facilitated a marked improvement in high-speed driving safety and cornering. The Korean tyre maker states the Ecsta PS91 delivers “enhanced grip, braking ability, high-speed durability and uniform ride qualities.”
Shane “Shakey” Byrne rode his Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki to two victories over Tyco Suzuki’s Josh Brookes this weekend at Knockhil, as British Superbike tyre supplier Pirelli ran its new for 2013 SC1 Diablo Superbike rear tyre. In qualifying with a 48.333 second lap for pole position Byrne beat his young rival Brookes by just 0.010 seconds. Brookes managed to set the fastest race lap too, at 48.769 seconds, and Pirelli has pointed out that this was achieved on the new SC1 rear tyre on the penultimate 29th lap – a statistic that speaks highly of the tyre’s durable performance.
Michelin has launched its new Stealth and Rainforce ranges of windscreen wiper blades, which together offer replacement fitments for approximately 95 per cent of the cars on UK roads.
Competing in its 125th anniversary year, Dunlop tyres have had another successful week at the Isle of Man TT. 14 out of 15 podium places used its tyres and three lap records were set in the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes respectively.
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.