The PCL Accura 1 inflator, launched at this year’s Automechanika, has passed the compulsory German test for digital inflation equipment. The PTB (Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt), sets standards for all gauge, calibration and metrology products used in Germany and only those which pass its rigorous tests for accuracy, safety and reliability are legally authorised for use.
The BSI has landed itself in hot water with the OFT by claiming the Office of Fair Trading will begin closing down garages from January for inadequate repairs. The OFT was responding to a media statement issued by BSI and headed “OFT warns garages can be shut down from January 2007”. It said that the organisation will begin inspections “with a view to taking prompt action and enforcing legislation on the industry when the NCC’s supercomplaint happens in 2007”.
Following the success of the QuickSilver stainless steel ‘SuperSport’ exhaust system for the Range Rover Sport V8 SuperCharged, the engineering team at QuickSilver has introduced another exciting tailpipe design. The new tip shape is oval (150x80mm) and fits into the existing space in the rear valance. They are mirror polished and made from the finest quality stainless steel, are 10kgs lighter than standard and are a bolt-on fitment. The new exhaust system allows the speed and volume of the exhaust gas flow to be increased, producing a noticeable improvement in throttle response.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire announced that it has signed two OE medium truck tyre deals – one with Mack and another with Volvo. Both deals kick in 1 October, and will see Bridgestone brand tyres come as standard equipment on all Mack and Volvo tractors.
Kwik-Fit has appointed Paul House as trading director responsible for the company’s commercial, buying and supply chain activities. He reports directly to CEO, Ian Fraser. Paul House’s initial focus will be to develop new trading strategies for the UK business and to leverage buying synergies amongst other Kwik-Fit Group companies. He will also be tasked with extracting greater value from the company’s supply chain.
Established in 1986, the last 20 years have seen Summit grow into an established specialist industrial tyre and wheel importer. The company offers a nationwide wholesale service where 72-hour delivery is available as standard using the firm’s own delivery vehicles wherever possible. Overnight and timed deliveries are also available.
Workwear manufacturer, Dickies, has launched a new range of high visibility clothing designed specifically for the vehicle rescue and recovery industry. In distinctive high visibility orange and navy all the garments feature regulation 5cm reflective strips and are fitted with a number features intended to assist those working in this tough occupation. For example the Recovery Poly/Cotton Trousers are fitted with multi-entry cargo pockets complete with a pocket for a mobile phone and radio. Kneepad pouches that will take flexible cushioned kneepads are also fitted to relieve the discomfort of working in a kneeling position on hard road surfaces. Combining regulation safety and detailed construction, this range of high visibility garments offers comfort, durability and protection when working at roadside.
A new product from Tech-Tronics could prove to be a boon to mechanics and those providing breakdown cover as the winter nights draw in. The Smartlight is a fully-adjustable, remote controlled 100w halogen lamp and, according to Tech-Tronics, it is more versatile than standard spotlights. For example, a mechanic working on a breakdown can adjust the beam towards where he is working, simply by using the remote control from where he is standing. The range of the remote control is 60-100m and the Smartlight features a flashing and scanning facility and it has a magnetic base and a bolt-on bracket, so you can choose how to secure it.
In response to customer and market demand, Alcoa Wheel Products will exhibit its new WorkHorse wheel for European construction vehicles with disc brakes. More specifically, this new wheel was designed with no ventilation holes to help protect the drive/front axle disc brakes from sand and gravel. Alcoa believes this new design will provide its customers with added value through the reduction of maintenance costs, increased brake life, and improved performance. This wheel is already approved and available on DaimlerChrysler construction vehicles.
Michelin has launched a new size of its run-flat Primacy HP ZP (Zero Pressure) tyre which is suitable for fitment to the Mini. The 195/55 R 16 87H size is said to be available now and a V rated version will be available in August.
(Akron/Tire Review) Volkswagen has selected the Goodyear Eagle LS-2 in size 235/45R17 for standard fitment on the new VW Eos, which will go on sale in the US late this year. The Eos will be available in the US with a 200-horsepower, 2.0-litre turbo four cylinder model and and a 250-horsepower 3.2-litre V6.
(Akron/Tire Review) Standard & Poor’s has dropped Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. from its S&P 500 index. The Findlay, Ohio, tyremaker will be replaced by telecommunications firm Windstream Corp. According to S&P, Cooper was the smallest member of the 500 in terms of market capitalization. In November 1999, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. was cut from the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which considers the performance of 30 stocks.
(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tyres have been selected as original equipment for the 2007 Toyota Yaris, it was announced by Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT). Sixes will be P185/60 R15 84T for the “sport themed” Yaris S sedan and P175/65 R14 81S for the Yaris Liftback. The Liftback and standard sedan models will offer size P185/60 R15 as an option. “For more than two years, Bridgestone engineers have worked closely with Toyota to produce a tyre that complements the refinement, sophistication and fun-to-drive experience the Yaris brings to the US subcompact market, while still adhering to Toyota’s exacting OE standards. The result is this specifically tuned RE92 tyre,” said Michael Martini, president of the oe consumer tire division at BFNAT.
Standard & Poor’s Equity Research analyst Efraim Levy has reduced his earnings estimates for Goodyear Tire & Rubber, saying that raw material costs will have a greater impact on the company than was originally thought. He cut the second-quarter and full-year 2006 earnings estimates on Goodyear to 36 cents and $1.29 per share, respectively, from 43 cents and $1.51. Levy said he expects the company to be cash-flow negative in 2006 and he lowered the target price on Goodyear shares to $14 from $17.
SmarTire Systems Inc. has announced that Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc., one of the largest RV manufacturers in North America, will install SmarTire’s SmartWave (TM) tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) as standard equipment on its high-end Heritage line of American Coach brand motorhomes.
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