Pirelli P Zero tyres have been chosen as standard OE fitment on the Saleen Thunderbird Bonspeed Edition Concept Car. The car was originally planned as a one-off for the Sema show, but such was the reaction that it was decided to go into production with the vehicle. Saleen Inc. has a reputation for the design of high-performance speciality vehicles and, for the past five years, has exclusively chosen Pirelli tyres.
Goodyear’s North American Tire region has been recommended for certification to ISO 14001 environmental standard. The standard requires an organisation to identify and reduce its impact on the environment beyond legal requirements.
American Racing Equipment has been awarded ISO 14001 certificate of registration for its environmental management system. ISO 14001 provides a framework for managing environmental impact, similar to the way in which the ISO 9000 standard addresses issues of product or service quality. The International Standards Organization (ISO) awards the 14001 certification to companies whose environmental management systems conform to specified requirements and demonstrate a serious commitment to ensuring that company operations do not harm the environment.
The RMA in the USA have petitioned the federal government to adopt a reserve air pressure standard for tyre pressure monitoring systems. According to the RMA, vehicle manufacturers set the safe pressure limit at, or just above, the minimum required for safe operation of a fully laden vehicle. The existing 30 per cent drop in pressure allowed by tyre pressure monitoring systems means that fully laden vehicles could be running on tyres inflated to dangerously low levels. The RMA is asking that the suggested tyre pressure setting should be set at 30 per cent above the safe limit, thus allowing 30 percent loss without creating a dangerous underinflation.
DaimlerChrysler (DCX) is to offer a 7-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty as standard for all models. This differs from similar, existing deals (mainly offered by Korean manufacturers) in that it is transferable to subsequent owners of the vehicle. Industry analysts feel that the other two ‘Big 3’ manufacturers may be forced to follow suit and they point out that such deals can prove expensive if quality is not up to scratch.
The latest Audi A8 Sport will come with a no-charge option of a nine-spoke 20 inch wheel. This will also be available on the A8 Quattro. The standard A8 will be offered with an 18 inch hollow-spoke five-spoke polished alloy wheel.
Accuride has launched a 65 pound (29.54Kg) lightweight steel truck wheel. The combination of high strength low alloy steel coupled with engineering design and process has given Accuride a light steel wheel with the strength of a standard steel item coupled with the light weight of an alloy wheel. The 17 pound (7.73Kg) saving over the standard steel wheel the Accuride Lightweight Steel item could increase truck payloads by 306 pounds (139Kg). The wheel is available in 22.5 x 8.5″ for standard hub mounting and can be supplied powder coated, and has a maximum load rating of 7,400 pounds (3364Kg).
Intermec Technologies Corporation has announced the commercial availability of RFID tags and readers that immediately support the new B-11 standard established by the Automotive Industry Action Group’s (AIAG). The B-11 standard will guide further introduction of RFID technology into the auto industry. Among the first planned applications will be inclusion of an RFID tag on new-car tyres, allowing car and tyre manufacturers and tyre retailers to track product throughout production, assembly and distribution.
Michelin PAX System became a standard feature on the top-of-the-range versions of the Renault Scénic (Fairway and Sport Way). According to the vehicle manufacturer’s forecasts, these two models could represent 40 % of Scénic sales in France, or around 35,000 vehicles per year in the first year. PAX System remains available as an option in the rest of Europe.
BMW in North America is in the process of recalling around 1,300 of its 2002 5-series cars with standard suspension and fitted with ContiTouringContact CH95 EcoPlus tyres, 225/65R16 95H, with DOT Codes 4001, 4101, and 4201. The outer sidewall surface of the tyres could have been damaged by a sharp object and the cars are being recalled as a precautionary measure. Dealers will replace the damaged tyres free of charge.
Bridgestone Corporation and Continental AG signed a technical agreement on January 21, 2002 in Tokyo. It provides two companies to cooperate in creating global standard systems in run-flat tyre systems for installation on standard wheels for passenger cars and light trucks. Under this agreement, Bridgestone will furnish technology and grant license to Continental on its Self Supporting Runflat Tyre (SSR), which has earned high regard and multiple fitments from leading automakers globally. At the same time, Continental will furnish technology and grant license on its original technology on the ContiSafetyRing run-flat system (CSR) to Bridgestone.
All of Goodyear’s North American manufacturing plants have been recommended for certification to ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standard. The plants were audited by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Ltd. John Loulan, vice president of North American Tire operations said, “North American Tire is well ahead of the requirements set by major automotive manufacturers and also ahead of internal goals set for the end of 2002.” ISO 14001 is an international standard defining the requirements for environmental management systems used by an organisation to identify and manage potential impacts on the environment from its activities.
Michelin has launched the new Kormoran EKOPRO agricultural drive tyre to replace the AN-21. Designed for use on low to medium horsepower tractors, the EKOPRO is a standard profile radial, which will initially be available in 13 sizes from 9.5.R 24 to 18.4 R 38 with further sizes up to 20.8 R 38 available in 2002.
A customer survey conducted by US mail order tyre and wheel retailer Tire Rack has placed Goodyear tyres top in two categories. The Aquatred 3 came first in the all-season category and the Regatta was top of the standard touring section. Goodyear said the results were slightly surprising, as the company does not supply Tire Rack directly with tyres.
Ford has announced that tyre pressure sensors, which alert the driver when a tyre loses pressure, will be fitted as standard on its 2002 Explorer SUV and on other models from 2005. The company says that fitting the sensors is merely one element of a series of improvements and safety features on the vehicle.
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