Delphi Automotive Systems launched a pre-production four wheel steer development named Quadrasteer today. The system will improve turning capability at all speeds and stability at high speed. The electronic system is claimed to reduce turning circles by up to 20%.
Automotive supplier TRW has received orders worth 900 million US-Dollars from Renault (for the Megane) and Fiat (for the Stilo), concerning the production of Electrically Assisted Steering systems (EAS) for this year and beyond. These new contracts bring TRW’s volume for EAS-systems in 2001 up to 500 million US-Dollars. The steering-systems for Fiat will be developed in Birmingham and produced in Livorno (Italy). The steering system for Renault will be developed and manufactured in Pamplona (Spain).
From the spring of 2000 the new ContiPremiumContact will gradually replace the ContiEcoContact CP as the tyre for top-class cars. With this new summer tyre Hanover expects a significant increase in the replacement and the original equipment business in tyres with speed categories of 190 km/h and above during the next few years. The new tyre was presented to the international trade press in mid-February. A study undertaken by the development/consultancy “Institut für Sensorikforschung und Innovationsberatung” has established that the first and foremost user requirement of a tyre is safety. By which he means aquaplaning protection, short brake distances, steering precision, roadholding and tracking stability. With three construction specifications – an innovative bionic contour emulating a cat’s paw that extends in width when the brakes are applied, an asymmetric tread pattern and a third-generation silica compound – the PremiumContact wants to fulfil these requirements. Continental is seeking a total of 37 original equipment approvals from 14 vehicle manufacturers with the PremiumContact – available in eleven different 16 and 17 inch sizes. In the replacement business the ContiPremiumContact will initially be launched in 13 sizes, a 75 p.c. market coverage, according to the manufacturer. The new tyre will be positioned at the same price level as its predecessor.
At the beginning of the 90s Goodyear had great success – especially in USA – with its aquachannel tyre “Aquatred”. Now the tyre manufacturer launches in North America the dual-aquachannel tyre Aquatred 3 with greater dry traction performance and an 80,000-mile treadlife Warranty. The all-season tyre will be introduced initially in 18 popular T-rated sizes.
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