SD International introduces winter ranges
Shanghai-based manufacturer, SD International has introduced winter tyre models across several of the company's established private brands – Pace, Zeta and Maxtrek.
Shanghai-based manufacturer, SD International has introduced winter tyre models across several of the company's established private brands – Pace, Zeta and Maxtrek.
Nankang has added to its winter tyre line-up with the release of the Winter Activa SV-55. The new SUV-specific tyre is available in 11 sizes for 16 to 20-inch rim diameters and in H, V and W speed ratings. The Taiwanese tyre maker says the asymmetrical tread pattern used on the SV-55 provides high drainage performance, while the large blocks on the outer edge are said to provide comfortable cornering maneuverability.
Following the news that Pirelli is to receive funding from the UK government’s regional growth fund, Tyres & Accessories visited Pirelli’s Carlisle tyre manufacturing plant and met with industrial director, Paulo Batistini and engineering manager, Alan Wilson in order to find what this and other recent investments mean in practice.
While no official figures have been released, based on the fact that £950 million of government money is being supplied to 119 British business on the proviso that taxpayer funding is matched 5:1 with private investment it is a fair guess to assume that Pirelli is pushing millions towards the development of the latest generation of eco-tyres in Carlisle. And this fits with the company’s wider strategy. Pirelli’s latest industrial plan, published in November 2011, has the stated aim of leading what it defines as the premium market by 2015. With this in mind, the recent developments which centre on transitioning the plant towards to almost exclusively high performance output (and therefore high value products) are to be expected.
In an interview with Institutional Investor magazine, which covered topics ranging from BRIC region outlook to the euro crisis, Pirelli CEO Marco Tronchetti Provera shared that the number of new products the tyre maker intends to introduce in the next few years will represent a doubling of its recent programme.
Toyo Proxes R36 tyres have been chosen as original equipment for the new Mazda CX-5 compact SUV. The 225/55 R19 99V Proxes R36 are said to complement the Skyactiv technology introduced on the Mazda CX-5. Skyactiv technology, which is described as a combination of pleasure, efficiency and safety, reportedly offers enhanced handling and stability, greater fuel economy and lower emissions.
Leading UK alloy wheel house, Wheelwright has launched a new design from the Dotz brand of fully TÜV approved wheels. The ‘Fast Seven’ wheel is suitable for a wide range of looks and applications. It is pressure cast in one piece, in what Wheelwright calls “a convincing take on a genuine split rim”. It has a gunmetal paint finish, juxtaposed with a diamond machined deep dish lip and bolt face.
Toyo has announced a new original equipment deal in the US, where its all-season A23 tyre has been selected for the Grand Touring model of the 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV. The Toyo A23 will be supplied in size 225/55 R19.
Marshal’s Matrac X3 forms the centrepoint of the company’s 4×4 tyre range, with five different patterns designed to suit any terrain from smooth tarmac to mud, sand and rock. According the company, the line-up includes all popular fitments as well as several niche sizes.
Kumho recently introduced the Solus KL21 all-season tyre for on-road use as a way of extending the company refers to as its range for all seasons. Available in top-selling sizes such as 235/65 R17 and 235/60 R18, this street terrain tyre is designed to deliver wet traction combined with low noise and rolling resistance. The KL21 is extensively fitted by Hyundai and Kia to their latest SUV models and has recently been approved for fitment to the new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Tire Review reports that Falken Tire Corp has informed its dealers that it will be increasing passenger and light truck/SUV tyre prices by up to 5 per cent, with some inline adjustments. The increase, the 103rd announced industry-wide for North America this year, will be effective from 1 January, 2012.
SUV and 4×4 drivers are now able to join their car-owning brethren in fitting Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres to their vehicles. The newly launched line-up aimed at this segment is called the EfficientGrip SUV and Goodyear says it provides the road grip qualities found in the passenger car version of the EfficientGrip. The range is, adds Goodyear, available for a “solid range of SUV/4×4 vehicles”, from luxury/full-size vehicles through standard, compact and sub-compact ranges.
Kumho Tire USA has issued the 99th individual tyre price hike in the US and Canada this year, planning to raise prices by up to 8 per cent on its passenger, light truck/SUV and medium truck radials tyres, reports Tire Review.
Amid various rumors that it was going to build another tyre plant there, Tire Review revealed that Bridgestone Americas planned to make a “major economic development” announcement at its plant in Graniteville, South Carolina today. It reported that both Gary Garfield, Bridgestone Americas’ president and CEO, and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley were to be on hand for the announcement.
Germany’s Syron Tires has announced an expansion of its winter product line, introducing an SUV and truck iteration. The Everest SUV and Everest C, alongside an extension in the sizes available of the Everest 1 series, bring the total range of fitments to 52 sizes. The company says the Everest range will extend further in time for the 2011/12 winter season, making sizes from 13 to 19 inches available.
Toyo Tires reports that its range of winter tyres are specifically designed to tackle even the most unpredictable of wintry driving condition. As average temperatures fall and road surfaces become more hazardous, Toyo Tires representatives say the firm’s winter range will “increase driver’s safety during the winter months and you don’t need snow to appreciate the spectacular benefits of Toyo Tires.” According to the company, their winter tyres cope with slush, ice, mud and even your average December downpour and will prove their worth in keeping drivers on the move, whatever the conditions. Featuring computer-optimised tread designs, Toyo Tires range of winter tyres come in a wide variety of sizes to suit all vehicles, from small compact cars to ultra high performance models to 4×4’s and SUV’s.
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