New Bridgestone Dueler A/T 001 tyre
Bridgestone has added the Dueler A/T 001 to its range, describing the new tyre as “a tough all-terrain and all-season tyre that doesn’t compromise on its on-road capabilities.”
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SUVs the largest car segment in Europe in 2016
The European car industry boomed in 2016 – with new car registrations for the year totalling 15.14 million units, a 6.5 per cent increase when compared to 2015. This is the second highest volume seen since 2007 when total registrations exceeded 16 million units. In addition, the results also demonstrate that the SUV take-up trend continues to boom. In fact, the switch to SUVs was the clearest car sector trend in 2016. To be precise, the European SUV sector grew 21.4 per cent last year, increasing from 3.2 million units registered in 2015 to 3.9 million last year. In contrast, the traditional segments grew by just 2.2 per cent – 10 times slower!
Nokian launches Nordman 7 SUV for ‘varying winter weather’
At the end of January Nokian Tyres renewed its Nordman product family with the introduction of the Nordman 7, including an SUV variant. The Nokian Nordman 7 SUV studded tyres utilise a unique stud technology that offers safe and comfortable winter driving. The carefully tried and tested technological solutions ensure that new Nokian Nordman tyres are a reliable choice for the varying Northern conditions in terms of safety as well as overall economy.
AEZ’s Cliff rim designed to complement SUVs like the Audi Q2
While the Audi Q2 is not top-of-the-range as such, it does offer premium technology such as connectivity/infotainment and plenty of room for upgrades.
Indeed, in keeping with the slogan “If it doesn’t match it will be matched”, the Q2 can be upgraded to taste, which also catapults it into the upper price segment of city SUVs.
Delta4x4’s VW Multivan T6 wheel/tyre upgrade
Southern German Tuning Experts delta4x4 have developed a complete wheel and tyre combination that reportedly “optimizes the performance of the VW Multivan T6 on the road, as well as out there in open terrain”. The set consists of four tyres from the all-terrain line by BF Goodrich on KlassikB alloy wheels, which have a screwed-on guard ring for protection that can be replaced when it is damaged.
SUV-orientated AlloyGators offer new workshop opportunity
At the back end of 2016, AlloyGator launched its new extra-large alloy wheel protector. The product’s debut was made at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Designed to fit wheels that 12 – 24 inches in diameter, the new size profile has been added in response to the rapid global growth of the SUV and Crossover market.
4x4s cleaner than standard cars in latest Equa Air Quality NOX ratings
The latest Equa Air Quality (Aq) Index shows assumptions that two-wheel-drive vehicles are cleaner than four-wheel drives are wrong. Comparing two and four-wheel-drive test results reveals that the more capable models produce less nitrogen oxides when compared through real, on-road driving. Concentrating on the latest Euro 6 compliant vehicles, it shows the vast improvements that some manufacturers have made in helping cut harmful tailpipe emissions when developing new cars.
Volkswagen selects Falken Ziex ZE914A Ecorun as OEM tyre for Tiguan
Volkswagen is fitting the Falken Ziex ZE914A Ecorun tyres in size 215/65R17 99V as the original equipment tyre for its new Tiguan model, as of 1 January 2017. The compact SUV’s newest iteration is designed to offer comfort and convenience alongside class-leading driving dynamics, and the Sumitomo brand says its Ziex ZE914A Ecorun is “the perfect fit”. The tyre was developed to reduce fuel consumption and deliver good handling and braking even in wet road conditions.
‘Flagship SUV tyre’ Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 makes UK bow
Announced to mark the 20th anniversary of the manufacturer’s 4×4 tyre brand in 2016, the new Yokohama all-terrain Geolandar A/T G015 has made its first appearance in the UK. Available in sizes ranging from 15–20 inches, the G015 was developed for the latest generation of SUVs, featuring the three peak snowflake mark. Yokohama says it is the flagship tyre in its Geolandar range due a number of technical innovations, which deliver better wear performance, better traction and improved ride comfort.
Micheldever reports record General Tire sales in 2016
Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS), the exclusive General Tire distributor for England, Scotland and Wales, and the largest General Tire dealer in Europe, has reported record sales of General Car, Van and 4×4 tyres in 2016.
Sales volumes for the General Tire brand in 2016, increased by more than 50 per cent for MTS and the company saw many of its individual General Tire dealers experience record sales of their own.
Maserati Levante chooses Goodyear Eagle F1 series tyres as OE
The new Maserati Levante will fit the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 SUV, specifically designed for SUVs and Crossovers, as OE. The close collaboration between Maserati and Goodyear continues, with the aim of developing high-performance tyres capable of meeting the demands for handling and safety of these luxury and sporty SUVs.
Yokohama HPT stocks full winter tyre range ahead of UK’s cold season
Yokohama HPT says it has stocked one of its most comprehensive winter tyre ranges ever ahead of a season that weather forecasters predict will be the coldest UK winter for 35 years. Available for next day delivery from its central UK distribution centre, the range is suited for drivers of all cars and light commercial vehicles, and is targeted in particular at those who need to guarantee their mobility in the harshest of conditions, such as emergency services, utility companies, community nurses and doctors.
Continental rounds out off-road portfolio with CrossContact ATR
A new summer product has entered the Continental SUV tyre portfolio to fill the gap between the ContiCrossContact AT, which was developed for 50 per cent off-road use, and the company’s more on-road oriented lines. The CrossContact ATR is already available in a number of sizes and is designed for 70 per cent on-road, 30 per cent off-road use.
Falken flagship UHP tyre, Azenis FK510, to expand to SUV sizes in 2017
Falken will expand its ultra-high performance (UHP) flagship tyre, the Azenis FK510, to include SUV tyre sizes in 2017. The Sumitomo Rubber Industries global brand states that the new additions reflect the growth of the SUV market and continues the tyre manufacturer’s strategy of supplying an extensive range of products in profitable and high-growth segments. Starting in January 2017, the Azenis FK510 SUV will be available in 19 sizes ranging from 17 to 22 inches and will come with a speed rating of W or Y.
Algarve Product Experience extends Davanti’s first-year hot streak
Davanti’s first full year has seen the brand engage in a broad and intensive range of sales and marketing activities, led by a rapid fire trade show appearance schedule. Interest in the brand has been quick to ignite in its UK home market. The company’s management has consistently said the wildfire-like growth of Landsail – distributed by Grouptyre member and Davanti Tyres sister wholesaler Oak Tyres, and manufactured, like all of Davanti’s current products, by Qingdao Sentury Tire – in the UK has not been the focus; according to them Davanti wants to grow in a more controlled, brand-driven manner. So far the company has certainly more than fired a warning shot across the bows of other brands operating in the highly competitive aspirational mid-range sector of the UK market, while Davanti’s recent appointment of European sales director Michael Eckert, formerly of Sailun, Hankook and Michelin in his 21-year career, demonstrates its seriousness about growing into continental Europe. So this was an excellent time for the company to host its first dealer event; a three-day Product Experience trip at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
