Two Marangoni Ringtread Energeco products, the drive tyre RDA-E and trailer tyre RTA-E, have been approved by the SmartWay programme in the US. Tire Review reports that this month’s verification of the RDA-E, with a tread depth of 19.84mm (25/32-inch), follows the November 2012 approval of the RTA-E, with a tread depth of 9.53mm (12/32-inch).
Toyo has a range of SUV/4×4 tyres to cover on and off-road applications, with two tyres available for the high-powered, road-going SUV class. The Proxes T1 Sport SUV was created specifically for the high load and speed demands of the current crop of ultra-high performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Toyo says. The tyre extends the fitment coverage upwards of the longer-established Proxes S/T, whose “double V” tread pattern offers high speed stability and wet weather performance.
Kraiburg Austria reports that it will continue investing in machinery, facilities and processes at its Geretsberg site this year in order to provide its retreading partners the best possible quality and service. The company has earmarked a budget of three million euros for several projects, with a major chunk of this amount expected to be directed towards Kraiburg’s extruders. These will be upgraded to enable their meeting of potential future requirements, such as an extension of the tyre label to retreaded tyres. The Austrian retreading specialist also intends to provide its research and development department with an additional laboratory mixer. Last but not least, the company will invest in numerous process operations in order to improve production and administrative efficiency.
Infinity Tyres says it will seek to extend its 4×4 range to provide 18-20” fitments in summer 2013. Currently the brand offers the versatile INF 200 all-terrain tread pattern, which features large shoulder blocks with optimised sipe positioning to increase wet handling. The tyre is currently available in 15-17” dimensions.
Shanghai based manufacturer SD-International provides three labels crossing the 4×4/SUV segment’s requirements: Pace, Zeta and Maxtrek ranges. The Maxtrek label offers four 4×4 patterns, the SMT-A8, Sierra S6, SU 800 and Mud Digger for more off-road applications.
In addition to debuting its Alnac 4G, Apollo Tyres has released its latest Vredestein-branded product at the Geneva Motor Show. This new Apollo Vredestein release is the Ultrac Vorti R, an ultra high performance tyre with an “increased focus on grip and sportiness.” The Ultrac Vorti R was developed in collaboration with Italian design house, Giugiaro.
The Geneva Motor Show is now underway and Apollo Tyres has presented its brand-new Alnac 4G there. This tyre, the second 4th generation product from Apollo, is specifically designed for compact and mid-size car segments. The Alnac 4G will initially be available in 29 V and H speed rated sizes. Apollo shares that all sizes have a ‘B’ wet grip label rating and a ‘C’ rolling resistance rating; noise levels are 69db.
Dutch company Bandenmarkt Tyre & Wheels says the new product range it is showing at this week’s SIMA show in Paris addresses a frustrating issue for farmers – tyre related breakdowns. The firm’s “Heavy Duty” agricultural radial range features reinforced steel and a puncture-resistant kevlar layer under the tread. Bandenmarkt Tyre & Wheels also says the tyre line-up has a higher load capacity than its competitors and extreme stability even at 65km/h.
Hercules Tire & Rubber is recalling certain 16 and 17-inch fitments in its All Trac A/T 10-ply road range. In a notification lodged with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the tyre maker reports that an unspecified number of tyres manufactured between mid-2008 and 2010 can potentially experience in-servnice belt and tread separations. Hercules says it will notify owners and replace the affected tyres free of charge.
Two new products, the Nordman Forest F and the Forest King F2, have been added to Nokian Heavy Tyres’ forestry range.
Continental has launched its new ContiTrailAttack 2 on/off-road bike tyre for bigger capacity dual-purpose machines. The manufacturer says it has “dramatically improved” wet grip and mileage through compound development, while the tyre also features Conti’s “Traction Skin” rider safety aid.
Firenza has established itself as a popular brand in the PCR, UHP and Truck tyre market sectors and also offers an innovative option within the van and light commercial sector with its SV053 pattern.
With consumers putting off tyre changes later than ever, and with part worn sales soaring, a recent award-wining invention purports to be answer.
According to various online news sources, the Discolor Tyre works something like this: under normal tread lies a layer of coloured rubber, which is revealed when treadwear hits 1.6 mm. From here on in the dull black normally associated with tyre is replaced with a loud orange hue.
Following the introduction of the 3D Ultra last year, Avon is further expanding its motorcycle tyre range with the release of the Storm 3D X-M. In a short release introducing the new product, the tyre maker says the new X-M delivers 15 to 20 per cent greater mileage in comparison with the current Storm range. The sipes on the X-M also contain three-dimensional points that are designed to improve stability, grip, limit tread flex and allow the tyre to warm-up in less time – a feature also seen on the 3D Ultra. High performance single and multi compound super rich silica (SRS) treads are also present; Avon says these enhance wet grip. The tyre maker adds that the X-M possesses outstanding handling and stability qualities.
TyreSafe will be hosting its first ever webinar on Monday 25th February in a bid to “improve the standards of part worn tyres” being sold in the UK. According to the organisation, the session will provide attendees with a summary of the legislation affecting the sale of part worn tyres. It will also deliver some practical advice on how the tyres should be inspected, common problems to look for and what steps must be taken to ensure used tyres are sold legally.
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