The words “sporting Volvo diesel” may have seemed paradoxical not long ago, but exhaust supplier Milltek believes the manufacturer’s new C30 R-Line 2.4 and 2.5 T5 respond well enough to tuning and enhancement that it has added an exhaust system for both models to its burgeoning portfolio. The company has also created a tailored system for the V50 model with the same engine options.
Bartec USA, LLC has released the R50 software update, which adds the ability to program popular aftermarket sensor solutions from Alligator and Orange in addition to the Schrader EZ-sensor range to the Tech400SD.
Bartec reports that it first developed and created the process of using a TPMS scan tool to program these sensors. It was also said to have been the Bartec range of TPMS tools that first programmed the Schrader EZ-sensor and according to Scot Holloway, Bartec CEO, “Bartec’s experience and expertise in sensor programming keeps us at the forefront of TPMS innovation; now you can add the Alligator Sens.it and the Orange Electronic ID Clonable sensors to a growing and distinguished list of programmable sensors our tool covers.”
April’s annual gathering of the UK logistics industry, The Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham’s NEC represents a fine opportunity for those in the tyre industry to connect with this side of their business. The 2013 iteration boasted the best exhibitor turnout since 2009, and the show itself seemed to have exceeded many expectations for visitor numbers, which usually number around 16,000 over its three days, the organisers say. Certainly Tyres & Accessories witnessed busy stands visiting the show on day two.
UK and European transport specialist North West Logistics has signed an agreement with ATS Euromaster to implement and manage a 100 per cent Michelin policy across its fleet of 60 trucks and 50 trailers. Ainsworth & Martin acquired the company in 2010 and has recently merged to form a single operation based in Accrington, Lancashire. Neither company had a formal tyre policy in place before the merger, utilising local dealers to fit many different brands to their vehicles. Now mobile technicians from ATS-E’s Blackburn site seven miles away will carry out routine fleet inspections, as well as regrooving, twinning and turning tyres on the rim to increase their longevity.
Enjoying its world premiere at Bauma 2013 is Goodyear’s new RT-5D wheel loader tyre. The RT-5D is a level 250 (L5) traction tyre intended for use in severe conditions such as quarries, difficult industrial applications and in open or underground mines. Goodyear says the RT-5D offers 25 per cent more load capacity than its predecessor, the RT-5C.
Infinity Tyres Europe has announced a new distribution partnership covering Greece and several other southern European markets with the Athens-based Saracakis Group. The deal covers PCR, TBR, OTR and agricultural product lines. Saracakis has almost 100 years’ experience in the automotive business and today supports long-standing distribution agreements with Honda, Mitsubishi, Volvo and Komatsu amongst many other world-class brands.
The winners of a recent Pirelli promotion run in collaboration with Volvo recently enjoyed a day with Mithril Racing School at Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit. The promotion, which was run from July to September, enabled all Pirelli tyre purchases from the official tyre suppliers to enter the promotion. Six league divisions were set up by Volvo: five divisions for existing members of the programme and a sixth division was set up for dealers who were new to the scheme.
Irish independent long-haul logistics company Virginia International Logistics says it is making significant fuel savings with Continental as it celebrates 30 years in business. The firm has saved 1,800 euros in the past six months by running Continental tyres across half of its fleet, and is now in the process of moving all remaining vehicles onto Continentals.
Writing in The Times on November 1st, Simon de Bruxelles says: "Nearly half of all new cars now come without a spare tyre, putting unprecedented pressure on breakdown companies called out to deal with punctures, according to a survey.
"MINI, Volvo and SKODA have abandoned the spare altogether, and other manufacturers, such as Audi, fit them only to certain models. Where a spare is fitted, it is likely to be a thin ‘space saver' that can get the vehicle to the nearest garage but is not suitable for normal driving."
BMW has selected Bridgestone tyres as original equipment for the new BMW 3 Series model. A combination of standard touring and Run Flat Technology (RFT) tyres have been selected to run across the BMW 3 series range. With a strong focus on safety and balanced performance, the chosen tyres have been introduced to the European market for 2012.
Bridgestone executives have aired a degree of caution relating to the tyre major’s earnings outlook for this year. According to various news sources Bridgestone Corp.'s chief financial officer on suggested the impact of the euro-zone debt crisis is affecting demand, which in turn is weighing on its business.
Bridgestone Europe will supply original equipment tyres to Volvo Car Corporation, securing the tyre manufacturer’s first partnership with the Swedish firm. The Turanza T001 will be fitted to the new Volvo V40 five-door hatchback and the Volvo XC60 will be shod with Dueler tyres during May 2012.
Falken is preparing for the UK launch of what it calls its strongest and quietest ultra high performance tyre, the Azenis FK453. The new tyre succeeds, both numerically and in Falken’s line-up, the FK452, a tyre Falken says has been revered by many car enthusiasts for its blend of performance and affordability. With the launch of this latest product, for the first time the Japanese tyre maker is offering Y speed rated fitments suitable for use at up to 186mph or 300km/h. The new range will be available in a total of 62 sizes, including a 20-inch version, to fit sports and performance cars such as the VW Golf GTI, BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Porsche 911 and Audi RS5.
World speed records for passenger cars may be approaching the 250mph or 400km/h range, but it is possible to be a record breaker at more modest speeds. Bridgestone reports a Volvo wheel loader fitted with its VHS tyres has broken 103 km/h, creating a new world speed record for this type of vehicle.
Goodyear has announced that Mean Green, the world’s fastest hybrid truck, has broken two world speed records on its tyres. On 27 April, 2012 at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA, the Volvo-built truck, owned and driven by Boije Ovebrink, broke records in the standing kilometre and flying kilometre international speed standards. The new world records are subject to FIA recognition, which will occur in about 30 to 60 days.
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