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LSW sizes added to Titan OTR range
Titan has expanded its OTR product range with new Low Sidewall (LSW) options for light, medium and heavy-duty equipment. These tyres, with their larger rim diameter and smaller sidewall than standard tyres, offer improved equipment stability and performance.
Key customers approve Starco alloy wheel range
No names have been mentioned, but Starco says some of the largest OEM trailer manufacturers have selected and approved its new Starco 5Jx13 alloy wheel for their products – predominantly on horse boxes and boat trailers. Starco developed its alloy wheel range in close cooperation with these OEM customers in order to develop an end product that satisfies each firm’s personal taste and style.
Extra funding for weather-damaged roads
It comes too late for those who have already experienced tyre and wheel damage on poor road surfaces over the winter months, however the decision to direct an extra £140 million to councils in England to repair roads damaged by winter weather is nevertheless good news for motorists. The Local Government Association has welcomed Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin’s announcement, even though it believes the extra funds probably won’t cover the full repair bill following the winter floods.
New generation Starco Flex gains first OEM approval
The 2006 launch of Starco’s Flex Pro –known simply as the ‘Flex’ back then – heralded a step forward in puncture-free tyre technology for manual applications such as wheelbarrows, and this was followed up by the Flex Lite combined tyre-wheel unit in 2011. Now the Danish company has introduced its third-generation Flex product, the Flex iCore.
Yokohama sees demand for SUV and 4×4 tyres rise in the UK
Japanese tyre manufacturer Yokohama reports that it has seen demand for its range of SUV and 4×4 tyres in the UK increase in recent years. According to the company, this is due in part to increased numbers for so-called soft-roaders but also the increased awareness of the Yokohama range of SUV and 4×4 tyres.
Rotalla enters the 4×4 and SUV markets in Europe
As part of contract tyre Manufacturer Enjoy Tyre’s development in the UK and Europe, the firm has introduced a new range of Rotalla 4×4/SUV patterns. In practice this means the initial Rotalla RF07 tyre in size 205/80R has now been joined by the Rotalla RF10 HT and RF11 AT patterns.
Trelleborg Wheel Systems posts positive 2013 results
Depending on whether you prefer the figure for continuing operations or the total consolidated result, Trelleborg Group net sales either rose 1.0 per cent – or declined 14.9 per cent – to SEK 21,262 million (£1.96 billion) in the 2013 fiscal year. The consolidated result was down from SEK 25,237 million in 2012 and includes the impact felt from the formation of TrelleborgVibracoustic, the joint venture formed with Freudenberg in 2012. Operating profit for 2013 came to SEK 2,815 million (£259.47 million).
Three off-road brands helping SD-International compete
The fact that Shanghai-based SD-International has three brands making up its 4×4 offering is really helping the business compete. According to the company, SD International continues to increase its profile in the 4×4/SUV market sector in the UK and Europe with Zeta, Pace and Maxtrek which cover all applications.
Uniwheels appoints new CFO, posts preliminary 2013 results
As of 10 February, Dr. Karsten Obenaus is the new CFO of alloy wheel manufacturer Uniwheels. Previously head of financial accounting, Dr. Obenaus has long held senior positions within Uniwheels’ finance department. He succeeds Eckehard Forberich, who has left the company. Forberich held the role of CFO since 1 July 2011.
New finish for Calibre Motion 2 Wheel
Wheelwright has released details of the first new addition to their 2014 collection: a superb new finish on their ever-popular Calibre Motion 2.
Trade launches Technique T2120 wheel balancer
Trade Garage Equipment have added a new wheel balancer to the company’s range with the addition of the Technique T2120.
Spokesperson Stefan Bullworthy outlined the details of the latest addition: “The rapidly growing portfolio of trade approved Technique garage equipment products, has been enhanced further with the launch of the…powerful trade approved Technique T2120 wheel balancer…
Continental integrates wheel speed sensors and electric parking brake cables
Continental AG has integrated the cables for wheel speed sensors and the electric parking brake (EPB) into a single harness, making the company one of the first manufacturers to offer such a combination of components. And what’s more a Japanese car manufacturer is set to introduce the innovation in 2015.
Dana unveils Spicer central tyre inflation system for military and vocational applications
Dana Holding Corporation has launched new technology to support its Spicer central tyre inflation system (CTIS). The new technology is designed to optimize the performance of lower flow CTIS applications for smaller government defence and “vocational” vehicles with a new mechatronic control unit (MCU) option. According to the company, this technology identifies and reacts to tyre inflation issues more effectively by enabling individual wheel control. The MCU is an integrated unit that includes electronic, computer, and mechanical engineering with the intention of delivering improved reliability, a smaller footprint, reduced weight, and less wiring complexity.
Bad weather prompts 4×4 value increase
While forecasters are predicting that temperatures will drop, British Car Auctions (BCA) has released its latest data on 4×4 used sales. The average value for 4x4s sold at BCA during the fourth quarter of 2013 rose by over £1,100 compared to the third quarter. December recorded the highest values in the second half of the year as 4x4s averaged over £15,000, a rise of £388 compared to December 2013.
