Wheels
A poll of motorists by the Institute of Advanced Motorists reveals that 60 per cent think that a car's first MOT should continue to be carried out after three years. Only 29 per cent think we should move to a European system.
Wheel company Ronal reports that n October 2011 it signed a Memorandum of Understanding that integrates Taiwanese company FullChamp technologies Co. Ltd into the Ronal Group. FullChamp, which was founded in 2002, was already a Ronal production partner; the firm manufactures Ronal’s ‘Speedline Truck’ line of commercial vehicle wheels, a range developed by the Swiss company’s Italy-based subsidiary Speedline Truck S.r.l.
With some standard wheel balancers tricky vibration issues, which may lead to low level background vibration and poor ride quality, are candidates for the ‘too hard basket’. Not so with the Hunter Road Force Balancer (GSP9700); according to distributor Pro-Align, this unit is the only wheel balancer available capable of solving such difficult problems. The GSP9700’s effectiveness in tackling vibration issues begins with the start of the balance process, at which time a load roller is used to apply up to 700 kilograms to the wheel and tyre in order to locate stiff spots within the tyre wall.
According to RacingAGE, a division of Automotive Garage Equipment Limited, Fasep wheel balancers are now widely seen as the "must have" wheel balancer in motorsport circles. The Alvechurch-based supplier of the Italian brand says nothing comes close to the Fasep B212 in terms of build quality, accuracy, speed and price. “Although they may seem expensive compared to the many wheel balancers coming out of the far east at the moment, you certainly would not be able to trust one of those lesser makes to balance 2000 wheels in 24 hours of desert heat,” commented a RacingAGE representative.
The company itself has made no public comment, yet according to an article published by The Telegraph last week, Redditch-based company GKN plc is making plans to sell its Wheels division for approximately £130 million. According to the publication’s November 8 article, GKN recently appointed corporate advisory firm Gleacher Shacklock to work on the deal.
MINI is the latest UK car supplier to launch a dedicated winter tyre programme. While all MINIs are supplied with summer tyres as standard, the company is now offering winter tyre and wheel packages – supplied with steel or alloy rim designs. The company's sets of winter wheels and tyres are available from £560 (not including fitting costs).
In recent years agricultural implement manufacturers have developed a range of modern implements and tractors that often demand wheels and tyres specifically designed and manufactured for the application. Starco recognised this trend some years ago and has focused on providing a comprehensive range of wheel and tyre solutions, including its own tyre brand. It has also strengthened its position within the sector through acquisitions of and strategic partnerships with specialist manufacturing companies.
Fuel consumption and tyre wear account for a large chunk of most transport operators’ ongoing costs, thus it is crucial to eliminate all unnecessary expense. Incorrectly aligned bus and coach wheels, for example, can have an adverse effect on both tyre wear and fuel consumption. When PSV wheels are aligned properly, these two problems are reduced, less strain is placed upon mechanical components, drivers report reduced fatigue and tyres are less likely to overheat.
As of November 2011, former GKN Wheels Carpenedolo sales director Thomas Ruedl will take on the role of group sales director, OEM Key Accounts at Starco. In his new role, Ruedl will report to regional director Jef de Smedt and have overall responsibility for Starco’s existing and future OEM customers. First priority for Ruedl in his new position will be prioritising Starco’s agricultural, industrial and trailers/caravans markets; this will be followed by the horticultural and internal transport markets. The new OEM Key accounts group sales director will work in close liaison with local Starco sales entities, which will also continue their daily contact with global OEM customers as before.
The US Department of Commerce has announced that it has preliminarily decided to implement a range of anti-dumping (AD) measures against Chinese steel wheel producers/exporters ranging from 110.58 to 193.54 per cent ad valorem. According the department, for the purposes of AD investigations, dumping means “a foreign company sell[ing] a product in the United States at less than fair value.” Official reports show that the petitioners for this investigation were Accuride Corporation and Hayes Lemmerz International Inc. The final determination is scheduled to be made in March 2012. European authorities levelled a similar determination against Chinese alloy wheel makers in 2010.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning that many of Britain’s roads will become more hazardous for motorists as the frosts and local council cuts bite. In spite of the last two winters of severe cold, snow and ice, many councils are planning to cut back on winter road services, including salting. The suggestion is that this could lead to more accidents. Last year there was a 37 per cent increase in the number of cars overturning in snow and ice, according to the IAM.
Westlake Tyres has announced that it has appointed Direct Tyre Sales as sole distributor of its truck tyre range in the UK. Direct Tyre Management (DTM). In order to supply the British market, DTM will promote Westlake’s TBR brand through its own “team of regional sales staff” where it will “complement” its own “retread brand”. DTM plan to distribute all Westlake TBR products destined for the UK from their Wigan Retread Factory in Lancashire. Sales of circa 90,000 Westlake TBR units over the next three years are expected.
Vauxhall has become the latest in a run of vehicle manufacturers to offers its customers winter traction advice, however while most vehicle main dealers who have take a public stance on this have promoted the benefits of winter tyres, Vauxhall appears to promoting the temporary AutoSock option. According to the company, Vauxhal retailers are once again offering “a comprehensive range of accessories in preparation for the winter months,” including AutoSock Snow Socks cold weather tyre covers.
On the same day as fellow French car manufacturer Peugeot, Citroën has launched its of a new Winter Tyre Programme. The programme includes a free winter vehicle check and storage for the summer tyres at an approved Tyre Hotel.
Peugeot UK has announced its own winter tyre scheme, following in the footsteps of other manufacturers, such as BMW, Suzuki and Volvo. The company’s new “swap and store” service being provided by dealers enables customers to equip their cars with four cold weather tyres and have their Summer ones placed in storage.
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