Wheels Archives - Page 86 of 134

RUD-Erlau Delivers World’s Largest OTR Tyre Chains

Following the recent completion of a three year expanion and modernization programme of its Aalen, Germany, tyre protection chain (TPC) production facility; RUD-Erlau delivered and installed two full sets of the world’s largest TPCs last month. Called the R 75S Plus the TPCs have gone into service in both Europe and North America.

In Europe the R 75S Plus are protecting all four 52/80–57 tyres on a CAT 994 loading limestone. The other machine to be shod with R 75S Plus is a giant LeTourneau 1850 working iron ore in North America.

1st May 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Latest TSW Alloy Wheels Now in UK

Product News

Three new TSW wheels products have hit the shelves in the UK, reports nationwide distributor Yokohama HPT Ltd – and more are on their way. The new wheels, called the Croft, Indy 500 and Jarama, all build on the company’s reputation for design and quality and, adds Yokohama HPT, pay more than a passing homage to some of the iconic motorsport venues from around the world.

The Croft, named after England’s northern race circuit, is a full-mesh design and brings an aggressive circuit look and feel to the roads. The spokes run from the edge of the mounting flange to the very outside of the wheel rim, offering a true motorsport feel. The wheel comes in gun metal with a mirror cut lip or chrome and is available in a range of sizes, from 8×17 to 10×20-inch, and is well-suited for staggered fitments.

1st May 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

High Speed from Matador

Product News

The Hectorra MP 45 and MP 46 Hectorra 2 continue to keep Matador well represented in the high performance tyre segment.

Available in W and Y speed ratings, aspect ratios from 55 series down to 30 series and for wheels from 16 to 18-inch, the MP 45’s asymmetric tread pattern gives the tyre a sporty look, as well as contributing to good handling in the wet and on dry roads. ‘W’ speed rated tyres are also available with an extra load capacity.

The MP 46 Hectorra 2 is the second generation summer high speed asymmetric tread tyres produced by the Slovakian manufacturer, and the final sizes to complete the Hectorra 2 range are expected to come to market during summer 2008. Like the MP 45, the Hectorra 2 features an asymmetric tread and Matador reports it delivers excellent braking properties and reliable manoeuvrability on wet as well as dry surfaces, along with high resistance to aquaplaning. The MP 46 Hectorra 2 is available in V and Y speed rated sizes for rim diameters between 16 and 20-inch.

30th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

New Semperit Midi-Trailer Tyre

Product News

Semperit has introduced a new 385/55 R 22.5 tyre for midi-trailers, the “EuroTrailer”. This tyre is the first in the brands new Euro product range and offers the benefit of around 5 cubic meters more cargo volume – and reportedly better mileage – for heavy road freight. The new EuroTrailer is available now in the 385/55 R 22.5 size with 160/-K and 158/-L indices.

A conventional trailer, i.e. a trailer with standard 385/65 R 22.5 tyres, has an internal height of 2.70m. The 385/55 R 22.5 version of the new Semperit “EuroTrailer” allows an additional internal height of at least 10cm and therefore increases the possible cargo volume by up to 5m³.

29th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Record Breaking Performance

Product News

Ruling the high performance roost at Michelin is the Pilot Sport PS2 and the Pilot Sport Cup +. The first of these is a tyre that, in April 2008, earned the distinction of being the tyre fitted to the world’s fastest production car – a Shelby SuperCars’ Ultimate Aero, fitted with the Michelin tyres, set a new record of 256.18 mph (412.28 km/h) during tests in the US. This accomplishment, the first occasion in which a US vehicle manufacturer has held the speed record since 1967, took place with little to no wear present on the Michelin tyre.

So this second generation Michelin tyre is obviously not one intended for plodding trips to the supermarket, then. Designed in close collaboration with prestige vehicle manufacturers in the sport and supersport segments, the Pilot Sport PS2 has been homologated for various models from, amongst others, Audi, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes. The Pilot Sport PS2 features a rigid asymmetric tread pattern – Michelin points out the similarities this format, with its four grooves around the tyre, shares with Formula 1 tyres. The pattern is one that ensures superior steering response, the manufacturer adds, and grip on wet and dry surfaces is improved by the presence of a dual compound plus the use of a Variable Contact Patch (VCP) System that maintains the optimum size and shape of the tyre’s contact patch whether driving in a straight line or under hard cornering.

28th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Statement on Hunter Suit Filed Against Hennessy Industries

Product News

This is the relevant portion of the official statement issued by Hunter Engineering regarding its recent patent infringement lawsuit filed against competitor Hennessy Industries:

“On April 7, 2008, Hunter Engineering filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Hennessy Industries, Inc. relating to Hunter US patent numbers 6,952,964 and 7,320,248. These patents involve technology marketed by Hunter as SmartWeight that simplifies the wheel balancing process and significantly reduces the materials necessary to effectively balance wheels, thus reducing the cost to perform proper wheel balancing operations.

“The lawsuit implicates Hennessy’s wheel balancing equipment that includes the ‘Coats EconoBalance’ feature or the ‘Coats EB’ feature.” (Tire Review/Akron)

25th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Titan Gets Deal With Deere

Product News

Titan Tire has signed a three-year deal to supply farm tyres to John Deere.

“John Deere has been Titan’s largest customer for years,” said Titan chairman and CEO Morry Taylor, “and we are pleased to enter into this agreement that assures Deere a supply of farm tyres. As the agricultural economy moves forward, the first year value of this contract should exceed over $100 million.” Titan did not specify which types of tyres it would supply, or if the deal included wheels. (Tire Review/Akron)

25th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Marshal to Introduce New UHP Line

Premium, Product News

The anticipated new flagship ultra-high performance tyre for the Marshal range, the Matrac FX MU11, makes its UK debut this summer and this replacement for the KU17 looks set to lift the bar in both looks and performance. Design-wise, the Matrac FX has been developed with the delivery of high levels of wet weather performance and resistance to aquaplaning in mind. Two other characteristics that featured highly as priorities during development are resistance to uneven wear and low noise generation.

Noise has been minimised by tuning the size of the tread blocks to improve uniformity, and the shoulder blocks are specially designed to resist uneven wear. New polymers have been used in the tread compound to increase wet handling and aquaplaning resistance. In terms of appearance, the Matrac FX’s sidewall design has been deliberately kept clean and simple and the lettering is readily legible thanks to the use of a noticeably bold font.

Membership Required

Already a member? Log in here

25th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Finichi Releases 20-Inch Rimini Rim

Product News

Italian Wheel Designers, Finichi report having ‘raised the bar’ with their latest design – after establishing the Rimini as a design classic, with its timeless five spoke format and deep stainless steel lip, the manufacturer has gone one further by releasing a 20-inch fitment.

With staggered 8.5 and 10-inch widths, the wheels feature a machine polished face, pseudo-split rim rivets and a suitably deep 92mm lip (on 10-inch widths). All fitments come with a flawless black finish that provides a contrast with the highly polished surface faces. Applications include most core Japanese fitments, including 300ZX, 350Z, Evo, Supra and Skyline plus the bulk of BMW fitments. Plans for 20-inch Mercedes versions are also well advanced. Prices for the 20-inch Rimini start at £220 including VAT.

For those wanting the same style in a slightly more compact package, the Rimini also comes in a wide range of 17, 18 and 19-inch applications.

24th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

As Worn by all the Big Names…

Product News

When UK deliveries of the long-awaited replacement for Jaguar’s S-type began in March, much interest was directed towards what many see as a make or break car for the classic British marque. The new Jaguar XF represents a departure from the company’s strategy in recent years, which has seen its efforts directed towards presenting itself as a volume production rival for the established German luxury car manufacturers. The XF, in contrast, has been planned from the outset to be something different – a more exclusive premium sports car for a discerning clientele. As Jaguar design director Ian Callum said: “Jaguars should be perceived as cool cars, and cool cars attract interesting, edgy people.”

Included in this deliberately cool package is Pirelli. The Italian manufacturer’s partnership with Jaguar continues, with homologation for the XF covering sizes for all road and weather conditions. Pirelli tyres approved for the Jaguar XF include the P Zero, P7, Nero M + S and Winter Sottozero in four rim sizes – 17, 18, 19 and 20-inch. At the top of the new Jaguar range is the supercharged XF 4.2 V8, and Pirelli’s 20-inch P Zero is the exclusively supplied tyre for this model.

24th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

11th Hour Reprieve

Product News

Swiss based alloy wheel manufacturer Uniwheels has acquired the European interests of Germany’s ATS Group, former subsidiary of South African company Tiger Wheels. Included in the purchase are the company’s affiliated production factories in Germany and Poland as well as the globally recognised ATS brand name. We can only speculate at the purchase price – Uniwheels has chosen not to disclose this – and a separate solution is sought for the company’s US subsidiary, ATS Light Alloy Wheels (Alabama), Inc.

“With Uniwheels we have found an investor, who is taking over the shares of the subsidiaries of the insolvent ATS Beteiligungs GmbH,” commented Tobias Hoefer, representative of the Group’s insolvency administrator, Hack Hoefer. “With that in Europe all jobs and sites of the Group can be kept. This is the best possible result for the creditors and the employees.”

22nd April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Michelin Phasing Out OEM Supply of PAX

News

Last year’s speculation that Michelin’s feelings towards its PAX run-flat system had somewhat cooled appears after all to contain substance. The New York Times reports that the tyre major is no longer attempting to sell the system to vehicle manufacturers. Michelin spokeswoman Lynn Mann told the newspaper that this decision had been reached as automotive manufacturers have several other run-flat technology choices available to them and due to the “slow growth of the extended-mobility tyre segment in general.”

Only three years ago Michelin predicted that its tyre-wheel combination “could become as commonplace as fold-flat seats,” however the company’s experiences with PAX in the US have been a saga of customer complaints about high replacement tyre costs and difficulties finding appropriate repair facilities. Michelin still faces a number of lawsuits filed by disgruntled consumers. In spite of this, Ms Mann claims these issues played no role in Michelin’s latest decision, and she added that replacement tyres and service would continue to be made available for vehicles already fitted with the tyres.

21st April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Man and Youth Arrested for Large Tyre & Wheel Theft

Product News

One man and a youth will face court in Australia after being charged with stealing what the New South Wales Police has called “a large amount of wheels and tyres” from a tyre dealer in the south-west of Sydney on April 17. The pair used a pick-up truck to ram the premises’ rear gates, and, once inside, wheels and tyres were loaded onto a number of vehicles and driven away.

18th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Ford Announces 10th World Excellence Awards

Product News

The Ford Motor Company has held its 10th annual World Excellence Awards, at which the automotive manufacturer acknowledged 47 global suppliers for their efforts towards helping Ford develop higher quality and lower cost vehicles. According to Ford, the awards also recognise suppliers for embracing Ford’s vision of profitable growth, teamwork and a better world, and the list of companies so recognised includes several that fall under the ‘tyres and accessories’ umbrella.

First distributed in 1998, the World Excellence Awards were jointly developed by Ford and its suppliers. There are three levels of awards: Gold, Silver and Recognition of Achievement. The gold and silver awards are presented to Ford’s top production and non-production suppliers that consistently demonstrate superior quality, delivery and cost performance. The third award, Recognition of Achievement, is given to suppliers that improve customer satisfaction.

18th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Luxury Wheels Sells MHT Forged Products

Product News

MHT, the respected West Coast Wheel House, will has now made its products available in the UK through Luxury Wheels. MHT’s premium range is headed up by its ultra high performance forged wheels in a wide range of luxury and exotic applications. Their two latest designs, The Excess and Vendetta raise the bar for wheel design and construction across the industry.

Whether you need a dramatically staggered option for your Lamborghini Murcielago or Dodge Viper; or you if want to cut the ultimate dash with a 30-inch Hummer fitment, there should be an MHT forged wheel to suit.

16th April 2008/by Tyrepress Editors

Tag Archive for: Wheels

We see you are visiting us from China.