Winter Tyres
Sailun has expanded its winter tyre size range, adding 15 more fitments in total for the studdable Ice Blazer WST1 winter tyre and the studless Ice Blazer WSL2 winter tyre. According to the company, new sizes are available across both patterns and cover the 15, 16, 17 and 18-inch options and will be released from production in April and May 2012.
With the increasing use of cold weather tyres across many European markets as a result of legislation, recent harsh winters, and increased product awareness, the development cycle for new models has reduced in length. The world’s biggest manufacturer, Bridgestone has responded to the increased interest in the segment – and the resultant quickening of technological improvements – by signing a long-term lease on its new Sweden Proving Ground (SPG), located in Vidsel in the north of the country under 100km from the polar circle, and an hour’s drive north of Lulea airport. Its representatives told tyrepress.com that the estimated new seasonal product cycle would now be “no more than two winters”, since the “life cycle of a winter tyre is getting shorter”.
Michelin has launched the latest version of its Pilot Alpin UHP and Latitude Alpin SUV winter tyres. According to the manufacturer, the new incarnations of its flagship winter products will set a new benchmark for the segment. With the tyres scheduled to arrive in the European replacement markets in spring 2012 (beginning around May), Michelin makes the claim that the tyres deliver “unparalleled results in terms of safety, mobility and longevity” by pointing to a raft of TUV SUD test results to back up its assertions.
Four British artists chosen in partnership by Cooper Tire Europe and the UK’s leading art store, Castle Galleries, have created visual artworks starting with tyres as effective canvasses. Based on three themes relevant to Cooper Avon products and their motorsport heritage, the artists spent 257 man hours crafting the pieces, which will be displayed at Artica Galleries, South Molton Street, London until 17 February 2012.
Coach operators who travel to Europe throughout the winter season need to ensure that their tyres and vehicles comply with local legislation. These vary greatly from country to country in Western Europe and drivers may suffer financial penalties or even be prevented from travelling through certain areas if they don’t adhere to the regulations.
With impeccable timing during the current cold snap, Pirelli and the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy have got together to help learner drivers become more aware of the risks of hazardous driving conditions.
Pirelli has supplied the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy’s fleet of A-Class cars with Pirelli Cold Weather tyres to help raise awareness of the importance of preparing your vehicle before the onset of wintery road conditions.
Were you aware that between 1 November and 15 April operators of trucks driving in or through Austria risk a driving ban and a fine of up to 5,000 euros for not having M+S tyres on at least one drive axle? Or that studded tyres are permitted – albeit sometimes at a cost – during winter in Norway? Or that in Finland motorists may drive year-round on summer tyres, provided their vehicle is preceded by a husky wearing a hi-vis collar?
Despite the biting chill of the Finnish winter, the team at Nokian Tyres has surely been warmed by the company’s performance results for the 2011 financial year, which were released on 8 February. During the twelve month period group net sales rose 37.7 per cent to 1.46 billion euros and operating profit increased 71.1 per cent to 380.1 million euros. Better still, the all-important bottom line shot up 82.0 per cent, with profit for the year to 31 December 2011 amounting to 308.9 million euros.
Bridgestone has developed what it calls a “next generation” compound for its Blizzak winter tyres designed to grip like a studded tyre. Called Tube Multicell, it contains thousands of microscopic tubular cells and “bite particles.” Together with other technologies, the Tube Multicell compound is applied in the new Blizzak WS70 in a bid to offer motorists superior handling in Nordic winter conditions.
Continental’s van tyre range boasts the distinction of being fitted to one third of European manufactured vans as original equipment, and its three tyre models cover a range of driver applications in the light commercial sector, meeting passenger comfort and safety specifications. The range comprises the VanEco, designed to provide better economy through reduced rolling resistence; the Vanco 2, for improved longevity; the VancoWinter 2 for improved cold weather running; and the VancoContact 2, which strives for improved comfort through a passenger car-style tread pattern and construction.
After two successive cold winters (2009 and 2010) a lot was hanging on a frosty conclusion to 2011. While only five years ago winter tyre sales barely registered at less than 1 per cent UK market share, by the end of the opening months of 2011 various sources were reporting that the market had swollen to around 450,000 units, doubling and even tripling some wholesalers’ stock forecasts.
As what is traditionally known as winter season in Western Europe draws to a close after an unusually mild season, Turkish tyre brand Lassa has issued a series of winter tyre selection tips. As the industry well knows, winter tyres feature a combination of elements designed to equip them for the cold season. Here’s what Lassa is communicating to consumers when it comes to choosing winter rubber:
Brisa-produced tyre brand, Lassa has been promoting its winter tyres across Europe with a series of television advertisements on Turkish channels. The brand also offers a tyre SOS service, sending the nearest dealer drivers’ contact information when in weather-related difficulty in Italy and Germany.
Online tyre dealer Delticom reports that 2011 was “again a successful year.” The German-based company’s preliminary figures for the recently concluded financial year show a 14.4 per cent increase in revenues, to 380.0 million. During the 12 month period EBIT grew 9.6 per cent to 52.2 million and earnings per share were up 8.4 per cent to 2.99 euros.
Uniroyal has reacted to its RainExpert tyre being awarded “best buy” status by Which? Car in the November 2011 edition. Praised across several areas such as wet grip and dry braking, the RainExpert in size 175/65 R14T achieved an overall rating of 67 per cent with Which? commenting: “The RainExpert does exactly what it says on the tin, providing top-of-the-class wet grip, with five stars for grip on the straight and in bends.”
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