Trelleborg has announced the global launch of the Variable Inflation Pressure system (VIP) at SIMA 2017 in Paris, France. The VIP system is a smart and autonomous complete wheel capable of self-adjusting the pressure of a combine harvester’s tyre during operation according to its precise load, optimising the tyre’s footprint in order to reduce soil compaction.
With excitement revving up for the release of ‘17’ number plates on 1 March, buying a car is a significant purchase. A new study from American Express has found that 19 per cent of adults will spend an average of £11,094 buying a brand new or second hand car this year, equating to a bumper £1081 billion across the UK as a whole.
The interestingly-titled publication ‘Gute Fahrt’ is a German magazine that focuses on Volkswagen Group vehicles, and the most recent issue puts a group of size 215/55 R17 tyres under the magnifying glass. The tyres were fitted to a VW Passat for testing purposes and additionally evaluated alongside two Passat optional original equipment sizes, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 in 235/45 R18 and 235/40 R19, in order to demonstrate the respective advantages and disadvantages of 18/19-inch fitment compared with the 17-inch size. Three of the ten 17-inch tyres, as well as both Pirelli OE models, were self-sealing models. One of these self-sealing tyres, the Continental PremiumContact 5, was voted the test winner, however its advantage over its rivals was not huge – aside from one tyre that received a ‘satisfactory’ rating, all were considered to be either ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
Yogesh Mahansaria is to step down as chief executive officer of the company he founded. Alliance Tire Group (ATG) has announced the appointment of Nitian Mantri as chief executive officer – designate, and states that he will “be taking over the reins” from Mahansaria over the coming few months.
Although Park Sam-koo is said to have arranged sufficient funds to buy back a share in Kumho Tire from its creditors, some still doubt the transaction will go ahead. The Investor, the online business news service run by The Korea Herald, comments that many observers question whether Park will be able to pay the KRW 100 billion (£70.5 million) down payment for the deal.
A new size has joined the Alliance 380 range. Alliance Tire Group has unveiled a size 800/60R32 version of the flotation radial at the SIMA show in France. The new product is aimed at trailers, tankers, sprayers and loaders.
The 2017 Geneva International Motor Show begins next week, and Yokohama Rubber says it will unveil the latest additions to its passenger car range at a press conference on 7 March. A number of other new products will also be on display at the Yokohama booth (Hall 4, no. 4231).
Continental Tyres has been awarded Consumer Superbrands status for 2017. This follows the release of the latest results of the long-running annual survey, which has been identifying the UK’s leading brands since 1995. The process, managed by The Centre for Brand Analysis (TCBA), questioned 2,500 British adults who assessed just over 1,500 brands. Consumers judged the brands on three key criteria: quality, reliability and distinction.
ExxonMobil has started construction on a multi-million dollar expansion of its Shanghai technology centre in China. The expansion is expected to be complete in early 2018 and will include a new R&D facility.
On 8 February a team of researchers, led by the University of Minnesota, announced that they have invented a new technology to produce automobile tyres from trees and grasses. According to reports, the University of Minnesota’s Office for Technology Commercialization, has applied for a patent on the renewable rubber technology and plans to license the technology to companies interested in commercializing it.
Britons pick up so many bad habits that the majority believe they would not pass their driving test again, if they had to re-take it, according to new research; as many confess to driving single-handedly and using gadgets.
There are continuing suggestions from government sources that small businesses, especially those embracing ‘hospitality’, will be given concessions on their business rates liability in the March Budget.
Autoparts UK has introduced a brand new battery station, supporting garages in the promotion of free battery checks. With winter now in full swing, Autoparts is keen to raise awareness to the importance of regular battery checks with the new battery station allowing garages to sell and check more batteries than ever before.
Federal-Mogul Motorparts has expanded its European Graduate Program, providing top graduates with the chance to develop careers in multiple sectors. Ten positions are available, spanning six countries and covering specialties in business areas from engineering and research and development, to logistics and finance.
Following the US International Trade Commission (ITC)’s decision not to place import tariffs on China truck tyres, Chinese officials have welcomed the news. The ITC determination was made on 22 February 2017 on the basis that tyres from China “did not materially injure or threaten to damage the US industry”, and that no anti-dumping or countervailing duties would be imposed on those products.