News
Pirelli 2019 Formula 1 tyres – what’s new?
Pirelli’s ninth consecutive season as the exclusive tyre supplier to Formula 1 sees the manufacturer make several changes to its tyre range. This isn’t new – Pirelli has changed its tyres somewhat every season – but the changes to this year’s compounds, making their debut on the 2019 cars in Barcelona this week, offer a few more fundamental differences than we have recently come to expect.
Yamamoto to become president & CEO of SRI
Once shareholder approval is granted, Satoru Yamamoto will assume the position of president and chief executive officer at Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (SRI) late next month. At the same time, incumbent president and chief executive officer, Ikuji Ikeda, will become chairman of the company’s Board of Directors.
Continental sponsors Tour de France 2019
Continental has agreed to sponsor the Tour de France as one of the Tour’s five Main Partners – alongside LCL, E.Leclerc, Krys and Skoda. As a result of the deal, the Continental logo will appear on the arch above the finish line as well as on the “flamme rouge” arch, one kilometre from the finish. As a further benefit of the enhanced visibility, a representative of Continental will present the trophy to the stage winner on the podium.
BKT carbon black plant opening end of March
On 8 February 2019 Balkrishna Industries’ (BKT) confirmed that the first phase of its new carbon black plant will be commissioned by 31 March 2019.
Galgo opens new European distribution centre and headquarters
Mexico-based retreading material supplier Galgo Pre-Q Europe recently relocated its European headquarters to a larger distribution centre located in Willebroek, Belgium.
Transense takes order for 50 iTrack II systems
Transense Technologies Plc, which provides sensors systems to the industrial, mining and transportation markets, is pleased to announce that “a customer” has placed an order for 50 iTrack II units for installation in mines in North America.
Bridgestone radials certified for Boeing 737 MAX 9
Bridgestone radial aircraft tyres have gained certification by Boeing for use as main tyres on the 737 MAX 9. This approval builds upon Bridgestone Corporation’s production of radial tyres for the 737 MAX 8.
Deldo doubles warehouse capacity
The year has started well for Deldo Autobanden – the Belgium-based tyre wholesaler says its new warehouse in the Port of Antwerp is now finished and operational, and the facility’s entry into service has effectively doubled stock capacity to more than 2 million tyres. According to Deldo, this added capacity is aiding an expansion of its premium as well as budget segment ranges and offers customers throughout Europe an enhanced ‘just-in-time’ service.
Hankook tyres OE on Ford Focus Active
Ford’s new Focus Active is available from the factory with Hankook tyres, reports the tyre maker. As of December 2018, the crossover wears Hankook’s Ventus Prime 3 in sizes 215/50R18V and 215/55R17V.
Expert questions tyre role in marine pollution claims
Professor Richard Thompson OBE, who leads the International Marine Research Unit at the University of Plymouth, has questioned claims made by the Marine Conservation Society relating the role played by tyre wear in marine microplastic pollution.
Wills Brothers trials Wheely-Safe Michelin TPMS Light Fleet
Cornwall-based Wills Brothers has become one of the first farms in the UK to fit a patented new safety system designed to protect machinery and trailers from the risk of tyre under-inflation. Arable Manager Tom Wills specified the Michelin Tyre Pressure Management System (TPMS) Light Fleet – pioneered by UK technology firm Wheely-Safe, an official licensee of Michelin – after seeing the product on show at Lamma.
Cooper Tire launches Roadmaster RM351 HD mixed service drive tyre
Cooper Tire has launched the Roadmaster RM351 HD mixed service drive tyre to its North American commercial range. Engineered for mixed service applications such as construction, logging and mining operations, the tyre is designed for both on- and off-road driving, and comes in two sizes: 11R22.5 and 11R24.5, in load range H.
Portimão racetrack extends Davanti official tyre partnership for three more years
The Autódromo do Algarve has agreed a three-year extension to its official tyre partnership with Davanti Tyres. The circuit, which plays host to the European LeMans Series, 24H Endurance Series, the FIM World Superbike Championship, and the Algarve Classic festival, is recognised for the technical challenge it poses to racers. The UK tyre brand, which launched its first tyre in 2015, describes the new deal as “a massive coup.”
Bridgestone buying back up to 14 million shares
Bridgestone is set to buy back as many as 12 million of its shares at a fixed price of 4,195 yen per share, based on the closing price at the time of the announcement.
VRA adds its support to BVRLA’s new WLTP consultation campaign
The Vehicle Remarketing Association has added its support to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s response to the current Government’s Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) consultation. Sam Watkins, chair at the VRA, said that her organisation shared the BVRLA’s concern about how the potential, negative impact on the company car sector could have widespread repercussions.