News
H&H Industries invests in 51-inch buffer
H&H Industries of Ohio, USA has invested in a TRM Eagle 51 buffer and tread grooving machine as part of its strategy to be a leader in the large OTR tyre market segment. Installation is planned for the third quarter of 2020.
Coronavirus threatens Geneva, but Motor Show will go on
The so-called coronavirus (Covid-19) is threatening Europe’s largest motoring events, with some sources suggesting that March’s Geneva Motor Show won’t be able to take place. However, a statement published by Palexpo (the Geneva Motor Show’s organising company) said the show will go on and that the exhibition is taking all recommended steps.
Goodyear tyre supplier to Pure ETCR all-electric touring car series
The motorsport calendar now includes an all-new event – the world’s first all-electric, multi-brand touring car championship. Pure ETCR vehicles will be equipped with a Williams Advanced Engineering battery unit and a 500kW Magelec Propulsion powertrain – the equivalent of a staggering 680bhp – that drives the rear wheels and enables 0 to 100km/h acceleration in just 3.2 seconds. This torquey power will be delivered to the racetrack via products supplied by one of Pure ETCR’s founder partners – Goodyear.
Avon Tyres to support Leicestershire & Rutland Blood Bikes
Avon Tyres will support the Leicestershire & Rutland Blood Bikes (LRBB) this year by equipping the charitable organisation’s van and motorcycle fleet. Under the arrangement, the tyre maker will supply Avon ZT7 van tyres and Avon Spirit ST motorcycle tyres, products it says are designed to deal with the variety of roads and weather conditions encountered by the LRBB.
New European tyre label confirmed, extended to include retreads
Following the news that there will be a new EU tyre label in 2021, the Council of the European Union has announced that it will officially adopt its position relating to the new label on 25 February 2020. In short the new tyre label has been confirmed and will in time be extended to include retreads. At the same time, the rescaling of fuel efficiency and wet grip measures has been halted.
GRI launches Gripex LT122 loader tyre
GRI has introduced a new tyre for heavy-duty loader applications, the Gripex LT122. The Sri Lankan tyre maker says the LT22 features a sturdy and robust nylon casing that provides extraordinary impact and shock resistance for extended tyre life. It adds that the tyre’s tread compound ensures resistance against wear and cuts, whilst the tread design enables higher traction for better productivity.
Production reaches 70% at ZC Rubber following coronavirus break
ZC Rubber reported today that production at its plant in Hangzhou, China resumed on 10 February following a pause taken in response to concerns regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). The manufacturer of the Westlake, Goodride, Arisun and Chaoyang tyre brands says production is now at 70 per cent capacity and is expected to return to normal levels soon. Triangle Tyre says its production also restarted on 10 February.
SMMT: Don’t ban hybrids and low emission vehicles
The SMMT released its UK passenger car registration figures for January shortly after the government announced its ambition to end the sale of all vehicles with an internal combustion engine, including HEVs and PHEVs, by 2035. In response to the announcement, the SMMT calls for caution. It points out that hybrids and plug-in hybrids are zero-emission capable, and therefore views both as vehicles not only bringing “significant environmental benefits today,” but also an “important stepping stone in helping motorists make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle.”
UK, European car registrations decline in January
As far as the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) is concerned, we can count Brexit as occurring from the start of this year – the association has already removed the UK from its passenger car registration figures for January 2020. Registrations for the slimmed-down EU27 region fell 7.5 per cent year-on-year, to 956,779 units. Registrations fell by a similar level on our side of the channel, with figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showing a 7.3 per cent decline in January, to 149,279 units.
Half of Brits suffer from green guilt, reveals new study from Kia
Nearly half of Brits (49 per cent) suffer from 'green guilt' and admit exaggerating about their green lifestyle because they feel pressure from family, friends and colleagues to be greener.
Truck registrations rise, bus/coach decline in 2019
The UK’s new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market rose 12.6 per cent in 2019, with 48,535 units registered, however the market for new buses and coaches fell 18.8 per cent for a third consecutive a year and amounted to just 5,874 units.
Trelleborg becomes Kion Group’s preferred non-marking tyre supplier
The Kion Group has chosen Trelleborg Wheel Systems as its preferred main supplier for non-marking tyres in the European market. As such, the manufacturer will fit Trelleborg non-marking resilient solid tyres as first choice on the counterbalanced forklift trucks it produces for use in indoor environments where floor care is essential.
Britain’s best garages are celebrated at WhoCanFixMyCar.com’s fourth annual garage awards
The 4th annual WhoCanFixMyCar.com awards took place on 13 February 2020 after a successful year where over two million jobs have now been completed by registered garages.
Motoring experts comment on April’s upcoming changes to the theory test
Following today’s announcement from the DVSA that changes to the driving theory test are coming into effect in April 2020 for new learner drivers in England Wales and Scotland, Peter Brabin, head of training at www.BillPlant.co.uk, commented:
Michelin AxioBib 2 the ‘perfect tyre’ for UK-first Horsch sprayer
Michelin says Flawborough Farms is “getting the best” from its next-generation Horsch sprayer after switching the original equipment fitments for a set of its AxioBib 2 tyres. The family-run business in Nottinghamshire took delivery of the UK’s first Horsch Leeb 8.300 PT last summer. The sprayer arrived as a prototype from Horsch’s headquarters in Germany fitted with a competitor’s rubber, but Flawborough Farms has since switched to Michelin VF 650/85 R42 AxioBib 2 183D tyres.