Product News
Success for Maxxis-supported Naylor at BTRDA Trackrod Rally
Maxxis-supported rally driver Pat Naylor achieved back-to-back victories at the Trackrod Rally, Yorkshire. His first in class finish highlighted the synergy between car, driver and Maxxis’ R19 tyre, finishing the season in style.
EU makes final truck tyre anti-dumping duties decision, retains fixed rates for manufacturers
The European Union has made its conclusive statement on the introduction of anti-dumping tariffs on truck and bus tyres and retreads manufactured in China. As previously announced, the EU will impose fixed rate anti-dumping duties on the products, with the final regulation 2018/1579 implemented from 23 October. This ends speculation that percentage rates could be applied. In fact, the EU has revised tariff levels up, almost across the board.
Yokohama tyres OE on China-made BMW X3
Yokohama Advan Sport V105 tyres made at Yokohama Rubber’s factory in Suzhou, China will be supplied as original equipment for BMW X3 models manufactured in China. The Suzhou plant began shipping size 245/50R19 105W OE tyres bearing the BMW ‘star’ mark on the sidewall in May.
Hankook tyres OE on VW Tiguan
Volkswagen has approved the all-season Hankook Ventus S1 noble 2 [Pattern H452] as an original equipment tyre for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line. Two Ventus S1 noble 2 sizes – 255/45R19H and 255/40R20V XL – are being fitted to versions of the SUV sold in the USA.
Continental wins in sport auto tyre test
If I were a winter tyre developer at Continental, I’d be getting smug by this point in time. The brand can boast yet another tyre test win, this time with sport auto. The German performance car magazine has named the WinterContact TS 850 P victor of its six-brand test.
Michelin predicts significant slowdown in car and truck tyre demand
While presenting its nine-month 2018 results, Michelin has predicted a significant slowdown in passenger and truck tyre market conditions in the second half of the year. However, the well-known tyre manufacturer also predicted “sustained growth” in the speciality sector, which consists of OTR, two-wheel, aircraft and agricultural tyres.
Continental to supply JLG telehanders with jointly-developed tyre
A new five-year supply agreement names Continental as solid tyre provider for JLG telehanders. The two companies have also worked together to develop a tyre for these machines. The resulting product is called the Continental TeleMaster, and this tyre is the priority fitment on all JLG telehandlers manufactured and sold.
Seven new Vredestein Traxion Optimall sizes
The Vredestein Traxion Optimall tyre range has grown to a total of ten fitments with the addition of seven further sizes. The first of these new sizes will be introduced at the EIMA agricultural show in Bologna next week.
GKN Wheels publishes hub catalogue
GKN Wheels and Structures has produced a new catalogue covering the company’s extensive range of hubs and spindles. With detailed technical and application information, together with images and dimensioned line drawings of each product in the range, the catalogue also includes full details of the company’s recently launched Profi-Hub range.
Continental introduces new drive axle winter tyre for coaches
A new Continental drive axle tyre developed specifically for fitment on coaches aims to provide passengers with enhanced safety during the winter months. The tyre maker claims its HDW2 Coach “outperforms M+S tyres and exceeds the performance requirements of the 3PMSF certification.”
Goodyear tyres OE on DS7 Crossback
DS Automobiles has entered into an original equipment tyre supply arrangement with Goodyear. The tyre maker will ship its Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 SUV in size 235/45R20 100V XL to the Groupe PSA brand for fitment on the DS7 Crossback.
Bridgestone to offer run-flat option on key product lines
As of November, Bridgestone will make its proprietary DriveGuard RFT (run-flat technology) available on its main product lines for the aftermarket. Specifically, the Turanza, Blizzak and Weather Control tyre ranges will gain DriveGuard fitments.
Auto Bild Allrad tests winter SUV tyres
Ten winter SUV tyres – from premium brands to a so-called “budget tyre from the Far East” – were put to the test in this year’s comparative evaluation from Auto Bild Allrad. The German 4x4/SUV publication examined size 235/60 R18 107H/V products, fitting the tyres to an Audi Q5 for testing in wet, dry and snow disciplines. Happily, the testers found no truly dreadful tyres within the candidates’ ranks.
IDEA honour for Hankook EV tyre
Hankook Tire’s recently-released electric vehicle tyre has already snapped up its first award. At last month’s International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), the Hankook Kinergy AS EV was honoured in the automotive and transportation category. This is the first time Hankook Tire has received an IDEA award for a production model, having previously only gained this distinction with concept tyres, such as its ‘climate change’ concepts in 2015 and its ‘Birth On Nature’ (BON) tyre two years later.
Shire Aggregates specifies Michelin X Works tyre after trial highlights savings
Shire Aggregates has specified Michelin tyres as original equipment across 12 new MAN 32-tonne 8x4 tippers and adopted a Michelin policy as standard for future tyre purchases. The decision came after a trial set of Michelin X Works tyres demonstrated potential savings of “more than £26,000 a year” in running costs, the company states.