Product News
Innovation awards for Michelin airless prototype tyre
Michelin’s prototype puncture-proof tyre UPTIS (Unique Puncture-proof Tyre System) has won a hat-trick of innovation awards. The airless tyre has been recognised with the Golden Steering Wheel Award 2019 in Germany, the Coyote Automobile Award 2020 in France and the AVT ACES (Autonomous Vehicle Technology – Autonomy Connectivity Electrification Mobility Services) Award 2020 in the USA.
Hankook supplying OE tyres for Audi SQ8
Audi has released a performance version of its Q8 SUV coupe, and Hankook Tire says it is supplying original equipment tyres. Specifically, the Audi SQ8 TDI will be available with the Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV and Winter i*cept evo 2 SUV in sizes 285/45 R21 113 Y XL and V XL. A 22-inch fitment of the summer tyre will follow – The SQ8 will receive the Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV in size 285/40 R22.
Kumho gains two further Good Design awards
In recent years, the products of Korean tyre producer Kumho Tire have received a number of iF, Red Dot, IDEA and Good Design awards. Now the company has added two more Good Design awards into its already bulging trophy cabinet. The patterns recognised on this occasion are both passenger car products – the Majesty 9 Solus TA91 and ECSTA PA51.
2 Yokohama tyres OE on latest Porsche Cayenne
Yokohama tyres have been fitted as original equipment on the Porsche Cayenne since the SUV was first introduced in 2002. This partnership has continued through to the third-generation Cayenne – Yokohama Rubber shares that two of its tyre models are being supplied as original equipment.
Goodyear Drive-Over-Reader wins third innovation award in 2019
Goodyear’s Drive-Over-Reader has received three industry awards in 2019, recognising the fleet tyre monitoring and management tool. The system won its latest accolade on 27 November when it was announced as the winner of the 2019 IoMobility 'Mobility Innovation' award by #Innovability. The annual IoMobility Awards honour innovative companies and products that address the challenges of “smart mobility” in Italy. Goodyear's Drive-Over-Reader first received a prize in the 'Mobility Innovation' category, after being evaluated by a jury of more than 20 experts from the transport industry.
European commission approves 3.2 billion euros of battery research support
The European Commission has approved 3.2 billion euros of battery research and development support under EU State aid rules. The funding comes as the result of an Important Project of Common European interest (IPCEI) application jointly notified by Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden to support research and innovation in the common European priority area of batteries.
Senna F1 tyre turned into bracelets
The Monegasque and Senna brands have launched a limited edition range of bracelets made from a tyre used by Ayrton Senna during legendary F1 Grand Prix at Donington Park.
New agri app from Continental
Continental has brought out a new tyre pressure and load app for agricultural applications. Called Agriculture TireTech, the iOS and Android app features a Pressure-Load Calculator that gives correct tyre pressures for specific loads and application.
Metzeler Cruisetec exclusive tyre for Indian Challenger
Following a long joint development process, Indian Motorcycle has named Metzeler exclusive original equipment tyre supplier for the upcoming 2020 Indian Challenger. All versions of the new ‘bagger’, including the Dark Horse and Limited models, will wear Metzeler Cruisetec tyres in size 130 / 60B19 66H on the front and 180 / 60R16 80H on the rear.
Wheel cylinders enter National programme
National Auto Parts has launched a new range of wheel cylinders for the automotive aftermarket, with an initial range of 100 part numbers covering the most popular vehicles in the UK. The competitively priced programme is made to OE specifications, with further range extensions planned in 2020.
Borg & Beck classic clutch range has 200+ applications
With more than a century’s worth of original equipment (OE) heritage when it comes to the design and manufacture of clutch systems and components, Borg & Beck is an iconic brand. As it was the original supplier of clutch to the majority of British-built vehicles dating back to the 1930s, it should come as no surprise that Borg & Beck’s classic clutch range has become the go to option for classic car enthusiasts.
Autoparts Garage Equipment launches TPMS starter kit
Autoparts Garage Equipment (AGE) has launched a TPMS Starter Kit. With a high number of vehicles now fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), there is a requirement for TPMS sensors to be serviced regularly to prevent faults. Furthermore, a faulty TPMS sensor can result in an MOT failure.
Warwick University: Want safer car battery transportation? Freeze them
Currently transporting damaged and defective car batteries is an expensive process as they need to be placed in an explosion proof box which costs thousands of pounds, however researchers from WMG at the University of Warwick in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover engineers have been able to freeze batteries with Liquid Nitrogen.
Terratoura leading new generation of Davanti tyres
Davanti reports that its strong recent growth “showed no signs of slowing in 2019” as the company launched its Terratoura all-terrain tyre. But, according to the company, Terratoura is just the first of a wave of next-generation projects the brand is working on.
Vredestein exhibiting at LAMMA 2020
Vredestein has chosen the largest British farm machinery, equipment and service show, LAMMA 2020 (NEC Birmingham, 7/8 January) to introduce the newest addition to its agricultural range, the Traxion 65 tyre, to the UK market. Vredestein will also show the Traxion XXL tested by independent German test institute DGL (and the test results) together with LAMMA 2019 Innovation Awards ‘Driven Innovation’ winner, the Traxion Optimall.