Product News
Agritechnica launch for BKT V-Flexa
BKT has shared a few details about the new tyre it will unveil at Agritechnica. Specifically developed for agricultural trailers, the V-Flexa radial features VF technology that enables the transport of heavy loads with an inflation pressure 30 per cent less than that of a standard tyre of the same size.
Trelleborg partners with Farming Simulator 19, fields league team
The partnership between Trelleborg Wheel Systems and Giants Software continues for a fifth year with the two firms teaming up in the new Farming Simulator 19 game. Trelleborg has also decided to field an official team in the 2019/20 Farming Simulator League competition.
From Concept to King – Agritechnica launch for Nokian contractor tyre
A concept tyre displayed at Nokian Tyres’ stand at Agritechnica 2017 will return to this year’s show – in an evolved form – as a new range aimed at tractor and machine contractors who seek a product that offers a combination of “on-road endurance, traction and grip on a soft terrain and a high load-bearing capacity.”
Nokian: Two new SUV tyres
Drivers of SUVs and crossovers will soon be able to fit their vehicles with tyres based upon the 2018-launched Nokian Powerproof and Wetproof ranges. Nokian Tyres says it developed the Powerproof SUV and Wetproof SUV to meet a “growing demand for premium SUV tyres”. Both products will be available from spring 2020.
Bridgestone renames TomTom Telematics Webfleet Solutions
Bridgestone Europe (Bridgestone) will rename TomTom Telematics as Webfleet Solutions on 1 October 2019, following its acquisition of the company on 1 April. The tyre giant revealed that the EMEA business currently serves more than 1.2 million vehicles with mobility subscriptions and fleet solutions.
Michelin tyres OE on Harley-Davidson’s electric LiveWire
Harley-Davidson has gone and made itself an electric motorcycle – and Michelin has developed tyres to fit the ‘e-hog’. Michelin Scorcher Sport tyres have been selected as original equipment for the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire.
Bridgestone’s VX Tractor tour heading across the UK
Bridgestone is embarking on a nationwide tractor tour to bring its VX Tractor agricultural tyre to farmers and contractors. The company is rolling into 10 locations across England and Scotland in September with a £200 donation on board. The manufacturer is seeking to generate increased interest and awareness around the product in an agricultural heartland of England, with Bridgestone experts will be on hand to demonstrate its capabilities through presentations featuring comparison test results.
Michelin accompanies Bugatti beyond 300 mph
Last month, a Bugatti Chiron became the first near production car in the world to break the 300 mph barrier, after reaching an independently verified speed of 304.773 mph (490.484 km/h) at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany. The Chiron wore Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 – the world’s fastest street legal tyre – for the speed record attempt.
Michelin launches Road 5 GT
Long-distance touring enthusiasts rejoice: Michelin had introduced a GT version of its Road 5. The tyre maker states that the Michelin Road 5 GT has been “developed in exactly the same spirit and to the same rigorous standards” as its 2018-launched sibling, but focuses on the specific requirements of touring bike riders looking for “safety, comfort, long life, stability and sheer riding enjoyment” in a range of conditions.
ZC Rubber extends truck tyre warranty to five years
ZC Rubber has extended its warranty to 5 years from manufacturing date for consumers in Europe buying Westlake radial light and medium truck tyres manufactured by ZC Rubber.
Tyre monitoring: Agritechnica launch for Nokian Tyres Intuitu
Nokian Tyres says it has taken the first step towards digital, real-time tyre management with the launch of Nokian Tyres Intuitu. This new digital monitoring system combines sensor-equipped tyres with a mobile application that records the sensor data, keeping the user informed about vital tyre pressure and temperature. Intuitu will initially be available for agricultural and contracting tyres, however Nokian Tyres intends to extend the system to its entire commercial tyre range.
First world record for Pirelli Collezione tyres
Tyres from the Pirelli Collezione range for vintage and modern classic cars have taken a first-generation Mazda MX-5 to world record glory on the 30th anniversary of the roadster’s launch.
How 10 popular electric cars depreciated over a three-year period
A new study shows striking differences in the depreciation of ten popular electric cars from their purchase price three years ago to their current value. Research by InsuretheGap.com, a leading supplier of GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance for new and second-hand cars, found that the Renault Zoe (Electric) lost the most value, depreciating by 61 per cent in three years from its purchase price of £19,988 to only £7,830 value in 2019.
‘One-sided, unrepresentative, unrealistic’ – Michelin criticises Auto Bild tyre test
As we reported in July, progress is being made at European and international levels towards deciding on a wet grip test for worn tyres. Michelin actively supports this development and claims that driving on tyres to the legal tread depth of 1.6mm can be completely safe. The tyre maker is therefore critical of a magazine test that suggests this isn’t the case at all.
Two Falken tyres chosen for new Toyota Corolla
Falken is supplying original equipment tyres to the new Toyota Corolla, available since March 2019. The new vehicles will be fitted with the Ziex ZE914B Ecorun in sizes 225/40R18 92 W XL and 225/45R17 91W, and the Sincera SN832B tyre in size 205/55R16 91V. The tyres are manufactured at the SRI plant in Turkey and fitted at the Toyota plants in Castle Donington in the UK and Sarkaya in Turkey.