TyreSafe advises on holiday tyre checks
TyreSafe has given motorists a pre-holiday check list for tyres, including tread depth, inflation and condition tips. “Whether you’re heading overseas in your car, or staying in the UK, correct tyre maintenance is vital to reduce the risk of being stranded by the roadside or involved in an accident as a result of a tyre related issue,” says Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “Thankfully though, important pre-travel checks which can prevent such problems are simple to do and only take a few minutes to perform.”
Continue ReadingMaxxis capitalises on positive motorcycle reviews
Following recent positive reviews in the consumer press, Maxxis has announced that it is showcasing its latest range of motorcycle tyres, including its new sports touring radial, the MA-3DS Supermaxx Diamond, in a special supplement in leading consumer motorcycling magazine MCN.
Continue ReadingTyreSafe warns bikers of extra load problems
TyreSafe has advised motorcyclists that the extra weight resulting from a pillion passenger or pannier loads – common in holiday season – means that tyre pressures should be checked and adjusted accordingly against the bike manufacturers’ recommended levels. Under-inflation (or overloading) over a long period may cause rapid shoulder wear, excessive flexing and deterioration of the casing, which can pose a serious safety risk for bikers. Conversely, over-inflation may result in a reduced contact patch on the road and accelerated wear in the centre of the tread. The tyre could also be more susceptible to impact damage, as well as providing an uncomfortable ride.
Continue Reading“Pink Ribbon” Tyres: Radar’s Mobilizing Hope launches in UK
The Radar tyre brand, alongside exclusive UK distributor Universal Tyres & Spares, has launched Mobilizing Hope in the UK following the breast cancer research fund raising initiative’s US launch in May. A brand belonging to Omni United, the Singapore-based tyre designer and marketer, Radar has committed a minimum annual donation of $250,000 to the BCRF, with the goal of raising $1 million over the next 12 months. The brand will donate $1 for each set of Radar tyres purchased by its distributors and tyre wholesalers. In addition to this incentive, Radar encourages dealers and wholesalers to establish matching donation programs; telling customers about Mobilizing Hope; displaying and distributing Mobilizing Hope marketing materials; and becoming Facebook friends of Radar Tyres and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. All of the brand’s tyres will have distinct labelling identifying the product as supportive of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Continue ReadingPirelli displays “Seal Inside” technology
During the launch of the Pirelli’s Cinturato P1 tyre earlier in the year, Pirelli showcased a new self-sealing technology currently available in original equipment tyres the Italian brand supplies to Volkswagen. Named “Seal Inside”, the technology allows the tyre to “fix itself in the event of a puncture, allowing the driver to carry on without having to change the wheel,” according to Pirelli. It was developed by Pirelli’s Research Department with the emphasis on safety, helping to maintain the pressure and integrity of a punctured tyre and preventing 85 per cent of the possible causes of a deflation.
Continue ReadingSubsidised imports killed Goodyear plant – USW
The United Steelworkers union has expressed its disappointment in the notification of redundancy given to workers at Goodyear’s Union City factory. In a press statement, USW International president Leo W. Gerard said “we are very angered by the company’s announcement yesterday to close its Union City, Tennessee facility. The harm being done over the years by our government’s inaction and manufacturers’ ongoing deindustrialisation of the economy is relentless. Unfortunately, nothing we can say minimises the impact this decision has on the lives of our members who work there, their families and the community. But we will continue to fight to help them in this tragic situation.”
Continue ReadingReplacement market debut for Potenza run-flat
For the first time, run-flat fitments have been added to Bridgestone’s replacement market portfolio in Japan. The first run-flat made available to aftermarket consumers in the tyre maker’s home market is the Potenza S001 RFT, introduced in four sizes on July 1. Run-flat variants of the Potenza S001 had their public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March; according to Bridgestone, European replacement market customers will be able to purchase the Potenza S001 RFT as of August, with global market availability to follow.
Continue ReadingFacebook feedback boosts Conti’s American truck tyre range
Bosses who frown upon Facebook as yet another opportunity for employees to squander precious company time may be surprised to hear it has been embraced by the tyre industry and, as the following example shows, can actually influence which tyres are released onto the market.
Continue ReadingBridgestone title sponsor of ‘Russian Cup’ football championship
Title sponsorship for a major Russian football event will feature a familiar name this year – on July 15 Bridgestone Corporation announced the Bridgestone brand will serve as title sponsor of the Russian Football Union’s Russian Cup during the 2011-12 season. The nationwide football tournament will be officially titled the “Bridgestone –Russian Cup” will continue until May 2012. Premier league teams, who compete in the event alongside first division, second division and amateur clubs, begin their participation with the 1/16 finals that begin on July 17. The tournament’s winner will represent Russia in the UEFA Europa League.
Continue ReadingBridgestone introduces management module to retail training
Bridgestone UK’s training department has announced the addition of a fourth element to its Retail Business Development training programme. Dealer Selecta Tyre has been the first to engage with the new module, believing Bridgestone to “[understand] the tyre retail business better than any other external management training company we have been involved with in the past,” according to sales director Nick Henshall: “Selecta Tyre is growing as a business and as such we recognise that our retail managers are of vital importance to us continuing to achieve our future company strategies and goals.
Continue ReadingFirst Tyrexpo India prompts organisers to confirm dates 2013 show
The first staging of Tyrexpo India 2011 in Chennai was said to have been so successful that organisers ECI International have announced the dates for the next show in 2013. Managing director Paul Farrant said: “Our original intention was to review the show for several months before reaching a decision on a follow up, but we’ve already seen enough to make the decision with confidence that the show will be back in Chennai from 9-11 July 2013.”
Continue Reading2-wheel sales still down on 2010
The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures show year-on-year sales were down 3.8 per cent compared with 2010 and down 2.1 per cent year-to-date. However scooter sales were up 16.5 per cent in June, whilst larger bike registrations fell by almost 11 per cent. The year-to-date figures show that Scooter sales have increased by 15.9 per cent but larger bike sales have decreased 8.4 per cent.
Continue ReadingNankang launches ESSN-1 winter tyre
Nankang Rubber Tire has launched a new asymmetric winter tyre, the ESSN-1. The manufacturer says the tyre offers superior performance in “all extreme winter conditions, including curvy roads covered in ice, wet, and snow”. The tyre has zigzag 3D siping to optimise tread element stiffness and handling. The outside tread pattern strengthens cornering manoeuvrability, and the inside enhances straight-line stability with riding comfort. It also benefits from a patent tread compound with stiff natural kernel powder, promoting “ice-lodging ability to enhance traction”.
Continue ReadingEWS reports successful test of tyre recycling system
Canadian firm Environmental Waste International Inc. has completed testing of its TR900 Pilot Plant. This first trial of the company’s latest tyre recycling machine involved the processing of 20 tyres. EWS says the trial “fully met” its expectations and demonstrated the technical viability of a production scaled TR900 system.
Continue ReadingTrelleborg Americas appoints new account manager for ag and forestry tyres
Effective June 2011 Kevin Lowe was appointed as the new agricultural and forestry key account manager in the US market for Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas. Lowe has worked in the tyre business for 23 years. Before joining Trelleborg North America, Kevin was a tyre retailer in Central Florida and worked in distribution and sales for another large tire manufacturer for the last six years in the Carolinas.
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