
Yokohama ATG demonstrates agri tyre technology in Merseyside field demo day
Yokohama-ATG took its agricultural tyre technology on the road in the UK at the end of October, on Merseyside farmer, blogger and Alliance influencer, Olly Harrison’s fields. Hosting farmers from across the UK as well as Alliance distributor Kirkby Tyres, the day gave the manufacturer’s European technical team the opportunity to demonstrate live the technological benefits of the Alliance branded agricultural tyre range.
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Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres OE on new Kawasaki Ninja
Bridgestone Corporation will supply Battlax Hypersport S23 tyres as original equipment for the new Ninja 1100SX made by Kawasaki Motors, Ltd.
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Hankook launches new AI-enhanced Ventus evo ultra-high performance tyre
The fourth generation in the Hankook Ventus evo range of ultra-high performance tyres harnesses an Artificial Intelligence-enabled mixing process to “overcome traditional trade-offs”. Announcing the new product, simply known as the Hankook Ventus evo but carrying the new product number K137, Hankook said the tyre “combines outstanding wet grip with impressively low rolling resistance and high mileage.” Longevity, Hankook says, has been boosted by a whopping 32 per cent. The manufacturer also called the new Ventus evo’s development “a perfect example of AI-assisted development,” increasing its flexibility to all summer road conditions with a six per cent boost in dry braking in addition to better performance in the wet. By the end of 2025, Hankook says the new Ventus evo range – including the Ventus evo SUV – will be available in 94 sizes for a particularly wide range of vehicles.
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Pit-Stop: HUK-Coburg increases stake in German tyre retailer
In Germany, our sister title Reifenpresse.de is reporting that, subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities, HUK-Coburg Mobilitätsholding GmbH – a subsidiary of insurer HUK-Coburg – will acquire a majority stake in the Pit-Stop workshop chain on 2 January 2025.
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People, profit & planet – Michelin talks manufacturing in Western Europe
Several weeks ago, prior to visiting the Michelin plant in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, I witnessed the partial demolition of what until recently was one of the country’s most modern and efficient power plants. Capable of satisfying almost the entire electricity requirements of neighbouring Hamburg yet decommissioned after less than seven years in what the local Environment Minster called a “symbolic” gesture, the blasting of the 3-billion-euro plant’s chimneys delivered a depressing reminder of the challenges that tyre makers and other manufacturers face in Western Europe. Perhaps the Michelin team could restore some lost optimism.
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All-season a growth segment for the van tyre market – GfK data
Figures from the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) show that the market for new vans is relatively buoyant in 2024. In the UK, light commercial vehicle registrations have consistently trended upwards, with October figures registering a 3.5 per cent year-on-year increase versus 2023 over the first 10 months of the year – a figure that increases to 4.7 per cent if we remove the marginal Pickup and 4x4 categories, which are the only light commercial segments to contract in this period. This growth in new vans on UK roads has been steadier than in 2021, when pent-up demand after the pandemic played a role before 2022 saw the market fall back within touching distance of the nadir of pandemic sales. The healthy outlook in 2024 is to some extent undermined by both the stalling electrification of the UK van parc (see textbox for more) and more rapid growth achieved in some continental European markets.
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Kumho strengthens van, truck tyre ranges for UK
With an extensive range of tyres designed to enhance performance and reliability across various driving conditions, Kumho Tyre UK tells Tyres & Accessories that the brand is “making significant strides in the commercial vehicle sectors.” Its PorTran range has been tailored for commercial vans operating in a variety of conditions, while the brand is enhancing its stock position in heavier commercial truck tyres.
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Time to benefit from the flexibility of an all-season van tyre – Davanti
Davanti Tyres launched the Vantoura 4-Seasons in the middle of 2022, subsequently extending the range of its first dedicated on-road, all-season product as it increased in popularity. The all-season van tyre segment is growing in the UK, with businesses looking to harness the benefits of reduced downtime and improved efficiency. For fleet managers operating in the highly competitive last-mile delivery sector, Davanti says 2025 could be the year to capitalise on the benefits of an all-season tyre. The UK-owned brand says the tyre has become “a popular and safe choice for light commercial vehicle users,” explaining the benefits to van operators of fitting an all-season tyre.
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GT Radial Maxmiler range tailored to suit growing UK van tyre market – Micheldever Tyre Services
Giti Tire’s GT Radial brand continues to develop its Maxmiler van tyre range, according to exclusive distributor Micheldever Tyre Services (MTS). It adds that new additions are due to arrive in 2025 to “ensure the range remains relevant and future-proof.” Tyres & Accessories asked MTS about how it is currently viewing the UK van tyre market, and for its tips on best practice for keeping light commercials moving.
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Transaid’s annual showcase demonstrates expansion of anti-Malaria programme in Zambia
International development organisation Transaid has celebrated the roll-out of its MAMaZ Against Malaria programme to cover nearly 80 per cent of districts across Zambia. Launched by Transaid within a single district in 2017, the life-saving project was proven to dramatically reduce severe malaria mortality in children under six years of age. It has been recognised in a World Health Organization report as “feasible, safe and effective in hard-to-reach communities.” Transaid presented the latest good news at its annual showcase event at the Africa Centre in London this week (27 November).
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Q3 new HGV registrations fall by 6%
New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations fell by -6.0 per cent in the third quarter, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The decline was in comparison with Q3 last year, when uptake surged above pre-pandemic levels to fulfil pent-up demand. Demand in Q3 2024 remained robust, at 26.7 per cent above the same quarter in 2019.
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GSF Car Parts encourages garages to prepare for winter
UK motor factor GSF Car Parts has launched its winter edition of Garage Essentials, the popular garage equipment catalogue. It has also confirmed that the publication will now be published quarterly, ensuring that independent garages receive the latest offers on relevant seasonal products.
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UK car production falls 15% in October
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that UK car manufacturing output fell -15.3 per cent in October - the eighth consecutive month of decline. 77,484 units left factory gates, 14,037 fewer than in the same month last year, with plants continuing their retooling to enable production of the next generation of zero emission vehicles.
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Industry backing needed to make government youth guarantee a success
Support for 18 to 21-year-olds in education and employment through a proposed government Youth Guarantee could help alleviate the skills crisis in the automotive aftermarket according to Easy2Recruit. However, the agency helping garages hire overseas talent believes industry backing will be crucial for this to make a difference to the ongoing skills crisis affecting the garage sector.
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Arnold Clark Autoparts sponsors Product of the Year at IAAF Awards 2024
Arnold Clark Autoparts will sponsor the Product of the Year category at the IAAF Annual Awards 2024, which take place following the IAAF Conference during the Federation’s annual Dinner on 5 December 2024 at DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes – the venue for this year’s NTDA Tyre Industry Conference, Annual Dinner and Awards.
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