Maxion Wheels, the world’s largest wheel manufacturer, intends to share its commercial vehicle wheel growth strategy, including new product and sustainability solutions, at the IAA Transportation 2022 show in Germany. The company will elaborate on these subjects during a press conference at its exhibition space on Tuesday 20 September.
MWheels, the European market supplier of Wheels India’s Xlite range of aluminium wheels, has rebranded as The Wheel Hub in the UK and Wheel HUB GmbH at its Cologne, Germany based European operation. The move follows a 12-month review, during which the commercial vehicle wheel distributor decided the name change more clearly identifies its approach to the respective regions. The Wheel Hub is positioning itself in the UK as “a better way to buy CV wheels.” Across the continent, the company’s strapline will be “the home of Xlite”, reflecting its synonymous position with the range of quality forged aluminium wheels. Available in 17.5, 19.5 and 22.5 inch sizes, Xlite and Xbrite+ wheels are designed to be five times stronger and 40 per cent lighter than standard steel equivalents.
Look out for Tyres & Accessories’ interview with Matt Mardle, chief executive officer for The Wheel Hub and Wheel HUB GmbH in our March issue, and next month on Tyrepress.com.
MWheels has launched the next generation of its Xlite and Xbrite forged aluminium 11.75 x 22.5” 120 offset wheels. The exclusive distributor said the size is one of the most popular and versatile sizes in the UK market. Suitable for 385/65R22.5 tyres, it is widely used on numerous truck and trailer applications across all industry sectors.
Wheely-Safe can now supply its patented wheel security system to fit more than 95 per cent of all medium and heavy commercial vehicles operating in the UK and Irish markets, including buses, coaches, trucks and trailers.
Xlite forged aluminium wheels have been selected as the OE fitment for a new lightweight tri-axle Clearspan Curtainsider trailer from Tiger Trailers, which is 500kg lighter than its conventional equivalent. The trailer will allow operators to carry a greater payload of up to 29.5 tonnes. Reducing weight on vehicles is a key factor for increasing the sustainability and profitability of fleet operations.
During the first half of 2019, Manchester-based commercial wheel services company MWheels has been implementing an evolutionary process to change its target. The company has sought to position itself differently within its markets; from a UK wheel distributor campaigning for legislative input on wheel safety, to a European provider of wheels and wheel services designed to make commercial operators more aware of the safety and business implications of fitting and maintaining the most suitable products for their fleets. “The last four months,” chief executive officer Matthew Mardle tells Tyres & Accessories, “have been a big success in following through on the strategies” implemented since the changes in leadership at the helm of the company in January – Mardle was appointed CEO, while company founder John Ellis took up a new position as chairman – and, in the longer term, since the company opened its European operation, MWheels GmbH, in Germany.
MWheels has launched the Wheel Awareness and Security Fleet Training programme. The classes will be delivered by renowned industry instructor, Phil Thirsk. The Manchester-based wheel services provider said that the new programme represents a new phase for its approach to commercial vehicle wheel safety. For many years, MWheels (formerly known as Motor Wheel Service Distribution) has campaigned for greater legislative support in ensuring the safety of wheels fitted to commercial vehicles, culminating in a change to EU law, which saw wheels categorised as a safety critical item. It has also collaborated with Michelin Training Centre to improve wheel safety knowledge within the industry. The announcement of the programme coincides with a wheel-loss incident receiving front-page coverage on the BBC website, in which a loose lorry wheel collided with a vehicle on the opposite side of the M6 Motorway in Lanacashire.
Negotiations to rectify the Department for Transport’s apparent failure to incorporate European Union Directives 2014/45/EU and 2014/47/EU into the wheel-related section of the new Heavy Goods Vehicle Inspection Manual has yielded a positive result for MWheels. The commercial vehicle wheel specialist shares that following a meeting with the DfT, DVSA and Parliamentary representative Mike Kane MP on 17 May, the DfT “has agreed to work with MWheels to investigate ways in which the Heavy Goods Vehicle Inspection Manual’s section on wheels can be enhanced to improve vehicle safety.”
Consolidation within Europe’s commercial vehicle steel wheel market is coming, but three will remain the magic number when it comes to suppliers. Some ten months after the proposed deal was first announced, the European Commission has granted its conditional blessing for Accuride Corporation to acquire steel wheel manufacturer Mefro Wheels GmbH.
Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD) is targeting improved delivery timescales in Scotland with a new logistics partnership. Drummond Distribution will offer the company’s Scottish customers next-day delivery on its most popular commercial vehicle wheel sizes. Covering Chevron Steel as well as Xlite and new Xbrite+ forged aluminium wheels, the service will cover over 90 per cent of orders received before 4pm. More uncommon sizes and specifications will be supplied via MWSD’s warehouse in Manchester with delivery within two-three days.
Dennison Trailers has created a special one-off gold trailer to celebrate production of its 50,000th unit, with additional sparkle provided by Xbrite+ forged aluminium wheels. Number 50,000, a Slope Frame ISO Tank trailer ideal for the transportation of hazardous liquids, is one of 34 trailers that will be supplied in a new deal with Suttons International, an innovative logistics and supply chain company that has a global presence and a major name in the haulage industry.
The European market distributor of Wheels India’s forged aluminium wheels, Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD) has launched the next generation Xbrite+. The new product has benefitted from Wheels India’s upgraded multi-million pound production facility; in the advanced production process a polished Xlite forged aluminium wheel goes through several automated treatment stages to permeate the metal deeper.
Starco is supplying wheels designed to withstand high water tank loads and speeds of up to 140 km/h for the Panther range of airport fire trucks. The family-owned manufacturer, Rosenbauer has been a Starco customer since January 2015, and is represented through its high-end, speciality product in more than 100 countries.
Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD) has unveiled the latest Xlite and Xbrite+ forged aluminium wheels, designed predominantly for DAF vehicles and petrol and powder tractor units with a weight saving axle. The official UK distributor of Wheels India’s Xlite range has made two eight stud variations available in size 6.75”x17.5” with the 24mm weighing 13.2kg and the 30mm just 13.1kg. Both carry a load capacity of 2,725kg, making them suitable for Euro 6 vehicles.
Motor Wheel Service Distribution (MWSD) has appointed Alex Kitzen to the position of European sales manager. The Manchester-based wheel distributor is targeting further growth in the trailer original equipment market.
Mwheels