Tag: featured
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.
Pirelli: Several different factors behind retention of 2019 F1 tyres
Following the Formula 1 teams’ unanimous rejection of Pirelli’s proposed 2020 tyre specifications, the tyre maker has confirmed its intention to supply 2019 specification tyres to the 2020 F1 World Championship. Pirelli says it, the FIA and the F1 teams took “several different factors” into account in reaching this decision.
ZSL: Global natural rubber production lacks transparency
Global natural rubber production lacks transparency and the necessary sustainability commitments to protect both people and wildlife, according to an analysis of the natural rubber industry undertaken by international conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London). ZSL assessed 15 of the “most significant” natural rubber companies and calculated an average score of just 35 per cent on SPOTT (Sustainability Policy Transparency Toolkit).
F1 vote rejects Pirelli 2020-spec tyres – 2021 18” plan ‘not affected’
Speculation that the Formula One teams may reject Pirelli’s 2020 tyre specifications has been confirmed. The FIA announced that teams voted unanimously against adopting the new 2020 specification rubber following the final test of the season in Abu Dhabi. Pirelli representatives have told Tyrepress that the FIA decision does not affect Pirelli’s future tyre developments. The exclusive tyre supplier plans to move to 18-inch tyres in the 2021 season.
Hankook Tire CEO Cho indicted on bribery, embezzlement charges
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency has reported the indictment of Cho Hyun-bum, chief executive of tyre maker Hankook Tire & Technology. According to Yonhap, prosecutors said yesterday that Cho was indicted for accepting bribes and embezzling corporate funds.
Pirelli presents Paolo Roversi’s ‘Looking for Juliet’ 2020 Calendar in Verona
Pirelli has launched the 2020 edition of The Cal. Paolo Roversi’s “Looking for Juliet” was presented to the public today at Verona’s Teatro Filarmonico. Taking its inspiration, and location setting from Shakespeare’s play, the photographer said that he wanted to capture the “Juliet that exists in every woman.” The 47th Pirelli calendar features Claire Foy, Mia Goth, Chris Lee, Indya Moore, Rosalía, Stella Roversi, Yara Shahidi, Kristen Stewart, and Emma Watson.
Goodyear starts direct online tyre retail in Europe
Goodyear has launched a direct to consumer online tyre retail solution in the European market. The roll-out begins with a pilot project in Germany. The direct-to-consumer approach is said to be in addition to existing distribution channels. Based at goodyear.com/shop, the site aims to “seamlessly plan the purchase from choosing the right tyre to assembling with a local trading partner”.
Cooper Tire Europe launches full rally tyre range
Cooper Tire Europe has launched an extensive new rally tyre range. Developed and manufactured by Cooper Tire Europe, the new range covers tarmac, classic tarmac, gravel and mud and snow (M+S) applications. The manufacturer states that the range is designed to provide ultra-high performance and reliability across numerous applications and levels of rallying competition.
Goodyear develops Omnitrac range with new heavy duty truck tyres
Goodyear has launched an update to its Omnitrac mixed service truck tyre range, with six new Heavy Duty fitments for the drive and steer axles. The tyres are designed to operate under severe conditions, offering improved durability, efficiency, mileage and traction in all weather conditions.
Decennial shift in global PCLT tyre volume market share
The latest global tyre market share figures from tyre industry analyst Astutus Research show how long-established, leading players headquartered in Japan, Europe, and North America have seen their volume share diminish, while Chinese, ASEAN, and selected other markets’ tyre manufacturers’ share has risen. The analyst states that in aggregate, the ten leading PCLT tyre manufacturers based in Japan, Europe and North America (J-E-NA) have lost almost 6 percentage points of market share since the end of 2011 (OE and replacement segments combined, volumes in tyre units). In part this reflects a strategic choice of some to focus on the higher value premium segments of the market.
Davanti signs TTI distribution deal for France, Germany, Benelux
Davanti has unveiled a major distribution deal with Dutch wholesaler Tyre Trading International (TTI) at Equip Auto in Paris. The British tyre brand, which is now distributed in more than 60 countries globally, inked the deal offering next-day delivery across France, Germany, and the Benelux countries at the event.
New European Tyre Label set for May 2021 introduction
Seven years after the initial introduction of the European Tyre Label, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have decided on the next phase of the European Tyre Label, which is set to be introduced on 1 May 2021. Article 14 of the agreement requires a review of the regulation by June 2025.
Bosch acquiring Unipart’s Autoparts Garage Programmes
Bosch is set to acquire Unipart Group’s (UG) Automotive Aftermarket workshop programmes in the UK. These programmes include the Unipart Car Care Centres (UCCC), a network of independently run garages, the KiS online garage management software, which helps to organise all daily workshop activities, and the Unipartner Consumer App. It is planned for all existing customer contracts to be transferred to Bosch. According to Bosch, “It has been agreed that the purchase price will not be disclosed”.
Goodyear and Halfords moves represent the virtualization of the tyre distribution chain
The ongoing effects of import tariffs, Brexit uncertainty and structural changes in the distribution chain have all affected the tyre business this year. As well as featuring the latest motorsport news and covering market developments in our regular features, this month’s Tyres & Accessories focuses on a number of key examples of changes in the marketplace in our Review of the Year feature. But one trend stands out above the others – virtualization. In short, increasing moves towards electric and autonomous vehicles (complete with their inherent sensorisation tendencies), coupled with changes in vehicle (and tyre) ownership models such as MaaS (Mobility as a Service) are driving changes in the tyre market that are resulting in the virtualizing of parts of the distribution chain.
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