Powerproof – Nokian’s new UHP tyre
In addition to introducing the ‘three-season’ Wetproof today, Nokian Tyres has unveiled another key product in its new generation of summer tyres – the ultra-high-performance Powerproof.
In addition to introducing the ‘three-season’ Wetproof today, Nokian Tyres has unveiled another key product in its new generation of summer tyres – the ultra-high-performance Powerproof.
The UK’s high performance tyre sector – in this case defined by tyre diameters of 17” and above – has continued its growth trend, but at a very much slower rate than in 2017.
Lassa Tyres presented its recently developed Driveways series to Italian drivers at the Bologna Autopromotec Fair. Lassa Tyres are currently offered to end-users at 5,000 points of sales in 63 countries, according to the company.
Currently experiencing a boost in its brand awareness thanks to its partnership with 2016/2017 Premier League champions Chelsea FC, demand for Yokohama’s range of high performance tyres which allow drivers to push the limit reportedly continues to soar.
Leading independent national wholesaler Grouptyre offers a wide range of high performance and ultra-high performance tyres from all the major manufacturers. Massive developments in research and technology over the last few years, has enabled Grouptyre’s exclusive brands to develop alternatives within this competitive market at realistic and affordable prices.
In recent years, demand for high performance and UHP tyres has increased considerably (see GfK data earlier in this section). However, this trend has also resulted in greater complexity in the market. Current trends see more small cars and family saloons being fitted with 16, 17, 18 and 19 inch rims, and as a result, motorists are requiring bigger, but better performing, tyres. Such demand indicates the need for manufacturers to offer a broader range of tyres, in a variety of tread patterns and load and speed ratings, to satisfy the market.
The UK ultra-high performance sector (defined as 17-inch diameters and above) now represents some 38.8 per cent of the UK tyre market. That’s according to the latest market data produced by experts at GfK whose Point of Sales Tracking data compared sales in the period between May 2015 to April 2016 with May 2016 to April 2017. In order to better understand the high performance sector, Tyres & Accessories took a close look at the latest GfK information.
Cooper Tires has launched two new products in its high performance range over the last 18 months, something the company describes as an indication that the firm is “committed to offering customers the latest tyre technologies.”
According to the company, Cooper’s knowledge of the motorsport industry and the demands of high performance driving enable the tyre manufacturer to develop road tyres that are optimised for high performance vehicles.
In any sphere of driving, from motorsports to day-to-day motoring, peak performance doesn’t come cheap – and that goes for the tyres as much as for the vehicles themselves. After all, when you’ve invested in a prestige, state of the art vehicle you won’t want to sully its perfection with tyres that are in any way inferior to those fitted as original equipment – especially since they’re the parts transmitting your vehicle’s raw power to the tarmac and turn it into adrenaline and acceleration.
Two years on from the brand’s launch, Davanti continues to increase its growing reputation as the provider of a range of tyres including the innovative DX640 ultra high performance pattern.
The DX640 is manufactured at a leading production facility that incorporates the most advanced tyre building technologies. In addition, its enhanced silica compound and unique tread design for optimal grip and superior performance on all road and weather conditions.
Landsail claims to be leading its particular market segment in ultra high performance tyres with its LS588 pattern.
Designed and manufactured in an Industry 4.0 production facility, smart manufacturing means Landsail can deliver quality and performance at a price that’s never been possible before.
International Singapore-based contract tyre brand Firenza continues to maintain a presence in the UK and Europe as a supplier of high performance tyres with the firm’s ST22 range.
Michelin further re-affirmed its opposition to increasing minimum tyre tread depths (and of those that recommend changing tyres at 3mm) on 11 May when the company held a “The truth about worn tyres” demonstration at its ultra-modern Ladoux global research and development centre near Clermont-Ferrand in France. But what is the truth about tread depth? Tyres & Accessories spent a day experiencing some of the differences between tyres currently available in the European market and spoke with the Michelin senior vice president responsible for the firm’s whole-life tyre strategy, Bernard Delmas, in order to find out more.
In Autumn 2016 Pirelli open the doors of a model Pirelli Performance Centre on the business park virtually next door the company’s UK headquarters in Burton-on-Trent. In mid-March Tyres & Accessories had an exclusive guided tour of the facility and found out more about what the incredibly modern and stylish centre offers and the strategy behind it.
Continental is to realise a substantial increase in production capacity at its tyre plant in Lousado, Portugal. The company’s Tire division intends to invest a total of some €150 million by the end of 2018. The aim is not only to further expand annual passenger car tyre production capacity from its current level of approximately 18 million units, but also to set up a production facility for agricultural tyres in Lousado. At present, production at the site mainly focuses on standard car van and light commercial vehicle tyres.
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