Goodyear has brought out a second generation of its summer van and light truck tyre. The first sizes in the new Goodyear EfficientGrip Cargo 2 range began arriving in December, and the full range of 23 SKUs for 14- to 17-inch rim diameters should be available by the end of October 2021.
The Maxxis Mecotra ME3+ has been selected as the original equipment tyre on the 2021 Volkswagen Caddy 5. The Mecotra ME3+ tyre is a new version of the economy focused Mecotra ME3 replacement market product. The tyre was developed by the manufacturer specially for the new VW Caddy in size 205/60 R16 96H XL.
Michelin has launched the Agilis 3, its latest summer tyre for light commercial vehicles. The manufacturer states that the new tyre is designed particularly for vans used on intense delivery schedules. It adds that the tyre features technology “not used within light commercial vehicle tyres previously.” These help the Agilis 3 to offer safety on wet roads and high fuel efficiency, exemplified by its tyre label scores, while remaining robust and durable. Michelin states that the tyre targets the optimisation of costs and environmental footprint without compromising on safety.
Continental is extending its ContiSeal technology to van tyre ranges. Production of ContiVanContact 100 tyres featuring the self-sealing puncture solution began this month and will initially be available for the popular dimensions 215/65 R 16C 106/104 T. Going forwards, Continental will introduce the solution in further sizes and also offer ContiSeal products in its all-season and winter van tyre ranges.
Winter is on its way, and Hankook Tire has released two new tyres to keep vans on the move in the colder months. The Hankook Vantra ST AS2 is a completely new all-season tyre for vans and light commercial vehicles. Those who prefer a dedicated winter tyre can choose the Hankook Winter i*cept LV.
Yokohama has announced that it will to exhibit at the Commercial Vehicle Show for the first time in 2019 (30 April – 2 May, NEC Birmingham). The tyre manufacturer will use the event to showcase its range of van, 4×4 and high performance tyres suited to a wide range of fleet and vehicle applications. Its decision to exhibit reinforces Yokohama’s growing interest in the van tyre market. Its latest fleet fitments include specialist aviation logistics company, Comet Car Hire (CCH) and leading European logistics business, X One Wholesale.
Tyre manufacturer Apollo Vredestein has been announced as a partner to the Freight Transport Association’s (FTA) Van Excellence scheme, an innovative initiative designed to recognise excellence within the commercial vehicle sector and improve operational standards.
Atturo will introduce its new CV400 commercial van tyre at SEMA (booth 43265, South Hall). The tyre is designed for such models as the Ford Transit and Ram Pro Master, vehicles which have become increasingly popular for all types of urban service and delivery fleets. The segment opportunities have expanded into consumer markets as the modern full size van for camping, luxury conversions and group transportation. Atturo says the extension of its range for this category is a “natural complement to the brand’s dedication to the light truck market segment.”
The new light commercial vehicle market declined in February, falling -4.3 per cent to 13,291 registrations, according to SMMT. The downturn follows an exceptionally strong performance in 2016, when the sector recorded an eight-year high in registrations.
Austrian car workshop and automotive product fair AutoZum is the venue for the world premiere of the latest Vredestein tyre for the van and light truck market. Visitors to the show, which began yesterday and runs until Saturday 21 January, can view the Vredestein Comtrac 2 All Season tyre at the Apollo Vredestein stand (0702) in Hall 10.
Firestone has launched its latest tyre for the adaptable applications required of the light commercial vehicle market, the Vanhawk 2. The Bridgestone brand states that the tyre has been developed to deliver handling, comfort and durability when tackling frequent short runs, longer hauls, stop-go deliveries and constant manoeuvring, day after day.
According to LMC figures, Europe’s light commercial vehicle market is growing 35 per cent faster than the passenger car market, and these vehicles now account for 11 per cent of the region’s vehicle parc. This growth is to a large extent being driven by a strong rise in parcel deliveries, and Apollo Tyres believes that the 21 million light commercial vehicle tyres currently sold in Europe annually will increase to 25 million tyres per year by the end of 2020.
Volkswagen
Michelin