ABD demands moratorium on 20mph speed limits
No new 20mph speed limits should be allowed until a Department for Transport study is published in 2017, says the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD).
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ABD rejects claims by 20mph lobby
Members of the campaign group ABD have overwhelmingly rejected the claims made by 20mph advocates that reducing speed limits will increase cycling, walking and improve health and quality of life.
Conflicting views on higher speed limits for trucks
The Government has announced plans to raise the speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads to 50 mph and the move has generated diametrically opposed views. On the pro side, Transport minister Claire Perry says that the move is part of a package of measures to cut congestion, reduce dangerous overtaking and help get the country moving. Brake, the road safety charity, has expressed serious concerns about the proposed limit increase and the announcement comes as a survey by Brake and Digby Brown solicitors reveals the extent of risky driving on country roads.
Not changing to summer tyres can be expensive in Italy
Motorists in Italy have until 15 May to change their winter for summer tyres – and some face hefty fines if they fail to do so. Under a new regulation introduced by the country’s Ministry of Transport, M+S and snowflake marked tyres that bear a slower speed rating than the car’s maximum speed must be removed for the summer season. Failure to do so by the 15 May deadline may result in a fine of at least €419 and up to €1,682, and the vehicle needing to undergo a roadworthiness inspection.
Motorists anti lower motorway speed limit
Over two thirds of motorists want the Government to apply the brakes to plans to lower speeds limits on the motorway according to a new poll by Motorpoint. A web-based survey by the car supermarket chain found 78.1 per cent of drivers opposed proposals announced earlier this year to restrict speeds on a section of the M1 to 60mph. Over 4,100 people participated in the poll on the company’s website – www.motorpoint.co.uk/.
Toyo SUV and 4×4 range an award winner
The Proxes T1 Sport SUV is designed to balance motorway stability with handling on both wet and dry surfaces and is a tyre that has been created specifically for the high load and speed demands of the current crop of ultra-high performance SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Featuring a tread pattern and compound that offers exceptional road-holding characteristics and highly effective water dispersal, the T1 Sport SUV is truly a tyre for those in a hurry.
New fitments join Michelin agri line-up
Michelin has extended its agricultural tyre portfolio with new sizes for the AxioBib, MegaXBib and MachXBib ranges. The company says these offer the optimal solution for increasing profitability within agricultural operations at a time when increasingly large land areas are being worked and demands placed upon harvesters and tractors are growing.
Petlas launches winter SUV tyre range
Turkish tyre manufacturer Petlas expanded its winter offering with the introduction of an SUV-orientated range in December. Petlas’s newest addition to the winter line up is the Explero W671, designed to fit a wide selection of 4x4s and SUVs.
Rotalla enters the 4×4 and SUV markets in Europe
As part of contract tyre Manufacturer Enjoy Tyre’s development in the UK and Europe, the firm has introduced a new range of Rotalla 4×4/SUV patterns. In practice this means the initial Rotalla RF07 tyre in size 205/80R has now been joined by the Rotalla RF10 HT and RF11 AT patterns.
Former Michelin test driver breaks 270mph in Hennesy Venom
On 14 February 2014 Brian Smith unofficially broke the production car land speed record with a 270.49mph run on Florida’s Space Shuttle landing runway, according to Top Gear magazine. Before now the fastest was the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which managed 269.86mph on the Ehra-Lessien test track in 2010.
Nankang driver is 2013 Japanese MSC Challenge champion
Nankang Tire sponsored driver Yokoi Masashi became the 2013 MSC Challenge on 18 January. One of the popular motor sport events in Japan, the MSC Challenge is composed of 10 competitions with the final championship was held on 18 January 2014.
New appointment aims to further expand Hankook Masters Programme
The Hankook Masters Programme was launched in the UK at the end of 2012 and enjoys ongoing growth. To facilitate the scheme’s continued expansion, Hankook Tyre UK has appointed Nick Maltby its franchise development manager. Maltby brings over 30 years of tyre trade experience, gained through senior positions at large independent retailers, into his new role. He joins existing franchise manager Ben Francis in the development of the Hankook Masters Programme.
Goodyear tyres OE on Chrysler 200
Chrysler has approved Goodyear’s Assurance Fuel Max in size 215/55R17 as standard equipment for certain models in its upcoming 200 range, which goes on sale in North America during the second quarter of 2014. In announcing this latest original equipment deal, Goodyear Tire & Rubber notes that its tyres are on more new vehicles in North America than any other brand.
Westlake to expand 4×4/SUV range in 2014
Westlake Tyres, Zhongce Rubber’s flag brand, has announced plans to expand its range with the intention of positioning itself as “a leading provider of tyres in the fast-growing SUV and 4×4 tyre segment”.
Continental integrates wheel speed sensors and electric parking brake cables
Continental AG has integrated the cables for wheel speed sensors and the electric parking brake (EPB) into a single harness, making the company one of the first manufacturers to offer such a combination of components. And what’s more a Japanese car manufacturer is set to introduce the innovation in 2015.
