Tag: SUV tyres
Falken Azenis FK510 wins Porsche Macan approval
Falken has won original equipment approval from Porsche, demonstrating the increasing premiumisation of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ brand. Falken is supplying the current generation of the Porsche Macan with the SUV version of the Falken Azenis FK510 in sizes 235/60R18 and 255/55R18. The tyres are rated W for speed (up to 270 km/h) and have load indexes of 103 and 105 respectively.
General Grabber AT3 recommended for BMW X5
The General Tire brand has been approved as original equipment (OE) fitment for the latest BMW X5, according to Continental Tyre South Africa. The manufacturer reports that the all-terrain Grabber AT3 has been recommended in size 275/45 R20 110V XL on the Bavarian automaker's latest X range model for its optional 'Off-Road Package'.
‘A compromise of the compromise’ – Vredestein wins all-season tyre test
Past tyre tests have on occasion presented all-season tyres as a compromise solution, a jack of all trades but master of none. But is this always the case? German car magazine Auto Bild Allrad doesn’t think so – in its current test of seven size 235/55 R19 SUV tyres, the publication opines that all-season products are no longer a “lazy compromise”. While noting that a single tyre that can do everything well at all times of year still doesn’t exist, Auto Bild Allrad found one that came close.
Toyo launches new Toyo Open Country H/T II
On the other side of the Atlantic, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. has launched the new Toyo Open Country H/T II road-going all-season tyre for pickups and SUVs. According to the company, this tyre features “added technology and design that deliver improved wet braking performance and handling, longer tread life, and more consistent traction performance throughout the life of the tyre”.
Michelin Selfseal tyres OE on new Ford Explorer
In the USA, Ford Motor is supplying Michelin Selfseal tyres for the new Ford Explorer. The 2020 Explorer is the first SUV to offer Michelin Selfseal tyres, according to Ford.
Giti Tire SUV products outpacing market growth
Year-on-year growth in the SUV tyre segment has become something of a given in recent years. The popularity of this market segment has been a beacon for car-makers in Europe, as the number of new models in the last decade shows. In terms of tyres, this has meant increases in larger, higher value products, both in the original equipment and replacement markets, the results of which are analysed elsewhere in this section. Volume and value growth in the UK replacement market, at 10 and 15 per cent respectively, has been healthy again in the last year.
European launch for Yokohama Geolandar X-MT
The Yokohama Geolandar X-MT, a chunky-treaded tyre already seeing action on SUVs and pick-ups in North America, is poised for release in Europe. Starting spring 2019, the Geolandar X-MT will be available here in six sizes.
Rotalla and Routeway respond to SUV demand
Contract tyre supplier Enjoy Tyre reports that it is responding to growing SUV tyre demand via its Rotalla and Routeway private brands.
Yokohama 4×4 range equips latest SUVs
SMMT’s latest figures highlight that the demand for Dual Purpose (4x4, SUV and crossover) vehicles is proving to be one of the most rapidly increasing segments, with an impressive 10 per cent increase in registrations in 2018. To cater for this growing segment, Yokohama offers an extensive range of 4x4 tyres covering a broad range of vehicle applications. Not only do the tyres feature the latest technology to deliver the exceptional performance demanded in the replacement market, but they are also selected by a number of leadings manufacturers for OE fitment, including the Toyota Rav 4 and Hi Lux models, Chrysler Jeep Cherokee, Porsche Cayenne and latest BMW X5 M Performance model.
Cooper shows 3 new tyres in Geneva
Cooper Tire Europe is showing a number of new products at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show (5-17 March), alongside bespoke 4x4 design firm the Chelsea Truck Company on stand number 1141 in Hall 6.3.
Zenises promotes ‘urban proof’ SUV tyre
With SUV tyre market share continuing to grow, and with SUVs providing the driving comfort of a saloon, but with an exterior shape reminiscent of when 4x4 meant 'off-road', Zenises reports that it has crafted what it calls an “Urban Proof Sport Utility Vehicle Tyre”. As you can imagine, the Z UP SUV is aimed at everyday driving in the urban environment.
From exemplary to not recommended – Auto Bild Allrad tests SUV tyres
Look at recent tyre test results from Auto Bild and Gute Fahrt and you might assume there’s no such thing as a bad tyre these days, but you’d be wrong. Auto Bild Allrad has evaluated ten SUV tyres, and while six were awarded the top ‘exemplary’ rating, one certainly wasn’t recommended and another hesitantly so. The upshot is that it still pays to do your homework when buying replacement tyres.
Global SUV boom continues…
The latest global SUV market data shows continued growth around the world. Market analyst Felipe Junoz from Jato Dynamics reports that the shift from traditional cars to SUVs began seven years ago and is still going strong. However, there are also signs that growth slowed during the course of 2018. And what’s more the UK remains a world-leading market.
SUV tyres continue to drive 4×4 tyre sales growth
Sales of SUV tyres continue to drive growth in the UK 4x4 tyre replacement market, with UHP-orientated tyres growing even faster. According to the latest data provided by market analysts GfK, these trends have come while there have been no clear changes in the market’s brand segmentation, which suggests product mix and volume growth must be behind the improvement.
Continental a founding partner in Extreme E off-road electric racing series
Continental is to sponsor the Extreme E off-road electric racing series. With sustainable electric SUVs and tyre technology from Continental, the new series takes participants to the most remote corners of the world. Extreme E organisers are anticipating 12 teams taking part in the inaugural season, slated to begin in exactly two years. Prototype testing is scheduled to start in April 2019 and Continental is initially a Founding Partner of Extreme E, becoming a Premium Partner in 2021. The technology company will equip all of the cars in the races with suitable tyres for the respective terrain.