Tag: truck tyres
Continental presents ContiConnect Live at IAA
Continental has presented the latest development of its digital tyre monitoring platform. ContiConnect Live, available from the second quarter of 2019, informs operators of truck and bus fleets immediately if there is a problem with the temperature or pressure of a tyre, even when the vehicle is on the road. The data is transferred to the servers and the web portal by the ContiConnect Driver app, which is also new. Before the end of this year, the app will be able to show tyre information on Daimler Fleetboard and TomTom Telematics devices as well as other Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets, initially in the driver’s cab. With ContiConnect Live, Continental presented a further development of the portfolio that has already been successfully launched in 15 markets as ContiConnect Yard, which works using a yard reader station in the fleet yard.
Pirelli launches Cyber Fleet and Cyber Gate solutions
Pirelli has renewed its Cyber Fleet solution, launching the latest version at the 67th edition of the Hannover IAA Commercial Vehicle show. The new edition of the system focuses on two technologies - Cyber Fleet Smart and Cyber Fleet Gate. According to the company, these solutions have been designed to optimize management costs, increase safety and efficiency when it comes to tyres, reduce both vehicle downtime and CO2 emissions.
Bridgestone launches FleetPulse digital maintenance solution
Bridgestone has launched FleetPulse a three-in-one solution composed of a mobile app, a centralised website and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) hardware. FleetPulse reportedly improves transparency related to vehicle health in order to significantly reduce the likelihood of costly and potentially dangerous breakdowns, thus increasing time on the roads while ensuring high safety standards. FleetPulse, which automates roadworthiness checks, will also help fleets to simplify their operations and reduce maintenance costs – two other key challenges for fleets.
US puts 10% import tariffs on all Chinese tyres
The Trump administration upped the ante once again in the ongoing trade war between the USA and China on 18 September with the introduction of tariffs on all US$200 billion of imports including basically all categories of tyres, retreads and inner tubes. At President Trump’s direction the additional tariffs will initially be set at 10 per cent and will take effect on 24 September 2018. However, as of 1 January 2019, the level of additional tariffs will increase to 25 per cent.
Conti’s Puchov, Slovakia plant celebrates 20th anniversary
On 4 September Continental celebrated 20 years since the firm’s Puchov, Slovakia truck tyre plant became part of the company. A special event was hosted at the plant by Ladislav Rosina, Plant Manager Continental Matador Truck Tires s.r.o., with the participation of the management of the Tire Division, the local leaders and employees who remembered together the achievements of the local team. Since then, manufacturing upgrade investments of over 630 million euros have been made, resulting in an almost ten-fold increase in production volume to around 2.9 million tyres. During the same period the team has almost quadrupled.
Electric goods vehicles now need an MOT
From 1 September 2018, electric vans will no longer be exempt from the MOT if they:
ATL opens ‘ATL midlands hub’
Logistic service provider ATL officially opened ‘ATL Midlands Hub’ in Foston on 6 September 2018 to celebrate its recently built high-spec distribution centre and office facility. To commemorate the opening, the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, officially opened the 35,000 pallet distribution centre and offices, in attendance of over 100 local dignitaries, suppliers and customers.
Prometeon takes part in SmartBus zero emission project
Prometeon Tyre Group has signed a tyre supply agreement with the SmartBUS project which is being developed by the Eco – Hev company, a spin-off of the Politecnico di Milano, active in the development of innovative electro mobility systems for the spread of sustainable mobility. The project involves the installation of an innovative fast charging system using a charging station located at the end of the urban line. This energy storage system, being tested on a bus circulating in the city of La Spezia, is based on the Ultracapacitor system developed by Eco - Hev in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano. The system eliminates the need for batteries on board the vehicle, ensuring a considerable reduction in charging times (from 8 hours to 5 minutes).
Budget truck tyres still gaining on premium, despite import tariffs
2018 has been an important year for the European and UK truck tyre markets. With anti Chinese-produced truck tyre tariffs having been introduced in May, some sources – especially those focusing on retreading – are already reporting a positive uptick in demand as a result of reduced numbers of Chinese-produced tyres. But how does this translate into the new tyre market? Here Tyres & Accessories considers the latest data from market research specialists GfK, with a particular focus on the UK new truck tyre replacement market.
Bridgestone partners FTA’s transport manager conferences
Bridgestone has partnered with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) as well as its Transport Manager conference series, becoming the Gold Sponsor of the events for 2018. To be held across the country between September and November, the 10 stand-alone conferences co-ordinated by FTA will highlight key issues for those working in the industry. Each event will include an address by the local Traffic Commissioner, a question and answer session with the DVSA directors via video clarifying problems raised by transport managers and updates on other areas including Clean Air Zones, Brexit, Earned Recognition, lowering emissions, managing your maintenance provider, smart tachographs, and much more.
Apollo appoints Steve Miller as UK TBR sales manager
Apollo Tyres’ presence in the truck tyre sector has been bolstered by the appointment of Steve Miller as TBR sales manager, bringing with him over 20 years’ experience, having worked for Kumho on reintroducing the TBR range in the UK, Bridgestone as a national fleet manager (commercial) and Michelin as a sales manager.
Goodyear opens new TruckForce hub in Southampton
Goodyear Tyres has opened a new 24-hour commercial support hub for its TruckForce network in Southampton. TruckForce’s network is made up of a combination of Goodyear Dunlop equity-owned hubs and independent service providers, offering crucial truck tyre servicing and breakdown assistance throughout the UK.
Apollo Tyres: European truck tyre production starting this quarter
Truck tyre production at Apollo Tyres’ factory in Gyöngyöshalász, Hungary will begin before the end of September. According to Gaurav Kumar, chief financial officer of Apollo Tyres Ltd., production is scheduled to start during the July to September quarter and the ramp-up of truck tyre production will then continue and reach a maximum capacity of 1,200 pieces per day by the end of March next year.
Drivus: truck versatility and Firenza style
Singapore-based Firenza’s truck and bus tyres are manufactured manufacturing facilities in both Vietnam and Thailand which incorporate “the very latest technological advancements in tyre building technology and design”, according to the company. All Firenza commercial tyre patterns include a solid shoulder construction complete with a zero angled steel band that is designed to significantly reduce irregular wear whilst a unique tread groove arrangement effectively safeguards against casing damage and stone retention.
The four steps of the Bandvulc/Conti integration
Retreading has always been a key part of Continental’s truck offer to achieve what it refers to as Lowest Overall Driving Costs (LODC), but this was further enhanced when the company announced the purchase of Bandvulc, (located in Lee Mill, Ivybridge) in the UK in July 2016. Bandvulc had been producing Continental’s hot retread ContiRe for over 20 years to support fleet business in the UK, so it was a natural progression to bring Bandvulc into the Conti family – but how has the Devon-based retailer been integrated?