ERJ Tire Tracker

Pirelli debuts new technologies with Cinturato Winter 2
Milan, Italy – Pirelli has introduced the new Cinturato Winter 2 - a winter tire for medium-sized cars and CUVs. The tire debuts new technologies pioneered by the Italian company, including sipes on the tread pattern that become longer throughout the life of the tire, capturing more snow to offer more grip, said Pirelli 11 Oct. Available at launch in 36 different sizes from 16 to 20 inches, the Cinturato Winter 2 offers extra control in snowy and wet conditions. In total, there are around 43 metres of sipes to improve grip on snowy surfaces, with a 30% improvement in roadholding on snow compared to the Sottozero 3.

Conti OE fitted on Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance 
Hanover, Germany – Continental’s 20-inch SportContact 6 with extra load rating has been approved as original equipment tires for the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. The summer tire, said Conti 14 Oct, has been developed specifically for the vehicle and will be manufactured at the company’s production plant in Korbach, Germany. The tire features “force vectoring technology” for steering precision and the “black chili” compound, specially tailored for “the best possible contact between tire and road surface.” The compound also enables shorter braking distance and faster acceleration in low and high temperatures and in both wet and dry weather. 

Bridgestone develops custom-engineered Potenza Ferrari Roma
Brussels – Bridgestone has been selected by Ferrari as a tire supplier for the Italian manufacturer’s latest GT car, the Ferrari Roma. Bridgestone said it custom-designed the Potenza Sport to match the ‘unique requirements’ of Ferrari Roma. The tire features a “dedicated top tread compound and rear tire pattern geometry-void distribution to retain the outstanding wet weather performance,” Bridgestone added. The tire was developed and produced at Bridgestone’s EMIA Technology and Innovation Centre in Rome, Italy. The tire will be produced at Bridgestone’s Rome plant, which is dedicated to the production of high technology, highly specialised tires. The factory typically manufactures Bridgestone EMIA’s prototype tires, but the Ferrari Roma project has, for the first time, seen it produce OE tires that will be directly fitted on a vehicle.

Apollo launches all-wheel TBR 
Gurugram, India — Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched a new all-wheel fitment radial tire for commercial vehicles in response to increasing radialisation trends. EnduRace RA, said Apollo 12 Oct, is produced at the company’s Chennai factory and has tested extensively, both inhouse and in real world applications. The tire 

Goodyear off-the-road expands retread lineup 
Akron, Ohio – Goodyear has launched the RT-3B bead-to-bead retread for loaders and graders, complementing its existing lineup of off-the-road (OTR) retread tires. The retread tires, said Goodyear 15 Oc, can deliver “like-new performance” for tough OTR applications and can provide a savings of up to 60% versus a new tire. Continental WinterContact tires recognised in tire reviews 
Hanover, Germany - Continental has seen double success, as the WinterContact TS 870 came second in the Auto Express Winter tire test and the WinterContact TS 870 P came joint first place in the Tyre Reviews’ 2021 Winter tire test. The new WinterContact TS 870, said Conti in a 29 Sept statement, has some notable improvements against its predecessor, WinterContact TS 860. The tire, it added, has been developed “from the ground up”, featuring a newly created tread pattern design, construction, and compound.  The resulting tire, according to Conti, offers “excellent winter performance and good wet-weather properties.”

Pirelli and Lamborghini Countach celebrate 50 years together
Milan, Italy – Pirelli has celebrated 50 years of collaboration with Lamborghini Countach, since 1971. In the latest development, Pirelli equipped the 2021 Lamborghini Countach hybrid with a P Zero tires in 255/30 R20 size at the front and 355/25 R 21 at the back. The tire structure and compound have been optimised to reach the best possible roadholding in all driving situations, in addition to “high levels of traction and braking in the wet as well as the dry.” The Pirelli P Zero is an ultra high-performance (UHP) tire, which combines Pirelli’s motorsport know-how with an ongoing collaboration involving the world’s top car manufacturers. 

Pirelli launches a new tire for classic Mini collectors
Milan, Italy – Pirelli has developed a new Pirelli Collezione for owners of the classic Mini. The family of tires, designed for iconic cars built between 1950 and 1980, combine vintage looks and modern technology, Pirelli said in a 27 Sept statement. Pirelli said it recreated the Cinturato CN54 in 145/70 R12 size for all the different versions of the classic Mini (including the cars built under licence by Innocenti). The radial tire has a tread pattern design and sidewall that is similar to the original but includes new compound technologies for increased grip and improved road holding on wet surfaces.

 

Hankook OE on new Porsche Panamera     
Neu-Isenburg, Germany – Hankook has seen a “significant increase” in original equipment orders of its “ultra ultra high performance” (UUHP) tires, particularly in the sports vehicle segment, the tire maker announced 13 Sept. The company is now supplying Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z tires for the new Porsche Panamera. The tire treads feature an “aramide composite material in a double-layer carcass.” This, Hankook said, allows deformations to be prevented that would otherwise lead to an undesired increase in the rolling circumference. The tires also have high-strength steel in the belt and bead areas for stability. In addition, the tread compound was ‘borrowed’ from motorsport to ensure optimal interaction between fillers, silica and natural resins. 

Conti launches SportContact for “every vehicle class”
Hanover, Germany – Continental AG has debuted the new flagship passenger car tie SportContact 7 which it says has significantly improved handling on both wet and dry roads compared to its predecessor. The tire, Continental said 9 Sept, has an “adaptive tread design” adjusting to dry and wet roads. In addition, it has the “BlackChili” soft rubber compound which matches the very rigid, low-profiled tire to improve handling and increase mileage.
 
Kia selects Kumho tires for EV6
Seoul – The EV6, Kia’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), is to be supplied with low noise Kumho all-season tire Crugen HP71 and high-performance tire ECSTA PS71. Both patterns, Kumho said 9 Sept, exhibit “significantly less resonance noise” than standard products, helped by the company’s patented sound absorbing technology, K-Silent.

Pirelli equips one in three electric cars at IAA
Milan, Italy – Pirelli tires were fitted on one in three electric vehicles featured at the IAA Mobility Show, held in Munich earlier in September, the Italian tire maker announced 9 Sept. The tires included Pirelli’s P Zero or Scorpion tires, containing ‘Elect’ technology for zero or low-emission cars. Furthermore, Pirelli’s Cinturato P7 tires were also at the show on the BMW 320e hybrid and 3 Series models. Pirelli said its Elect tires offer “low rolling resistance to increase range, decreased road noise to improve comfort, immediate grip to deal with instant torque, and the right structure to support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle.”

Camso Japan receives Toyota president’s award
Tokyo – Camso Japan, part of Groupe Michelin, has received the “president’s award” from Toyota Industries Corp. in recognition of its excellence as a supplier. The award, said Michelin 10 Sept, follows a recent supplier award from Toyota L&F Co., the materials handling equipment division of Toyota Industries.

Michelin unveils new-generation all-season tire
Paris – Michelin has unveiled the new generation all-season Michelin CrossClimate 2, which it says is capable of tackling the majority of weather conditions, helped by its “numerous, sometimes seemingly conflicting performance features.” The new tires come in a choice 105 sizes for 15 - to 20-inch wheels, altogether 65 new sizes which represents an increase of 40% over the catalogue of its predecessor, the Michelin CrossClimate+. The tire range, Michelin said 2 Sept, is manufactured exclusively in seven European factories, notably in France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Hankook taps material, tread technologies for TBR products
Neu-Isenburg, Germany – Hankook Tire Europe is debuting several new technologies, including materials, design and tread knowhow within its truck & bus SmartFlex series, which it says increases the performance of the tires significantly. SmartFlex AH51 for the steering axle and SmartFlex DH51 for the driving axle now feature “self-regenerating treads” and “SmartLife” technologies, helping them to respectively provide 15% and 20% better mileage compared to their predecessors. 

Audi delivers “record performance” with Pirelli tires
Milan, Italy – The Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R has set a fresh record with the new Audi RS 3 at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.The Audi set a new record of 7m40.748s on the 20.8-kilometre circuit, beating the previous record for compact cars by 4.64 seconds, which was established in 2019, Pirelli announced 1 Sept.

Michelin’s secures new Effitires contract with Abellio Bus
Abellio Bus, a London bus operator, has signed a new five-year Effitires contract with the Michelin, it was announced 31 Aug.  The new contract will see Michelin supply, fit and manage the tires across the company’s 800-strong bus fleet. The service is estimated to help reduce the operator’s CO2 emissions by more than 900,000kg, and raw material usage by 100,000kg, every year, Michelin said.

Bridgestone launches UHP Potenza Sport 
Nashville, Tennessee – Bridgestone Americas has expanded its bestselling Potenza ultra-high performance tire line with two new releases: the Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS. Featuring “next-generation compound, construction and tread technologies,” the new Bridgestone Potenza tires offer ‘enhanced ride comfort, improved snow performance and better treadwear,’ said Bridgestone 10 Aug.
    
Pirelli tires on Acura supercar
New York — Pirelli’s P Zero tires have been selected as OE fitment by Honda Motor for the 2022 Acura NSX Type S, launched only for the US market 12 Aug. Pirelli said it drew on its F1 experience in developing the tires for the limited-edition supercar. 

Slick Pirelli P Zero on Stradale EXP
Milan, Italy - Pirelli P Zero Slick tires have been selected by Dallara to equip the exclusive Stradale EXP, a version of the road-going Stradale designed for track use, with 500 hp, 720 Nm of torque and weighing only 890 kg. In an 18 Aug statement, Pirelli said its engineers faced a difficult challenge in the developing the dedicated slick tires, which are required to withstand impressive loads. The tires developed especially for the Stradale EXP have allowed Dallara to achieve its goal of lapping the Mugello circuit in less than one minute and 46 seconds.

Nexen Tires on Kia’s EV6
Seoul – Nexen Tire has been selected to supply original equipment for Kia’s first electric car, the EV6, the Korean tire maker announced 10 Aug. Nexen said its Roadian GTX EV and N'FERA Sport EVs, which will be fitted to the EV6, were designed and tailored to provide higher abrasion resistance and can minimise tire road noise by about 5dB compared to existing products.

Bridgestone tires on EV, AV trucks in US
Nashville, Tennessee – Bridgestone Americas will be the exclusive tire supplier for Einride electrified and autonomous trucks in the US market, the tire maker announced 12 Aug. The two companies have announced a partnership aimed at co-creating “innovative and sustainable mobility solutions” for electrified and autonomous Class 8 vehicles. As part of the deal, Bridgestone will provide “smart-sensing tires” for the trucks, while integrating its advanced mobility technologies into Einride's onboard vehicle platforms. 
Together, the companies will work towards a more sustainable future for large commercial truck fleets.    

Bridgestone on “groundbreaking” Fisker Ocean EV 
Brussels – Bridgestone Corp. has entered a partnership with Los Angeles-based electric car manufacture Fisker to supply tires for the company’s environmentally friendly Fisker Ocean all-electric SUV. The custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires will employ the Enliten technology, which reduces the rolling resistance of a tire by up to 30% and its weight by up to 20%, Bridgestone announced 4 Aug.
Bridgestone will also supply custom-designed Alenza Sport all season tires for Fisker Ocean models sold in North America. The tires, it said, are engineered with “a next-generation compound that provides enhanced dry braking, wet handling and improved rolling resistance.”

GRI launches material handling solid snow tire
Badalgama, Sri Lanka — Global Rubber Industries (GRI) has introduced a new material handling solid tire, the Peakmaster Snow, which can operate indoors and outdoors in snowy terrain. GRI said it developed samples with special compounds that function in   sub-zero temperatures and tested the tires in specific regions over a complete winter season ahead of introducing the tire. 

Bridgestone tires on Lamborghini Huracán STO supercar
Brussels — Bridgestone has been selected as the exclusive tire supplier for the new Lamborghini Huracán STO. Bridgestone said it will be supplying custom-developed Potenza Sport tires as well as Potenza Race semi-slick tires for the luxury Italian manufacturer’s road-homologated super sports car. 

Hankook to on Volkswagen's ID.4 all-electric SUV 
Nashville, Tennessee – Hankook Tire is expanding its original equipment business for the supply of tires for electric vehicles to include the ID.4, Volkswagen's first e-SUV. To meet the requirements of this drive technology, the ID.4 will be equipped with the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev tire developed specifically for electric cars, Hankook announced 22 July. 

Irish distributor signs multi-year wholesale agreement with BFGoodrich
Stoke-on-Trent, UK – Kevin Burke Tyres (KBT) has formalised its distribution partnership with BFGoodrich, signing an initial three-year agreement which will see it supply BFGoodrich tires across Ireland until at least mid-2024. The contract has the option to extend the partnership for a further two years, Michelin announced 21 July.

Pirelli launches 'high-load' tire for EVs
Milan, Italy – Pirelli has launched its first high load index tire, dedicated primarily to electric or hybrid cars and SUVs. Made to support the weight of new vehicles equipped with batteries, the tire is able to support 20% more weight compared to a standard tire and 6-9% more weight than an extra load XL tire of the same size. Featuring the “HL” high load marking on its sidewall, the tire is designed to provide low rolling resistance as well as a high level of driving comfort, Pirelli said 14 July.

BMW X3 M and X4 M fitted with Hankook tires 
Neu-Isenburg, Germany – Hankook has been selected to supply its Ventus S1 evo Z tires for the BMW X3 M and X4 M, the company announced 15 July. The “brand new” tire was specially developed for the UUHP (ultra-ultra-high-performance) segment for use on particularly sporty high-performance vehicles, Hankook said. The tire offers “a high level of grip and very precise lateral guidance for optimum handling behaviour, even under very sporty conditions.”

Factory fit for Falken on the Audi A3 plug-in-hybrid 
Brussels – Falken Tyre Europe is supplying Ziex ZE310A Ecorun AO tires as original equipment fitment for the Audi A3 TFSI e hybrid. In a 15 July statement, Falken said it had used “extensive” level of technology in the developing the summer tire, which was launched in 2019. For instance, the tire is equipped with “adaptive constant pressure” (ACP) technology, ensuring an even distribution of pressure across the contact patch. The tire has a ‘four-groove design’ tire tread, helping it improve traction and achieve ‘excellent aquaplaning’. 

Apollo Tyres’ CV Zones attain TUV–IRF certification
New Delhi – Apollo Tyres’ 50 commercial vehicle (CV) service zones have received the TUV – IRF certification, for quality, safety and sustainability. This certification will ensure standardised service delivery across all the 50 Apollo CV Zones in India, the tire maker announced 15 July.
 

Bridgestone wins GM supplier of the year award
Nashville, Tennessee – Bridgestone Corp. has been named a 2020 General Motors supplier of the year, marking the sixth consecutive and 19th overall recognition for the brand. The annual awards, which celebrate suppliers that delivered GM customers with high-quality components and innovative technologies in the previous year, were announced during the GM supplier business meeting on 22 June 22.    

BKT launches new agro truck tires 
Seregno, Italy – Indian off-road tire maker Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has launched the Multimax MP 569 tire for the agriculture industry, the company announced 8 July. Part of the Multimax line, the tire is ideal specifically for a range of applications for agro trucks, mixed-use vehicles which are deployed when road movements are also necessary. 

Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 4 launches 44 new sizes
Greenville, South Carolina – Michelin has introduce 44 additional sizes for its Pilot Sport All-Season 4 tire, which was launched last year. The tire bridges the gap between ultra-high-performance summer and all-season tires – providing year-round performance with 4% better dry braking, 5% better wet braking and 10% more snow traction, Michelin announced 1 July.
    
New Michelin truck tires for extreme winter conditions
Paris – Michelin has launched its new range of winter tires for trucks: Michelin X Multi Grip. Available since 1 July, the tires deliver “even better performance than their predecessors” in extreme winter conditions, Michelin said 30 June. Marked with 3PMSF, the tires have “outstanding grip” on snow- and slush-covered roads.
    
Tour de France begins with Conti tires 
Brest, France – The world’s biggest bicycle race will start on 26 June in the French city of Brest, with Continental playing as “the main partner” of the event. A total of six teams will compete on Continental’s Competition Pro LTD tires in this year’s race, said Continental in an announcement 23 June. This high-tech racing tire, weighing under 250g, has been developed at the Continental plant in Korbach, Germany, and is manufactured by hand. 

Michelin develops tire for AGVs in ports
Paris – Michelin has launched the new Michelin X AGVEV, which it says is “the first tire specifically designed for automatic guided vehicles (AGV) operating in ports.” The tire, Michelin said 23 June, offers smooth running and very low rolling resistance. Furthermore, it comes with a specific patch inside that allows for easy fixing of sensors for tire pressure and temperature monitoring. 

Apollo tires on Hyundai Alcazar 
Chennai, India – Korean car maker Hyundai has selected Apollo Apterra Cross tires for its latest SUV model, Hyundai Alcazar. This is the first OE fitment for the tire which was launched in March and is Apollo’s first dedicated range of tires for SUVs, the tire maker announced 24 June. Apollo will supply the tires in 18-inch size.

Conti on Ford Mustang Mach-E
Hanover, Germany – Continental has received original equipment approval to supply tires to the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. The company will supply its PremiumContact 6 tires to the car maker to provide “sporty and comfortable driving” as well as low rolling resistance, said Conti 24 June.

Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tires on Yamaha’s YZF-R7
Tokyo – Bridgestone’s Battlax Hypersport S22 tires will be available as original fitment on the Yamaha Motor's supersport model motorcycle the YZF-R7. The tire, said Bridgestone 9 June, offers “sporty handling and superior grip on wet and dry surface.”

Hankook, DTM Trophy starting second season together 
Neu-Isenburg, Germany – Hankook will start a second season together with the DTM Trophy, supplying Ventus Race tires to brands such as Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Toyota and KTM. Hankook is the exclusive tire partner of the GT series, which opens in Monza, Italy 18 June. 

Nexen selected OE on VW Golf, SEAT Leon
Seoul – Nexen Tire’s N'Fera Sport tires will feature as original equipment on Volkswagen’s eighth generation Golf and SEAT’s fourth generation Leon, fitted in size 225/45R17 91W. The tire, said Nexen 16 June, is designed for European sports vehicles and provides “outstanding performance and safety during high-speed driving.” 

Kumho named sole tire supplier for new Renault Arkana
Kumho has been appointed as the sole tire supplier to Renault for its new hybrid Arkana compact SUV model, the company announced 14 June. Kumho will supply its top-selling ECSTA HS51 tires in sizes 215/60R17 and 215/55R18 to the car maker.

Hankook supplies EV tires to Audi e-tron GT 
Neu-Isenburg, Germany – Hankook is now supplying Audi's first all-electric sports car, the Audi e-tron GT, with its specially developed Ventus S1 evo 3 ev tire, the company announced 14 June. Hankook said it had carried out ‘many technical refinements’ to optimize the performance of the sport car. The company is supplying tires in size 225/55R19 XL 103Y on the front axle, and 275/45R19 XL 108Y on the rear axle.

Kama Tires achieves corporate IMS certificate 
Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan – Kama Tires, part of Russia’s Tatneft Group, has successfully passed the certification audit of the corporate integrated management system for compliance with international standards ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001. The audit, said Tatneft 10 June, covered all production and service divisions and assessed the tire maker’s compliance with quality, industrial safety, labour protection and environment requirements. 

Continental launches new loader tire
Hanover, Germany – Continental has launched a new telehandler and skid-steer loader tire. The CompactMaster AG tire is the first to be designed with a new “turtle shield” tread layer and twisted steel belt, said Conti 18 May. The “reinforced tire” has a hard shell and a more flexible steel wire construction to help prevent cuts and damage. In addition, the new lug design of the tire provides 5% more surface area for enhanced grip, compared to a standard agricultural tire pattern.

Pirelli marks 70m runflat tires
Rome, Georgia – Pirelli has marked 20 years of runflat tire production with over 70 million units built since 2001.
Over the past two decades, Pirelli said its engineers developed more than 1,000 different types of tires featuring run flat technology, allowing drivers to keep driving for up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of up to 50mph. 

Kumho bags international design award 
Kumho has been awarded the iF Design Award 2021 in the professional concept discipline, for its “highly innovative” concept tires, the e-NIMF and the e-TOPs. The e-NIMF (eco-friendly, no inflation, and maintenance-free) is a non-pneumatic tire, featuring spokes that remove the need for air. The “revolutionary” e-TOPs (eco-friendly topology-optimised and punctureless tyre) is a hybrid product with the potential for use on autonomous cars. Its airless upper structure of spokes and tread protect the tire from the threat of foreign matter, while the lower, less vulnerable section contains a degree of air. 

Linglong wins three honours from Chinese car maker FAW.
Changchun, China – Linglong Tire has won three suppliers award from Chinese car maker, the company announced 7 May. The awards, it said, included the “collaborative innovation·Qizhi award”, by FAW Hong Qi, “R&D collaboration award” by FAW Pentium, and “excellent R&D supplier” by FAW Research Institute.

Goodyear tires for Porsche 911 GT3
Brussels – Goodyear will supply the Eagle F1 SuperSport R as original equipment for the latest edition of the Porsche 911 GT3, it was announced 21 May. The Eagle F1 SuperSport range is Goodyear’s flagship ultra-ultra high performance (UUHP) tire portfolio with three different variants, SuperSport, SuperSport R and SuperSport RS. The tire maker will provide size 255/35ZR20 tires for front wheels and 315/30ZR21 for the rear wheels of the new Porsche 911.

Michelin launches first tire range for electric buses
Paris – Michelin has launched its first range of electric bus tires that can also be adapted for use on traditional urban and suburban vehicles, the French tire maker announced 30 April. Michelin X Incity EV Z – initially designed for electric vehicles – has a load capacity of 8 tonnes to handle the weight of electric buses. Michelin has employed its “regenion technology” to build the tire with “a progressive tread design that delivers longitudinal and lateral grip.”

EV subscription service Onto selects Michelin tires
Stoke-on Trent, UK – All-inclusive electric car subscription service Onto is to fit Michelin replacement tires across its fleet, it was announced 4 May. The move, said Onto, will support extended “battery range, low noise and long-lasting safety.” Michelin’s EV range includes the Michelin e-Primacy, which according to the tire maker has “the lowest rolling resistance in its category”, and the Michelin Pilot Sport EV, which is designed for electric sports car.
 
Continental’s AllSeasonContact wins Auto Express product awards 
Hanover, Germany – Continental’s AllSeasonContact has won Auto Express’s Product Awards 2021 in the all-season tire category, Conti announced 5 May. The award, said the tire maker, highlights “exceptional performance, quality and value, with extensive testing taking place to pick the strongest choices across multiple product categories.”

More OE fitments for Yokohama’s “Advan Sport V107” 
Tokyo – The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd is supplying its “Advan Sport V107” tires to BMW M GmbH as original equipment (OE) on the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe, two new high-performance sports models launched globally by the German automaker. Yokohama Rubber began supplying the tires in November 2020, shipping 275/40ZR18 (103Y) size front tires and 285/35ZR19 (103Y) size rear tires. The two new models join the M5 as BMW M models using Yokohama tires as original equipment.
 

Pirelli launches Powergy summer tire
Milan, Italy – Pirelli has launched its new Powergy summer tire focused on “safety and sustainability”. Dedicated to the aftermarket for modern crossovers, SUVs, sedans and MPVs, will be available in 55 sizes from 17 to 20 inches by the end of this year, with speed ratings from H to Y. The A-rated tire was developed with extensive use of virtual reality and offers “excellent wet braking performance,” as well as low rolling resistance for reduced fuel consumption, Pirelli said 13 April.

Apollo claims breakthrough in cross-ply technology 
Gurgaon, India – Apollo Tyres has launched a cross-ply rib tire for steer axles in commercial vehicles, employing ‘a host of innovations’ in the product design and compound technology. Launched after 2.5 million kilometres of testing, the ‘breakthrough’ Apollo Abhimanyu was developed at the tire maker’s global R&D centre in Chennai and is currently being produced at its manufacturing unit in Perambra, Kerla. According to Apollo, the tire delivers 15% better initial tread mileage (ITM) compared to ‘other tires’, while the heat ageing resistant casing offers durability, retreadability and casing value.
 

Michelin, BMW co-develop tires
Paris – As part of their long-term collaboration, French tire maker Michelin and BMW have developed customised tires for the new BMW M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M4 Coupé, Michelin announced 2 April. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S* and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2* Connect have been developed specifically for the BMW M3 and BMW M4, recognisable by the “star” marking on their sidewalls. The tires, according to Michelin, feature “innovative tread design” for better grip and deliver “high standard of precision and sporting performance.” Some of the technologies used in the tires include a hybrid nylon/aramid belt for precise response to input from the driver; waved casing plies for faster response and a sportier feel at the wheel and; outer shoulders reinforced by a high-resistance compound for durability during track use.

GRI supplying forklift tires to Kion Group 
Colombo – Industrial trucks supplier Kion Group has selected GRI to supply its Ultimate XT tires for its Linde Material Handling forklift trucks produced in Germany, GRI announced 5 April. GRI said the “high-grade speciality tires” are produced in Sri Lanka, using “unique tread pattern” for high traction and ‘special compound’ for reduced heat build-up, high run-time and low rolling resistance. 

AutoBild names Bridgestone ‘manufacturer of the year’ 
Brussels – Bridgestone has been named summer tire ‘manufacturer of the year’ for 2021 by renowned German publication AutoBild, the Japanese group announced 25 March. Bridgestone tires were recognised for their “driving dynamics and more balanced performances” in this year’s tests. Bridgestone’s newly released Bridgestone Potenza Sport was named winner of AutoBild sportscars' 2021 sports tire while another flagship products, the Bridgestone Turanza T005 summer tire received high ratings for its “all-round capabilities.”

Michelin wins 5-year UK fleet supply contract for Lineage 
London – Industrial logistics group Lineage Logistics has awarded Michelin a five-year tire management agreement covering its UK fleet after back-to-back tire trials showed potentials for sustainability gains. The trials, said Michelin in a statement, used a pair of identical vehicles operating out of Lineage’s Heywood site, and saw Michelin’s regional tread pattern tires “outperform” the company’s current policy. Lineage will now move to Michelin’s X Multi tires across its regional fleet of more than 400 commercial vehicle assets in the UK, which includes 304 trailers, 121 tractor units and 16 rigids.

 Falken receives ‘top marks’ in ADAC testing

Brussels – Falken Azenis FK510 tires have received the top overall rating in a recent tire testing performed by Europe’s largest automotive federation ADAC (General German Automobile Club), Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) announced 12 March. In its evaluation, ADAC found that the tire “provided outstanding performance under both wet and dry driving conditions, making it an excellent all-around summer tire,” SRI said. In particular, the tire received high marks for hydroplaning and wet grip performance during wet testing, as well as for handling and braking performance during dry testing. 

Yokohama’s Advan Sport V107 on German premium cars
Tokyo – The Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC) is supplying “Advan Sport V107” tires for use as original equipment on BMW’s new iX3, the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with an all-electric-drive system from the BMW brand. In addition, the tire maker is supplying the tire as OE on Mercedes-AMG’s new SUV, the GLB 35 4MATIC, which went on sale in Europe in December 2019. Yokohama Rubber began shipping the tires to the BMW Group in September 2020, supplying three sizes. The version of the “Advan Sport V107” that received technical certification for use on the GLB 35 was jointly developed with Mercedes-AMG, Yokohama announced 6 April.

Hankook expands motorsport activities
Hankook has expanded its involvement in motorsport, becoming the new and exclusive tire supplier to various European TCR series. The tire maker will supply the series with the Ventus Race tire from this season, which starts in Slovakia 7 May, it was announced 18 March. 

Michelin partners with 'digital freight forwarder'
Michelin has entered into a partnership with European digital freight forwarder Sennder, for the supply of tires to the company's fleet of thousands of trucks. The partnership will give sennder’s carriers customised access to a suite of 'low-rolling resistant and durable' Michelin tires, which will help save fuel consumption and make journeys more cost-effective and sustainable, Michelin said 17 March.
 
Bridgestone wins AutoBild sportcars test
Bridgestone's new flagship sports tire Potenza Sport has been named winner of AutoBild sportscars’ 2021 sports tire test. Scoring ahead of tires from eight other manufacturers, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, tested on a Ford Mustang 5.0 in the size 265/35 ZR 20, was given the overall best score in the wet and top ratings on dry roads to be classed as “exemplary” by the German magazine, the tire maker announced 11 March.

Pirelli vaccine programme 
Pirelli announced on 17 March that it is willing to make Covid-19 vaccinations available to employees through its own structures and in accordance with the national plan.
 
Pirelli claims all-season advance

Pirelli has rolled out a new all-season tire, claiming it to be “the quietest tire of them all, with reduced braking [distance} in the wet, dry and on snow. longer life and lower fuel consumption.” The Cinturato All Season SF2 is available with puncture-sealant and runflat technologies as well as a version for EVs. The compound becomes softer in cold and wet conditions, more rigid when it is dry, partly due to the use of “biphasic” polymeric materials chemically linked by silica particles, which also help to lower rolling resistance.

Sumitomo opens new ice-field testing facility

Sumitomo Rubber Industries opened a major indoor on-ice tire testing facility at its winter-tire proving ground in Nayoro City, Hokkaido. The ‘Nayoro Indoor ice field’ (NICE) features a 100m braking test course and 30x30m turning test course for high-precision testing regardless of weather conditions = thereby speeding up development work.

BKT tires for sustainable farming

BKT has expanded its V-Flexa range of radial tires for agricultural trailers with three new sizes: VF 600/65 R 26.5, VF 650/55 R 26.5 and VF 560/60 R 22.5. The tires are designed to transport 20% more weight with the same air pressure than standard tires. The latest-generation Flotation product features a tread with three belt layers in HD steel which provides greater strength to the casing and hence resistance against damage. An extra-large tire-print optimises load distribution and reduces soil-compaction.
 

Nokian promises concept tire from “eco-friendly materials” by 2025

Nokian Tyres is to introduce a concept winter tire made using only renewable and recycled materials by 2025. The company said 28 Jan that it already uses bio-based materials such as canola oil in its products and actively researcheseco-friendly materials as well the utilisation of recycled materials. “By designing this concept tire we will start a new foundation for future innovations for a better tomorrow,” says Olli Seppälä, Nokian Tyres’ Head of R&D. 

Goodyear in connected truck tire link-up…

Goodyear on announced a collaboration with ConMet to create combined digital solutions that will better connect commercial truck fleets to the health of their tires. The companies will use their combined expertise in connected mobility and existing data resources to provide fleets with holistic insights on tire and wheel end performance. The goal is to allow fleets to remotely monitor their vehicles in real time, automate insights and make better maintenance decisions in order to improve vehicle safety, as well as maximize efficiency and uptime.

… and boards autonomous Starship

Goodyear Ventures, the Akron tire maker’s venture capital arm, has added autonomous delivery company Starship Technologies to its investment portfolio. Founded in 2014, Starship builds and operates a network of self-driving robots that carry and deliver packages, groceries and food directly to customers. Its electrically powered, autonomous robots are completing thousands of deliveries daily and have traveled millions of miles in several cities across the world as they offer people a convenient, contactless delivery service.

Hankook's UHP summer and winter tires for Audi RS Q8

Hankook is to equip the Audi RS Q8 with its premium tires ex works. The 600 hp Audi Sport vehicle will come off the production line fitted with Hankook's ultra-high performance Ventus S1 evo 3 SUV summer tyres in 22-inch, or optionally the i*cept evo 2 SUV winter tyres in 22- or 23-inches. A two-layer carcass and the use of an aramid composite material reduce the unwanted expansion of the rolling circumference at high speeds by up to 60% compared to previous profiles.  Performance on both dry and wet roads is further enhanced by a new tread compound using high-performance natural resins. 

Kumho claims pole in China Red Dot awards

Kumho has claimed to be the only tire maker to have gained a 2020 China Red Dot Design Award.  The mark was granted to the company’s Majesty 9 Solus TA93 asymmetric summer tire engineered specifically for the Chinese market. Features include ‘sound harmony’ technology, optimised contact-pressure and increased durability.

A Nokian for all seasons in N America

Nokian Tyres has introduced an all-season passenger vehicle tire for the North American market. Called the One, it complements light-truck, SUV all-season products released last year. Employing proprietary Aramid reinforcement technology, it is designed particularly for safety, fuel-efficiency and durability.
 

New Michelin tire on Porsche 911 GT3

Paris: Michelin has developed a ‘specific tire’ for Porsche’s recently launched 911 GT3 Cup (992) model, reserved for its single-make championships.
The French tire maker said it created the new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup N3, combining “superior grip and consistency with longer life.” As part of the joint development process, Michelin said the size of the tire’s contact patch has been increased through a reinforced architecture and the use of “new, more resilient materials.”

VW’s electric car sets new world record on Hankook tires 

Seoul: Volkswagen’s electric vehicle VW ID.3 has completed a tour of Germany on Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 tires. After driving for 65 days and more than 28,000 kilometres across Germany, the campaigning team set a world record for the longest continuous journey with an electric vehicle through a single country, said Hankook in a statement 14 Dec.

New Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season on Land Rover Defender
 
Milan, Italy: Pirelli and Land Rover have co-developed new Scorpion Zero all season tires that will feature as original equipment on the latest Defender. Created through ‘an intense’ development programme, the ultra-high performance tire is intended for SUVs and designed to deliver maximum performance both in the dry and in the wet, Pirelli announced 15 Dec. The tire, is an upgraded model of Pirelli’s ‘standard’ Scorpion Zero all season, featuring improved off-road ability and reduced rolling resistance.

Falken Azenis FK510 standard fit on new Toyota Mirai 

Tokyo – Sumitomo Rubber Industries has begun supplying high-performance Falken Azenis FK510 tires to Toyota Motor Corp. for use as factory standard tires on its new model Mirai, a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), which went on sale this December. The high-performance Azenis FK510 tires feature asymmetrical tread pattern that optimises the distribution of pressure through the contact footprint. The feature, in addition to a “rounder” profile design, provide “superior stability and manoeuvrability performance” when driving at higher speeds, SRI said in a 15 Dec statement.

BKT launches new Agrimax V-Flecto sizes

Seregno, Italy: Indian off-road tire maker BKT has expanded the range of its lead product, Agrimax V-Flecto. According to the company, a new size is already available in addition to three new sizes currently under development. The new size is VF 710/70 R 42 and will will soon be followed by VF 750/70 R 44, VF 710/75 R 38 and VF 710/55 R 38, BKT said in a statement 15 Dec.
 

Pirelli tires OE on Porsche Taycan

Weissach, Germany: German car maker Porsche AG has selected Pirelli P7 and P Zero Elect tires – a new range of tires designed to meet the distinct performance needs of electric vehicles – as original equipment fitments for its electric-driven four-door four-wheel-drive Taycan sports car. The designation is the first OE fitment for the Elect line, which Pirelli Tyre SpA said was developed in line with its "perfect fit philosophy." 

 

Goodyear targeting light-truck sectors with new line

Akron, Ohio: Goodyear's consumer business unit is focusing its attention in 2021 on its light truck/SUV tire lineup with the launch of the new Wrangler Workhorse Powerline, encompassing three tires designed for both highway and off-road applications. The Wrangler Workhorse Powerline portfolio — comprising HT, AT and RT applications — focuses on longevity, utility and enhanced traction. The new lineup is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2021.
 

ContiConnect Live available for “specialist vehicles”
  
Hanover, Germany: Continental AG has extended the supply of digital tire monitoring application ContiConnect Live to “specialist vehicles”, the company announced 7 Dec. The service, which complements ContiPressureCheck and ContiConnect Yard had previously been offered for truck fleets. The cloud-based real-time data service will initially be rolled out in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, UK, Finland, Sweden, Norway, France and Portugal. 
 

Michelin expands CrossGrip range with two new sizes

London: Michelin has introduced two new sizes of its multi-purpose, all-season CrossGrip tires for operators of backhoe loaders, skid steer loaders, telehandlers and small tractors. The new 440/80 R34 and 480/80 R34 CrossGrip fitments expand the range, which was launched in 2018, to 12 dimensions, available on both the original equipment and replacement markets. CrossGrip tires form part of Michelin’s Compact Line range and offer a high load capacity and special rubber formula designed for year-round use. 

Conti’s AllSeasonContact takes wins Auto Express tire test
London: Continental’s AllSeasonContact has won the top spot in this year’s all-season tire test from the UK's weekly selling car magazine, Auto Express. Debuted in 2018, the tire is Continental’s first all-season tire for Europe and combined elements of both Continental’s premium summer and winter tires, the tire maker announced 26 Nov.

Goodyear, Maxxis earn Ford World Excellence awards
Dearborn, Michigan: Ford Motor Co. has honoured Cheng Shin Rubber Ind. Co. Ltd. and Goodyear as top-performing global suppliers at the 22nd annual Ford World Excellence Awards, held virtually 17 Nov.
Taiwan's Cheng Shin Rubber – Maxxis International – was recognised as a sustainability supplier of the year winner and Goodyear earned a special recognition award for its performance in the area of delivery. 

Apollo introduces ‘most-advanced’ cross ply tire

 Gurgaon, India: Apollo Tyres has launched what is describes as “the most advanced cross ply lug tire” for commercial vehicles in India. The XT-100HD offers high load carrying capacity and mileage, while ensuring “the most durable casing in the industry,” Apollo said in a statement 26 Nov. According to Apollo, the tires are produced at company’s facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, and have been “extensively tested” on customers’ vehicles in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh. 

Hankook on limited Mini John Cooper Works GP 

Seoul: The new MINI John Cooper Works GP, limited to the production of 3,000 cars worldwide, is exclusively fitted with Hankook’s new ultra-ultra-high performance (UUHP) summer tire Ventus S1 Evo Z, Hankook announced 19 Nov. In addition, the tire line-up includes Ventus TD for racing purposes and winter tire I*cept evo 2.

Bridgestone to upgrade Potenza line, 

Nashville, Tennessee: Bridgestone Americas plans to address key market segments in 2021 with upgraded Potenza ultra-high-performance tires and an all-season luxury/SUV/CUV performance tire dubbed the Alenza Ultra AS, the company announced during its consumer dealer network event 18 Nov.
 

“Tailor-made” Pirelli Scorpion ATR on all-new Ford F-150

New York: Pirelli has “tailor-made” a Scorpion ATR tire specifically for the all-new Ford F-150 which was launched earlier this Autumn. Co-developed over the past two and half years, the tire has ‘maximum level of grip with improved rolling resistance’, thanks to a new mould profiles. A new tread design also reduces tire’s noise by up to three decibels, according to Pirelli.
 

Falken Ziex all-season OE on the 2021 Toyota Sienna minivan

Rancho Cucamonga, California: Toyota Motor has selected a 17-inch size of the Falken Ziex ZE001A all-season tire as an OE fitment on the redesigned 2021 Sienna minivan, which is due in North American showrooms by late 2020 or early 2021. The fourth-generation Sienna, which features a hybrid powertrain across all trim levels, reflects Toyota's attempt to redefine the minivan segment by targeting the vehicle at a wider array of life stages and activities, according to Sumitomo Rubber North America Inc. (SRNA), producer of the Falken brand.

Avon Tyres featured on restored Evel Knievel motorcycle

Topeka, Kansas: One of the most famous motorcycles in history has been re-"tired." Evel Knievel's original 1968-spec "American Eagle" Laverda recently was restored with Avon motorcycle tires. The famous stunt performer's refurbished motorcycle – which Knievel used to make a host of jumps during the late 1960s and early 1970s – was unveiled 6 Nov at the Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka.

Hankook gains OE fitment on 2021 Silverado/Sierra pickups

Nashville, Tennessee: General Motors Co. has selected an 18-inch version of Hankook Tire's Dynapro MT2 light truck tire as an OE fitment on its 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD models.
The fitments extend Hankook Tire America Corp.'s OE supply relationship with General Motors, which began in 2002 and includes multiple fitments on Chevrolet, Buick and GMC models.

Goodyear's WinterCommand Ultra tire available for purchase

Akron, Ohio: Goodyear's WinterCommand Ultra tire — which was among the new products promoted at the tire maker's Customer Conference held in early February in Aurora, Colorado — is now available for purchase in the US and Canada. According to Goodyear, the studless tire excels in wet handling, wet cornering grip, deep water curved hydroplaning and ride comfort, providing optimal grip for drivers looking to maximize traction and improve starting and stopping in winter conditions.

Avon launches new all-season tire

Melksham, UK: Avon Tyres has add a new all-season tire to its passenger car radial and SUV line-up, the company announced 6 Nov. The new tire, Avon AS7, boasts both 3PMSF (three peak mountain snow flake) and M+S (mud and snow) ratings, and is designed to deliver “reliable traction in unpredictable weather and demanding conditions all year round.”

Bridgestone develops 'all-terrain' tires for Ineos Grenadier

Bridgestone tires will be standard fitment on the Grenadier, a much-awaited debut from automotive newcomer Ineos Automotive. To be released in early 2022, the rugged 4x4 will arrive on the market with Bridgestone Dueler A/T 001 tyres as its standard fitment on both 17” and 18” wheel variants, the tire maker announced 5 Nov.
 

Hankook launches a new all-season pattern under Laufenn Brand

Neu-Isenburg, Germany: Hankook has added an all-season pattern for passenger cars and small-to-medium sized SUV’s to its Laufenn brand tire portfolio. The addition is part of Hankook’s continuous global expansion with its second brand Laufenn, launched in 2015. The all-new Laufenn G FIT 4S will initially be available on the European market in sizes 13-18 inches, Hankook said.

Goodyear recognised by Lockheed Martin as 'elite supplier'

Akron, Ohio: Lockheed M