Tyre News

Lone Wolf Keeps on Running
TAFF Awards for Bridgestone and Michelin
Free 30 Day Trial on Cooper 4x4 Tyres
Michelin Continues Fight Against Look-Alike Tyres
Hankook Tyres Celebrates Gripping Success in Rally Programme
Continental Commended by Auto Express
Continental Equips New Ford Mondeo and Transit SportVan
Podium Success for Elfyn Evans in Manx Rally
"Green" Government Recycles Old Argument Against Retreads

Lone Wolf Keeps on Running

The Lone Wolf Transglobal Expedition has successfully crossed the border into Pakistan, marking the completion of four months on the road during which the team's Land Rover Wolf Defender, shod on Cooper tyres, has traversed a multitude of demanding terrain. The versatile Cooper Discoverer STT (Super Traction Tread) has carried the Lone Wolf team over thousands of miles of unpaved mud roads, snow covered mountain paths and desert dunes, as well as proving remarkably comfortable on western motorways.

Having left the UK on 2 January, the Lone Wolf Transglobal Expedition aims to circumnavigate the globe in just 12 months. With the help of Cooper Tire, the expedition will travel through 40 countries in a vehicle originally designed and built to the specifications of the famous explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

With a fully operational camera crew in tow to capture all the action for a ten-part documentary series, the team is quite literally relying on Cooper to keep the show on the road. Expedition captain, Daniel Moylan, continues to lead the team around some of the world's most famous attractions, while chef Rowan Brown explores the gastronomic delights offered at each destination during their 12-month odyssey.

The Discoverer STT combines Cooper's unique Armor-Tek3 carcass construction technology with a computer designed, non-directional tread pattern to create a bold, aggressive tyre tough enough to conquer any terrain. Available from Cooper stockists throughout the UK, the Discoverer STT is available in 26 sizes, from 15-inch to 18-inch diameters, and comes in C, D and E load ratings.

TAFF Awards for Bridgestone and Michelin

Bridgestone and Michelin have both picked up accolades at the recently held TAFF (Tyre and Fast Fit) Awards. The Awards, based on votes by the UK's leading tyre specialists, all members of the NTDA (National Tyre Distributors Association), are presented annually to recognise significant actions benefiting tyre distributors and their customers.

Bridgestone scooped the top award of Manufacturer of the year, the award being presented to Bridgestone UK Managing Director John McNaught "It's always pleasing to win awards, but especially so when the votes are cast by people within the industry," said McNaught. "Being named Tyre Manufacturer of the Year by members of the NTDA is the ultimate accolade in this regard, and it shows our continued efforts to maintain our number one position are proving worthwhile. The recognition is a fitting testament to the many successes we have achieved."

Meanwhile, Michelin, a previous winner of the top award picked up two awards. The company's HP Primacy car tyre was recognised with the TAFF Product Innovation Award, alongside Michelin's Durable Technologies truck tyre developments and the revolutionary Michelin 2CT (2 Compound Technology) used in the company's latest motorcycle tyres. The return of Bibendum, the icomic "Michelin Man" to the company's advertising campaigns also secured the award for Industry Advertising Campaign.

The TAFF Awards were presented at the NTDA annual assembly held during the Brityrex trade show held recently in Manchester.

Free 30 Day Trial on Cooper 4x4 Tyres

Cooper Tire says it is so confident in the performance of its 4x4 range of tyres that it is now offering an innovative new money-back guarantee. Buy any four new Cooper 4x4 tyres from its range of both on and off road 4x4 tyres from an authorised Cooper Tire dealer in the UK, and if the customer is not completely happy with them, they can return them to their dealer within 30 days for a full refund.

Commenting on the new initiative Tom Edwards Cooper Tire's UK marketing manager said, "We understand that for any customer buying 4x4 tyres is a big expense and they want to get it right, so we are offering them the chance to try our tyres without the usual risk associated with getting stuck with something you are not completely happy with. As one of the world's largest 4x4 tyre manufacturers, we are more than confident in our tyres' performance and we are prepared to put our money where our mouth is."

The 4x4 market has long been one of Cooper's strongest areas, so anticipation of claims is not high. However, Cooper says any customer not completely satisfied with their set of four tyres may get a full refund, provided they return them to the original dealer within 30 days of purchase.

The new warranty applies to the Cooper Zeon XST, the Discoverer Sport HP, HT, HT Plus, ATR, AT, AST II, Radial LT, Radial ST, STT and the SRM Radial LT. In order to qualify, motorists will need to complete a warranty form when they buy their tyres. This must also be completed by the dealer and retained by the customer, in the event of a claim.

The guarantee excludes accidental damage and refitting, rebalancing and new valves are rechargeable to the customer. The offer is limited to one set per customer.

Michelin Continues Fight Against Look-Alike Tyres

Following notifications to tyre dealers and several lawsuits, Michelin is again filing suits in North Africa, North America and Europe, this time against dealers selling Double Coin branded truck tyres. In December 2005, Michelin alerted more than 5,000 dealers to the risks involved in marketing look-alike tyres from Asia. These look-alike products copy the tread pattern of Michelin truck tyres, and while the two treads may look the same, the look-alikes may not deliver the same grip or longevity as an authentic Michelin tyre.

Nonetheless, unauthorised copies of Michelin tread patterns can still be found in the market, notably under the Double Coin brand. That's why Michelin has taken legal action against dealers of these products in all countries where they have been identified by Michelin sales teams.

In the United Kingdom, proceedings have been initiated against Kirkby (Tyres) Ltd for patent infringement of the Michelin XDY tread design.

Hankook Tyres Celebrates Gripping Success in Rally Programme

Rally drivers competing throughout Europe on Hankook tyres have been on winning streaks recently with success in a wide range of championships, and the Jim Clark Rally at the end of May was set to provide more honours for its drivers. UK motorsports manager Mike Patterson said that on gravel and asphalt and in wet and dry conditions the tyres have been outstanding performers.

"This year's rally programme sees Hankook sponsoring key championships both in the UK and Ireland with the performance of the tyres attracting new drivers all the time,'' he said. "The last month has so far been one of the most successful for Hankook drivers with class successes in Belgium, the Isle of Man, Ireland and Scotland.''

In the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, Colm Murphy secured an impressive Group N win in the International Rally of the Lakes at Killarney. He now leads the Group N category of the Tarmac Championship heading into the Jim Clark Rally, based in Kelso on May 25/26.

In the recent RBS International Manx Rally there were class honours for south coast rally driver Steve Hendy who was second in the Hendy Group Focus WRC and for Tony Higgins in a Mark II Escort. And honours in the Isle of Man provided two successive weekends for Steve Hendy who finished third overall in the Monteberg Rallyspint, the perfect warm up for the asphalt action on the Isle of Man.

In the Hankook National Forest Rally Championship in Ireland, Mitsubishi's BRC works driver Guy Wilks swapped to a Hankook-shod Subaru to set the fastest time on the first stage of the Moonraker Forestry Rally with Keith Cronin continuing his winning ways on the rally with Group N success.

Continental Commended by Auto Express

Continental's PremiumContact 2 tyre has been awarded a commendation by leading motoring magazine, Auto Express. The consumer publication put the UK's top brands to the test to find the safest, most fuel efficient tyres that deliver great performance all year round.

Auto Express said; "An even performance across all disciplines from the German maker. It was among the best in the wet, particularly curved aquaplaning, and managed unlike most rain masters, to match that in the dry and in rolling resistance tests" All tyres underwent tests to assess their capabilities in aquaplaning, cornering and braking on both wet and dry surfaces. Auto Express also monitored in-car noise and fuel economy to draw their conclusions.

Peter Robb, product manager at Continental said; "We are delighted to have been commended by Auto Express. The ContiPremiumContact 2 is a popular choice with car manufacturers as an original equipment fitting to their latest generation cars. This test result is proof of its outstanding performance. "

The ContiPremiumContact 2 was a "best buy" recommendation for Which?'s 205/55 R16 V test in the leading magazines February issue.

Continental Equips New Ford Mondeo and Transit SportVan

The Mondeo, Ford's new flagship, is to be fitted with Continental tyres. A total of eight sizes have been approved by the Cologne-based vehicle manufacturer, including one model featuring SSR runflat technology and the emergency spare wheel. Germany's leading tyre and suspension specialist has also gained approval for the low cross-section tyre size 235/45 R 18 W XL to be fitted to the Transit SportVan, Ford's new top model in its Transit range, which is manufactured in the UK.

Ford has approved five tyre models in the ContiPremiumContact range - for 16" rims - for the new Mondeo, as well as two tyres suitable for 17" and 18" rims from the ContiSportContact family of products. Continental supplies the tyre size 235/45 R 17 97 W XL with SSR runflat technology. In the event of tyre failure, this tyre enables the motorist to continue his journey for up to a further 80 kilometres (50 miles) and will be used in the Ford Europe product portfolio for the first time.

Continental has been equally successful with the Transit SportVan, the special model from Ford. The SportVan will come equipped with 18" low cross-section tyres from the ContiSportContact 2 range; this tyre offers high grip during cornering, short braking distances and - for a sports tyre - comfortable driving characteristics.

Continental supplies the emergency ContiMobilityKit for several of the new Ford Mondeo and Transit models. In the case of tyre failure, this system enables the driver to continue his journey after a short stop. A compressor is used to insert sealant into the tyre to close off the puncture. The car can then be driven at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) without any problems.

Podium Success for Elfyn Evans in Manx Rally

Welsh youngster Elfyn Evans produced the most outstanding rally drive of his life in the Max Rally recently and was rewarded with a podium finish. Known as one of the most technical and tricky events in the UK Fiesta Sporting Trophy, the drive was all the more remarkable as it was the first time the 18 year old from Dinas Mawddwy had ever competed on asphalt.

Despite his inexperience on asphalt, Elfyn set a string of fastest stage times in his Sun Virgin Money Fiesta just weeks after crashing out on the previous round in the Kielder Forest complex. Elfyn, the son of Welsh Wizard and former British Rally Champion Gwyndaf Evans, said he was delighted with the result - and dad was also impressed.

"That was an extremely mature drive in some very difficult weather conditions,'' said Gwyndaf who was on the island to help Elfyn focus on two day rally held as part of the RBS International Manx Rally.

"Green" Government Recycles Old Argument Against Retreads

A Devon based Director of a professional recycling company who has campaigned tirelessly to stop the environmentally friendly side of the tyre industry being undermined and unfairly penalised by the Government has finally received a written response confirming his fears that its commitment to creating a greener Britain is pure rhetoric.

After a four year fight to be heard, Richard O' Connell, director of Ivybridge based Bandvulc Tyres, one of Europe's leading manufacturers of retreaded truck tyres thinks his struggle has finally reached a dead end, his argument having continually fallen on deaf ears. He thought that by confronting Ben Bradshaw MP at labour's last annual conference, taking the opportunity to express his Industry's frustration on stage and asking that the government allow it the same benefits as its new tyre counterparts, his efforts would at least lead to an open discussion.

Instead, the Minister for Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare has written a letter that addresses nothing but clearly demonstrates the Government is totally misinformed about the benefits of retreading. "The Government just isn't interested in recycling when it comes to putting their hands in their pockets," says Richard who was recently invited by the Government Car and Despatch Agency to put forward the case for retreads. However, only after the department had allocated its tyre contract. "It was a total farce. The Government clearly has no desire to support the British Retreading Industry. With no-one willing to look into our concerns we're just being fobbed off at every turn," he adds.

There are many ways Government policy has made Bandvulc have to compete on a spectacularly uneven playing field against the 'giants' of the tyre industry. Most of all the ridiculous rules imposed on it by the Climate Change Levy (CCL). The retreading industry has to pay 100% of the CCL on the energy it consumes whereas new tyre manufacturers only pay 20%. By becoming more efficient and lowering its energy costs per tyre, Bandvulc has fallen far below the Government's required threshold for an exemption from the Levy.

"The CCL rewards high energy users but penalises the relatively low energy users," says Richard. "It effectively says that if you drive a large 4 x 4 car that consumes a lot of fuel you will be subsidised because it's expensive to run. However, if you drive a small economy car that is efficient you'll be penalised because you can afford to spend the money that you've saved on fuel," he explains. Meanwhile, with the savings they've made, new tyre manufacturers continue to fund their development in the Far East. Michelin, Pirelli and Goodyear have all ceased production in the UK and have moved to China where they are not required to reduce carbon emissions under the present Kyoto agreement. As a result, some predict that the country will emit more greenhouse gas than the USA in two years time. The environment is no better off, and global warming is compounded with tyres having to be shipped half way round the world to get delivered to their market.

"It's up to the tyre recycling industry to guarantee that its product is equal in every respect to a new premium tyre," Ben Bradshaw writes after suggesting in his letter that retreaded tyres are not 'economically viable, do not last as long and have to be replaced more frequently."

David Wilson from the Retread Manufacturers Association strongly disagrees: "By law retreaded tyres have to be tested to the same performance criteria as new tyres. It has also been established that retreading is the most environmentally friendly way to use worn out tyres and save valuable natural resources. The government's viewpoint seems a little dated."

In the USA, the Government gives retreads a little bit more credibility than our own creating a policy that sees 25% of them fitted on government vehicles. "Our green credentials are just not being recognised - an oversight that we'll continue to pay for," says Richard. The UK truck retreading industry, half of which still lies in the hands of family companies, produces around one million truck retreads every year, saving an estimated 15 million gallons of oil and 44,000 tonnes of rubber.