The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4
Federal Launches Formoza FD1
Michelin Launches its Brand into New Markets
Freelander AT and MT Tyres from Colway
New Applications for Kayaba
Michelin Launches XZY3 Wide Single

The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4

The target when developing Nokian's new studded winter tyre, the Hakkapeliitta 4 was to create a safe tyre that would behave equally reliably and consistently in all conditions throughout the cold seasons. The result was a thoroughbred winter tyre with ingenious new properties such as square studs and superbly gripping and an environmentally friendly tread compound made using Finnish rape-seed oil. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 is aimed at Nordic and Russian consumer markets.

Enhanced grip through innovative square studs

Great winter tyres have studs and tread that work in harmony. When developing the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4, special attention was paid to the stud concept. Extensive comparison tests revealed that new square studs had superior grip, were more durable and less likely to work loose from the tread than ordinary round or oval studs. According to Nokian Tyres' tests, the new square studs improved ice grip by approximately 8% from the previous model, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2.

The square hard metal pins enhance ice grip and together with the new tread structure give the driver improved control in critical driving conditions e.g. when there is a risk of losing grip. In order to maximise the grip all studs are oriented to the angle giving the best possible grip and stud retention. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 has 14 rows of studs. The wide distribution of the studs improves grip and reduces tyre noise, while an elastic cushion underneath each stud absorbs stud impact, reduces stud noise and enhances stud durability. The new patent-pending studding solution called the Nokian Eco Stud System 4 is also less wearing on roads than traditional studding solutions.

Wider tread for enhanced stability

Impeccable ice grip is a basic property of safe winter tyres, but harsh and varied Nordic winter conditions place far heavier demands on tyres. Drivers value stable and versatile winter tyres that give them a reliable and comfortable ride regardless of whether the road is icy, slushy, wet or dry. The tread of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 is about 10% wider than its predecessor's. The wide and straight tread stabilises the tyre on dry roads, improves wet and ice grip and allows wider stud distribution that helps to further enhance grip. The tyre's driving response is precise and steady on dry roads as well. Wider steel belts ensure a consistent driving response and enhanced structural durability.

The modified cap and base structure of the tyre provides an improved steering response particularly on dry surfaces. The new tyre has over 2,000 gripping, narrow sipes with sharp angles and zigzag patterns for superb ice and snow grip and particular sipe alerters on the edges of the tread to boost the effectiveness of the sipes on slippery roads. The tread pattern of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 consists of square tread blocks that form an arrow-shaped design with open side-flaring grooves that keep the tread clean and prevent slush from blocking the contact patch.

Gripping tread rubber compound made using rape-seed oil

In addition to being effective and high-tech, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 has an environmentally friendly tread rubber A significant amount of the oil used in the tread rubber is Finnish rape-seed oil. The genuine natural produce improves winter and wet grip and enhances tear resistance. The tread rubber only contains rape-seed oil and low aromatic oils and does not contain any environmentally harmful high aromatic oils.

Further benefits

In addition to its structural, technological and material innovations, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 has has four wear indicator blocks showing the remaining tread depth clearly in millimetres. It includes a sealing rib, called mudstopper, in the bead area that prevents dirt, sand and slush from entering between the tyre and the rim. There is also a simple chart on the sidewall where you can mark the tyre position for seasonal storage.

Federal Launches Formoza FD1

Federal Corporation has announced the launch of a new all-season performance touring radial, positioned as a premium tyre for luxury car owners. The Formoza FD1, which is initially available in thirty H and V rated sizes, is claimed to perform exceptionally well in wet and dry handling, braking, noise levels and ride comfort. The tyre has also been subjected to tests at TVTC (Tire and Vehicle Test Center), a division of North American Rubber in Pearsall, Texas, USA, which, according to Federal, demonstrated that the Formoza FD1 outperforms many competitive brands in the key performance areas specified above.

The Formoza FD1 features a tread pattern and sidewall, which have been designed using TFT technology to achieve a stylish pattern without compromising quality, comfort and tread life. A high quality of carbon black is used to increase tyre durability and wear resistance, resulting in excellent grip and increased tyre life. An advanced rubber compound containing Solution Styrene Butadeine Rubber is also used to maximise safety and increase fuel efficiency. The tread compound also includes silica to enhance wet performance.

The Formoza FD1's tread pattern also incorporates two wide circumferential grooves for maximum water evacuation. Water is effectively channelled away from the tread through the grooves to reduce the risk of aquaplaning. The tread block is designed to provide more uniform contact pressure to improve dry and wet handling, increase ride comfort and reduce regular wear. The bold centre-rib provides lateral handling stability, whilst the many sipes provide greater traction.

Michelin Launches its Brand into New Markets

Michelin has launched a stylish range of automotive accessories as part of a global brand extension programme. Michelin Lifestyle Ltd, a subsidiary of the Michelin Group, has been established to develop this strategic programme, in partnership with the Brand Extension specialist licensing agency "The Licensing Company". The aims are to enhance the appeal of the Michelin brand, through its extension into new consumer markets worldwide, whilst creating a closer emotional relationship with the customer.

The first products in the UK are footpumps, air compressors, car mats, wheel trims, a digital pressure gauge, warning triangle and first aid kit. Halfords has been announced as Michelin's lead retail partner with product available in-store from April 2003.

Freelander AT and MT Tyres from Colway

Colway has added AT and MT pattern tyres for the Land Rover Freelander to its C-Trax range of 4x4 tyres. The pair of 'Q' (100mph/160kph) rated C-Trax 215/65R16 tyres are part of the Formula Colway range of retread tyres from Durham manufacturer C-Tyres Ltd, delivering high performance and mileage on and off road at low cost. Colway Formula specification tyres are produced using premium quality original equipment casings and undergo strict quality checks to ensure structural integrity before the retreading process takes place. A specially designed 'Formula' compound is used in the manufacturing and the casings are treated with a green coloured inner sealant, which aids air retention.

New Applications for Kayaba

Kayaba has further developed its K-Flex replacement coil spring range with more than 680 new applications for 2003. To accommodate these new applications, an all-new 124 page catalogue has just been launched, and for ease of use, follows the same format as the Kayaba shock absorber catalogue.

The new product line-up includes applications for a wide range of cars and light commercial vehicles. As well as the pages detailing coil springs appropriate for each vehicle make, model and year of manufacture, the catalogue also includes advice on coil spring types (parallel, pigtail, double pigtail, funnel and barrel), spring replacement and safety hints.

Michelin Launches XZY3 Wide Single

The new Michelin XZY3 wide single tyre is the first of a new generation of on/off road truck tyres from Michelin. Designed to offer operators reduced running costs the new XZY3 is extremely damage resistant, helping its extended life potential to be realised. the increased potential life is visible in the tread of the XZY3, which has 25% more useable rubber than the old XZY, achieved by increasing the tread depth and width by approximately 1mm and 10% respectively.

The massive tread blocks resist tear damage and the effects of lateral scrub while new steel reinforcement under the tread greatly increases resistance to casing damage. Protection for the sidewall is increased with a new ribbed profile, which is an extra barrier to damage from rocks and other materials encountered in off road applications and resists sidewall scrub on the road. The new tyre design includes a remodelled bead area to make the tyre easier to fit and remove. With many on/off road operators choosing to use wide single tyres for steer axles, the new XZY3 has been produced with this in mind.

The finer tolerances and new materials used lead to better handling and more even tread wear, increasing tread life and further reducing operating costs. the new Michelin XZY3 is available now in two sizes; 385/65 R 22.5 and 445/65 R 22.5 with a 425/65 R 22.5 due later in 2003.