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Tyre News
New Hankook Global Branding Campaign
Size Of UK Tyre Market Revealed For First Time
More High-Performance OE Fitments for Yokohama
Hi-Q in High Spirits at First -Ever Motorsport
Forum
Golden Milestone for First Stop Dealer
Uniroyal Rallye Named Which Best Buy
Hi-Q Announces Franchise Expansion Plan
Yokohama Rubber Aligns With Warner Bros. Pictures
and Village Roadshow Pictures In Placement & Promotional Agreement
for "Speed Racer"
Farmer Autocare Celebrate Kirkcaldy Centre
Launch
Avon Tyres British GTs Start off with a Bang
Commercial Tyres Competition Winner
Bridgestone Opens Hungary Plant
New Hankook Global Branding Campaign
The
hero, driving a silver sports coupé is involved in a spectacular
and furious car chase in the urban streets of a virtual future
city. The black limousines are superior in number, but our
hero is perfectly equipped for the challenge: The ultra high-performance
wide base tyre Hankook Ventus V12 Evo tames the streets -
and the hero has the last laugh and escapes.
The Hankook TV commercial is part of a new global TV marketing
campaign by Hankook Tire, which is currently being rolled
out simultaneously across Europe, China and the U.S. The 20-second
clip stands out with its revolutionary 3D animation, offering
TV audiences an exceptional and "never-seen-before" action-packed
perspective in a tyre commercial. The brand-new Hankook Ventus
V12 Evo takes centre stage in the story.
"The dynamic clip illustrates our philosophy, combining quality,
performance and lifestyle, in short - driving emotion, in
a spectacular and concise manner," said Seung-Do Jin, Executive
Vice-President of Hankook Tire and COO for the European market.
"This self-confident and innovative commercial strengthens
the perception of Hankook Tire as one of the leading global
tyre brands. I am convinced that the animated commercial will
be equally appealing to tuning and auto racing fans as well
as automobile enthusiasts and aficionados of expensive animation
productions."
The new TV commercial is currently being aired in Europe,
presently Germany, Spain, France and Hungary. The latest animated
commercial is the sequel of the successful global campaign
"Tame the Road". The new clip is set to run during high-class
sport events and in TV sport programmes.
The commercial was produced by US-based animation studio
Shilo TV. Shilo TV is a creative collective of designers,
animators and directors who share a common passion in forging
new perspectives in dynamic storytelling, innovative animation
using the most modern visual effects. Shilo TV has won the
American Emmy® award in 2005.
Size Of UK Tyre Market Revealed For First
Time
Considering it is a multi-million Pound business, the UK
tyre industry has always suffered from a lack of availability
of reliable statistics and market data. But this is no longer
the case, as global market research giant GfK has produced
the first in a series of regular reports, designed to provide
definitive information on retail sales of new tyres for the
first time.
The report, compiled in co-operation with the National Tyre
Distributors Association, divides the market into three, distinct
channels. These are National Multiples (retailers with over
100 branches), Regional Multiples (10 - 99 branches) and Independents
(1 - 9 branches). GfK gathers and analyses sales data from
thousands of participating depots every month. The analysis
has been on-going for six months and GfK estimates the total
new tyre replacement market figure at 28.4 million units.
NTDA Director Richard Edy commented: "The amount of detail
available in the reports is astonishing. From basic information,
such as market share by channel, GfK can drill down to provide
such information as market share by brand, by tyre or rim
size, by aspect ratio etc. "The report is continually evolving
and expanding - plans are in place to provide breakdowns by
region - and, because it is produced monthly, subscribing
companies can identify trends and use the knowledge to increase
profitability."
More High-Performance OE Fitments for
Yokohama
The UK distributor for Yokohama tyres, Yokohama HPT Ltd,
has announced two more high-profile, high-performance Original
Equipment (OE) fitments for the Japanese manufacturer's tyres.
Two new models from Porsche and renowned Mercedes tuner AMG
sport Yokohama's flagship ADVAN brand, with both using the
top-of-the-range ADVAN Sport tyres.
The new, face-lifted Porsche 911 Carrera4 (997) follows
on from the previous model, using ADVAN Sport V103S N1 tyres,
sized 235/40x18 front and 295/35x18 rear. The preceding version
of Porsche's four wheel-drive supercar was fitted with ADVAN
Sports and the tradition of using Yokohama products for the
optimum combination of performance, comfort, safety and longevity
continues with the latest evolution of the world's most iconic
supercar.
Another iconic marque to select ADVAN Sport as original equipment
is AMG, the official tuning arm of Mercedes. The all-new C63
AMG model, developed from the latest C-Class, features a hand-built
6.3-litre V8 engine, developing 457bhp and powering the C63
AMG from rest to 100kph in 4.5 seconds. The car also features
a seven-speed gearbox controlled via paddles on the steering
wheel and helps the car to easily reach its electronically-limited
top speed of 250kph (150mph).
AMG chose Yokohama ADVAN Sport V103S MO (Mercedes Only) tyres
for the C63, sized 235/35x19 for the front and 255/30x19 rear
to optimise not only the car's phenomenal acceleration but
also, its legendary handling and stopping ability.
Hi-Q in High Spirits at First -Ever Motorsport
Forum
Leading
fast fit retailer HiQ celebrated its sponsorship of the British
Touring Car Championships in style with an evening of high
octane entertainment. HiQ hosted its first ever motorsport
forum at its Grays store on Thursday March 27, where Vauxhall
speedster Tom Onslow-Cole showed off his four wheels before
answering questions about the championships. The aim of the
forum was to bring the excitement of the BTCC into the community,
allowing people to learn more about the sport and title sponsors
HiQ.
The
action packed evening featured a question and answer forum
with Tom and the Vauxhall team, an autograph signing session,
competitions to win free tickets and computer simulations.
It is now hoped that similar events will be staged at HiQ
stores near to race tracks around the country as the championships
progress.
Golden Milestone for First Stop Dealer
First
Stop business development manager Dean Dyoss was on hand to
ensure that Ken Riley of First Stop dealership, TyreCraft,
marked his fiftieth anniversary in the tyre industry.
Starting out as a casing inspector at the age of 19, Ken
has enjoyed a varied career in the tyre industry. He quickly
moved into a sales role working for Borough Tyre Company and
ATS and cites setting up his own business as his biggest career
challenge, but has never looked back.
Dean Dyoss commented: "Ken is testament to the success that
can be achieved in tyre retailing. With a strong focus on
service and standards, he naturally has a loyal customer base.
We warmly congratulate Ken on fifty years in the industry
and are pleased to work with the team at Tyre Craft as it
continues to thrive."
Uniroyal Rallye Named Which Best Buy
The Uniroyal Rallye 550 tyre has been named Which? Best
Buy. To make the Which? Best Buys list, tyres have to be tested
against a host of criteria and offer class-leading capabilities
like dry and wet grip, quietness and wear rate.
The Uniroyal Rallye 550 (205/55R16V) performed well for the
second year in a row. The rain tyre is a popular choice for
medium to upper range cars featuring leading-class capabilities
at affordable prices. Its double V tread pattern provides
optimum water dispersion giving it high level resistance to
aquaplaning. An advanced silica compound and a large number
of intricate tread pattern grooves mean the tyre provides
a firm grip in the dry and wet.
Uniroyal brand manager, Tracey Hyem, said: "It is excellent
that the Rallye 550 has been commended again so highly by
Which?. The Rallye 550 Uniroyal tyre is an excellent choice
for middle to upper range vehicles offering comfort and premium
safety, especially in the wet."
Hi-Q Announces Franchise Expansion Plan
Potential franchisees are being encouraged to buy into one
of Britain's biggest fast fit retailers, after it announced
a franchise expansion plan. HiQ recently announced that its
109 company-owned outlets would be split into 15 regional
zones, with each zone available for a franchise partnership,
adding to the existing successful HiQ franchise network. The
company has already announced a 'high level of quality interest'
in its franchising programme, but is expecting more enquiries
ahead of a May 16 deadline.
Corporate communications manager James Bailey said: "The
interest levels are high, but it is not simply a case of choosing
the highest bidder for each zone. "We are looking for franchise
partners that can share the HiQ vision and work with us to
meet our objectives of creating a viable car care alternative
for motorists across the UK that puts customers first, offering
a premium experience with the focus on building repeat business."
HiQ has divided its existing store network and its potential
open points into 15 regional zones across England and Wales.
The Northern Ireland and Scottish zones are already franchised
to McConechy's and Modern Tyres.
Yokohama Rubber Aligns With Warner Bros.
Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures In Placement & Promotional
Agreement for "Speed Racer"
Yokohama
is teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow
Pictures on a product placement and promotional agreement
surrounding the upcoming action adventure, "Speed Racer".
The film is being written and directed by Larry and Andy
Wachowski, marking the brothers' first writing/directing collaboration
since their groundbreaking "Matrix" movies, and is being produced
by Joel Silver under his Silver Pictures banner. "Speed Racer"
is slated for release in the U.S. on May 9, 2008.
Based on the classic series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo
Yoshida, the live-action big-screen "Speed Racer" will follow
the adventures of the young race car driver Speed in his quest
for glory in his thundering Mach 5 race car. The cast is truly
global, featuring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Matthew Fox,
Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, Asian music star Ji Hoon Jung
(popularly known as Rain) and Hiroyuki Sanada from Japan.
All of Speed's cars, including the Mach 5, will drive on
Yokohama Advan brand tires in multiple high speed races throughout
the film.
Farmer Autocare Celebrate Kirkcaldy Centre
Launch
Farmer
Autocare partnered up with Bridgestone to celebrate the launch
of its latest Centre on Forth Avenue, Kirkcaldy on Saturday,
5 April. Shoppers at Sainsbury's Kirkcaldy were treated to
a Ferrari Formula One Show as well as being offered free tyre
safety checks at Fife Central Retail Park. The offer of free
tyre safety checks will, of course, extend to anyone wishing
to call in at any Farmer Autocare Centre.
Farmer Autocare used the day to highlight road safety, and
the importance of checking your tyres, in conjunction with
the Bridgestone worldwide 'Think Before You Drive' campaign,
after recent research showed that up to 90 percent of drivers
do not know their correct tyre pressures!
The stunning Ferrari F1 car took centre stage at the launch,
courtesy of the official Formula One tyre supplier Bridgestone.
Also on hand was a Formula One simulator, so shoppers could
test their driving skills, in return for a small charity donation.
Funds raised, which totalled Ł323.50 are being split between
Sports Relief and the appeal for Ivan Cheetham (www.ivansdolphindream.co.uk).
Ivan, aged eight, the son of Farmer Autocare's Dunfermline
manager Alan Cheetham, suffers from a rare brain disorder
and will benefit from further visits to the Dolphin Therapy
Centre in Florida.
Avon Tyres British GTs Start off with
a Bang
The
Avon Tyres British GT Championship kicked off its 2008 season
in spectacular style at Oulton Park on Easter weekend with
two shunts taking place within 20 minutes of the first race
start and involving Ł200,000 worth of machinery. Photos of
the accident appeared in several national newspapers, gaining
high-profile coverage for the series sponsored by Avon Tyres,
who have been the title sponsor and sole tyre supplier of
the British GT Championship since 2006.
The first took place just after the first corner, when Piers
Johnson received a nudge from another competitor, which spun
his Lamborghini Gallardo on the approach to Cascades corner,
his car digging into the soft Cheshire ground and flipping
over.
Just a few laps later at the same section of track, the
Aston Martin Vantage of Peter Snowden clashed with the Ginetta
G50 of Hunter Abbott, sending the Ginetta heading into the
barriers, before it flipped end over end and bursting into
flames. Thankfully the safety cell of the Ginetta, a car new
to the championship this year, stood up to the crash and Abbott
was able to extricate himself from the car before marshals
extinguished the flames licking around his legs.
Commercial Tyres Competition Winner
Kent
based tyre dealer, Commercial Tyres is pleased to announce
the winner of their recent competition as local Fleet Manager
Stuart Joyce based in Snodland, Kent. The prize draw, run
in association with Continental Tyres, to win a brand new
LG 32" LCD television was won by Mr Joyce of Alan Firmin Ltd
simply by completing a questionnaire and submitting it to
his local Commercial Tyres depot.
Paul Kuske of Commercial Tyres commented: "We have been an
official representative of the Continental Tyres dealer network
- ContiNetwork - for six years now and were very pleased to
be chosen as a partner for this competition. We hope Mr Joyce
gets a lot of enjoyment out of his prize and look forward
to establishing a good relationship with him in the future".
Bridgestone Opens Hungary Plant
On April 3rd 2008 Bridgestone officially opened its new
fully-automated production facility at Tatabánya, Hungary.
The € 190 million complex is the first in Europe to feature
Bridgestone's fully-automated tyre manufacturing process.
Production of high-performance and large-rim sized radial
tyres for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles is
scheduled to reach 8,000 units a day in 2009.
More than 150 guests attended the opening ceremony including
senior Hungarian figures from local, regional and national
authorities, amongst them Mr Ábel Garamhegyi, State Secretary,
Ministry of Economy and Transport, Mr János Bencsik, Mayor
of Tatabánya and Mr László Beke, Mayor of Környe.

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