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Automotive Tire News

RECALL ALERT!

RECALL Subject : Improper Adhesion on Belt Package

Report Receipt Date: OCT 05, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16T016000
Component(s): TIRES
Potential Number of Units Affected: 14,567

Manufacturer: Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.

SUMMARY:
Continental Tire the Americas, LLC (Continental) is recalling certain Crosscontact LX20 tires, size P275/55R20 111S, manufactured May 3, 2015, to May 9, 2015. The tires, sold as replacement tires as well as original equipment on certain General Motors full size trucks and SUVs, may have insufficient adhesion within the belt package, resulting in tread wear, vibration, noise, or bulging areas on the tire.
CONSEQUENCE:
The insufficient adhesion can cause partial or full tread/belt loss, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Continental will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Continental customer service at 1-888-799-2168.

 

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Recall Alert: GITI Primewell Valera Touring II tires

RECALL Subject : Sidewall Cracks may cause Loss of Air Pressure

Report Receipt Date: OCT 06, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16T017000
Component(s): TIRES
Potential Number of Units Affected: 250,620

Manufacturer: GITI Tire (USA) Ltd.

SUMMARY:
GITI Tire (USA) Ltd. (GITI) is recalling certain imported Primewell Valera Touring II tires, sizes 205/50R17 93V XL, 215/50R17 95V XL, 225/50R17 94V, 225/50R18 95T, and 205/65R16 95H, GT Radial Champiro Touring A/S tires, sizes 205/50R17 93V XL, 215/50R17 95V XL, 225/50R17 94V, 205/65R16 95H, and 225/50R18 95T, and Dextero Touring DTR1 tires, sizes 205/50R17 93V XL, 215/50R17 95V XL, 225/50R17 94V, manufactured by PT. Gajah Tunggal TBK in Indonesia. The affected replacement passenger car tires may develop cracks in the lower sidewall, potentially resulting in a loss of air.
CONSEQUENCE:
A loss of air pressure may result in sudden tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
GITI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2016. Owners may contact GITI customer service at 1-877-342-0882.

 

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The World's Toughest Jeep

Published on Oct 3, 2016


Off Road Evolution in Fullerton, CA builds 4X4 monsters, and their Jeep Wrangler JK, EVO1, is a crowning achievement. See what this thing can do and what it takes to be the toughest on the planet.

 

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Continental Completes 2 Acquisitions

Continental Completes 2 Acquisitions, Including 1 U.S. Tire Maker

October 4, 2016

Continental AG is acquiring Hoosier Racing Tire Corp., as well as an 81% stake in Zonar Systems Inc., a fleet management company.

Financial terms of neither deal is being disclosed, Continental says.

For the past seven years Hoosier Racing Tire, based in Lakeville, Ind., and Continental have collaborated on several technical and motorsport projects. The acquisition was completed Oct. 3, 2016.

Nikolai Setzer, executive board member for Continental’s tire business, says, “This acquisition showcases the consequent execution of our long-term growth strategy Vision 2025, characterized by strategic planning and systematic implementation of technological progress. The acquisition of Hoosier Racing Tire is an exciting next addition to our product portfolio and will support our growth strategy, especially in the ultra high performance segment."

Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire the Americas LLC says: “Hoosier’s management team has built an impressive business. We believe Hoosier Tire is well-positioned to continue its strong growth, and we look forward to supporting that development through our complementary knowledge and extensive footprint. Hoosier’s management team will continue to run the racing tire business. We are committed to the employees, and the communities in which Hoosier operates. We look forward to the future of working together to accelerate growth.”

Hoosier Racing Tire was founded in 1957 and "has a legacy of technical product knowledge, quality manufacturing, outstanding service, and consistent performance," Continental says. The company supplies tires for most racing applications throughout the world and employs nearly 500 people.

Joyce Newton, CEO and president of Hoosier, says: “Continental and Hoosier share a similar vision for continued growth and sales excellence. Hoosier has fantastic brand recognition, a high-performing team, established customer relationships and a great lineup of products. This acquisition will provide a stronger and more sustainable organization for Hoosier moving ahead."

Joyce and her late husband Bob Newton co-founded Hoosier Racing Tire. Bob died in 2012.

The Zonar deal

Continental also is acquiring a majority stake in Zonar, a smart fleet management technology provider. Continental takes over majority ownership, about 81%, while Daimler Trucks North America LLC maintains its minority stake of about 19%.

The contract was signed on Sept. 23, 2016, and has obtained the required vote of Zonar shareholders, but remains subject to final approval of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Justice. The share acquisition is expected to be completed in the middle of the fourth quarter of 2016.

Zonar, headquartered in Seattle, is a technology solution provider that offers a range of fleet management offerings to public and private commercial vehicle fleets in North America. The company employs more than 300 people.

Continental says, "the two enterprises will combine their complementary strengths to become a major supplier in the sector and further expand both companies’ portfolios to offer additional smart fleet solutions to the market."

Helmut Matschi, president of the interior division and member of the executive board of Continental says,“With this move, we are further expanding our portfolio and expertise in the arena of mobility services, and fostering our regional balance by investing into a fleet management provider in the U.S. that gives us access to a broad customer base and existing sales channels."

Ian McKerlich, president of Zonar says, “It is exciting to move into a new chapter in Zonar history with the backing of a respected global brand that recognizes our need to serve our markets as a nimble, innovative, customer-focused company as we have for the past 15 years. Customers will receive the same productive partnership and innovation they have come to expect with Zonar, as well as expanded technological resources and capabilities from Continental."

SOURCE

 

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Michelin to Build Distribution Center in South Carolina

Michelin to Build Distribution Center in South Carolina

September 26, 2016

Michelin North America Inc. is building a distribution center near Spartanburg, S.C. It will house Michelin, BFGoodrich, and Uniroyal-brand tires for both passenger and commercial vehicles, and will be located near the company's seven manufacturing sites in the state.

The center represents an investment of more than $270 million. Construction is expected to begin later this year, and the first phase of the center is expected to open in late 2017.

Full construction should be complete in early 2019, the company says. The Spartanburg County Council recently provided final approval of a “fee in lieu of taxes” agreement, something Michelin labeled "a final key step" enabling the project to move forward.

The details:

Five buildings are planned and will comprise approximately 3.3 million square feet.
The center will support distribution of tires under Michelin, BFGoodrich and Uniroyal brands for passenger vehicles, heavy trucks and agriculture equipment.
Automated equipment from Swisslog Group, a subsidiary of the German firm KUKA AG, will be installed to improve efficiency, speed, and ergonomic conditions in receiving, tire selection, sequencing and shipping.

“The Spartanburg distribution facility will cap a multi-year evolution of Michelin’s distribution network in North America," says Pete Selleck, chairman and president of Michelin North America. "We see it as a transformational milestone designed to better serve our customers while optimizing inventories and improving supply efficiency.

“We are grateful for the relationships we’ve enjoyed with local government leaders in Spartanburg County for more than 35 years. With additional support at the state level, these leaders have helped us advance this important project, which enables our company to meet growing customer demands for Michelin tires in multiple business segments.”

Michelin has operated a truck tire plant in Spartanburg since 1978. Other plants are located in Greenville and Lexington, S.C., and the company's North American headquarters also are located in Greenville.

“Michelin has been one of South Carolina’s most important business partners since its doors opened in Greenville County over four decades ago,” says South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. “Both our state and this fantastic company have grown tremendously over the course of this partnership, and we couldn’t be more excited to see that growth and success continue with this $270 million investment that means 350 new jobs for South Carolinians.”

The distribution center’s site is located near the intersection of S.C. Highways 101 and 417, a few miles south of I-85, with convenient access to nearby I-385 and I-26. The location puts it close to critical transportation hubs, such as the South Carolina Inland Port (rail) and the Port of Charleston.

“We have worked with Michelin over many months to secure this project in South Carolina,” says South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “An investment of this size with this number of new jobs affirms the attractive business environment South Carolina offers to respected global corporations like Michelin.”

David Britt, chairman of the Spartanburg County Council’s Economic Development Committee says, “We have worked closely with Michelin concerning multiple significant investments over 35 years, during which Michelin has established itself as a great corporate neighbor and citizen of our community.”

SOURCE

 

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New Hakkapeliitta Winter Tires

Two New Nokian Winter Tires Are Available Only At Discount Tire Stores

October 14, 2016


Discount Tire and America’s Tire stores are the only stores where consumers can buy two new Hakkapeliitta winter tires for passenger cars like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape and Toyota Camry.

The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 and 7 SUV tires are available exclusively at Discount Tire and America’s Tire outlets or from the Discount Tire Direct website.

Reinalt-Thomas Corp., which does business as Discount Tire/America’s Tire, is offering the tires through a partnership with Nokian Tyres plc.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 and 7 SUV tires are available in 64 sizes. The tires fit 13- to 22-inch wheels and are offered in 30 to 80 series profiles compatible with a wide range of vehicle makes and models including:

Audi A3 and A4;
Chevrolet Cruise, Equinox and Malibu;
Ford Focus and Fusion;
Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V and Pilot;
Jeep Wrangler;
Nissan Altima, Rogue and Sentra;
Toyota Camry, Corolla, Highlander and RAV4; and
Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.

Discount Tire says the tires are engineered to deliver outstanding performance and confident control in severe winter weather, without sacrificing ride comfort for passenger cars, SUVs and crossovers.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 and Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV provide extreme winter weather performance, confident control and surprising levels of comfort for a winter tire, according to the company.

Both tires feature a a rapeseed oil-enhanced tread compound and a dense 3D sipe pattern, designed to provide superb traction in harsh winter weather, including dry, wet, slush, snow, and icy conditions. The Hakkapeliitta 7 also uses an aggressive, directional tread design for rapid steering response in harsh winter weather, while air pockets and cushions in the tread pattern dampen tire impact for a level of ride comfort not normally associated with winter tires.

For more information, visit www.discounttire.com.

Discount Tire currently operates more than 925 stores across the United States and holds the top spot in the Modern Tire Dealer 100. Its owner and chairman Bruce Halle was MTD's 2014 Tire Dealer of the Year.

 

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JKS 2.5 Jeep Wrangler Suspension Review [Video]

Published on Oct 11, 2016

Highlights from our JKS Manufacturing install on our 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Tires are 35x12.50R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on 17x9 Jesse Spade Wheels from Rugged Ridge.

 

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2016 SEMA Show

2016 SEMA Show

Ritche Tay says the Maxxis International booth tells a story, and shows customers how its off-road tires look and operate in a real environment.

 

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Tire Partner for Jeep Jamboree USA

Michelin’s BFGoodrich Brand Is Tire Partner for Jeep Jamboree USA


November 9, 2016



Michelin North America Inc.’s BFGoodrich brand is the exclusive tire partner of Jeep Jamboree USA for 2017.

Jeep Jamboree USA is a unique program made of up more than 30 events across the country where the intention is to encourage Jeep owners to get the most adventure from their vehicle.

The events are typically two-day, family-oriented adventures that cater to every level of expertise. Experienced guides help navigate and educate Jeep owners along the way.

“Jeep Jamboree USA is about exposing Jeep owners and families to adventures they may have thought were inaccessible,” says Pearse Umlauf, president and CEO of Jeep Jamboree USA. “The partnership with BFGoodrich Tires has natural synergies with our company. BFGoodrich prides itself on decades of creating industry-leading off-road tires to empower drivers to experience their world. This partnership will enable us to reach more people and make significant impacts in the communities where our events are held and stimulate enthusiasm around responsible four-wheel drive adventures across the country.”

Each Jeep Jamboree USA event can attract hundreds of Jeep owners and make a significant economic impact on the community in which the event is held. BFGoodrich brand tires will be present at these events detailing its off-road product offerings as well as activating in a larger way at several events which includes expert driver instruction.

“From creating the radial all-terrain market to supporting grassroots racers, BFGoodrich has an unparalleled commitment to off-road enthusiasts and their pursuit of driving happiness. Jeep Jamboree USA is the world’s largest commitment to supporting Jeep owners so they are the perfect opportunity for BFGoodrich to better support Jeep owners,” says Oscar Pereda, director of enthusiast engagement. “Jeep Jamboree events are the perfect opportunities for us to help Jeep owners to better enjoy their off-road adventures as well as demonstrate how BFGoodrich Tires can help enable their experience.”

For more information, visit the brand’s website at www.BFGoodrichTires.com, Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BFGoodrichTires, or on Twitter at @BFGoodrichTires.

SOURCE

 

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Most Canadians Are Driving on Winter Tires

Survey Says Most Canadians Are Driving on Winter Tires

Posted on November 17, 2016

A study conducted on behalf of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) shows Canadians have increased their usage of winter tires in the last two years, and almost doubled their use since 1998.

Outside Quebec, where winter tires are the law, 61% of Canadian drivers are using winter tires, the survey says. In 1998, before there was any legislation governing winter tire use, 35% of Canadians nationwide drove on winter tires, TRAC says.

“Drivers adopting winter tires in record numbers is fabulous news because it means Canada’s roadways in winter are becoming significantly safer,” says Glenn Maidment, president of TRAC. “However, the fact that three-in-10 motorists still do not own winter tires poses a threat to all motorists. This is why outreach to educate drivers continues to be needed. Every motorist needs to know that today’s high-tech winter tires radically outperform all-seasons in all cold-weather driving conditions and offer potentially life-saving benefits.”

The latest study groups responses into six geographic regions, and shows nearly double-digit increases in five of those regions. The sixth region represents Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory on all passenger cars.
Province/Region Utilization in 2016 Utilization in 2014
Atlantic Canada 81% 73%
Ontario 65% 56%
Manitoba/Saskatchewan 50% 39%
Alberta 55% 45%
British Columbia 49% 38%

“These numbers point to a significant improvement in consumer understanding of the importance of winter tires as a safety feature,” says Jack Smith, president of the Canada Safety Council. “It’s rewarding to know that the educational work done by road safety groups is paying off. We are glad to see that Canadians are attuned to the message.”

TRAC indicated some of the improvement has come after varying initiatives in Canada’s provinces. British Columbia updated its signage on certain mountainous highways indicating the need for winter tires. The province also publicized a “Shift into Winter” initiative to remind drivers of winter safety messages. In Manitoba there are low-interest loans available to help with the purchase and installation of winter tires. In 2016 Ontario required all insurance providers to reduce auto insurance premiums to drivers who have four winter tires installed on their vehicles.

Since Quebec mandated the use of winter tires bearing the three-peak-mountain snowflake symbol in 2008, a separate study by the provincial government (released in 2011) showed a 5% drop in injuries due to winter road accidents, and a 3% drop in deaths and serious injuries. Winter tires are required in Quebec from Dec. 15 to March 15 annually.

The TRAC survey also revealed 36% of the 1,518 respondents were considering purchasing winter tires. Of those who don’t own winter tires,

48% said they thought all-season tires were “good enough” for winter driving;
23% said the cost was prohibitive;
21% said they don’t drive enough in cold-weather months to warrant winter tires; and
8% gave other reasons.

SOURCE

 

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Recall Alert: Pirelli Tire

RECALL Subject : Sidewall Cracking Due to Incorrect Component

Report Receipt Date: NOV 21, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16T018000
Component(s): TIRES
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,190

Manufacturer: Pirelli Tire LLC

SUMMARY:
Pirelli Tire LLC (Pirelli) is recalling certain P Zero All Season tires, size 275/40R19 101W, manufactured February 29, 2016, to October 29, 2016, as an original equipment fitment exclusively for certain Maserati cars. Due to an incorrect carcass component, the affected tires may develop cracks in their lower sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air.
CONSEQUENCE:
A loss of air may result in tire failure or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Pirelli will notify Maserati owners and the dealers that purchased the tires as replacements. Pirelli will work with Maserati to replace the tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2016. Owners may contact Pirelli customer service at 1-706-368-5800.

 

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Falken WildPeak Meets 2017 Jeep Trailhawk as OE Fitment

Falken WildPeak Meets 2017 Jeep Trailhawk as OE Fitment

Posted on December 1, 2016

The WildPeak H/T01A 2 by Falken Tire Corp. is the original equipment tire fitment on the 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk.


Visitors to the Los Angeles Auto Show got the first look at the 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk outfitted with Falken WildPeak H/T01A 2 tires.

Both the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk and Desert Hawk, which sport Falken’s WildPeak H/T01A tire, were on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nov. 18-27, 2016.

“The pairing of our WildPeak H/T01 A2 with the Jeep Renegade makes a perfect combination for the vehicle’s driving experience,” says Rick Brennan, executive director of marketing for Falken. “We are confident this alignment will produce a successful partnership for both of our industry-leading brands.”

The WildPeak H/T01A 2, sized 215/65R17, features a specific shoulder optimally designed to suit the Renegade Trailhawk. Falken says the tire is designed to provide stability and comfort.

SOURCE

 

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Recall Alert: Maserati 2017 Ghibli / Quattroporte

RECALL Subject : Tire Sidewalls may Crack

Report Receipt Date: NOV 21, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V840000
Component(s): TIRES
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,703

Manufacturer: Maserati North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ghibli and Quattroporte vehicles and one model year 2016 Ghibli vehicle manufactured February 29, 2016, to October 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with certain Pirelli P Zero All Season tires, size 275/40R19 101W, that may develop cracks in their lower sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air.
CONSEQUENCE:
A loss of air may result in tire failure or a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 1, 2017. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-510-2369. Maserati's number for this recall is 324.

 

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high-value-added (HVA) tires

Analyst: U.S. Tire Market Needs 4 New Tire Plants by 2021

December 15, 2016

The drive toward high-value-added (HVA) tires — those 17 inches and larger — will require more production capacity to serve the U.S. market, and industry analyst and Modern Tire Dealer columnist Nick Mitchell says the need for 19.1 million units indicates “approximately four new tire plants will be needed over the next five years.”

Mitchell, senior vice president of research for Northcoast Research Holdings LLC, says a series of conversations with representatives from the full spectrum of the tire industry resulted in each person saying HVA tires would continue to drive the tire market, and that the demand would require new tire plants.

“The biggest takeaway from the discussions was the fact that each individual predicted that the HVA product cycle will continue to have a significant impact on industry fundamentals over the next five years and require meaningful investments in capacity.”

For these discussions, Mitchell relied on a HVA tire definition that both Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Bridgestone Corp. have agreed upon: tires that are 17 inches and larger. These tires typically have the combination of HVA characteristics, such as aspect ratio, sophistication of the tread compound, complexity of the tread pattern, rolling resistance, speed rating, etc.

“The increasing mix shift, combined with a modestly expanding end market, will continue to have a profound effect on the number of HVA light vehicle tires shipped across the industry in the U.S.,” Mitchell says.

“In fact we estimate that annual shipments of HVA passenger and light truck tires (defined by rim size) in the U.S. will increase by 54.2 million by the end of 2021.”

More tires means the need for more capacity. Mitchell says it will drive the need for incremental capacity of 19.1 million tires — thus four new tire plants in the next five years to serve the U.S. market alone.

“In our opinion, this means that the market fundamentals in the U.S. alone will absorb a good portion of the estimated 45 to 60 million units of light vehicle tire production capacity that is expected to come online in North America by the end of 2021.”

Another effect: bigger profits for manufacturers

Mitchell says, “The ongoing mix shift also creates a windfall to profitability trends. We estimate that mix trends in the U.S. alone over the next five years will drive $1.205 billion of incremental annual operating income for the manufacturers that supply the U.S. market.

“This tailwind includes an estimated $1.644 billion benefit from higher shipments of 17-inch or ogreater tires, partially offset by a projected $438 million headwind from a decline in shipments of tires less than 17 inches.

“Based on our calculations, this dynamic should increase average operating income per light vehicle tire shipped by $4.”

SOURCE

 

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Best Winter Tires

These Are The Best Winter Tires You Can Buy

Dec 14, 2016

The winter season is here and with it comes all the snow, slush, ice and muck that makes driving during this time such a headache.

However you can cut through all that mess if your car is equipped with winter tires. You may be wondering what winter tires to get, and we’ve got some handy information from the folks at TireRack.com to help point you in the right direction.

Customers at TireRack.com have reported back to the online retailer via surveys, explaining their likes and dislikes on the winter tires they purchased, and there’s a staggering 130,915 surveys offering info. Things from the amount of miles logged on a set of tires, to the way they feel in the wet and dry are all ranked and it allows us to get a good understanding of what the best tires you can get are. These surveys have been going on since 1997, and encompass 459 different tire models.

Here are the best winter tires they are in each respective category for both cars and SUVs.


Cars

Studless Ice & Snow:

These are your typical winter tires. Without the use of studs, these tires are designed to provide traction in ice and snow. They may not be best winter tires for dry and wet weather, but they’ll provide the best confidence in white stuff.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS80

The Bridgestones Blizzak WS80 were the top rated tire according to TireRack customers, netting over 1.3 million miles of reported reviews. These tires topped all others offered at the online retailer earning top marks in snow and ice performance while also impressing owners with their performance in the wet as well. Owners all seem to agree that they’d recommend these tires to someone else.

Also consider:

Michelin X-Ice3

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT

Studdable Winter / Snow

Drivers who live in areas that see a lot of ice may want to get these kinds of tires, which can be equipped with studs to enhance grip in slippery situations. On the other hand, they don’t need studs to be effective winter tires either.

General Altimax Arctic

The General Altimax Arctic has over 11 million miles on the road according to its reviewers, and are regarded as the best tires in this category by the online retailer. It earned top marks in the snow and ice performance, in addition to dry road performance, where studded tires can be a pain. Finally, the tires also received the best rating in the class for comfort.

Also Consider:

Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter

Pirelli Winter Carving Edge

Performance Winter / Snow

These tires are designed to have some basic capabilities in the snow and ice, but are designed to excel at cold, dry weather driving.

Pirelli Winter Snowcontrol Serie 3

With 63,000 miles logged, these Pirelli Winter Snowcontrol Serie 3 tires are the top rated items offered at TireRack, thanks to high marks in comfort and dry weather handling. The tires also scored quite highly with customers in the Wet and Snow categories as well.

Also Consider:

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

SUVs

Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow

SUVs and Crossovers need winter tires too, even if they have fancy all-wheel drive systems. The tires are the essential part of the vehicle that gives it traction, and if the rubber has no grip then nothing will change that. Like the car categories, these Studless Ice and Snow tires are the tires designed to excel in snow and ice, while being adequate at dry and wet handling.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

Bridgestone delivers another solid offering for winter tires, this time with the SUV focused Blizzak DM-V2. These tires delivered the best ratings for everything except treadwear, so if you’re looking for the most capable tire for your truck then these are them.

Also Consider:

Yokohama iceGUARD iG51v

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1

 

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Light Truck/SUV Studdable Winter / Snow

If you’re worried about driving your truck on ice, then you need to consider getting studdable winter tires. While able to provide good traction in the snow thanks to good winter tire compound, these tires have the optional benefit of being able to have studs which will improve traction on icey surfaces.

Firestone Winterforce LT

The Firestone Winterforce LT was the top product offered here, with reviewers racking up 828,000 miles and reporting excellent performance in the dry in addition to the already good handling in the snow and ice.

Also Consider:

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT SUV

Firestone Winterforce UV

Light Truck/SUV Performance Winter / Snow

It’s a niche, but they’re winter tires nonetheless. These tires are designed to provide excellent dry and wet road handling performance in cold weather, and will trade off snow and ice handling in order to get that.

Pirelli Scorpion Winter

They’re one of two items offered at TireRack, so it’s obvious one of these Pirelli Scorpion Winter tires models will take the crown as best rated. While these are considered the best in the segment for being generally better than their ice and snow counterparts.

Also Consider:

Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow

 

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Michelin Expands Online Tire Sales

Michelin Expands Online Tire Sales Program to Southeast Markets

December 16, 2016


Michelin has expanded its online tire sales program to Southeast markets and now sells both BFGoodrich and Michelin brand tires online.

Michelin North America Inc. has expanded its online tire sales program. The company is selling Michelin and BFGoodrich brand tires online direct to consumers in Southeast markets.

Both brands are available for retail purchase from the Michelin Automotive Tires: Car Tires, Truck Tires, SUV Tires and more and www.bfgoodrichtires.com websites.

Michelin began selling BFGoodrich brand tires online at the bfgoodrichtires.com website in Sept. 2016. At the time, the company said it would expand its online tire sales program nationally in phases.

Michelin says the michelinman.com website aims to simplify the tire-buying process so that consumers can research, select and purchase tires, as well as schedule installation with a local Michelin service partner all in one location.

“Michelin does not own any retail stores, so our close relationship with dealers is critical for the success of this program,” says Scott Clark, chief operating officer, Michelin North America. “We have worked very closely with our retail partners to ensure we have an offer that promotes their business while also offering consumers the convenience of researching and buying online.”

When an order is placed online, consumers will schedule an installation appointment with a local service provider based on proximity. Tires will be shipped directly to the service provider.

The company says tire dealers who sign onto the program will be able to provide service for consumers who purchase either BFGoodrich or Michelin brand tires. Both the BFGoodrichTires.com and MichelinMan.com websites will aim to sell nationally by mid-2017.

Michelin's announcement of the pilot program last fall generated a significant response from independent tire dealers, much of it negative. MTD published comments from dealers as well as a response from Scott Clark. Follow the links below and add your comments.

Bob Ulrich's blogs: "Michelin: 'Online Tire Sales Can't Be Completed Without a Respected Local Servcie Partner'" and "Michelin Dealer Says Enough Is Enough"

SOURCE

 

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Goodyear Will Increase Tire Prices

Goodyear Will Increase Tire Prices Effective Feb. 1

Posted on January 6, 2017

Escalating raw material costs have taken their toll on Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. So the tire manufacturer has decided to do something about it.

Goodyear will increase prices up to 8% on all its consumer, commercial and OTR tire brands. The increases will go into effect beginning Feb. 1, 2017.



SOURCE

 

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Bridgestone Americas Inc. is investing an additional $180 million

Bridgestone Boosts Investment in Wilson Plant by $180 Million

Posted on January 10, 2017

Bridgestone Americas Inc. is investing an additional $180 million in its Wilson, N.C., passenger tire manufacturing facility, bringing the company’s total investment in the plant to $344 million over the next 10 years.

The company announced a $164 million expansion in January 2016. The multi-phase expansion will allow the plant to meet global demand for higher rim diameter tires, as well as improve quality and productivity while reducing costs.

The additional $180 million investment includes a new state-of-the-art rubber mixer, which is expected to add 16 jobs, as well as funding for innovative manufacturing processes and technologies at the Wilson facility. Groundbreaking for the 50,000-square-foot building addition for the new mixer is expected in the spring of 2017 with start of production slated for the fall of 2018.

Combined, the project is adding manufacturing space to accommodate new tire assembly machines, materials handling systems, curing presses and associated equipment to increase plant capacity by 3,000 tires per day, bringing daily production to 35,000 tires by 2018.

“This total investment reflects Bridgestone’s global commitment to meeting marketplace demands, increasing capacity and utilizing innovative manufacturing processes,” says Michael Darr, Wilson plant manager. “These are investments not only in the customers of Bridgestone products but also in our local community and in our team members.”

The company says the Wilson plant has been a leader in tire manufacturing innovation during its 43-year history, and currently manufactures 32,000 passenger tires a day. It was the first Bridgestone tire manufacturing facility to produce run-flat tires, and in 2016, it began producing the company’s new DriveGuard run-flat tires, the first full line of premium, all season replacement tires engineered to go up to 50 miles to safety after a puncture.

Wilson County’s single largest industrial employer, the plant is 2.5 million square feet and was last expanded in 1999 by adding 85,000 square feet to the facility. Since then, the plant team has achieved numerous safety awards, including marking 2012 as the safest year in its history of operations - a record it broke in 2013.

In 2016, the plant received certification as a Rising Star facility from the North Carolina Department of Labor. The plant also has received recognition for its environmental efforts, including three Green Factory Environmental Achievement recognitions at Honda’s 22nd Annual Environmental, Safety and Ergonomics Symposium in 2014. In addition, it was the first tire plant to earn ISO 50001 certification and reach Superior Energy Performance Mature Pathway certification.

SOURCE

 

[rickaren]

Michelin Claims its Newest Tire is the Best

Michelin Claims its Newest Tire is the Best

Jan 13, 2017

Michelin has introduced the new Pilot Sport 4 S tire at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.

The latest ultra-high-performance offering from Michelin succeeds the popular Michelin Pilot Super Sport, designed for sports cars and high-performance vehicles. According to Michelin, the Pilot Sport 4 S combines the best aspects of the Pilot Super Sport with key attributes of the Pilot Sport Cup 2, resulting in “unprecedented driving pleasure, exceptional steering precision and tremendous directional stability, while also providing maximum grip on wet or dry roads.”

The company commissioned third-party track tests in Germany against five unnamed ultra-high-performance tire competitors and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S ranked first in performance on dry braking, wet braking and dry lap times.

The tire bears a (Y) speed rating (186+ mph) and offers a 30,000-mile warranty. It will be available in the U.S. starting March for a suggested retail price of $233 and it will initially be offered in 35 sizes, in widths ranging from 225 mm to 345 mm, aspect ratios from 30 to 45 and rim diameters from 18 to 20 inches.

Michelin is the exclusive tire sponsor of the Detroit Auto Show for the 29th consecutive year and is also exhibiting two Porsche 911s restored and reimagined by Singer Vehicle Design of Los Angeles.

“When manufacturers design and build the greatest cars, they overwhelmingly choose Michelin and the Pilot tire line to connect them with the pavement and enable the very spirit of the machine,” said Jean-Dominique Senard, CEO of Michelin Group, in a press conference at NAIAS. “The Pilot Sport 4 S will be the next great tire in our Pilot family line-up, with more than 60 original equipment fitments currently under development.”


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