Product News

Uniroyal Launches New Rainsport 2
1, 4 and 20: Three Figures that Sum Up the New Michelin Agilis
New Battlax BT-016 Motorbike Tyre from Bridgestone
New High Performance Tyre from Semperit

Uniroyal Launches New Rainsport 2

Uniroyal has announced the launch of a new high performance tyre in the UK market. The Rainsport 2 is claimed to deliver outstanding performance and gives motorists greater safety in wet conditions when it is most needed. Uniroyal's trade mark V-shaped tread pattern efficiently disperses water from under the tyres so that it holds the road.

The Rainsport 2 has an innovative 3D structure in the base and side of the tread grooves enabling rapid water dispersion. An even ground pressure distribution is achieved through the use of a curved V-shaped tread rib. This means the maximum amount of rubber is in contact with the road surface allowing shorter braking distances in both wet and dry conditions.

The Rainsport 2 exceeds the mileage capabilities of its predecessor with its unique wet weather silica compound. To maximise the tyre's mileage potential three indicators have been placed on both the inner and outer shoulder. Incorrect track alignment and camber settings are defined if the indicator grooves are unevenly worn. Poor wheel alignment is identified and rectified early and as a result the motorist can gain higher mileage through avoiding uneven wear.

The Rainsport 2 builds on the success of its predecessor by improving in mileage capacity, straight and curved aquaplaning, braking on both wet and dry roads and its overall handling. The Rainsport 2 is available in 14 to 19 inch wheel sizes.

1, 4 and 20: Three Figures that Sum Up the New Michelin Agilis

Michelin is presenting its new utility vehicle tyre, the Michelin Agilis, whose performance can be summed up in three figures: 1, 4 and 20.

The figure 1 indicates that the fuel savings delivered by the Michelin Agilis represent the price equivalent of one tyre out of four. Since the tyre reduces fuel consumption by 0.2 litres per 100 km compared to the previous generation Michelin tyre, this means that after 85,000 km of driving with the new Michelin Agilis, the user will have saved an amount equal to the price of one of the vehicle's four tyres.

Lowering fuel consumption leads to a decline in CO2 emissions, and the new Michelin Agilis reduces CO2 emissions by 4 grams per kilometre, the second figure that sums up the new tyre's performance. These 4 grams are very important to van manufacturers. According to the future EU CO2 2012 Directive, emissions from vehicles in the N1 category (vans weighting up to 3.5 tonnes) must not surpass an average 175 grams of CO2 per km. In 2003, the European Commission set an average emissions limit of 203 grams for all utility vehicles.

This means that by 2012 manufacturers must reduce average emissions levels of their range by an additional 28 grams. Equipping their vehicles with the new Michelin Agilis enables them to immediately reduce emissions by 4 grams out of 28. For them, the tyre represents a "plug and play" solution. Without waiting for that deadline, many European countries have already introduced a motor vehicle tax system related to CO2 emissions.

In France, for example, a system was introduced in early 2008 for cars and utility vehicles used to transport people. The measure impacts all manufacturers who market their vehicles in France. A vehicle that emits 201 grams of CO2 per km is taxed €€1,600. However, when fitted with the new Michelin Agilis, the emissions are reduced to around 197 grams and the tax drops to €€750. Reducing a tyre's environmental impact is the top priority for Michelin's research and development programs for all tyres segments.

Whether intended for cars, trucks or-like the new Michelin Agilis - vans, all Michelin Group tyres benefit from the nearly €€600 million in resources allocated ever year to Michelin's Technology Centre. To reduce tyre operating costs, the new Michelin Agilis does more than just reduce fuel consumption. It also increases total mileage by 20% over the range it is replacing. This represents around six months of additional driving compared to the previous-generation tyre.

New Battlax BT-016 Motorbike Tyre from Bridgestone

Bridgestone has launched the new Battlax BT-016 motorbike tyre in the UK, bringing MotoGP technology to all riders for road and track use. For the first time, this new product has successfully transferred Bridgestone's five-layer compound technology, used to produce hand-made MotoGP tyres, on to the production line. The new tyre, which is a progressive replacement for the BT014, will provide total handling improvements in all riding modes. Tests have proven better contact feel, feedback, stability and grip.

Says Andy Dingley, senior analyst at Bridgestone; "This new product is about removing the compromise that riders have to make on tyre choice and delivering optimum performance both on the road and track. We want Bridgestone customers to benefits from the success that we have had in the MotoGP arena and the BT-016 is the most technically advanced road and street tyre available on the market."

The front and rear construction of the tyre is based on Bridgestone's proven technology, which enhances slide control and line-holding through corners and provides good shock absorption. Using 3D hydro planning software in development, Bridgestone has maintained the wet-weather performance of the BT-014, despite the fact that there is 5% more slick on the tyre. This has been proven in comprehensive trials with test riders. Motorcycle manufacturers have clearly welcomed the BT-016, which addresses a genuine market need, with Yamaha and Suzuki approving the new tyre as original equipment for leading 2008 models.

The Battlax BT-016 is available in the replacement market and comes in four front-wheel sizes and seven rear-wheel sizes.

New High Performance Tyre from Semperit

Semperit welcomes the arrival of its newest high performance tyre in March. Available in 15"-19" sizes, the Speed-Life takes over from its popular predecessor the Direction-Sport as the perfect fit for any sporty car and any wallet. Semperit has applied complex technology to the Speed-Life to make it the most affordable superior quality high performance tyre in the market.

The use of an advanced generation silica compound gives the tyre both excellent handling in the wet as well as reduced fuel consumption. The use of offset tread blocks of varying sizes enables the contact between the tyre and the road to be staggered. This minimises the noise output to give a quiet and comfortable drive. A combination of circumferentially oriented tread grooves in the centre and diagonal grooves on the outside ensures optimum handling at high speeds or when cornering.

Peter Robb, product manager for Semperit said; "The Semperit Speed-Life is exceptional value for money. Drivers do not have to compromise performance and safety for affordability. As a replacement for the Direction-Sport, the Speed-Life improves on its predecessors low rolling resistance, handling ability, comfort levels, aquaplaning resistance and braking distances on wet roads".