Tyre News

The 205/55 R16 tyre size reigns as the top choice across Europe, especially popular among compact car owners like those driving VW Golf, Audi A3, and similar models. Recognising this trend, Auto Bild has opted for this size in its extensive 2024 summer tyre test. With 55 tyres under scrutiny, Auto Bild hasn't concluded testing yet but has given readers a taste of things to come with “noteworthy data” from initial wet and dry braking tests.

A new company dedicated to making low-volume racing and specialist tyres has been founded under the name Nova Motorsport. The brand is backed by its parent company, the UK rubber compounder SPC Rubber Group, and managing director Paul Hallas. He said Nova Motorsport will focus “solely on low-volume racing and specialist tyres,” with its first products and international partnerships due to be announced soon and throughout 2024. The brand has a website and social media channels in place, and will take its public bow at Retromobile – The Classic Car Show in Paris (31 January to 4 February 2024, Hall 1, Stand M-002).

Just over half of UK motorists check their tyre pressures at least once per month, according to research commissioned by Apollo Tyres. Of the 1,000 motorists polled, 15 per cent say they check their tyre pressures weekly, 11 per cent say once a fortnight, and 29 per cent once per month.

Porsche has approved several bespoke versions of Pirelli's ultra-high performance tyres as original fitments for the new Porsche Cayenne. The latest facelift of the sports SUV extends the collaboration between Pirelli and Porsche: Pirelli has equipped tyres to every generation of the Cayenne since the original model's launch in 2002. The Pirelli P Zero, P Zero Corsa, and Scorpion Winter 2 tyres have received the approval, covering the entire range of wheel sizes from 20 to 22 inches. Scorpion Zero All Season tyres are also available for some markets, in every size.

TyreSafe, the UK’s leading advocate for tyre safety, is launching a new campaign targeting driving and car maintenance habits. Dubbed #DriveJanuary as a play on the health and wellbeing #DryJanuary campaign, TyreSafe wants drivers to make “a realistic commitment to road safety” part of their New Year’s resolutions, with monthly tyre checks at its core. The organisation frames tyre safety as a monthly routine in a bid to contribute to a safer road environment, creating lasting behavioural change among drivers. The TyreSafe 2023 Tread Depth Survey reveals that almost half the UK cars on the road have low or illegal tread.

Alpine worked together with Michelin to develop tailored tyres for its A110, and the two firms are partnering again on fitments for the future electric models of the ‘Alpine Dream Garage’, beginning with the A290. Alpine says that after two years of research, testing and development with Michelin, it will offer three specific 19-inch tyres for its upcoming A290. The two summer tyres and one winter model will feature an exclusive marking that Alpine created for its planned electric range.