Tyre News

The new Vredestein Ultrac summer car tyre has been launched today. The new varient improves wet and dry performance by 15 per cent, representing a big leap forward for the brand. The Ultrac will be available in range of sizes between 15 and 18 inches for compact-medium sized cars. It has also been developed with sustainability in mind. Rolling resistance has been reduced by 5 per cent in a boost for fuel efficiency. Vredestein has developed the tyre with a 50 per cent increase in traction-enhancing silica and resin compounds, which have helped to reduce braking distances by 10 per cent. It also uses materials more efficiently, making the tyre lighter. As a result, Vredestein calls the tyre’s performance “best-in-class”. 

According to JATO Dynamics, SUVs now account for approximately 40 per cent of Europe’s car market, up from around 25 per cent five years ago. Goodyear has a new tyre for this growing market, a successor to its EfficientGrip SUV. Starting this month, Goodyear is introducing the EfficientGrip 2 SUV and over the coming year will release a range of 52 dimensions for 16- to 22-inch rim diameters.

Large, powerful cars and SUVs with electric or hybrid drives are substantially heavier than conventional ICE-powered vehicles and thus need tyres that can handle greater loads. The solution is to fit tyres with a higher load index. The gold standard here is HL, or High Load. Continental has introduced the first passenger tyre with the new HL load index code, HL 245/40 R19 101Y XL. It is currently evaluating demand for further HL sizes.

New year, new flagship ultra-high-performance tyre. As 2021 begins, the Bridgestone Potenza S001 passes the baton to the Potenza Sport. Bridgestone says the newcomer possesses “excellent capabilities in both the dry and wet” as well as higher mileage potential than its predecessor. All 96 dimensions in the Potenza Sport range have an EU label rating of ‘A’ for wet grip.

Over 80 fitments, more than 30 vehicle models, 13 car manufacturers – this is Bridgestone’s tally of new original equipment deals for 2020. The tyre maker has summarised its OE achievements in an 80-second-long video.

Garages will remain open despite the UK’s third national lockdown. As in the previous two lockdowns, the UK tyre business is increasingly pragmatic about support drivers that need to keep mobile.