July 2020

Electronics Weekly

Bridgestone has brought its low rolling resistance tyre technology called ENLITEN to the roads in Volkswagen’s all-electric ID.3 ENLITEN Technology enables a super low rolling resistance to help conserve the ID.3’s battery power. Battery power is also conserved by the fact that tyres with ENLITEN Technology are lighter, requiring up to 2kg less raw materials to be created

Tire Technology International

According to a recent study from market research firm Global Market Insights, the airless tire market is set to experience considerable expansion in coming years and is expected to be ‘worth over US$45m by 2026’. The report predicts that market size will increase to surpass 139,000 units per annum by 2024. The report also states that a critical factor driving the proliferation of the industry is growth in the production of military and heavy commercial vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tire Technology International

Continental Tyres has unveiled a new commercial vehicle steer tire, which it says has been designed for high mileage and even wear during both regional and long-haul use. The Conti Hybrid HS3+ joins the market as an extension to the existing Conti Hybrid HS3 range which it will supersede in six key sizes. Continental stated that the tire has an upgraded tread design, which improves the robustness and mileage potential.

Continental product designer Nico Meier looks at the tires the company will be supplying to the Extreme E electric race series in 2021. Being an off-road race series, the tires will face some unique challenges, particularly regarding the sidewall design.

Tire manufacturer Continental is reorganizing its passenger and truck tires replacement businesses in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa under the leadership of Philipp von Hirschheydt, former head of the passenger tires replacement business in the EMEA region.

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now standard fit on most vehicles. However, there is one key gap in their capabilities – they are unable to detect physical damage that doesn’t result in a loss of pressure. To rectify this, Bridgestone has partnered with Microsoft to develop a real-time tire damage monitoring system.

Even with the ongoing Covid-19 saga affecting manufacturing companies in all markets, environmental sustainability remains a top priority, with two tire manufacturers making announcements to this effect. As part of a drive toward improving its sustainability credentials, Continental’s Tire group has now bundled all sustainability activities and projects in a newly created department under the leadership of Claus Petschick as part of its ‘Vision 2030’ strategy program.

The cost of having to change tires from summer to winter can be considerable for operators of industrial vehicles. With this in mind, Trelleborg Wheel Systems has launched its EMR 1025 all-season tire which it says gives enhanced grip in ice and snow while still being suitable for summer running.