Australian Tyre Dealers by MTAQ IT

Tyre Dealer Dealer || vol. vol.21 16|| issue issue45| |Aug/Sep Oct/Nov2012 2007 Australian Tyre

DRIVE WITH COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE For cars

For 4WDs & SUVs

NEW

*Results based on interior noise tests conducted in 2011 by Goodyear Innovation Center in Luxembourg on size 235/65R17 tyres under coast down conditions on smooth roads.

www.goodyear.com.au

GOODYEAR’S QUIETEST TYRE* WITH OUTSTANDING WET GRIP

Quality tyres & Wheels

CONTENTS ATD is a publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) and is endorsed by the Australian Tyre Dealers and Retreaders Association (ATDRA)

editors word

FEATUREs 18. Efficientgrip SUV: Goodyear’s

Print Post approved PPP444752/0002

quietest ever SUV tyre 26. Dunlop Sport Maxx: a new breed of

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the ATDRA or any State or Territory constituent body, or of the Publishers and they take no responsibility for them, except where specifically indicated.

sports road tyres 28. Aftermarket pushes for equal access

Goodyear has broken new ground again with the introduction of Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV – Goodyear’s quietest SUV tyre ever, p. 18.

Industry News 4.

Head Office Building 8/2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: atd@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au

Race tyres give track experiences authentic feel

Lucky winners get free Conti tyres

New website for BFGoodrich

10. Beaurepaires offers free tyre health checks 12. Roadventure KL51 guaranteed to last 80,000 k’s

EDITOR Michael Taylor

Hankook tyres available at JAXQuickfit

ART DIRECTOR Marco Ilinic

JAXQuickfit Tyres has begun a landmark new supply partnership with Hankook tyres, p. 12.

15. KL calling 16. ContiEcoContact 5’s carry car to

ADVERTISING Jeff Dunlop Telephone: 07 3237 8777 Mobile: 0422 075 007 Facsimile: 07 3844 4488 Email: jeffd@mtaq.com.auu

world record

Innovation 20. Next generation ECOPIA launched

EDITORIAL Enquiries should be made to: The Editor 07 3237 8777 or email atd@mtaq.com.au

Kinergy Eco tyre for small and light cars

21. Tyre tracks on Mars 22. New Potenza S001 run flat tyre delivers

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $45.60 (inc gst) in Australia $99.00 overseas (airmail)

Tyres made with soybean oil on

The Mars Curiosity rover successfully went into action on the surface of the red planet, and the vehicle’s tyre tracks have gained a measure of notoriety, p. 21.

agenda

OVERSEAS NEWS MTA-Queensland ABN: 740 289 338 48

24. JV formed to support India tyre market

Nexen on course to fulfill corporate vision

25. Drivers fail to act on warning lights

Sport 30. Motorsport history made at WTAC 20120005 20120011

“Australian Tyre Dealer” welcomes submissions of information and prepared articles, but their publication will be at its sole discretion. Material appearing in “Australian Tyre Dealer” is copyright, and reproduction in whole or part without the Publisher’s written consent is prohibited. “Australian Tyre Dealer” is circulated to tyre dealers, senior executives of companies which supply the tyre industry, and representatives of relevant industry groups.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso became the first driver to win two races in the 2012 season in Valencia at the European Grand Prix, p. 32.

32. Formula One: Two for Alonso

Refocus on sponsorship 1

Editor’s word

Michael Taylor Editor

here’s an air of stimulating vibrancy in the tyre industry at the moment - be that new products, next generation tyres, research and development, plant expansions or entrepreneurial endeavours – that you can read about in this edition of ATD. Continental is currently conducting monthly draws that enable one lucky customer the chance of winning back the cost of their tyres. BFGoodrich Tires Australia has completely revamped their website, including bringing it up to date with links to its Facebook page.

Beaurepaires is offering free tyre health checks, prompted by a Study that revealed Australian drivers are lax on checking tyre pressure. In a market expansion move, Hankook has appointed national retailer JaxQuickfit to include the Korean brand in their major brand line-up offering. In North America, Goodyear scientists are discovering the many tyre-related benefits of incorporating soybean oil in to rubber compounds. Nexen has this year completed the first stage of a massive facility in Korea that the company hopes will aid

Hankook’s new Kinergy Eco tyre paves a new way of looking at low rolling resistance combined with a high performance tread pattern.

in their efforts to crack in to the world’s top ten manufacturers. New products on the market include two from Bridgestone – the next generation ECOPIA PZ-X that improves in all categories over its predecessor; as well as introducing the Potenza S001 Next Generation Run Flat, which features dramatic improvement in ride comfort. Hankook’s new Kinergy Eco tyre paves a new way of looking at low rolling resistance combined with a high performance tread pattern. Dunlop has launched a new breed of sport road tyres – the Sport Maxx RT and the Sport Maxx Race; whilst Goodyear has introduced its quietest ever SUV tyre – the Eagle EfficientGrip. To coin a phrase, it’s all happening! So as you can see there’s a fair bit going on in the tyre industry; too much to fill these pages, but we’re happy to highlight some of the relevant items we come across – or that are sent to us. If you’ve got some newsworthy tyre related information that you think would be of benefit to our industry, please don’t hesitate to contact us at email atd@mtaq.com.au.

INDUSTRY NEWS V8 Race managing partner Greg Evans with one of his racetrack experience cars fitted with Hankook tyres.

in the German-based DTM touring car championship and the V8 Super Tourers series in New Zealand. V8 Race said it was the largest consumer of motor racing tyres in Australia, conducting over 100 race experience days a year, spread across eight circuits in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory. The pinnacle experience is the two days a year that V8 Race has access to the legendary Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst. “Our customers tend to be motoring enthusiasts who are interested in motorsport but can’t afford to get their own car and compete,” Mr. Evans said.

Race tyres give track experiences authentic feel Hankook Tyres has this year become official tyre supplier to racetrack experience service provider, V8 Race.

ore stringent policing aimed at reducing Australia’s road toll has fuelled a boom in driving enthusiasts seeking experiences on racetracks. That’s the opinion of Greg Evans who runs Australia’s popular racetrack experience, V8 Race. Evans said there was a growing demand from consumers seeking to safely enjoy the adrenaline rush of high-speed driving. “Most people now know that there’s no point in driving fast on public roads, but many are keen to do it

in the controlled environment of a race track,” Mr. Evans said. “Initially the demand was for ‘hot laps’ - with the customer in the passenger seat - but now they increasingly want to be in the driver’s seat.” V8 Race’s customers are now driving on tyres from Hankook, which has just been appointed as its official tyre supplier. Twenty race-prepared Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore V8s are all fitted with Hankook Ventus F200 racing slick tyres, ensuring a realistic motor racing experience for customers. “When they first drive with us, customers almost always get out raving about the handling, cornering and braking performance of the cars, which is something you can only fully experience by driving on racing tyres,” Mr. Evans added. “The Hankook tyres generate the cornering and braking forces that get customers excited but, importantly, they are also very predictable and dependable in all conditions.” The Ventus F200 has won praise overseas, where it is official tyre used

V8 Race’s customers are now driving on tyres from Hankook, which has just been appointed as its official tyre supplier. “We make it realistic and I think the big difference between us and some other race track experiences is that we put customers in the driver’s seat and the cars are set up to make it as close to real race driving as possible.” The V8 Race concept was begun by Rod Dawson at Lakeside Raceway near Brisbane 14 years ago. Eight years ago a partnership was formed by Dawson and Evans to expand the concept nationally. “Since then we’ve experienced strong growth,” said Mr. Evans, “and with Hankook as a partner I think that we can look forward to giving even more Australians the thrill of motor racing in the coming years.”

INDUSTRY NEWS Lucky winners get free Conti tyres

“This is a great opportunity for customers to purchase new Continental tyres for their cars, by having a chance of getting them at no cost,” said Gareth Taylor, Marketing Manager, Continental Tyres of Australia.

Continental is running

“The Continental Tyres range has a product for everybody, every car and every lifestyle, with high-quality products available in a wide range of sizes for a variety of purposes,” he added.

monthly draws through to the end of the year that give its tyre purchasing customers the opportunity to win back the cost of their tyres.

ince midyear, Continental Tyres has been offering its customers an exceptional deal by giving them the opportunity to win back the full cost of their new tyres. To be eligible, customers simply need to purchase four tyres from Continental’s versatile passenger, SUV or light commercial range during the promotional period and return the completed redemption form to Continental Head Office within 14 days of purchase.

ContiSportContact5

One draw has been taking place each month, with a total of six lucky customers winning back the full cost of their new tyres and standard fitment.

One draw has been taking place each month, with a total of six lucky customers winning back the full cost of their new tyres and standard fitment. Continental’s range provides the benefits of an optimised product offering which combines excellent braking, maximum grip and low rolling resistance tyres all with high safety properties. To take advantage of this opportunity, customers should head into their local Continental stockist, found via the dealer locater on www.continental-tyres.com.au.

HEEL EASY WENT FITM OR! SELECT

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INDUSTRY NEWS New website for BFGoodrich BFGoodrich Tires Australia upgrades its online experience.

FGoodrich Tires Australia has just launched a new website, www.bfgoodrich.com. au that offers Australian and New Zealand visitors a more engaging experience with new and expanded features. Featuring a wealth of information about everything from their history and achievements, product information, recommended retail prices and tyre rating, the new website is a one-stopshop for consumers looking for BFGoodrich tyres. For four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, the new website also contains helpful advice on tyre pressures, including access to a personalised pressure recommendation from a BFGoodrich Tires expert that takes into consideration not just the vehicle, but the application. For example the terrain covered and the weight carried. The site also includes links to the new BFGoodrich Tires Australian and New Zealand Facebook page, along with American social media communities giving customers a chance to share, review and interact with BFGoodrich Tires directly in a safe and open manner. BFGoodrich Tires Australia, Marketing and Communications Manager, Oliver Biggart, said the website is the best and most up-to-date source of information about BFGoodrich products. “The new website is designed with consumers and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts in mind. It is not only a website where you can find a tyre that fits your vehicle, but it 8

will also be a hub for BFGoodrich images, prices and technical information,” Mr Biggart said. Upgraded features on www.bfgoodrich.com.au include: • A new tyre selector – visitors can match BFGoodrich tyres to vehicles dating back to 1995. • Tyre ratings – Enthusiasts can view and compare BFGoodrich tyres’ performance on road, track, mud, sand, rocks and snow. • Social integration – Customdesigned social media tools allow users to share and recommend their favourite sections of the website. • Size and Price – Consumers can view every BFGoodrich tread patterns available in Australia along with prices for the individual sizes, load ratings and speed indexes. • 115 years of heritage – The proud history of BFGoodrich Tires is displayed on the website, which includes an interactive timeline of the brand’s 115 years of innovation. • Product information download – Customers can download product brochures for all tyres in BFGoodrich’s recreational range. For more information, please visit: www.bfgoodrich.com.au.

About BFGoodrich Tires: BFGoodrich Tires has been built on 115 years of innovation and experience on and off the racetrack. Years of development goes into the design of all BFGoodrich products, with lessons learned from engineering sessions at proving grounds and tracks plus hundreds of off-road races and partnerships with motorsports teams. The BFGoodrich name has become synonymous with on and off road racing. After five decades of racing at the top level, BFGoodrich has claimed 20 consecutive Baja 1000 wins and multiple Dakar Rally victories. The engineers who design and build BFGoodrich tyres are enthusiasts who use what they learn from these toughest of challenges to create a tyre that gives even the most serious off roader what they are looking for - driving pleasure, strong sensations or extreme adventures. It is this that gives BFGoodrich that little something extra that makes it a legendary brand.

INDUSTRY NEWS Beaurepaires offers free tyre health checks Beaurepaires capitalises on recent survey results that indicate large numbers of consumers are uneasy about driving in the wet and do not perform regular checks on their tyres.

ustralians are uneasier driving in the rain over any other driving conditions; a Newspoll survey commissioned by Beaurepaires has shown. The study of 1,055 Australian drivers aged 18 to 64 revealed that 36% of Australian drivers are nervous about driving in the rain, followed by snow (23%) and traffic congestion (17%). It is common knowledge that tyres play a crucial role in road safety whilst driving in the rain,

however more than 30% of cars fail roadworthy tests due to worn out tyres. This alarming statistic shows a large number of consumers are driving cars with unsafe tyres on wet roads. Beaurepaires Marketing Manager, Jaime Hardley said that there are a few simple precautions that all Australians can take to ensure their safety this season.

We know many Australians don’t check their tyres before a long drive, so we’re stepping in to offer Free Tyre Health Checks to all Aussie drivers. “Being prepared is the best policy when it comes to driving in the wet and ensuring that your tyres are in good shape to handle the

road conditions and changes in weather. We recommend tyres have a minimum of two millimetres of tread spread uniformly around the tyre—anything less and it may have serious implications on a car’s stopping ability on slippery roads.” “Drivers should also consider investing in premium tyres, which are more likely to have superior traction on wet roads, allowing for decreased stopping distances in the wet.” The Newspoll survey also showed that less than one quarter of drivers (22%) check their tyres before a long drive (3 hours or more) - an alarming statistic which Beaurepaires is hoping to change by offering Australian drivers “Free Tyre Health Checks” at all Beaurepaires stores across the country. “We know many Australians don’t check their tyres before a long drive, so we’re stepping in to offer Free Tyre Health Checks to all Aussie drivers. Just pop into a Beaurepaires store and we’ll assess the health of your tyres for free!” said Jaime.

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INDUSTRY NEWS for all vehicles including high performance, passenger, sports utility and recreational vehicles, as well as light trucks, heavy truck and buses, industrial, agricultural, mining and construction vehicles as well as aircraft. In Australia Kumho markets an extensive range of tyres for cars, 4WD’s, light commercials, trucks and buses with a network centered around five state locations with the ability to distribute tyres to retailers across all areas of Australia.

Roadventure KL51 guaranteed to last 80,000 k’s Kumho has launched an innovative mileage guarantee on its top selling SUV and fourwheel drive tyre.

umho is guaranteeing that its Roadventure KL51 range will last at least 80,000 kilometres, or your money back on the lost kilometres. According to Kumho Tyre Australia’s national marketing and training manager, David Basha, the mileage guarantee provides customers with the confidence that Kumho is the best-engineered and most durable tyre for their SUV. “To promise 80,000 kilometres from tyres is a big claim but Kumho is so confident in the Roadventure KL51 we have done just that,” said David Basha. “Kumho is committed to providing the most durable tyres to the market and with the rapidly growing SUV market

Kumho is delivering increased peace of mind to a increasing number of tyre customers. “If a Roadventure KL51 does not meet the guaranteed mileage the customer will be refunded on the difference on a pro-rata basis. “That is to say if 95 per cent of the guaranteed distance is achieved, five per cent of the original purchase price will be refunded.” To be eligible for the Kumho mileage guarantee, customers fill out a guarantee card in store and retain their original receipt along with the tyre service card. Then it’s as simple as getting a tyre health check every 10,000km where the local Kumho dealer will inspect the tyre, check pressures, rotate the tyres and conduct a wheel alignment as needed to ensure the tyres wear evenly and fill in the service card. “All motorists should inspect their tyres on a regular basis to get the optimum life from the tyre as well as rotating tyres so even wear is achieved,” explained Mr. Basha. “Not only does proper tyre maintenance extend the life of the tyre, but it can also give savings at the petrol pump.” Kumho has succeeded in the development of superior tyres

Hankook tyres available at JAXQuickfit JAXQuickfit stores are now supplying Hankook tyres.

n July 1st this year, JAXQuickfit Tyres began a landmark new supply partnership with Hankook tyres, the first time the Korean brand has appointed a national retailer in Australia. Hankook passenger car, four-wheeldrive, light truck and van tyres have been added to JAXQuickfit’s range offering across all 80 stores, joining other global premium brands. According to Hankook, it is is the fastest growing tyre brand in the world, offering an extensive range of quality tyres at an affordable pricepoint for both the original-equipment and replacement markets. “Hankook is really going places - it’s a youthful, exciting brand with incredible global growth right now and there’s no doubt it’s going to become a real force across the world, not least in Australia,” said JAXQuickfit CEO Jeff Board. “Hankook already has an impressive catalogue of originalcontinued page 14

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INDUSTRY NEWS equipment fitments for many Australian-made cars and countless imported models, including recent validation as original-equipment fitment to BMW’s new 3-series. “That approval is very significant because it speaks volumes for the integrity and performance of the Hankook product. “In fact, incredibly Hankook has a tyre to fit any car anywhere in the world, and the product quality is superb, so they are an obvious fit for the JAXQuickfit network,” he added. Mr. Board said JAXQuickfit Tyres prides itself on its customer offering of the world’s best brands in every store. “Hankook can offer our customers an affordable alternative, one that we are confident in because they’ve met 100 percent of our partner criteria around product range, pricepoint, warranties and supply,” he said. “The JAXQuickfit and Hankook partnership has been a two year process and along the way, we have found that the two companies are perfectly aligned in terms of objectives to be achieved,” Mr. Board explained. Hankook Tyre Australia CEO Paul Park said his company has found the Australian retail partner it was looking for. “We see our relationship with JAXQuickfit as a mutually beneficial partnership rather than just a supply arrangement,” said Mr. Park.

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Russian dandelion

Jeff Board, CEO of JAXQuickfit and Paul Park, CEO of Hankook Tyre Australia.

The two companies are perfectly aligned in terms of objectives to be achieved. “JAXQuickfit’s strong dealer network and marketing-driven approach fit with Hankook’s strategies and by strengthening Hankook’s supply to the market, we will deliver even higher customer satisfaction,” he added. JAXQuickfit Tyres’ expansive mix of brands enables this Australian-owned company to offer its customers products that cover the premium, major and budget market sectors. Mr. Board said that as Australia’s only true independent tyre retailer, JAXQuickfit is also an innovator - it has recently introduced industryleading in-store ‘TouchPoint’ kiosk

technology for customer tyre and wheel fitment selection and servicing. “It’s about JAXQuickfit being a leader, not a follower - we are head of the game and we plan to stay there, and that manifests itself in what we can offer the customer,” he said. “Our business is about best practices - we offer customers a ‘no hassle’ guarantee which basically means we’re guaranteeing that buying tyres will be simple, straight forward and enjoyable. “That guarantee, plus our requirement that our store waiting areas are always clean and comfortable, means that customers can enjoy the JAXQuickfit experience,” Mr. Board concluded. After more than 60 years in business, JAXQuickfit Tyres has enjoyed double-digit growth for the past six years and now serves more than 60,000 customers per month in its multi state stores along the eastern seaboard.

1800 722 822 plus many more brands including Continental

KL calling Four winners in a recent draw that included Michelin tyre purchasers are off to Malaysia to experience the Sepang International Circuit.

AXQuickfit Tyres and Michelin Australia have congratulated the four winners of the MICHELIN Pilot Experience. Customers who bought four MICHELIN tyres between 21 May and 30 June 2012 were eligible to enter the draw valued at $18,000 for a once in a lifetime experience. Entering a promotion by Michelin Australia through JAXQuickfit stores, New South Welshmen Kelly Sheather of Mittagong, Ngoc Bui of Castle Hill, Robert Hislop of Newcastle and Victorian Christian Hostettler of Bayswater North, have each won return flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia plus five star accommodation at the Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur. The highlight of the prize is a spot in the MICHELIN Pilot Experience where the

winners will get to live a day as a Michelin test driver through a full day driving experience at the renowned Sepang International Circuit, home of the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix. The four winners will experience the exhilaration of blasting around the track in a Formula Michelin, Renault Clio, Citroen C2 Rally or Formula 2 Seater models. Whilst in Malaysia the winners will also be pushed to their limits in go kart and pit stop challenges, simulators and events at night, with massages on the itinerary to unwind from all the action.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Due to our recent expansion programme we are pleased to announce limited opportunities to join the JAXQuickfit Group. Franchise opportunities include both mature businesses and brand new outlets just recently opened.

CONTACT HEAD OFFICE FOR FURTHER DETAILS: headoffice@jaxquickfit.com.au or phone (02) 8801 3000

“Michelin Australia has been a valuable partner and we are glad that we could express our strong relationship with this special promotion to our customers,” said JAXQuickfit CEO Jeff Board. “On behalf of Michelin Australia and JAXQuickfit I would like to wish Kelly, Ngoc, Christian and Robert a safe and enjoyable journey.” JAXQuickfit Tyres stock a large range of MICHELIN tyres catering for vehicles of all sizes ranging from high performance cars through to trade vehicles and 4WD’s.

JAXQuickfit CEO Jeff Board and Michelin Australia Managing Director, Thierry Martin-Lassagne

jaxquickfit.com.au JAX143

INDUSTRY NEWS This top performance is the best evidence of how far we have come in the last few years in the development of energy efficient tyres.

ContiEcoContact 5’s carry car to world record Car travels 2,536.4 kilometres on one tank of fuel, bettering all previous distance tests.

o achieve 2.8 litres per 100 kilometres you need an economical vehicle, efficient driving style and suitable tyres. Norwegians Knut Wilthil and Hanrik Borchegrevink recently set out to smash the economy record for a series production

diesel vehicle on European roads and headed out on a road trip from the Finnish capital Helsinki. They chose the Ford Mondeo ECOnetic, fitted with Continental’s ContiEcoContact 5 summer tyres. From Helsinki, they headed north and travelled the east coast of Sweden along the Gulf of Bothia, continuing south to Stockholm. They then set their sights on the west coast of Sweden, and crossed the border into Norway. The Ford came to a stop just after Oslo – the tank was finally empty. On the 46-hour journey, the vehicle required just 2.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. According to the manufacturer, the Ford Mondeo ECOnetic with a start-stop system, 1.6-litre TDCi diesel engine that delivers 115hp normally uses 4.3

“This top performance is the best evidence of how far we have come in the last few years in the development of energy efficient tyres,” said Frank Larsen, technical director of Continental tyres in Norway. As Wilthil and Borchegrevink neared the destination of their nearly two-day tour, they explained their driving tactics: “While driving, you should always make sure that there is enough space between you and the car in front. If you’re in a hurry and continually accelerate and brake, you don’t really gain time, but instead drive up fuel consumption.”

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NCACG/068

(l to r) Hanrik Borchegrevink, Knut Wilthil.

litres per 100 kilometres. This means that the tank would have run dry after 1,649.5 kilometres, a full 886.9 kilometres sooner than Wilthil and Borchegrevink’s vehicle. Reporting the two men’s achievement, Continental notes that they got so far due to their economic driving style plus the size 205/60R16 ContiEcoContact 5 tyres fitted to the car – tyres that offer 20 per cent lower rolling resistance than their predecessors.

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Efficientgrip SUV:

Goodyear’s quietest e B Drivers receive reduced noise, shorter braking distances and a lower rolling resistance with Goodyear’s breakthrough SUV tyre.

uilding on the technology from its successful and award-winning tyre for luxury passenger cars, the Eagle EfficientGrip, Goodyear has broken new ground again with the introduction of Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV – Goodyear’s quietest SUV tyre ever. Strong and robust, Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV is engineered with QuietTred Technology to give an exceptionally quiet ride without compromising grip and handling capabilities.

Blake Vincent, Goodyear Marketing Manager said that people who own SUVs are mostly driven by the need to feel ‘in control’ and safe. “Many SUV owners today, who mainly drive in urban settings, know what it takes to truly enjoy their vehicle – they want the driving comfort of a sedan in an SUV. Now, SUV drivers can discover an exceptionally quiet and comfortable drive like never before with the Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV. The EfficientGrip SUV tyres are proof of Goodyear’s continued commitment to increase the value of our brand and products with market-backed innovation, delivering on the core needs of drivers of SUVs,” he explained.

Control the noise Based on instrumented interior noise tests conducted by the Goodyear Innovation Centre in Luxembourg under coast down conditions on smooth roads, Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV outperforms its predecessor in both noise and driving comfort¹. Even when worn, the Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV tyre is as quiet as a brand new tyre of its predecessor. QuietTred Technology is a combination of a noise-dampening Tread Design and a Shock Absorbing Carcass. To help dampen the noise: Goodyear Efficient Grip SUV

• A closed shoulder design prevents radiating radial noise sound waves to reduce exterior and interior perceived noise levels. • An increased number of pitches optimises block characteristics to reduce noise harmonics. • And, a rib type design provides smooth tread geometry entering into the footprint to lower the impact and radiated noise. In addition, Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV’s shock-absorbing carcass features a high steel belt angle construction that allows for more structural flexibility to reduce vibrations from road impact. All these work together to create an exceptionally quiet and comfortable ride in an SUV.

Command the road Goodyear Efficient Grip SUV in the wet

Based on independent braking tests conducted by TUV SUD on various road surfaces, Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV proved to have

ever SUV tyre a 6% shorter braking distance on wet roads than the average of three leading competitor tyres, with a 5% shorter braking distance on dry roads². This has also been achieved with a 10% reduction in the tyre’s rolling resistance over its predecessor by implementing Goodyear’s FuelSaving Technology³. In addition to giving SUV drivers a long lasting quiet drive, Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV delivers superior grip for added safety via: • A high number of biting edges with equally high blade density significantly improves grip and control in all driving conditions. • The optimized contact patch provides a matched pressure distribution in key areas of the footprint allowing the tread pattern to work more effectively for better grip and safer cornering.

Prestigious approvals The EfficientGrip SUV tyre has already received strong endorsements from vehicle manufacturers, being selected as the Original Equipment fitment for the Land Rover Evoque, with additional approvals in progress for the industry’s latest ‘iconic’ platforms.

Winning heritage Goodyear’s premier tyre in the luxury and mid passenger vehicle segment, Eagle EfficientGrip has already earned praise and distinctions from various automotive publications since its launch in 2010: • Motor Trend Magazine, China: “Comfort Tyre of the Year” • Auto Magazine, China: “Highly Recommended Tyre Product” • Auto News, China: “Quietest Passenger Tyre of the Year” • China Automotive News, China: “Comfort Tyre of the Year” • Xcar.com, China: “Comfort Tyre of the Year” • Fleet News, UK: “Environmental Award” • GreenWorks, Luxemburg: “Green Innovation Award”

Available Sizes Available in 15 inch to 20-inch rim diameters across 29 popular sizes, Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV allows for comfortable and confident driving for a wide range of SUVs. ¹ Results based on interior noise tests conducted in 2011 by Goodyear Innovation Centre in Luxembourg on size 235/65R17 tyres under coast down conditions on smooth roads. ² Compared to the average performance of 3 leading competitors. Braking distance on wet road from 80km/h to 20km/h, braking distance on dry road from 100 km/h to 0km/h, measured by TÜV SÜD Automotive in Sep-Oct 2011; Tyre size: 215/65R16 98H; Vehicle: VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI; Location: Mireval (FR) & Garching (GE); Report nr: 76247158. ³ Tested against its predecessor by TÜV SÜD Automotive in Sep-Oct 2011; Tyre Size: 215/65R16 98H; Vehicle: VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI; Location: Mireval (FR) & Garching (GE); Report nr: 76247158. 19

INNOVATION Next generation ECOPIA launched A new and improved version of Bridgestone’s ECOPIA tyre delivers a 10% improvement in rolling resistance.

ridgestone’s 2012 release of the ECOPIA PZ-X builds on the success of the original ECOPIA tyre that was launched in Australia three years ago. Further enhancements include: • Improvements in rolling resistance for even better economy and emissions; • Improved handling, braking, stability and wet-weather performance; and • Reduced noise.

ECOPIA is already well ahead of the competition and the new PZ-X takes this another major step further. “ECOPIA has been a sales success since its launch, and the feedback we’ve received from consumers has been incredibly positive in terms of the increased fuel efficiency they’ve seen,” said Stanley Toh, Bridgestone’s General Manager, Marketing. “ECOPIA is already well ahead of the competition and the new PZ-X takes this another major step further, both in terms of its rolling resistance abilities and its improved handling and ride characteristics,” he added. The ECOPIA PZ-X features a new compound with microparticle silica that reduces energy lost to heat, further improving rolling resistance. Improved straight-line stability has been achieved through a new asymmetrical sidewall shape while high-angle lugs in the tyre’s tread have increased braking performance while also lowering noise levels. To be sold alongside the original EP100 tyre, the Bridgestone ECOPIA PZ-X is available in sizes to suit 15, 16 and 17-inch rims for small to medium-sized vehicles such as Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 through to C-Class Mercedes.

ECOPIA PZ-X

Extensive testing by Bridgestone technical staff has shown that the new PZ-X delivers a 10% improvement in rolling resistance over the original ECOPIA – a tyre which already delivers increased fuel efficiency of up to 5.7% while reducing CO2 emissions by 5.8%*. 20

*Vehicles were tested in accordance with ADR81/02. ECOPIA EP100 and competitor testing was conducted using identical 2009 automatic petrol Toyota Corolla Ascents. Actual fuel consumption and CO2 emissions depend on factors such as traffic conditions, vehicle condition and how the car is driven.

Kinergy Eco tyre for small and light cars Hankook’s new eco tyre achieves better balancing act.

n innovative new tyre that strikes a better balance between environmental concerns, fuel economy and safety has been launched on the Australian market. Hankook’s Kinergy Eco uses cutting-edge tyre compound technologies to reduce rolling resistance by 12 per cent compared to an equivalent conventional tyre. At the same time Kinergy Eco improves wet braking distances by eight per cent compared to other low rolling resistance (LRR) tyres in its class.

The optimised arrangement of the grooves provides effective protection against aquaplaning. “To us, the Kinergy Eco marks the start of a new era in LRR tyres,” said Hankook Tyre Australia’s chief executive officer, Paul Park. “Australian consumer values have changed a great deal in recent years and they want tyres that reduce fuel consumption - and as a result CO2 emissions - but they won’t sacrifice safety or driving comfort to satisfy those requirements.” The key to achieving these seemingly conflicting goals has been Hankook’s pioneering use of nano-scale silica particles in the tyre’s rubber

Comfort is further enhanced by the application of Hankook’s computer simulated vibration control technology. Hankook Kinergy Eco is now available in Australia in a range of sizes suitable for popular small and light segment passenger cars.

Tyre tracks on Mars Aluminium tyres with titanium wheels carry Curiosity across Mars. Kinergy Eco

compound to reduce rolling resistance. This is combined with a high performance tread pattern that has several features designed to improve handling and grip. In the centre of the tyre larger tread blocks with an increased contact area are optimised for stiffness to improve dry handling performance.

n early August the Mars Curiosity rover successfully went into action on the surface of the red planet, and the vehicle’s tyre tracks have gained a measure of notoriety. It turns out that Curiosity is ‘tagging’ the surface of Mars as it drives about. A series of notches included in the track tyre tread

is not just a pretty pattern – the notches are in fact Morse Code and spell out the letters ‘JPL’, short for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Curiosity is now busy leaving the laboratory’s initials all over Mars, however this tagging is not just wanton interplanetary vandalism – the dots and dashes are part of the rover’s visual odometry system, used to estimate changes in position over time. Unlike the Goodyear-developed Moon rover tyres four decades ago, the tyres used on Curiosity are not the product of any tyre manufacturer – the tyres were built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s own Mars Science Laboratory. The tyres are 100 per cent aluminium and feature a zigzag tread intended to help the rover climb out of craters. Each of the six tyres fitted to Curiosity weigh 7 to 10 kilograms. The wheels’ interior spokes and centre hubs are made of titanium, which offers both strength and flexibility.

The tread block edges are selfsharpening to ensure the necessary grip on both wet and dry roads. A sawtooth-type tread pattern evacuates water into three wide, circumferential grooves for improved wet road grip, particularly when braking. The optimised arrangement of the grooves provides effective protection against aquaplaning. The outer blocks of the Kinergy Eco tread pattern feature a semi-rib design to provide greater stability and handling performance. On the sides of the tyre the pitch sequence of the grooves has been optimised for a quieter ride.

ORDER TYRES ON-LINE 24HRS/7 DAYS

www.tyres4u.com.au plus many more brands including Continental 21

INNOVATION New Potenza S001 run flat tyre delivers Bridgestone’s new run flat tyre delivers a marked improvement in ride comfort without compromising performance.

ridgestone has launched the Potenza S001 Next Generation Run Flat Safety Tyre (RFT).

The Potenza S001 RFT benefits from new technologies that have dramatically improved ride comfort while retaining its class-leading performance.

The Potenza S001 Next Generation RFT achieves this balance through: • New thin-gauge sidewall reinforcement rubber that has reduced vertical stiffness and improved ride comfort; • Sidewall cooling fins (available on selected sizes) that work to cool generated heat, improving durability; and

Soybean has long

• Nano Pro-Tech rubber compound that further curbs heat generation and improves durability.

good for our tyres.

The Potenza S001 Next Generation RFT is available in an extensive range of sizes from 16 to 19-inch. “When we first introduced our run flat technology, the sidewall design meant that our RFT tyres were 20 per cent stiffer than a conventional tyre and that translated into the ride comfort experience,” Mr. Sodano said.

Potenza S001 Next Generation RFT

“We listened to consumers who gave us a lot of feedback about our run flat tyres,” said Claudio Sodano, Bridgestone’s Group Technical Field Service Manager. “From there, our designers in Japan have worked to engineer new technologies which have significantly improved the ride comfort characteristics. “The result is the Potenza S001 RFT; a run flat tyre which is still a performance pace-setter and now combines superior ride comfort. It’s a real breakthrough,” he added. 22

Tyres made with soybean oil on agenda

“With the Potenza S001 Next Generation RFT, the difference is only five per cent so it’s virtually indistinguishable from behind the wheel. “Sales of run flat tyres are increasing rapidly around the world, so this is a tyre that a lot of drivers are going to experience and we believe it will change perceptions - it’s a great tyre,” he concluded. The Potenza S001 Next Generation RFT is available in an extensive range of sizes from 16 to 19-inch to suit BMW models from the 1 and 3-Series through to the sporty Z4 and the 5 and 6-Series. Other vehicles originally fitted with run flat tyres are also catered for.

been considered good for us, and now it appears it may also be

oodyear Tyre & Rubber recently announced that tests undertaken at its Innovation Center in America show using soybean oil in tyres can potentially increase tread life by ten per cent; it can also reduce the company’s use of petroleum-based oil by up to 26.5 million litres per annum. In addition, testing showed improved mixing capabilities in the manufacturing process. Goodyear found that rubber compounds made with soybean oil blend more easily with silica, and thus the process requires lower energy. “Goodyear is committed to caring for the environment and communities, and use of soybean oil is proving to be another way to accomplish this goal,” said Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear’s chief technical officer. “Consumers benefit through improved tread life, Goodyear gains with increased efficiency and energy savings and we all win whenever there is a positive impact on the environment.” Prototype tyres will be tested at Goodyear’s Proving Grounds in San Angelo, Texas in the coming months. If indicators remain positive, Goodyear expects consumers will be able to purchase tyres made with soybean oil as early as 2015.

The indusTry super fund for The auTomoTive indusTry.

www.mtaasuper.com.au motor Trades association of australia superannuation fund pty Ltd (aBn 14 008 650 628, afsL 238 718) is the Trustee of mTaa superannuation fund (aBn 74 559 365 913). you should consider whether or not mTaa super is appropriate for you. The mTaa super product disclosure statement (pds) can be obtained by calling us on 1300 362 415. you should consider the pds in making a decision.

OVERSEAS NEWS JV formed to support India tyre market Stamford Tyres forms India venture; it will own 40% of Falken Tyre India, with partner Sumitomo holding the rest.

“This JV is another major milestone for Stamford Tyres and signifies the next step in our long-standing relationship with Sumitomo,” said Wee Kok Wah, president of Stamford Tyres, which distributes Falken tyres in markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and South Africa.

yre and wheel distributor Stamford Tyres Corporation is forming a $12.3 million joint venture (JV) company with Sumitomo Rubber Asia (Tyre), a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), to cater to India’s fastgrowing replacement-tyre market. Under the agreement, Sumitomo will hold a 60 per cent stake in the JV company - Falken Tyre India (FTI ) - while Stamford Tyres will hold 40 per cent. In a release to the Singapore Exchange (SGX), Stamford Tyres said that its initial investment for the joint venture is estimated at some $2.5 million. Internal resources will fund the investment -which could eventually rise to about $4.9 million.

This new joint venture will allow the two companies to leverage on their expertise to address the needs in the Indian market and tap onto this market’s huge potential. 24

on their expertise to address the needs in the Indian market and tap onto this market’s huge potential,” he concluded.

Nexen on course to fulfill corporate vision Nexen is investing over AUD $1 billion over the next six years to complete it’s newest tyre plant that will thrust the Korean tyre giant in to the mix of the world’s top tyre manufacturers.

Stamford’s Firenza SV053 tyre

“Together, we are confident that our entry into the Indian replacement tyre market will generate long-term growth for both companies and possibly open up more opportunities for collaboration in the future,” Mr. Wee said. To be headquartered in India, FTI will start operations from April next year, leveraging on Sumitomo’s tyre technologies and Stamford ‘s distribution network. FTI’s presence in India will also enable Stamford Tyres to strengthen the brand name of its Falken tyres in the Indian market. Yasutaka Li, director and senior executive officer of SRI, said that India is a market with huge potential. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Stamford Tyres - which has a strong distribution track record - as part of our group’s expansion into new markets,” he said. “This new joint venture will allow the two companies to leverage

exen Tyre’s newest plant in Changnyeong, Korea began operations earlier in the year, opening production lines 20 months after the groundbreaking in June 2010. The tyre maker plans to invest a further AUD $1 billion to complete a further five extensions to the plant by 2018. Some 500 employees are working at the facility, which will produce approximately 3 million tyres this year. By 2018, it will be employing 2,000 people who will be producing an annual capacity of 21 million units. Nexen Tyre’s CEO Hyun Bong Lee said that everyone at the company was putting their hearts and souls into the new industrial complex in Changnyeong to fulfill the corporate vision of becoming a global top 10 tyre manufacturer. “Together with the original Yangsan Plant and Qingdao Plant, the annual volume will reach 60 million units, three times more than today’s capacity,” he said. The plant is expected to produce world-class ultra high performance

representing 1.2 million motorists – are afflicted by what Kwik Fit calls ‘dashboard denial’, and still haven’t been to a garage to get the fault analysed. Of the 13 million drivers on the receiving end of a warning light in the last year, just 29 per cent (3.7 million) had it immediately checked out. The remaining 5.1 million motorists (39 per cent of those whose vehicles displayed a warning light) took between one and four days to look into the underlying problem. The warning light illuminating more than any other is the ‘engine system warning light’, as 3.6 million (10 per cent) motorists have seen it come on, whilst the ‘oil pressure warning light’ is the second most frequent offender, affecting 2.5 million (seven per cent) of motorists.

By 2018, Nexen’s massive Changnyeong, Korea tyre manufacturing facility will be employing 2,000 people.

By 2018, the facility will be employing 2,000 people who will be producing an annual capacity of 21 million units. eco-friendly tyres with most of the production process being highly automated and involving minimum labor. In addition, Changnyeong, where the new plant is located, has outstanding logistical, water and energy supply conditions, which will aid in the plant’s intention to maintain global competitiveness. In May, Nexen hosted a group of international tyre journalists who toured the Changnyeong plant. French tyre industry veteran Jean Pierre Gosselin praised the new plant by saying, “I have been visiting numerous plants for the past 40 years working in this industry and this is the cleanest and most automated plant I have ever been to.” German journalists reported that the automation of the plant was very impressive and that they expected that the facility would grow as one of the best tyre manufacturing plants in the world.

Drivers fail to act on warning lights ‘Dashboard Denial’ limits drivers’ ability to ascertain the meaning of warning lights. Kwik Fit in the UK has commissioned a study to investigate motorist responses to vehicle warning lights and discovered that almost a half of all drivers don’t know what a tyre pressure warning light means. The study, conducted by ICM research using a nationally representative sample of 2,011 adults, showed that while a group representing three per cent of the motoring population – one million drivers – has already been confronted by a tyre pressure warning light, only 51 per cent could correctly identify for what reason the light was on. And it isn’t just TPMS warning lights failing to get their attention – oil and engine issues are also ignored. Although 36 per cent of participants in the Kwik Fit study had been alerted to vehicle issues by at least one dashboard light in the last year, 31 per cent of these drivers didn’t investigate the cause of the light for at least five days. From this group, more than a quarter – a number

The Kwik Fit survey also revealed that 400,000 vehicles may have shown a warning light their drivers couldn’t identify, which could mean that, for many, ‘dashboard denial’ is a result of ignorance.

COOPER TIRES In our Article “Contaminated Tread Stock Results in Recall” published in Australian Tyre Dealer Volume 21 Issue 3 June/July 2012, there was an implication that contaminated tyres manufactured by Cooper Tires & Rubber Co. had been supplied to authorized dealers in Australia and were subject to recall. The exclusive distributors of tyres manufactured by Cooper Tires confirm that no tyres from the relevant contaminated batches were supplied to authorized dealers in Australia. Dealers who purchase stock other than from the exclusive distributors of Cooper Tires should check with their supplier direct whether any stock supplied to them was from contaminated batches as that stock is not covered by the Cooper Tires warranty supplied by the exclusive distributors. For more information, please contact: Exclusive Tyre Distributors Pty Ltd National Tyre Wholesalers Pty Ltd. 25

Dunlop looks to take pole position with new ‘Sport Maxx’ range for the road, racetrack and in between. Sport Maxx RT Delivers on Dunlop’s ‘Race to Road’ Vision

unlop, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high and ultra high performance tyres, has announced the launch a new breed of sports road tyres - the Sport Maxx RT and the Sport Maxx Race. The announcement also coincides with Dunlop’s unveiling of the new 18 inch Dunlop Sport Maxx V8 Supercar Championship control tyre as part of the ‘Car of the Future’ program that will be implemented from the beginning of the 2013 series.

Dunlop Spo

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT – Race derived grip and braking for the road The new Sport Maxx RT (Racing Technology) is designed especially for the driving enthusiast, delivering to the needs of the most passionate driving aficionados who savour the feeling of being in control of significant horsepower on the road. “The Dunlop heritage stands on its achievement in racing and with the driving enthusiast on the road”, said Tony Kiernan, Dunlop Marketing Manager. “We are launching a new breed in the field of performance road driving with the Sport Maxx RT. It combines the very best of our over 120 years of experience on the track and on the road.” The new Ultra High Performance (UHP) road tyre has been developed to deliver performance to the road, with racing technology knowhow integrated into the tyre’s design and development. The Sport Maxx RT delivers enhanced grip thanks to its motorsport derived compound, which provides increased adaptability to road surfaces, improving the tyre’s overall grip on both dry and wet surfaces. The tyre also delivers a high handling stability, built on its massive outer shoulder block, increasing the contact area when cornering, especially at high speeds. Short-braking blocks, set into the tread pattern of the tyre, deliver a shorter braking distance, especially at high speed. These blocks, re-enforced by lateral blocks ensure an anti-lift effect on the trailing edge thanks to their increased stiffness. Recent independent TÜV SÜD tests run with the new Sport Maxx RT confirm the tyre’s solid road capabilities. Compared to its closest competitors, the Sport Maxx RT showed it could outclass them on both dry and wet braking results by showing a significant 7% lead. Additionally, the independent tests showed a clear 11% better rolling resistance, compared to its key competitors on the market¹.

Sport Maxx Race 1.

Dunlop Sport Maxx Race – Performance and technology for on the road and the track The new Dunlop Sport Maxx Race has been specially designed to help some of the world’s fastest cars perform on some of the world’s most challenging race tracks, while ensuring they are able to deliver their drivers back home without the need to change tyres. The new tyre is developed to fit the needs of some of the most high-performance cars on the road today and has already been selected as Original Equipment for the special AMG ‘Track Package’ on the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. Ken Wieden, Dunlop Motorsport & Motorcycle Manager, said that throughout its long history, Dunlop has always had a racing tyre for the track enthusiast, “… and today we are putting ourselves back in pole-position in this category with the introduction of the Sport Maxx Race.” “With thousands of hours of development work behind us, we are confident that we have taken into account even the smallest details to ensure we deliver a tyre that can transfer the car’s power to the road with maximum impact,” Mr. Wieden said.

“We are introducing the Sport Maxx RT to ensure we can continue to claim a leading position in the Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyre market”, said Mr. Kiernan.

Dunlop’s Sport Maxx Race delivers solid grip on dry road and track surfaces, supported by a motorsport derived compound which delivers a blend of race-proven polymer and a traction enhancing plastifier, leading to higher compound adaptability to the driving surface. Unlike most ‘R’ spec tyres, Sport Maxx Race further provides drivers with a strong confidence on wet road and track surfaces, thanks to four inner circumferential grooves for better water drainage.

The Dunlop Marketing Manager continued: “We are seeing a solid growth in the UHP market and the Sport Maxx RT will help us deliver to these demanding customers.”

Superior high-speed stability is driven by a hybrid overlay featuring Aramid, a high strength and heat resistant synthetic fibre. Aramid is also used in aerospace and for bulletproof vests.

rt Maxx:

a new breed of sports road tyres “Our new Sport Maxx Race tyres are the perfect choice for the serious sports car driver that wants to take his car to and on the track,” said Mr. Wieden. “Delivering some of the best on-track performances for a tyre that is also roadworthy was a key requirement for Dunlop when it first started developing the Sport Maxx Race and we have delivered on this,” he explained.

Dunlop Sport Maxx V8 Supercar Tyre – 18 inch ‘Car of the Future’ control tyres unveiled Coinciding with Dunlop’s launch of its new sports road tyres - Sport Maxx RT and Sport Maxx Race - the leading tyre manufacturer has also unveiled the new 18 inch Dunlop Sport Maxx V8 Supercar Championship control tyre that will be implemented from the beginning of the 2013 series. Kevin Fitzsimons, Dunlop V8 Supercar Operations Manager said that the racetrack is where the development begins for Dunlop tyres. “After over 11 years of evolving and advancing tread compounds for the V8 Supercar Championship control tyres on a 17 inch tyre platform, we will be moving to an all new 18 inch tyre for the ‘Car of the Future’ in 2013,” said Mr. Fitzsimons. “By the time the 18 inch tyre is introduced, Dunlop will have supplied approximately 115,000 17 inch Sport Maxx control tyres to the V8 Supercar Championship and Dunlop Series,” he added. As part of the ‘Car of the Future’ project, V8 Supercars supplied Dunlop with specific performance parameters that the new 18inch tyres were required to perform to in regards to grip, lap speed and wear rates. Dunlop has spent the last 12 months developing

and optimising their tread compounds to ensure the characteristics of the new tyres exactly match the V8 Supercar’s specifications. “Like this year, there will be two compounds used in 2013 – Sport Maxx ‘Control’ and Sport Maxx ‘Sprint’ – in a variety of formats to spice up the racing,” said Mr. Fitzsimons. “Our objective is to help ensure entertainment for the fans while guaranteeing stable tyre performance, combined with the deliberate degradation at predetermined rates for the drivers and teams to strategize with,” he said. The Sport Maxx ‘Control’ designation will continue to be the standard tyre in the 2013 V8 Supercar Championship. Sport Maxx ‘Sprint’ will be the softer option tyre that is initially approximately one second quicker per lap than the ‘Control’; and lasts approximately 100km before the predetermined deterioration sets in slowing its times. Therefore, strategies each team employs as to when they fit the Sport Maxx ‘Sprint’ tyres play a very important role, resulting in much more action both on track and in pit lane. With testing and tyre compound selections now completed and ready for 2013, the new 18 inch Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres for the V8 Supercars Championship have been made available to teams from August 2012 as they prepare their new cars for next year’s series. The Dunlop Series will continue to utilise the 17 inch Dunlop Sport Maxx tyre through to the end of 2015, after which they will also switch to the 18-inch model. Tested by TÜV SÜD (2011) using a 225/45R17 sized Sport Maxx RT tyre on a Volkswagen Golf GTi and comparing its various average performances on that vehicle to 3 competitive tyres. Test location - TÜV SÜD tracks in Germany and road tests. Report number 76246818-1. 1

AAAA calls on Gillard Government to support trade exposed manufacturers.

Aftermarket pushes

for equal

he Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is calling on Canberra to recognise and support Australian automotive aftermarket component manufacturers. AAAA Executive Director Stuart Charity said his Australian based manufacturing members that supply the automotive aftermarket are not eligible for any support under Federal Government programs designed to promote innovation, green initiatives and export opportunities in the automotive industry. “It seems Canberra only includes the aftermarket in the automotive industry when it spruiks total employment and export figures,” Mr. Charity said. “But the Federal Government knows the aftermarket makes a huge contribution to Australia’s economy. “Our 1,700 members turn over $11 billion a year, export $800 million worth of product and give 30,000 ‘working Australians’ a job,” he added. More than 300 AAAA members manufacture automotive products in Australia. The AAAA has requested support for its manufacturing members through the Federal Government’s new heavily promoted $35 million Automotive New Markets Initiative. The response was that only manufacturers selling to Australia’s three vehicle producers and their direct suppliers could apply. 28

The AAAA believes the Federal Government is defining the “automotive industry” according to who the customer is. “It seems that if you don’t sell your Australian manufactured car parts to a multi-national car company, the Australian Government does not consider your business to be part of the automotive industry,” said Mr. Charity. “When the AAAA challenged the Federal Government, we were advised that it is ‘long standing government policy’ to support only those supplying local vehicle manufacturers. “Australian aftermarket manufacturers are delivering globally competitive, innovative products as well as employment, exports and economic wealth to Australia with limited assistance from Government. “There is however no doubt that the pressures on our highly trade exposed manufacturers are significant and we need to act quickly and decisively to secure our manufacturing base in the longer term. “If we lose these manufacturing jobs off-shore due to a lack of Government support they will be gone forever,” Mr. Charity explained.

Aftermarket growth Locally made vehicles are now only about 14% of the one million new cars sold annually in Australia. Local vehicle production volumes continue to shrink and so far this year two

of the three local vehicle manufacturers announced workforce reductions by a combined 790 people. The production cuts will also have direct impact on local suppliers and their employees. Against this scenario, the estimated 2.3% annual growth in Australia’s car parc will result in a total of about 17.1 million cars by 2015. By then, the age of Australia’s car parc will increase from an average of 10 years to 10.7 years. These aging vehicles provide a growing market for aftermarket replacement parts. In addition to local market growth, aftermarket exporters are creating new overseas opportunities. “The Australian automotive aftermarket is creative, hard working, technically sophisticated and effective in developing high value niche products in the global market,” Mr. Charity continued. “Australian aftermarket manufacturers are proven players in local and export markets, including Asia, Europe, Middle East and the USA. “In contrast to the Federal Government, the Victorian and New South Wales Governments have consistently supported aftermarket manufacturers’ export endeavours. “In the past year, more than 80 AAAA member companies participated in trade missions to five countries. “With sold out AAAA trade missions to the Middle East, Europe and the USA planned this year, the number of participants will be significantly higher,” he said.

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Government must recognise change Mr. Charity said, “It is clear that the Australian Government is not in tune with the nation’s automotive industry.” “During the 1980s and 1990s, supply of components to Australian based vehicle builders was the main game. “Now the economy has changed, consumers have changed, cars have changed, and this is forcing the industry in Australia to change. “One sad result is that the vehicle manufacturing channel has narrowed. “This massive industry change must be accepted. “And the Federal Government must also accept the Australian automotive aftermarket as part of a new and different Australian automotive manufacturing industry. “It must be an industry focused on innovation and export. “The AAAA is not seeking special subsidies or coinvestment funding from the Australian Government. “Aftermarket manufacturers simply want equal access to Federal Government automotive industry programs that support innovation and export,” concluded Mr. Charity.

SPORTS In the Open class, the result of Steve Glenney in the Hankooktyred Dominator Mitsubishi Evolution from Queensland was also an eye-opener. Glenney’s lap time of 1:30.7260 was good enough to have put them into seventh place in the Pro class. Team manager James Willard says that the result came from thorough preparation, and because he chose to “put the absolute best of everything out there” into the car.

The Nemo Evo driven by Warren Luff, on it’s way to the fastest lap time on Friday.

Motorsport history made at WTAC Australians strike back at World Time Attack 2012

ustralian teams have reclaimed the podium at World Time Attack (WTAC) from the US and Japanese entrants, taking 1-2-3 in the Pro class. Hankook-tyred cars took first place in every division of the event - Pro, Open and Clubsprint classes. Strong winds throughout the early August event made things difficult for drivers, but did not hold back spectator numbers or prevent amazing results from being achieved on the track. Warren Luff drove the Queenslandbased Nemo Racing Mitsubishi Evolution VII to the number one spot in the Pro class, with his best lap time of 1:25.0200 on the Saturday creating Australian motorsport history. Luff ’s lap time undercuts the fastest ever V8 Supercar lap of Sydney Motorsport Park by over four seconds. It is the fastest ever WTAC lap, possibly the fastest lap in a 30 30

tin-top car, and it was done on street legal Hankook Ventus TD tyres. While all eyes were firmly fixed on the Nemo Evo, it was not the only car achieving incredible times. The ACT-based Tilton Interiors Mitsubishi Evolution, piloted to second position by Garth Walden, was not far behind. Their best lap time of 1:27.1820 showed that tweaks to the car, including the addition of a Cosworthspec engine and the switch to Hankook tyres, had paid off. In third position the Hankooktyred MCA Suspension Silvia S13 from Queensland, driven by Kiwi Earl Bamber, showed what can be done with good race car engineering know-how and what Bamber described as “an amazing team effort”. “We didn’t have a huge budget, just the knowledge of how to do things right and where to focus our effort,” said MCA team co-manager Joshua Coote. The MCA Silvia’s best time of 1:27.8080 is even more impressive with the knowledge that its reardrive platform was up against numerous four-wheel-drive competitors, and that it wasn’t in top mechanical condition by the time it achieved its best result.

The Clubsprint class was won by Neville Scott in the Scorpion Subaru WRX, which came up from eighth position in 2011 to give a time of 1:38.8600. This result was achieved on Hankook R-S3 tyres, which are designed for street use.

It’s amazing to see these sort of times being achieved on street legal Hankook tyres that anyone can buy. With three out of three on the podium in Pro class and two out of three in the Open class, the continued dominance of WTAC by Hankook-tyred cars was obvious for 2012. Hankook marketing manager William Ng was happy with the results without being surprised by them. “It’s amazing to see these sort of times being achieved on street legal Hankook tyres that anyone can buy,” said Ng. “The feedback on the tyre has been nothing short of spectacular. Hankook is just happy to provide the right tools to the teams so they can achieve results.”

SPORTS Formula One: Two for Alonso Starting at 11th on the grid, Spain’s Fernando Alonso won his 2nd F1 race this season.

sing a two-stop strategy, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso became the first driver to win two races in the 2012 season in Valencia at the European Grand Prix. Alonso took the lead in the championship thanks to an emotional home victory having qualified 11th on the grid. Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel looked likely to make good on his greater speed, and led by 20 seconds after qualifying on pole. However a safety car period and a pit stop to change to medium compound tyres later and the German was forced to retire with a technical problem. Alonso completed two short stints on the P Zero Yellow soft tyre and a longer stint of 29 laps on the P Zero White medium. Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was following a similar tyre strategy to Alonso and was in a strong position to challenge the Ferrari

until he succumbed to a technical problem as well, on lap 40. The final podium positions were only decided in the closing laps, after a dramatic finish characterised by incidents and overtaking. Kimi Raikkonen was second for Lotus ahead of Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher. Raikkonen also took advantage of the safety car period to change his final set of tyres, while Schumacher was on a different strategy. Third place for Schumacher – the highest placed on the grid (12th) of only five drivers to start the race on the medium tyre – was also his best result of the year and the first podium of his comeback, after a spectacular charge in the final laps on the soft tyre. Once again, three different cars and engine manufacturers were represented on the podium, driven by three world champions. Force India’s Paul di Resta was the only driver to use a one-stop strategy, stopping to change from soft to medium tyres on lap 23 and in the process becoming the driver who completed the longest run on each tyre: 23 laps on the soft and 34 laps on the medium. Di Resta finished seventh, just two places behind his two-stopping team mate Nico Hulkenberg, whose fifth place was also the best result of his career.

Madonna performing at the 2012 Superbowl halftime show.

Refocus on sponsorship Bridgestone relinquishes halftime show but remains ‘official tyre’ of football league.

n America, Bridgestone has been replaced as the Superbowl halftime show sponsor by PepsiCo. The Super Bowl famously has one of the top global television audiences for any event, and attracted an estimated 167 million viewers this year. It is also well known that buying into this popularity comes at a substantial cost – television commercials during the Super Bowl are estimated to run to a high of $7 million per minute. Bridgestone will continue to be the ‘official tyre’ of the NFL until at least 2016, and the company is said to be refocusing its sponsorship of the sport throughout the season. The largest tyre company in the world had sponsored the traditional musical performance given at the halfway point of the championship American Football game since 2008, during which time such legends as Bruce Springsteen, The Who and Madonna have headlined the event.

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without compromising driving comfort High polymer silica compound has been adopted to achieve high speed handling and stability providing superior traction and grip for those seeking ultra high performance needs Asymmetric tread design with large outside shoulder blocks provide enhanced cornering and better braking traction while reducing tyre noise Three wide circumferential grooves effectively evacuate water and significantly improve hydroplaning resistance for outstanding wet handling

AZENIS PT722 • • • • • •

Falken's first ultra high performance, all-season tyre Deep tread depth and long lateral groove, for anti-hydroplaning and stability in the wet Newly developed wide steel belts that are stronger than normal cord, offer better wear and performance The asymmetric tread pattern provides tremendous comfort Treadwear indicators regularly informs drivers of proper rotation timing High density casing ply improves wear resistance

For details of your nearest Falken Dealer go to:

Ph 1300 858 112

email: tyres@falkentyres.com.au

www.falkentyres.com.au

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