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The tyre plays a crucial role in discus-sions about alternative drives and the ecologically friendly further de-

velopment of Otto and diesel engines. No-wadays, no car manufacturer will be able to do without the gigantic saving volume of tyres with reduced rolling resistance and thus a fuel-efficient potential. Refer-ring to this, the vehicle concept does not matter at all. Nothing will be possible wit-hout “green tyres”.

Michelin and the “difference”The French tyre manufacturer Michelin re-cognized the signs of the times. The first worldwide Michelin advertising campaign which consists of three TV spots announces the message: “The right tyre changes eve-rything.” It focuses on those Michelin tyres, which offer fuel savings, safety and longevi-ty at the same time,. The campaign demons-trates that the choice of the right tyre makes the difference. Michelin tried to show car drivers at its trade booth how significant and beneficial the choice of the right tyre is for them. The Michelin Man “Bibendum” solves the car drivers’ problems in three-dimensio-nal animations.Michelin pursues the philosophy of offering the car manufacturers tyres, which comple-tely fulfil their expectations regardless how

Tyre manufacTurers presenT soluTions

Show me your feet (tyres)The 64th International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt had closed its doors again. The most important realization for the specialized tyre trade: Be it big or small, today each car drives and will still drive with tyres in the future. Nonetheless, the va-riety of dimensions and specifi-cations is getting more and more confusing. At the same time there is an increased technical demand on tyre developers and manufacturers.

different those may be. The tyre manufac-turer demonstrates what solutions can be offered by choosing three types of vehicle concepts: a sport saloon, a hybrid car and a prototype.The brand new BMW M5 drives with the Michelin Pilot Super Sport. According to Mi-chelin, it is the fastest serial production tyre of the world on a race course. Its develop-ment was based on Michelin’s experiences in motor sports, especially the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The BMW M5 will be equipped on a 100 per cent basis with the high tech tyre of Pilot Super Sport in 2011.Michelin also avidly followed the presenta-tion of the future electric car Opel Ampera. The Michelin tyre developers have participa-ted in the Opel innovation programme from the very beginning. This cooperation could be built up on a solid foundation as the two companies have already worked together for some time and Opel has increasingly equip-ped its cars with Michelin tyres. After the models Insignia EcoFlex and Astra EcoFlex, Opel makes now also use of the French ty-res with regard to Opel Corsa and Meriva EcoFlex because they guarantee balanced performance of these vehicles. The use of the Michelin Energy Saver of the last gene-ration increases the efficiency of the electric drive of these vehicles. More kilometres can

be covered with the same amount of char-ging time which results in higher total milea-ge combined with safety.When Michelin developed a tyre prototype for the concept car Citroen D11, a nine-seat multi- purpose vehicle, the focus was on re-duced fuel consumption and high longevity. In order to achieve this result, the Michelin developers created a new-size tyre. Due to a width of 235 millimetres and a diameter of 22 inches, it is bigger than most tyres available in today’s market. The tyre’s long diameter and its relatively small width improve its ae-rodynamic qualities. The tyre requires fewer rotations to cover the same distance than a smaller tyre and there is less deformation. Consequently, the longer diameter means more rubber in the tread. This rise in usable material offers a higher total mileage and re-duces overall operating costs. Thus, this ap-proach is supposed to solve future mobility problems. (oth)

The worldwide campaign “The right tyre changes everything” was the motto at the Michelin booth at the IAA.

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WE MANAGE YOUR WORKSHOP

www.rema-tiptop.com

During the press conference, Jin-Wook Choi, Executive Vice President Hankook Tire and Head of Hankook

Tire Europe, explained the goals of the trade fair presentation. “The IAA is an ideal forum in order to demonstrate that we are well prepared for the future mobile chal-lenges. Our engineers are developing with passion for innovation in worldwide five research and development centres effici-ent, powerful and environmentally friend-ly tyres which are adapted to the different needs of the regional markets in an excel-lent way. And finally, we have been pro-ducing tyres at the highest technical and qualitative level for the past 70 years.”

Tyre development with German Touring Car Championship (DTM) knowledgeSince the beginning of the current racing season, Hankook has been the exclusive tyre partner of the DTM, one of the most popular international touring series. The Ventus race tyre, which was put at the disposal of all the teams by the tyre manufacturer, has so far convinced on all the courses. Shortly before the race in the English Brands Hatch, Hanko-ok presented the latest generation of the race tyre, which was redeveloped according to the modified set of requirements, starting as from the 2012 season. The difference in size is specifically striking. The new front tyre with a width of 300 millimetres and an exter-nal diameter of 680 millimetres is even big-ger than the back tyre of 2011. Thus, the new race tyre is a completely new development of up to 50 per cent.

The new “Ultra High Performance” flag-ship presented at the IAA, the summer tyre Hankook Ventus S1 evo2, has DTM genes. The successor of the Ventus S1 evo, which received several awards, is the result of Hankook’s successful engagement as exclu-sive tyre manufacturer of the DTM. The high-end tyre of the latest generation convinces due to a number of technological innovations and is predominantly produced at the Euro-pean production plant in Hungary. The line-up for the forthcoming spring season 2012 will cover the sizes from 17 to 19 inches of the series 45 to 35 and a tread width from 215 to 275. Consequently, it will be available from

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World premiere and innovative tyre concepts

At the IAA in Frankfurt, the tyre manufacturer Hankook Tire pre-sented forward-looking tyre solutions decorated with an exciting trade fair programme. This year the tyre manufacturer had as mot-to “Hankook with passion for innovation”.

vehicles like larger motorized compact cars to luxury saloons or sports cars. The line-up will be further completed in 2012/2013.

New winter tyre generationMoreover, a new generation of modern win-ter tyres for the central and west European market celebrated its world premiere at the Hankook booth. The Hankook winter i*cept RS was developed by especially taking the latest EU regulations into account, which will be valid from 2012 on. The Hankook winter i*cept RS was above all impressive because of its low rolling resistance, reduced running noise and an excellent wet grip. Combined with an optimized driving performance in snow, this stands for a maximum of safety and improved protection of the environ-ment. The winter tyre i*cept RS will be made available in sizes suitable for small cars, middle class saloons and station wagons up to family vans starting this autumn.Forward-looking concept tyresFurthermore, Hankook presented its new con-cept tyre, the Kinergy Eco EV, especially de-

veloped for electric and hybrid vehicles. The new tyre stands for a further development of its namesake Kinergy Eco, which was laun-ched in spring 2011 and offers protection of the environment for everybody. The Kinergy Eco EV is characterized by reduced rolling re-sistance and optimized tyre contour for a low drag coefficient and is Hankook contribution to consumption-optimized, safe, demanding and last but not least stylish driving. (oth)

Surrounded by Hankook girls: Jin-Wook Choi, Executive Vice President Hankook Tire and Head of Hankook Tire Europe and Dietmar Olbrich, Sales and Marketing Director Hankook Tire Germany.

The latest high perfor-mance summer tyre, Hankook Ventus S1 evo2, has DTM genes.

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The environmentally friendly range of Ecopia tyres, which focuses on a technology for the tread compound,

is the key to further sales development of Bridgestone. The Ecopia line is a constantly growing range of high-quality tyres with low rolling resistance which contributes to a decrease in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without any compromise con-cerning driving on wet roads or any other performance characteristics. Bridgestone shows the Ecopia EP150 tyre on the Nissan LEAF, the car of the year 2011, which is the original equipment of the Nissan. The tyre is based on Bridgestone’s patented NanoPro Tech technolo-gy, which reduces rolling resistance by minimi-zing both loss of energy and heat generation in the upper tread compound during rotation.

Bridgestone also illustrates its future vision with regard to the term “innovative”. Referring to this, the tyre manufacturer also presents the half-weight concept tyre. This forward-looking solution, which will be developed for car manu-facturers, would like to meet strict requirements concerning vehicle weight and fuel consumpti-on.

The latest run-flat technologyThe run-flat technology from Bridgestone is characterized by an outstanding position with regard to reliability and safety. The tyre ma-nufacturer launched a run-flat version of the Potenza S001 UHP, the flagship in the area of sports tyres. Since August 2011, the new S001 RFT has been available in four sizes of the 40 to 55 series. It combines the sports character of the S001 with a high safety level and the comfort of the latest generation of the flat technology from Bridgestone. Furthermore, the tyre is part of the standard equipment of the new BMW 1 series. At the moment, Bridgestone run-flat tyres can be found all over the whole BWM and Mini range of pro-ducts in Europe. Among others, they also be-long to the equipment of a high number of models from Audi, Mercedes, Lexus and VW. There are also a number of sports cars of the top class like models from Ferrari and Mase-rati, which are equipped with RFT tyres.

Additionally, Bridgestone’s latest genera-tion of run-flat tyres offers a driving comfort being similar to traditional tyres. This was enabled by developing innovative technolo-

gies for the control of heat – among others the NanoPro Tech polymer, which decreases the inner friction heat, as well as the innova-tive Cooling Fin technology, which keeps the sidewall cool. As a consequence, the vertical stiffness of the run-flat sidewall could be de-creased.

Winter fun with BridgestoneBridgestone is a specialist for winter tyre technology and has developed a complete range of products, which covers all the pos-sible weather conditions of all the European regions. The range of tyres with top perfor-mance offers safety on wet and dry roads as well as for driving in snow, slush and ice.

The A001 Weather Control is a tyre, which was especially developed for the moderate central European climate with its wet, mild winters. Thanks to a silica compound suitable for all the different types of weather, special

draining tread blocks and a high edge effect, the Bridgestone A001 Weather Control will guarantee dynamic driving experience with safe grip and reliable handling in all the pos-sible conditions, even if the winter hits wit-hout warning. It will guarantee reliable and safe driving in the mentioned regions all over the year.

In addition to this, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 for passenger cars and the LM-80 for SUV are also available, which were especially developed for the cold but variable central European weather. Nonetheless, the Blizzak WS70 is also offered as a reliable winter tyre for severe winter in Northern Europe by the tyre manufacturer.

Bridgestone’s new role as sponsor and main partner of 34 ski World Cup races of the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup goes hand in hand with this. This sponsoring is part of an integrated European concept to strengthen the growing winter tyre business of Bridges-tone. It is intended to clarify the link bet-ween high performance winter sport and Bridgestone’s broad range of premium win-ter tyres. (oth)

Bridgestone presented its strategic direction at the IAA. The tyre manufacturer wants to make a profit from reliable, environmentally friendly and innovative tyres.

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Bridgestone banks on reliable, environmentally friendly and innovative tyres

The Audi Q5 with FIS branding and equip-ped with the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-80 tyres at the trade fair booth.

According to Peter Gulow, Director Consumer Products, Bridgestone is well prepared for the future.

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Continental AG has already started leaving behind the image of a tyre manufacturer some time ago. The

three divisions of the automotive group, Chassis & Safety, Powertrain and Interi-or, guarantee that Continental can offer key technologies for future mobility. The group’s chance of a long-term profitable growth were confirmed by the visible de-velopment trends in the automotive area at the IAA.

Dr Elmar Degenhart, Continental CEO, said at the press conference: “In the future, individual mobility will be characterized by increasing diversity and rising complexity. Only those, who will be able to dominate this complexity and to launch continuously inno-vations according to the automotive trends, can be permanently successful as supplier on the world market”.

He added the following: “Due to its in-novative power, Conti is actively creating the mega trends of the industry and can thus, grow in a sustainable and profitable way and faster than the market average in emerging markets. Our innovations, our efficiency and high quality will secure our future as leading international automotive supplier. Our pre-sentation at this year’s IAA demonstrates that we are well prepared for the require-ments of the future. The reason for this is that we dispose of a broad product portfolio, a high system competence and innovative power, an excellent quality management

Continental AG could again de-monstrate very impressively at the IAA that the group offers innovative and efficient system solutions in and around the car.

and above all 160,000 excellent employees worldwide.”

At the same time, Degenhart confirmed the outlook of the company for the current business year: “We still stick to this year’s prognosis to increase turnover by at least 10 per cent to 29.5 billion euros and to reach an adjusted operating return on sales of 10 per cent. It will be necessary to observe whe-ther the distortions in the financial markets will have an impact on the real economy. At the moment, we expect a cooling down for 2012 but not a serious recession. Due to the product portfolio, Conti will even grow in stagnating markets by a middle one-digit percentage.”

Conti has invested with vision in techno-logies and future markets and has also crea-ted new jobs at the same time. This year, 10,000 employees have been hired, and even 25,000 work places have been created since the crisis in 2009. This year, the company in-tends to invest 1.6 billion euros for research and development, 10 per cent more than in the previous year. The supplier increased its

investment by about 36 per cent to 1.8 billion euros year-on-year. The majority of it went into the emerging markets, especially the so-called BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), where the company is meant to grow above average.

With regard to electric mobility Conti takes the lead. As the first automotive sup-plier worldwide, the company will build a highly efficient synchronous machine for a pure electric vehicle without rare earths. Lar-ge-scale production started just in time for the IAA. Renault’s electric vehicle fleet will be equipped with this drive. For this reason about 12 million euros were invested in the Lower-Saxony location Gifhorn. The annual production capacity is fixed at 60,000 electric motors, the volume is supposed to be increa-sed to up to 75,000 motors from 2012 on.

Continental’s black gold is called rubber. The tyre manufacturer from Hanover is res-ponsible for the original equipment of more than 30 per cent of all European new cars with Continental tyres. Thus, the tyre divisi-on is market leader for passenger car tyres in Europe. Requirements for tyres will continue to increase. A combination of shorter braking distances on wet and dry roads with low rol-ling resistance has always been considered as highly difficult. When presenting the new ContiEcoContact 5 Conti joined both require-ments and guaranteed safety. The combina-tion of possible improvements enables the new tyre to achieve a considerably better total performance and even more balanced driving characteristics. (oth)

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Continental does not only have convincing tyres

Dr Elmar Degenhart, Conti CEO, illustra-ted the demanding expectations of the company at the press conference.

Continental offers global solutions and modules for affordable vehicles.