Page 28 - CTB n6 - 2014-02

COMPANY NEWS
Two New Truck Tyres from GT Radial
Triangle Group Shapes Foundation for Growth
GT Radial’s European Truck and Bus Division has increased its portfolio with the launch of two new tyres at Reifen 2014 – the GSW226 high traction steer axle and GTL925 low platform trailer
Developed for modern three-metre high mega trailer configurations, the GTL925 long distance tyre has an extra wide low-profile casing resulting in a very regular wear pattern with low rolling resistance
Triangle Group, the Chinese truck and bus tyre manufacturer, used the occasion of the Reifen 2014 exhibition in Germany to lay out its new marketing strategy. Over recent months the company has been redefining how to drive its business forth with the creation of a global marketing department aimed at developing the Triangle brand on an international level and presenting Triangle as a unified brand.
In the past Triangle has simply sold its tyres into Europe on a wholesale basis with relatively little marketing back-up. However, in July 2013, the company opened its Global Business Center office in Shanghai in order to focus on international markets, among which Europe has a specific focus.
which it sees opportunities for growth. As an example, the company will star distributing from May onwards through Bedelco SA, which will allow access to TBR and OTR in key European markets such as Germany, France and Romania. From a communications point of view, a new company website went live on May 1st, designed to provide company and product information on a worldwide basis organised by regions. Initial launch has focused on current product offerings and company information. However, a series of regional pages are under construction and will be available in June. Brand equity will also be increased through a worldwide advertising programme which will focus on brand awareness. Other
Peter Foulkes shows the new GT Radial tyres on show at the Reifen 2014 exhibition in Germany
Jenner Powell
tyres.
The GSW226 is the brand’s first specific “winter” marked tyre and has been designed specifically for snow, ice and wet road conditions. With an emphasis on all season traction and braking, the product has also been designed to deliver high mileage potential.
and noise emissions. Wide shoulder ribs increase protection against impact damage.
Both products are due to come onto the market before the end of 2014, at which point more information will be released on sizes and particular product features.
Pirelli Trucks Introduces New Product Line R:01 II
Pirelli has announced the introduction of the second generation of its R: 01 commercial vehicle tyre. Compared to the first generation, the new tyre is claimed to offer greater mileage, more grip, and better traction in the snow.
The new version of the R:01 tyre features the SATT structure and the other innovative technologies that are characteristic of the 01 Series (i.e. the hexagonal bead wire, full rubber encasing of the belt wires, and the dual-layer tread
compound). However, the new products have been improved even further thanks to new compounds using a greater amount of silica and other innovations in the tread
pattern (for the FR:01 II). The result, says Pirelli, is greater mileage, better resistance to cuts in the tread area, and greater grip (in both dry and wet conditions).
To further improve durability and retreadability, the R:01 II features a bead-wrapped chafer (BWC). The TR:01 II has also been given greater traction in the snow, so much so that these tyres have even passed the test for EU homologation and can now bear the 3PMSF mark.
28 Commercial Tyre Business
According to Jenner Powell of Triangle Tyres Co Ltd, the company is currently in the process of developing a road map for the development of both PCR and TBR products. Meanwhile, the company is also investing in renewing its product range in order to ensure that the company can provide the necessary performance levels in its respective targeted segments. To that effect, Triangle recently conducted a series of product tests in the European market.
Triangle has also engaged in developing a worldwide customer survey conducted by a world leading research agency. This annual survey will allow the company to monitor progress of its brand equity, services and products. The company also has plans to develop its distributor network, especially in regional locations, markets and segments in
marketing activities designed to increase brand value will be co- ordinated by the Shanghai office and applied regionally to suit specific market needs.
According to Jenner Powell, 2014 will be a key year for shaping the growth of Triangle Tyres. There are more changes expected, which will be targeted to help the company’s distributors to increase the brand’s presence in the markets it operates, particularly in Europe and North America. Says Powell; “It’s about explaining our products properly, being clearer about the brand and what it stands for, as well as being clear about product availability.”