Page 24 - CTB N12 - 2015-04

BUS & COACH TYRES
sidewall to ensure maximum resistance to curbing and impact damage, while a 20.2mm deep, unique tread pattern ensures good mileage performance combined with extra comfort and reduced noise.
Available in 275/70R22.5, the tyre can be used in both steer and drive positions on both 4x2 and 6x2 configurations and is M+S marked.
Bridgestone’s Delight at Fleet Successes
The good news keeps on rolling in for Bridgestone in the commercial tyre world, with the company achieving a number of key fleet wins during 2015. This includes considerable success in the bus and coach sector with key contracts being finalized with the likes
First Bus was one of Bridgestone’s key bus fleet successes this year.
of First Bus and Kingsferry Coaches. Bridgestone’s Total Tyre Care package of support allows fleets to keep a tight control over their tyre-related costs and is built around the following three components:
Total Tyre Life - Premium new tyres Total Tyre Services - Professional tyre maintenance and assistance throughout Europe
Total Tyre Systems - Inspection tools, customised reports and innovative technologies such as TPMS
Under this umbrella of tyre support, Bridgestone works in new and innovative ways, involving dedicated Bridgestone specialists who liaise directly with each fleet.
Regular tyre maintenance meetings and an innovative digital reporting system should also equate to less breakdown calls when drivers are out on the road, leading to better productivity and ultimately, a more satisfied fleet.
Meanwhile, the Bridgestone Partner service network – which was officially unveiled at the 2015 CV Show – has also been cited as a major factor in Bridgestone’s year of commercial fleet successes.
Bridgestone Partner is comprised of hundreds of respected tyre dealers who will guarantee the highest level of service to fleets and its mission statement is to provide joined-up, strategic partnerships to maximise the life of each and every tyre fitted.
Not only does the network name reinforce Bridgestone’s position as a true premium player, but it underlines just how the bespoke requirements of fleets have changed over the years, where a ‘cradle to grave’ service outweighs a request for new tyres at competitive prices.
Bridgestone believes that tyres only account for around 2-4 per cent of the total budget of a typical fleet, but can influence a huge number of other cost factors such as fuel, repair and downtime, which is where the Bridgestone Partner offering kicks into gear.
Bandvulc Expand Services in Truck and Bus Tyre Market
At Bandvulc the product and services range continues to grow which, combined with the delivery of services across the Group, means Bandvulc have an industry-leading offering that the company believes will give even greater value for its clients throughout
2016.
the fact that
the customer can
be many people in
the supply chain
and the company
considers it to be
equally important
to deliver the
‘Bandvulc
Experience’ at
every level, from
the supply channel
to the end-user.
“We never stop
evolving and we
have to continue
delivering quality
in everything we do
in order to remain
successful,” says
the company.
The plans at Bandvulc throughout this year are expansive and will see the business grow into other tyre and non-tyre areas of the delivery supply chain. Success achieved in 2015 and organic growth objectives have led the company to explore other opportunities with its existing client base. The company points out that its independence allows it to consider and benchmark all new tyre manufacturers in order to achieve the best and most cost- effective solution for clients. This flexibility is invaluable as it allows
flexibility across a range of products and services.
Bandvulc’s new products such as the new truck tyre range, Fleetmaster, along with the new bus tyre range, Citymaster, are aimed at delivering more efficiency and more
Patrick O’Connell
Latest Bus and Coach
Tyre Developments
mileage, whilst being more focused on the needs of fleets. By using the latest tread designs and compound developed in-house at Bandvulc Mixing, the company says new products will continue to place Bandvulc at the forefront of retread innovation, quality and safety. Managing Director Patrick O’Connell says; “Bandvulc is excited about the new range of products it will be bringing to the market. Without the people involved in the projects bringing their skills and knowledge together, none of this would be possible”.
from GT Radial
The latest product developments in the bus and coach sector from GT Radial include the revised GSR225 Combi Road and GAU861 all-
position urban city-bus tyres.
The GSR225 Combi Road, across sizes 275/70R22.5, 295/80R22.5, 315/60R22.5, 315/70R22.5 and 315/80R22.5, has seen an increase in load index capacity up to 158/150L to further meet Euro VI requirements. A new revised groove design improves stone ejection properties and increased general protection against tearing and curbing, especially when subjected to regular and aggressive regional use, while still delivering excellent mileage and handling.
GT Radial’s first all-position urban city-bus tyre, GAU861 has been designed with an extra reinforced
The GSR 225 Combi Road tyre from GT Radial
Bandvulc’s factory in Ivybridge
24 Commercial Tyre Business