Page 14 - CTB N14 - 2016-02

CV SHOW REVIEW
April 26 - 28th NEC BIRMINGHAM
Hankook Showcases Expanding SmartFlex Range
Goodyear in Buoyant Mood Thanks to Performance of MMAX and FUELMAX
Goodyear was returning to the CV Show for the third year running and UK Commercial Director Marc Preedy was in a bullish mood about Goodyear’s position in the market when we spoke to him on the first day of the show.
Although the focus of the Goodyear stand was all about demonstrating why leading fleets were choosing Goodyear tyres, in particular the KMAX and FUELMAX ranges, Preedy was optimistic about prospects for the truck and bus tyre market in general.
“We expect a 3-5% growth in the market during 2016, which will returning the market to the level it was back in 2008. Fleet mileage is up, meaning that the replacement cycle is increasing, and there is also growth in the trailer segment. New equipment is being bought too, all of which is indicative of a buoyant, resurgent market.”
Preedy also drew attention to recent increases in raw materials prices, which he believes will result in new tyre price increases and a subsequent reduction in price pressure on the industry.
The Goodyear brand is stable in the CV sector, pointed out Preedy, with the Kmax and FuelMax products both doing well. “The proof of their acceptance in the market place is the volume of fleets that are taking the products up,” he said. We are
“Recently the focus has been more on the Goodyear brand,” admitted Preedy, “but Dunlop is a significant brand too, and we are planning significant activity in reactivating that.” This was reflected in the decision place a highly visible Dunlop bridge on the RHA stand at the show.
Marc Preedy, Goodyear’s UK Commercial Director
Hankook Tyre has established itself as the market leader in the UK commercial vehicle tyre market, and according to Marketing Manager Mark Grace, the company is continuing to hold its position on the back of a buoyant market.
“We believe we are still number one in the UK right now,” he told Commercial Tyre Business at the CV Show, “and our influence is spread across the whole of the gamut of regional and small fleets within the UK market. Sales are currently stable and the current concern about the pricing of cheap imports has not impacted on our business.”
Hankook was presenting its expanding portfolio of SmartFlex commercial vehicle tyres at the CV Show. Alongside the SmartFlex AH31 and DH31 all-season tyres, the
company showcased the latest edition to the SmartFlex family, the AH35, which has been specifically designed for the European market. The new all-season SmartFlex AH35 was displayed in size 215/75R17.5, with other sizes also being readily available on the market. The new tyre features an optimised carcass structure for improved ride and handling and has been designed to provide outstanding traction performance under all conditions. A particular features of the AH35 is the unique, wide tread design with semi- sipes, which has a high pattern volume guaranteeing both even wear and high mileage performance. This is also ensured by the tyre’s high rigidity, making it ideal for both medium and long haul applications. Alongside the new addition to the
SmartFlex range, the existing AH31 and DH31 products were also displayed, having been recently selected as Original Equipment for MAN and Mercedes-Benz Truck vehicles in the three sizes 315/80R22.5, 315/70R22.5 and 295/80R22.5.
In addition, Hankook was displaying the SmartWork AM09 for steering axles and the SmartWork DM09 for drive axles, which offer an all-round solution for on and off - road driving, the AU03+ bus tyre, which has been introduced with an enhanced load index of 150/145J, and the latest developments in Hankook’s range of alphatread retreaded tyres.
We also questioned Preedy about the recent decision to close the Goodyear retreading factor y in Wolverhampton and switch production to Goodyear’s plant in Wittlich, Germany.
“We have maintained our levels of retreads, and we are self-sufficient
The Dunlop Bridge on the RHA stand
also making ground in the bus sector with the likes of Shearings and Trent Barton. This represents the first time in a while that Goodyear is making headway in areas which have not traditionally been our key areas of strength.”
In addition to the constant battle to increase the profile of the Goodyear brand, Preedy also announced plans to refresh the Dunlop commercial vehicle tyre line up with upgrades of both steer and trailer tyres.
in casings,” he said. “Retread sales are captured as part of PPK contracts, so they are largely protected from the price competition that is affecting the retread market in general. Chinese tyres have affected the lower tier sector of the market, so haven’t affected the retread operations of premium manufacturers as much as other sectors of the market.”
CommercialTyre
Management
and Fleet Business
14 Commercial Tyre Business