Page 28 - CTB N14 - 2016-02

PRODUCTS
CommercialTyre
Management
and Fleet Business
Dunlop Launches New On-road Truck Tyre Range
contributes to lower noise and higher mileage. This allows the blocks to enter the footprint gradually and reduces exterior noise. This further contributes to the mileage improvement thanks to its wider tread and higher net-to- gross ratio. These two features provide more rubber volume, without changing the distribution of stiffness across the tread blocks. Tie bars increase tread stiffness reducing tread block slip when going through the footprint. Like the SP346 steer tyre, the SP446 drive tyre tread provides a high grip
level throughout its life until it is ready for retreading.
Dunlop SP246 Trailer
New Dunlop SP246 trailer tyres with M+S marking, which will complement the brand-new SP346 and SP446, will be available later in the year. These will be available in sizes 385/55R22.5 160 (158) and 385/65R22.5 164 (158) HL as High Load version providing an axle weight capacity of 10 tonnes, allowing more payload and therefore higher efficiency to fleet operators.
Dunlop is launching a brand new truck tyre range that is claimed to offer more versatility and better all- round performance than ever before. The new on-road range comprises the SP346 steer tyre, SP446 drive tyre and SP246 trailer tyre.
The new range is aimed at fleets that operate in all sectors of on-road haulage and offer up to 10% higher mileage for distribution operations and low fuel consumption for long haul work. The range also ensures that mobility can be maintained in winter road conditions. This is thanks to them meeting the strict 3PMSF performance requirements for truck snow tyres as defined by the European Union on the new steer and drive tyres as well as M+S marking on all tyres. In addition, winter tyre regulations can be met in all European countries where they may be applicable as steer and drive tyres are M+S rated as well as 3PMSF homologated.
Dunlop SP 346 Steer Tyre
aim high in wet grip index. The wear characteristics designed into this tyre mean that the tread pattern is maintained throughout its life until it is ready for regrooving. In order to help optimise vehicles’ operational capabilities, where increased load carr ying capacity is required, the new Dunlop SP346 steer tyre is available as High Load versions in some sizes. The steer tyres help compensate for increased front axle loads due to extra equipment such as is demanded by Euro VI requirements.
Dunlop SP446 Drive Tyre
Giti Brand to Replace GT Radial in European Truck and Bus Market
Like the new steer tyre, the Dunlop SP446 drive tyre offers higher mileage and at the same time lowers fuel consumption compared to its predecessor the SP444. It also delivers excellent traction in all conditions. A key feature that gives performance advantages is the ‘raindrop’ shape of the base of the sipes. The special raindrop design helps achieve the M+S and 3PMSF requirements and at the same time helps reducing the stresses around the bottom of the sipes. A further advantage from the sipes is robustness in regional service conditions. The size of the tread blocks and the width of the grooves are designed to distribute tread stiffness to give higher mileage and high grip in wet conditions.
Another feature is the new Dual Layer Technology. The outer layer of the tread is highly resistant to abrasion while the inner layer reduces rolling resistance thanks to its low hysteresis properties. This gives higher mileage and delivers fuel saving thanks to low rolling resistance over the life of the tread. The V-shaped tread pattern
Giti Tire has announced the launch of its flagship Giti brand into its European Truck and Bus (TBR) operations.
The strategic initiative, which will replace GT Radial through a mixture of new tyres and relabelling of existing successful products, will begin immediately and be fully implemented by the end of 2017. Giti Tire is currently the fifth largest producer of TBR tyres globally and operates in over 130 markets with OE contracts in every continent, the decision is designed to expand the use and knowledge of the Giti
brand and portfolio to create a singular global platform and streamline product development. Daria Sala della Cuna, TBR Sales & Marketing Director – Europe at Giti Tire, said: “This is a hugely exciting development, and
one that will
ultimately benefit
end-users and
distributors in the
European market
on a substantial
scale.
“The development
of TBR tyres is a
lengthy process,
sotobeableto
streamline these
efforts to a
reduced number
of brands, while
still ensuring the
product meets
ever y operational
and legislative
requirement for
Europe and other
markets, means
state-of-the-art
technologies can
be brought to
market much
faster.
“Also Giti tyres are
now fitted by OEM manufacturers around the world in the truck, trailer and passenger vehicle sectors, and as the export of these vehicles continues to grow like-for-like replacements must be available globally.”
Further information on the Giti TBR rollout will be disclosed over the coming weeks and months including new product lines, confirmation of GT Radial rebranded tyres, new sizes and improved certifications. During this period product development will continue apace.
No timescales are set for the introduction of Giti branded products into specific European countries, they will be brought in to meet market requirements based on manufacturing availability.
Richard Hutchins, Senior Product Marketing manager, Europe, shows off the Giti range during the recent Reifen exhibition in Essen, Germany
The new Dunlop SP346 steer tyre offers higher mileage and lower fuel consumption than its predecessor the SP344 as well as excellent handling and control in all conditions. The innovative tread design delivers the performance required to meet the stringent 3PMSF EU homologation requirements for truck snow tyres and the M+S marking. The sipes, which are deeper than those of the SP344, are key to this as they increase the flexibility of the tread blocks allowing better snow compaction. The design of the sipes and their frequency have been engineered to simultaneously target low wear, winter performance and
28 Commercial Tyre Business