Falken Tyres will introduce summer and all-season tyres for cars and SUVs for the OE and aftermarket segments in the Spring 2021.

Ten new sizes will be added to the Falken AZENIS FK510 range, with another two sizes currently in development. This ultra high performance (UHP) tyre provides excellent handling in wet and dry conditions along with low rolling noise, and will be available in the sizes 205/50Z R17 (93Y) XL to 255/35Z R18 (94Y) XL, in addition to the existing 86 sizes. Four new sizes are now available for the AZENIS FK510SUV variant, specifically designed for SUVs, with 215/50 R18 (92W) also set to join the range in the spring.

With 22 new fitments for XL applications, Falken is boosting the offering for its excellent all-season tyre, the Falken EUROALL SEASON AS210. Featuring the “XL” mark, the new sizes span 175/65 R15 (88H) XL through to 255/45 R20 (105V) XL. The all-rounder also features the snowflake symbol (3PMSF), marking it for use in all weather conditions.

With 17 new sizes, Falken is also significantly increasing its range of the all-terrain WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA tyre model, which has been designed for SUVs and 4x4 vehicles used off road. Engineered for rugged terrain in any weather, this model is marked with the snowflake symbol (3PMSF). Additionally, the 255/55 R20 (110H) XL dimension is scheduled to enter production in March 2021. The additional fitments bolster the existing 40 WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA range already available, spanning series 55-85, 15-20 inches.

Falken’s new fitments across its models for cars and SUVs will be available from Spring 2021.

Falken’s extended tyre range and higher load ratings take the strain for LCV and truck operators

Starting from March 2021, Falken will increase its range of tyre fitments available for light commercial vehicles, vans and trucks, along with the load rating of select patterns.

Three new dimensions of Falken’s LINAM VAN01 summer tyre will be available. Engineered to deliver excellent mileage and long-lasting performance, the LINAM VAN01 will be available in sizes 225/60 R16 C 105/103 T, 235/60 R17 C 117/115 S and 225/55 R17 C 109/107 H. Additionally, the pattern’s 235/65 R16 C fitment will have an increased load index of 121/119 R.

For users looking for one tyre to provide all-year-round performance, Falken has added seven new sizes of its EUROALL SEASON VAN11 range. The all-season tyre, which is marked with the snowflake symbol (3PMSF), delivers outstanding durability and safety in all weather conditions. The seven new fitments are: 185/75 R 16 C 104/102 R, 195/70 R 15 C 104/102 S, 215/70 R 15 C 109/107S, 225/70 R 15 C 112/110 R, 225/60 R 16 C 105/103 T, 235/65 R16 C 121/119R and 225/75 R16 C 121/120R.

To support operators and users, numerous additions will also be made to Falken’s truck tyre range. In production is Falken’s BI856 high-traction drive axle tyre for regional and long-distance transport, which will be available in 295/60 R22.5 150/147.

Falken’s patterns for steering and trailer axles – the GI378, GI368 and RI151 – will be available in additional fitments. The Falken GI378 will be available in sizes 425/65 R 22.5 165 K and 445/65 R 22.5 169 K. Featuring the snowflake symbol, this all-season tyre has proven itself on both construction sites and in urban applications. The Falken GI368 in size 385/65 R 22.5 will be upgraded to feature an increased load index of 164 (speed index K).

Falken is also offering four new sizes for the RI151 model: 215/75 R17.5 128/126M, 265/70 R 17.5 140/138 M, 255/70 R 22.5 140/137 M and 295/60 R 22.5 150/147 L. Additionally, the load index of fitment 385/65 R 22.5 is increasing to 164K.

Engineered for regional transport usage, the durable and efficient RI128 pattern will come in additional sizes: 245/70 R 17.5 143/141J, 285/70 R 19.5 150/148J and 275/70 R 22.5 152/148 J. The load index for fitment 245/70 R 19.5 has been increased to 141/140 J, while the 385/65 R 22.5 has been upgraded to a load index of 164 K (158 L).

In April 2021, Falken will begin production of the GI388 all-wheel drive tyre for construction vehicles in 385/65 R 22.5 with the increased load index of 164 K. The addition of the fitment 13R 22.5 156/150K (154/150L) will follow in summer 2021.(TT)

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”