Australian Tyre Dealer | vol. 21 | issue 5 | Oct/Nov 2012

NEW

2012

0005

ATD is a publication of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) and is endorsed by the Australian Tyre Dealers and Retreaders Association (ATDRA)

Print Post approved PPP444752/0002

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the ATDRA or any State or Territory constituent body, or of the Publishers and they take no responsibility for them, except where specifically indicated.

Head Office Building 8/2728 Logan Road Eight Mile Plains Qld 4113 PO Box 4530 Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113 Tel: 07 3237 8777 Fax: 07 3844 4488 Toll Free: 1800 177 951 Email: atd@mtaq.com.au Website: www.mtaq.com.au

ediTOR Michael Taylor

aRT diRecTOR Marco Ilinic

adVeRTiSiNG Jeff Dunlop Telephone: 07 3237 8777 Mobile: 0422 075 007 Facsimile: 07 3844 4488 Email: jeffd@mtaq.com.auu

ediTORiaL Enquiries should be made to: The Editor 07 3237 8777 or email atd@mtaq.com.au

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“Australian Tyre Dealer” welcomes submissions of information and prepared articles, but their publication will be at its sole discretion. Material appearing in “Australian Tyre Dealer” is copyright, and reproduction in whole or part without the Publisher’s written consent is prohibited. “Australian Tyre Dealer” is circulated to tyre dealers, senior executives of companies which supply the tyre industry, and representatives of relevant industry groups.

CONTENTS

1

3. ediTORS wORd

feaTUReS

8. Sumitomo tyres are back!

18. World class tyre technology drives

Triangle forward

22. Collaboration forges wheel success

26. Quick smart tyre checking

iNdUSTRy NewS

4. Tyre industry veteran joins

“a great brand”

5. Courtesy campaign aims to improve

driving enjoyment

6. Strengthened crops threaten tyre life

Valuing workers cuts costs

iNNOVaTiON

10. Tailored solutions for the tyre industry

12. Adidas lifts traction performance on

Conti rubber

14. Conti.eContacts support EV

prototype

16. Patents aplenty from bulletproof

research

OVeRSeaS NewS

20. Tops marks across key criteria

for Conti tyre

ITMA expands Asian membership

base

21. Marangoni: made in Italy

SPORT

30. Hankook tyres carry Pikes

Peak winner

32. Michelin tyres take GT driver

to victory

Phillip Island rookie Maro Engel wins Australian GT on Michelin tyres ahead of teammate Peter Hackett, with

Craig Lowndes finishing out the podium, p. 30.

Running shoes with Continental rubber outsoles are providing better grip in the wet than its

competitors in the dry, p. 12.

Carbon Revolution creates the world’s first one-piece carbon fiber wheels for automotive and

aerospace applications, p. 22.

2012

0031

Ray Barr was recently appointed Hankook’s national sales manager and he believes that the tyre makers’

best days are yet to come, p. 4.

2

Continental said that last year the company saved approximately $140 million because it actively

utilizes its’ Continental Idea Management (CIM) program – see page 6. The German tyre maker and automotive component supplier encourages those working at its 126 global locations to submit ideas on how efficiency and cost effectiveness can be boosted, and last year well over 300,000 of employee-driven suggestions were implemented.

Other than showing up, doing a job and going home, how

well are you engaging with employees and/or co-workers?

Employees who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person - not just an employee - are more productive, more satisfied, more fulfilled – and more inclined to express their ideas that ultimately help the overall business. Satisfied employees mean satisfied customers, which leads to profitability.

The origin of the humble Post-It Note is perhaps the best-known story about a million-dollar innovation that sprang from an unexpected place within a company.

Spencer F. Silver was working for 3M in the late 1960s when he developed a resilient adhesive that would make a piece of paper stick to a surface, but was still weak

enough to let the papers be torn apart again. Silver pitched the product over and over again to people around the company for the next few years, but he never caught any traction. Until, that is, another colleague came along, took Silver’s adhesive, attached it to a bookmark prototype he was working on, and the Post-It was born.

Tapping your employees’ creativity can provide you with a wealth of ideas that management may have overlooked, in addition to creating an environment where all workers feel engaged.

But what’s the best way to get them to open up?

Ideas come from interplay and free exchange in a workplace. Create opportunities for employees to get together and brainstorm. It doesn’t really matter how it’s done, as long as it’s done together. If ‘fun’ is not a dirty word at your business, you’ll hear a lot more ideas every day. Nothing shuts people up faster than knowing if they offer an idea the boss or company doesn’t like, they’ll pay for it. Really good ideas almost never sound normal.

EdiTOr’S wOrd

Michael Taylor Editor

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iNdUSTrY NEwS

4

1800 722 822FREECALLORDERHOTLINE

plus many more brands including Continental

Tyre indusTry veTeran joins “a greaT brand”Ray BaRR waS ReceNTLy aPPOiNTed HaNkOOk’S NaTiONaL SaLeS maNaGeR aNd He BeLieVeS THaT THe TyRe makeRS’ BeST dayS aRe yeT TO cOme.

One of the most respected figures in the Australian tyre business has joined Hankook Tyre Australia

as its national sales manager.

Ray Barr brings more than 30 years of industry experience to Hankook,

having most recently been the national operations manager for Australia’s biggest tyre retail chain.

Mr. Barr says he’s excited to join Hankook at a time when the brand is making plans for significant growth.

“Hankook is a great brand, but I’m sure my colleagues would be the first to agree that it has not yet reached its potential in the Australian market.

“I believe Hankook tyres are technically superior to most other brands currently in the market, so the challenge now is to supply our tyres to more dealers and their customers.”

Hankook Tyre Australia’s managing director Paul Park

says Mr. Barr brings a wealth of knowledge and relationships to the company’s Australian operations.

“Ray Barr’s appointment is a real coup for Hankook,” said Mr. Park.

“I believe he is one of the best tyre men in the country and his decision to join us is a big vote of confidence in the Hankook brand.”

Mr. Barr is joining the Hankook team at the same time as it commences a retail partnership with the JAXQuickfit chain.

He is hopeful that more tyre industry partnerships will be secured in the near future.

“This industry is all about relationships and trust,” he said.

“You’re only as good as your word and that’s one of the things I’m pleased to bring to Hankook.

“I’ve joined Hankook because, although it has been on the scene in Australia for 40 years, I believe its best days are still ahead of it.

“I’m really looking forward to being a part of that success,” Mr. Barr said.

Mr. Barr is joining the Hankook team at the same time as it commences a retail partnership with the JAXQuickfit chain.

5

CourTesy Campaign aims To improve driving enjoymenTa ReceNT SURVey ReVeaLS THaT aT LeaST HaLf THe mOTORiSTS ON THe ROad dO NOT eNjOy dRiViNG.

After studying 2,000 UK drivers, Continental Tyres drew the conclusion that half of all motorists no longer enjoy driving – and a key reason for this lack of love is the threat of road rage. The

study also revealed that around 15 per cent of those surveyed – a number representing five million motorists – have got out of their car to confront another driver.

Continental Tyres produced the report to support its ‘Courtesy Campaign’, which encourages motorists to employ more courteous driving methods. The study highlighted the need for awareness as it found one in three road users ‘expect’ to experience aggressive or intimidating driving whilst out in the car.

“The figures are shocking,” said Continental’s Tim Bailey.

“Of paramount importance is road safety, but if motorists feel intimidated or angry they will lack concentration, increasing the danger for other road users, never mind not enjoying the driving experience.

“We are launching a ‘Courtesy Campaign’ to help reduce the problem, not only to improve safety and the driving experience but also because showing consideration to others on the roads actually eases congestion and reduces delays,” he said.

The study also found seven out of ten drivers believe they are more aggressive behind the wheel than at any other time. And when on the receiving end of road rage 40 per cent feel angry, 28 per cent feel shaken and nearly one in four (22 per cent) feel like retaliating.

Dr Mark Sullman, expert in driver behaviour at Cranfield University said: “When driving, we are prevented from using the normal cues to work out people’s intentions, such as facial expression and body language, so we are more likely to misunderstand their behaviour and interpret it in a negative way.”

“For instance if you bump into someone on foot, a quick smile or ‘oops’ is all that is needed to show it was accidental.

Our tyres turn heads....

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“However, when in the car, with the absence of cues, people are much more likely to react in an aggressive manner than in other ‘public’ situations.

“You can choose not to let it rile you and instead deal with the situation in a positive way, such as concentrating on driving safely yourself or realising that everyone makes mistakes,” Dr Sullman added.

Tim Bailey said that “avoiding the stop-start of harsh braking and acceleration associated with aggressive driving saves energy and improves the flow of traffic, reducing journey times – which in turn should make motorists happier.”

Being on the receiving end of a blast of the horn from another driver is the most common form of aggression, followed by being ‘tailgated’ and having someone brake hard in front of you. The next most common forms of road rage triggers are being undertaken, being ‘flashed’ to get out of the way, and offensive hand gestures. And it seems we don’t need much encouragement to get riled – 41 per cent of people surveyed admitted they can be an angry driver and15 per cent owned up to leaving their vehicle to confront another motorist. Further information about Continental’s ‘Courtesy Campaign’, complete with tips on how to stay calm when behind the wheel, can be found at www.drivingmatters.org.uk.

iNdUSTrY NEwS

6

Jim Patrico, an editor at Progressive Farmer magazine, told the radio network that some agricultural tyres are now been shipped with Kevlar linings that corn stalks can’t penetrate.

“They’re doing things like a kevlar lining,” he said.

“Yep, that kevlar, the kind soldiers have in their helmets and vest - it’s a fight out there in the fields, tyres versus thousands of corn stalk spears,” Mr. Patrico added.

valuing workers CuTs CosTs cONTiNeNTaL makeS miLLiONS Of dOLLaRS iN SaViNGS BecaUSe THe cOmPaNy NOT ONLy LiSTeNS TO iTS emPLOyeeS, iT eNacTS THeiR ideaS.

It’s sometimes said that good employees are worth their weight in gold, and at Continental this may well be

literally the case. The German tyre maker and automotive component supplier encourages those working at its 126 global locations to submit ideas on how efficiency and cost effectiveness can be boosted, and last year some 310,000 of these employee-driven suggestions were implemented. These ideas, says Continental, saved the company almost 120 million euros (AUD $140 million).

Continental facilities outside of Germany were responsible for the ideas behind a good 83 per cent of this amount.

“In comparison to the previous year, the number of ideas submitted has risen by three per cent and net savings have increased by 22 per cent globally,” said Continental human resources director Elke Strathmann.

sTrengThened Crops ThreaTen Tyre lifeSOme aGRicULTURaL TyRe maNUfacTUReRS aRe SUPPLyiNG PROdUcT wiTH keVLaR LiNiNG TO deaL wiTH THe New eNemy iN THe fieLd: GeNeTicaLLy mOdified cROPS, wHicH aRe cHewiNG UP faRm macHiNeRy TyReS.

Mark Newhall from US publication Farm Show magazine refers to them as being like a “field of little spears - little spears that are stabbing, and bumping and chewing up tractor tyres.”

The spear-like protrusions described by Newhall are genetically modified crops, and in an interview with public radio producer American Public Media, the magazine editor and others discussed the tyre issues that genetically modified crops are creating.

Genetically modified crops have been ‘strengthened’ to help them resist pests and withstand

unfavourable climatic conditions. Newhall says the stalks of these crops are stiffer and tougher, and this is taking its toll on tractor tyres.

Robert Parks, of Custom Tyre Cutting, a company that customises tractor tyres, says genetically modified crop stubble wears tyres out much earlier than conventional crops, and farmers get much less use from their tyres.

“In some instances they last just a year or two, where normally they would get five or six years out of the tyres,” Mr. Parks said.

So what is the solution? While Parks’ company hardens tyres for customers through a baking process, tyre makers themselves are also responding to the challenges posed by genetically modified crops.

In some instances they last just a year or two, where normally they would get five or six years out of the tyres.

7

“CIM is a controlled process with which we actively promote our employees and their creativity,” said Matthias Nehrhoff, head of Corporate Idea Management at Continental.

“The focus of the ideas is not on cost saving. ‘The employees’ ideas help optimise processes and quality as well as improve environmental protection, occupational health and safety.

“Furthermore, we boost the motivation and development of our employees while at the same time enhancing their sense of identification with our company,” he explained.

Icheon in South Korea again tops the worldwide locations category. Approximately 730 employees there submitted more than 33,500 ideas that were successfully implemented. This

translates to 46 implemented ideas per employee at a participation rate of 100 per cent. Conti’s plant in Rubí, Spain is once again in second place; the participation rate at this plant was 100 per cent and as many as 60 ideas per employee were submitted, with over 97 per cent of these implemented. The Guadalajara plant in Mexico came third.

In the company’s homeland, savings achieved were calculated to be around 21 million euros (AUD $25 million) in 2011. Continental’s Regensburg site was the frontrunner with a participation rate of 95 per cent and four implemented ideas per employee. With a participation rate of 68 per cent and three implemented ideas per employees, the automotive plant in Roding, Bavaria, took second place. The Rheinböllen location in Hesse came third.

In May 2012, Continental’s German locations were honoured by the German Institute of Economics (Deutsches Institut für Betriebswirtschaft) with third place for “best idea management 2011” in the automotive suppliers with more than 5,000 employees category.

“This repeated honour for our idea management means that we can hold our own in the competition,” said Mr. Nehrhoff.

“However, it also shows that there is still potential for improvement,” he added.

The employees’ ideas help optimise processes and quality as well as improve environmental protection, occupational health and safety.

“In particular, the management and values culture in the company is a success factor and shows the employees’ strong identification with the company and their commitment to idea management,” she said.

Each year, internal awards are presented within the framework of Continental’s Idea Management (CIM), which has been actively promoted in one form or another since 1930. The winner is the location that earns the highest number of points; these are calculated based on the number of participants, the number of ideas implemented and the calculated net savings.

8

After a brief hiatus, Sumitomo tyres have re-entered the Australian market in mid-2012. Summit Tyres Australia, a recently formed subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation Group has commenced

sales as the sole distributor in Australia. The Managing Director, Mr Koji Aoyama, has outlined his desire to provide consistency, longevity and integrity for the Sumitomo brand.

“We know Australian tyre dealers are already familiar with the value that Sumitomo tyres provide for their business, and Summit Tyres look forward to servicing their requirements with a comprehensive product offering - including patterns and sizes not previously accessible,” Mr. Aoyama said.

“This provides a firm foundation for meeting the needs of the modern consumer – whether it is increased fuel economy for the family car, uncompromising handling for performance vehicles, or a truck fleet looking for improved cost per kilometre,” he added.

Since Summit Tyres commenced exclusive distribution of the Sumitomo brand in July, the range has already increased to more than 170 different products. Specifically, there are now greater than 120 different passenger tyres in the range to suit more than 95% of vehicles driving on Australian roads.

The latest Sumitomo product introduced to the market is the TOUR PLUS. An asymmetric five-rib design - which as the name suggests, provides reliability and comfort across the range of Australian conditions. The TOUR PLUS is initially available in 30 sizes to suit late model passenger and SUV vehicles.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries was recently ranked as the world’s sixth largest tyre manufacturer and has been exporting to major developed markets for over 40 years. With new factories under construction and exports now in excess of 45 million tyres per annum, Sumitomo continues to enhance its reputation for exceptional Japanese quality and technology.

“Sumitomo is very pleased to be back in Australia and through Summit Tyres is looking to grow the presence and market share of the brand in the local market,” Mr Aoyama concluded.

Dealers interested in stocking the range of Sumitomo tyres should contact Summit Tyres Australia on telephone 13000 SUMMIT or 03 9375 5600 or email: sales@summittyres.com.au

Sumitomo tyres are back!Sumitomo tyres are now available in Australia, boasting a comprehensive product offering – including patterns and sizes not previously accessible.

99

Sumitomo tyres are back!

iNNOVATiON

10

Tailored soluTions for The Tyre indusTrymaRTiNS iNdUSTRieS HaS BeeN SUPPLyiNG TyRe-RackiNG SySTemS fOR 25 yeaRS, wiTH THe aUSTRaLiaN aRm Of THe cOmPaNy SPeciaLiSiNG iN SOLUTiONS fOR TyRe deaLeRS, wHOLeSaLeRS, aNd waReHOUSeS.

Martins Industries has been designing and manufacturing handling and storage

systems for tyres and wheels since 1987. Today, the company’s products can be found all over the world. Headquartered in Montreal (Canada), this site also has a manufacturing facility as well as one in Taipei (Taiwan), with distribution centres in Montreal, Atlanta and Sydney.

As the distribution point for Australian customers, Martins Industries Australia Pty Ltd - headed

up by Sales Manager Maria Randazzo - supplies the company’s products to customers in all Australian states and territories.

“We supply tyre manufacturers, tyre distributors and warehouses, tyre marketing groups and tyre dealers with tyre storage racks, tyre stands, displays and tyre handling equipment,” Ms. Randazzo said.

“In addition, Martins Industries is a global leader in the design and production of solutions for manufacturers, distributors,

continued page 12

MIC-AUHD-MINE (world’s largest tyre inflation cage) with Martins Industries’ Director, Martin Dépelteau – Vice President Sales & Marketing, Tyre Equipment

Martin Industries’ design and engineering team is able to design specific tyre racks and displays to meet specific requirements.

iNNOVATiON

12

logistics companies, garages and car dealerships,” she added.

A complete brochure overview of products can be downloaded on the homepage of the company’s website, www.martinsindustries.com.

Additionally, Martin Industries’ design and engineering team is able to design specific tyre racks and displays to meet specific requirements. The Montreal and Taipei manufacturing plants use Motoman welding robots, which are used for large-scale production of tyre racks, cages and display units. These 7-axis robots work on two automated rotary tables equipped with high-quality welding machines. This equipment manufactures products of superior quality.

As for finish, Martins Industries plants are equipped with powder coating lines in order to ensure a much more durable finish. Manufactured products are cleaned with a special preparation before coating. Standard colours are grey,

blue, red, orange, green, yellow and black, but the company can reproduce any other colour as well.

Ms. Randazzo said that Martins Industries is one of the only tyre equipment and racking manufacturers to sell products directly to their clients without intermediaries.

“As a result, we are able to provide better prices and we are in the best position to give advice, whether that be to tyre dealers, tyre distributors, automobile dealerships or logistic centres,” she said.

“We have great solutions for displaying tyres, storing tyres, shipping them - or even if someone is thinking about creating a tyre warehousing system, we can help,” she added.

In addition to its constant attention to the cost and quality of their products, Martins Industries consider environmental protection an integral part of their production processes and business practices.

This policy can be seen in a number of ways, such as purchasing recycled and recyclable raw materials, and marketing long-lasting products that can be recycled.

“Just as in our own manufacturing facilities, we view our products as an ongoing contribution to lean manufacturing,” said Ms. Randazzo.

“Racks, containers, carts and cart trains often enable users to reduce transportation, handling, inventory and space requirements. We provide free consulting on their integrated use and we

also work with engineering consultants who specialize in lean manufacturing,” she concluded.

Martins Industries Australia Pty Ltd Maria Randazzo M: 0418 255 745 F: 02 9743 3240 PO Box 722 Concord NSW 2137 www.martinsindustries.com

www.tyres4u.com.auORDER TYRES ON-LINE 24HRS/7 DAYS

plus many more brands including Continental

Racks, containers, carts and cart trains often enable users to reduce transportation, handling, inventory and space requirements.

continued page 14

adidas lifTs TraCTion performanCe on ConTi rubberRUNNiNG SHOeS wiTH cONTiNeNTaL RUBBeR OUTSOLeS aRe PROVidiNG BeTTeR GRiP iN THe weT THaN iTS cOmPeTiTORS iN THe dRy.

Australian shoppers will now be able to see the familiar yellow and black of the Continental

Tyres’ logo in the most surprising of locations - shopping centres.

13

iNNOVATiON

14

The new generation Adidas Supernova running shoe is now available in Australia, which is a variant of the shoes Adidas jointly created with Continental in 2010.

Featuring Continental rubber outsoles, the shoes, just like Continental’s award-winning tyre range, employs the latest compound technology to provide industry leading traction performance. In fact, the original Supernova Riot trail running and outdoor shoe range offered better grip in wet conditions than that of their competitors in the dry.

The new generation Supernova Riot runner is easily identifiable with the Continental logo clearly marked on the sole and shoe hang tags. For sizing, style and stockist information, interested customers should visit www.adidas.com.au. For further information on Continentals range of award-winning tyres, please visit www.continental-tyres.com.au.

Conti.eContacts supporT ev proToTypecONTiNeNTaL cONVeRTS caR TO PROTOTyPe eLecTRic VeHicLe By iNTeGRaTiNG iTS eLecTRic VeHicLe cOmPONeNTS feaTURiNG iTS SPeciaLLy deSiGNed TyRe.

To demonstrate its various solutions for electric vehicles, Continental has converted a bog-

standard Renault Megane to a prototype electric vehicle.

Around 40 components the company produces for electric vehicles have been integrated into the Megane, including the motor, battery, power electronics, displays and controls, all the peripheral devices for propulsion and charging and – importantly – Conti.eContact tyres. Most of components used

are already on the market or are ready to go into production.

“All the know-how that has flowed from all five of our divisions demonstrates that Continental has the technologies and systems expertise for electric cars,” said Continental CEO Dr. Elmar Degenhart.

“This is particularly significant as electrification of cars is becoming more and more of a reality,” he said.

tyres. In addition, Continental has designed the sidewalls to reduce energy loss when the tyres deflect or top out. The sidewall dispenses with the usual edging and design elements, just like the very smooth and largely enclosed rims, in order to diminish wind resistance as much as possible. The tread design features a combination of four longitudinal grooves, numerous sipes, an absence of transverse corrugations, and stiff tread ribs, all trimmed to provide lower rolling resistance and less tyre noise. Continental says it was also possible to achieve more precise handling characteristics and safer wet braking. The very low tyre contour prevents excess travel by the belt elements and therefore also lowers rolling resistance. Finally, the new tyre is lighter than previous designs.

Other featuresImportant as the tyres are to the prototype vehicle’s characteristics, they perform as part of a team. The team leader, so to speak, is arguably the externally excited synchronous motor fitted to the Renault, the likes of which the vehicle manufacturer has already fitted in thousands of its electric cars.

14

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PANORAMA MATTE BLACK /MACHINED FACEAVAILABLE IN: 18”, 19”, 20”

EUREKA MATTE BLACK /MACHINED FACE AVAILABLE IN: 19”, 20”

ATTFAIN: 19”, 20”

TE BLACK /ACE : 19”, 20”

V-15 GLOSS BLACK / MACHINED FACE & LIPAVAILABLE IN: 14”, 15”, 17”

BLFACN: 14”, 15”,

LACK / CE & LIP 14”, 15”, 17”

EUREKA GUNMETAL GREY /MACHINED FACEAVAILABLE IN: 19”, 20”

MEACE: 19”, 20”

ETAL GREY /E19”, 20”

“All the know-how that has flowed from all five of our divisions demonstrates that Continental has the technologies and systems expertise for electric cars.”

continued page 16

Conti.eContact tyre

Tyre diameter key to mileage boost The Conti.eContact tyres fitted to the converted prototype were specifically developed for electric cars. Their unusual 195/55 R20 size and the aerodynamic rims used are not just there for looks, according to Conti. The tyres exhibit 30 per cent less rolling resistance, extending range considerably. The tyres’ automatic tyre pressure monitoring system helps extend working life by ten per cent. But the key factor for this boost in mileage is the Conti.eContact’s unusual diameter. Deformation decreases when the tyre approaches the contact patch, resulting in greatly diminished rolling resistance.

At the same time, the same load bearing is possible as with ordinary

PH 1300 VENDETTA1300 836 338 www.vendettawheels.com.au

WHERE STYLE & PERFORMANCEARE THE BEST RE VENGE

PANORAMA MATTE BLACK /MACHINED FACEAVAILABLE IN: 18”, 19”, 20”

EUREKA MATTE BLACK /MACHINED FACE AVAILABLE IN: 19”, 20”

ATTFAIN: 19”, 20”

TE BLACK /ACE : 19”, 20”

V-15 GLOSS BLACK / MACHINED FACE & LIPAVAILABLE IN: 14”, 15”, 17”

BLFACN: 14”, 15”,

LACK / CE & LIP 14”, 15”, 17”

EUREKA GUNMETAL GREY /MACHINED FACEAVAILABLE IN: 19”, 20”

MEACE: 19”, 20”

ETAL GREY /E19”, 20”

iNNOVATiON

16

The motor generates 70 kilowatts and maximum torque of 226 Newton metres, propelling the prototype from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 11.9 seconds.

Continental is the only manufacturer to mass-produce an externally excited synchronous motor in the automotive industry. The company said that this sort of motor has several major advantages compared with permanently excited electric motors, e.g., externally excited motors make for high efficiency throughout all ranges of operation.

At high rpm’s, regulation of the excitation current yields lower mutual inductance. This technical feature also serves to protect the motor. Yet another advantage is that no expensive rare earth metals are needed for the magnets. The electric motor is coupled to an integrated single-gear transmission and a differential that includes a mechanical parking lock, power electronics and an electric vehicle controller. The second-generation power electronics stem from a flexible modular system. Even with the built-in DC/DC converter, the unit is some 30 per cent smaller than the first generation, making it one of the most compact components on the market.

Power comes from a lithium-ion battery. Including its built-in management system, safety electronics, the crash sensor evSAT, and liquid cooling, the system weighs 154 kilogrammes, allowing installation in a sandwich floor without sacrificing any space. The battery pack has a nominal voltage

of 355 volts and a capacity of 18

kilowatt hours, which gives the car a

maximum range of 150 kilometres.

Continental Engineering Services

(CES) completely gutted the base car

and transformed it into an electric

vehicle in just over six months.

The prototype fulfils nearly every

safety and quality requirement for a

mass-produced car and is road legal.

paTenTs aplenTy from bulleTproof researCha cHiNa TyRe

maNUfacTUReR HaS

LiTeRaLLy PROdUced

a BULLeTPROOf TyRe

THaT THiS yeaR PaSSed

GOVeRNmeNT TeSTiNG.

China-based tyre maker, Hangzhou Hanglun Industrial, manufactures the Otire brand of

passenger car, light commercial vehicle and truck tyres.

The company claims to have made substantial achievements in research into bulletproof and anti-thorn tyres. A number of patents have resulted from this research, and this year Otire passed the tyre bulletproof test set out by China’s Ministry of Public Security. Hangzhou Hanglun says its tyres are the only totally bulletproof tyres in the Chinese market, and perhaps even worldwide.

The Otire bulletproof line-up includes 14 to 16-inch radial fitments for police cars; these are resistant to hits from 7.62mm bullets and are capable of being run at more than 150km/h after receiving a hit. A range of 14 to 16-inch bullet proof radials is also available for light commercial vehicles such as cash-carrying security vans, and these also allow speeds in excess of 150km/h following a hit from a 7.62mm bullet.

For less threatening puncture sources, e.g., thorns, Otire’s anti-thorn range has available fitments for cars, light commercials, and truck radials.

All tyres in the Otire range are said to be suitable for use in extreme variances of temperature, from minus 50 ºC to 150 ºC.

1300 762 642

17

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In light of current economic conditions and a crowded playing field, a number of larger Chinese tyre firms realise they need to adapt in order to continue prospering. Specifically, they recognise the necessity

of investing in quality. One such manufacturer is the Triangle Group. Earlier this year, the company hosted a trade and government summit in Beijing that addressed various issues that China’s tyre industry faces and outlined projects that are intended to ensure its ongoing viability.

The 2012 Global Automotive and Tyre Industry Forum & Business Summit placed a particular focus on the importance of keeping pace with global developments while protecting the environment.

“In the face of the global economic crisis’s severe challenges, all countries have made great efforts and tried every means to realise economic recovery,” said Triangle chairman and president Ding Yu Hua during his opening address at the summit.

“At the same time, people are also deeply aware of their responsibility to protect the global environment – the common homeland of mankind – which, day by day, is becoming an increasingly urgent and important issue,” he added.

In August 2011, China’s government appointed the Triangle Group the host company for a joint-funded facility, the National Engineering Laboratory for Radial Tyre Design and Manufacturing Technologies (NEL).

At Triangle Group’s 2012 Global Automotive and Tyre Industry Forum & Business Summit, held in Beijing on 11 April, NEL associate director Harry Gong explained the laboratory’s purpose in greater detail.

“We are very proud that our lab, the National Engineering Laboratory for Radial Tyre Design and Manufacturing Technologies, is the only one for the tyre industry in this nation,” Mr. Gong told summit delegates.

“Triangle was chosen by the national government last year to build this laboratory.

“The lab has been charged with the task of technology innovation for the tyre industry in China and it will formulate technical requirements for tyre manufacturing and products in China as well,” he said.

Mr. Gong stressed that the NEL is an ‘open platform’ for innovation within the tyre and rubber sector, and as such is available for use by all Chinese tyre makers. He added that some of the test equipment installed in the NEL is not found anywhere else in the world.

“We are going to have an advanced lab with advanced test equipment that is going to meet the long-term needs for innovation in tyre technology and product innovation,” said Mr. Gong.

“The needs here are not just Triangle’s needs but the national industrial needs, and we are going to have world-class research teams working on projects that will advance the state of the art in tyre manufacturing, compounding, design and tyre performance – all tyre-related technologies,” he said.

Triangle chairman and president Ding Yu Hua said that his company would continue to push forward the ‘going global’ strategy in terms of technology, manufacturing, marketing and service; and strive to build a talent pool with international vision and a better ability to learn and implement.

“The building of a talent pool will always be an important task for Triangle. We sincerely welcome more friends to participate in our course,” he said.

In recent years, Triangle has focused on growth markets in emerging economies and fine tuned its sales strategies towards this, enabling the company to dramatically increase sales volumes

China’s Triangle Group is leading the nation’s tyre manufacturers in advancing technological innovations whilst strengthening the industry’s environmental credentials.

drives Triangle forwardWorld class tyre technology

18

Triangle’s factory in China

19

in certain markets last year. Particular growth areas were Russia and Brazil, where sales volume growth reached 186 per cent and 179 per cent, respectively. South African market sales volumes rose 16 per cent during this period. Sales volumes in Russia are also said to have doubled again in the first half of 2012.

In late July, an 11-person company delegation led by Mr. Ding undertook a weeklong fact-finding mission by visiting several regions of Russia. Topics of focus during the visit were issues regarding investment and related policy, Russia’s tyre market and vehicle manufacturers. Triangle said government departments and officials warmly welcomed the group.

During a meeting in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the state president Rustem Khamitov welcomed Mr. Ding to invest in the republic and said it would provide Triangle with favorable investment conditions. The Triangle delegation also met with local officials in Nizhny Novgorod and toured a vehicle production plant.

The Triangle group was also hosted by Cordiant CEO Dmitry Sokov at the Russia tyre maker’s factory in Yaroslavl; in addition they went to Kaluga Oblast, a region already home to several tyre makers. The delegation’s purpose for visiting this region was to determine investment conditions at the region’s industrial park.

Government officials, including regional governor Anatoly Dmitriyevich Artamonov, welcomed Triangle to invest in Kaluga and expressed a wish for close cooperation.

Triangle says adopting a diversified market strategy, speeding up structural upgrades and by focusing on high-tech, high performance and high value-added products, has made its achievements in global emerging markets. By doing so, the tyre maker says it was able to offset the impact of low market demand and high raw material prices.

Today, exports account for 50 per cent of the company’s total sales volume. At the same time, Triangle says it continues to strengthen the international strategic cooperative ventures it operates, such as the laboratory set up together with the University of Akron (Ohio, USA) and its cooperation with Goodyear and Caterpillar in establishing a price linkage mechanism, which Triangle says achieved a “win-win” situation and laid a “solid foundation for Triangle’s brand building and technology upgrading.”

In Australia, Consolidated Tyre Company (CTC) is Triangle Tyre’s long-term strategic partner. CTC won Triangle’s Collaborative Development Award this year, following CTC’s 2009 Global Gold Partner Award.

drives Triangle forwardTriangle President and Chairman, Ding Yu Hua

OVErSEAS NEwS

20

Tops marks aCross key CriTeria for ConTi TyreTHe LaTeST contiSportcontact TyRe iS BeiNG LaUded By SeVeRaL eUROPeaN aUTOmOTiVe PUBLicaTiONS, BaSed ON ReSULTS Of 2012 TyRe TeSTS.

Recently launched in Australia as the successor to the ContiSportContact 3, the ContiSportContact

5 - suitable for sporty cars and SUVs with sporty driving characteristics - is already a star in Europe and has claimed top spot in many leading tests.

The ContiSportContact 5 has been awarded ‘Best in Test’ in the 2012 German Auto Motor und Sport 2012 tyre test, based primarily on its safe driving behaviour, low rolling resistance and good aquaplaning.

It has also been called the ‘boss in the ring’ according to German magazine Gute Fahrt (‘Good Ride’), achieving ‘best braking performance in the wet’ and was noted for being the only tyre with ‘very good

handling and braking results overall’.

Swedish magazine Vi Bilagare (‘We Car Owners’) is another fan of Continental, testing the ultra high performance ContiSportContact 5 P (size 235/35 R19) in parallel to equivalent sized tyres in its 2012 Summer Tyre Test, stating it is ‘crushing all standard dimension tyres for stopping distance and lap times’.

German industry magazine Auto Bild (‘Car Picture’) also ‘highly recommends’ the ContiSportContact 5 P, with its high cornering stability, good steering precision on wet roads, its safety buffer for aquaplaning as well as its short braking distances earning the Continental tyre the title of ‘Top Class Sport Tyre’.

Available in sizes from 18 inch upwards, the ContiSportContact 5 P delivers optimal performance in all weather conditions and has been specifically designed to meet the ambitious expectations of the sports vehicle manufacturers, featuring as original equipment on vehicles at Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Continental is the number one tyre in Europe, with its products fitted as original equipment on one in every three European-built cars. Its highly acclaimed range provides the benefits of an extensive product offering, which combines excellent braking, maximum grip and low rolling resistance tyres, all with high safety properties.

For further information on Continental Tyres of Australia, visit www.continental-tyres.com.au.

iTma expands asian membership baseTHiS yeaR, aeOLUS TyReS aNd OTHeR aSia-BaSed maNUfacTUReRS HaVe BecOme memBeRS Of THe eUROPeaN imPORTed TyRe maNUfacTUReRS’ aSSOciaTiON (iTma) iN aN effORT TO cONfORm TO THe STaNdaRdS aNd ReGULaTiONS ReqUiRed acROSS eUROPe.

Aeolus Tyres has signed up as a member of the Imported Tyre Manufacturers’

Association.

The Chinese manufacturer is the fourth tyre maker to join ITMA this year – Shandong Linglong and Nexen Tire were named as members in February and news of Triangle Tyre’s membership was given at the end of April.

“We are delighted to welcome Aeolus Tyres to the Association,” commented ITMA president Alfred Graham.

“In recent years, we have seen a trend towards an ever-increasing number of rules and regulations

ContiSportContact 5

ContiSportContact 5 has been awarded ‘Best in Test’ in the 2012 German Auto Motor und Sport 2012 tyre test.

ITMA remains the only trade association in Europe to exclusively represent the interests of non-EU based tyre manufacturers.

21

affecting tyre manufacturers looking to operate within Europe. Against this backdrop, ITMA play a critical role in helping manufacturers such as Aeolus fully understand their responsibilities to operate legally within the region.”

ITMA remains the only trade association in Europe to exclusively represent the interests of non-EU based tyre manufacturers. It was established more than three decades ago when imported tyre brands started gaining a significant share of the UK and mainland European replacement markets. The association now represents more than 30 tyre brands from its member companies. According to the Tyre Industry Federation, non-EU sourced tyres now account for more than half of all UK replacement tyre sales and some 30 per cent across Europe as a whole. Indeed, over 300 brands of tyres are on sale in European markets sourced from over 45 countries around the world.

“Europe presents a number of attractive opportunities for non-EU based tyre manufacturers, but it is essential that they fully comply with all relevant legislation,” Graham added.

“What’s more, as the regulations continually evolve, it is essential that changes are understood and communicated in a timely fashion so that details can be fed back into manufacturers’ design and production schedules. With ITMA’s assistance, we can help members address these challenges quickly and effectively.”

marangoni: made in iTalymaRaNGONi iS PROUd Of THe facT THaT aLL Of iTS TyReS aRe made iN iTaLy aNd THe cOmPaNy HaS LaUNcHed aN adVeRTiSiNG camPaiGN THaT HiGHLiGHTS THiS.

Marangoni Tyre says it is the only tyre brand to be exclusively manufactured in Italy,

and the company is emphasising this in a new advertising campaign.

The new A unique journey, 100% made in Italy campaign highlights the “Italian-ness” of Marangoni Tyre’s passenger car, light commercial vehicle and 4x4 tyres, a range that is conceived, designed, tested and made at the company’s plant near Rome, and also produced on Marangoni’s MTM production line in its Rovereto plant.

This Italian flavour is presented as the brand’s added value in the new 2012 campaign, a tangible difference between Marangoni and its competitors. The tyre maker says the campaign is the latest step in its program to boost the brand’s market positioning, a program that started several years ago with the aim of conveying its brand image in an innovative manner.

In the 2012 campaign, the concept of “made in Italy” is translated into the idea of a trip: a huge tyre travels across Italy and, being transparent, merges into one with the surrounding landscape. In the first advertisements released, the tyre travels through four of Italy’s best-known locales: the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Tuscany and the Dolomites. Each image features a brief caption presenting the name of the locale. Marangoni says the text in the caption underlines the “uniqueness” of its tyres, which are, it adds, “as distinct as the panoramas of Italy.”

Each ad closes with the slogan Marangoni has used for several years now: conceived, designed, made in Italy, and guaranteed for life by Marangoni.

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Collaboration forges

Groundbreaking technology that truly moves the global automotive industry doesn’t come along often. In such a massive and highly sophisticated sector, serious innovations are almost always the

work of the major players in Europe or the USA. Anomalies and exceptions to this are rare, particularly in the areas of light-weighting and true performance enhancement.

Over the past 7 years a group that has remained ferociously independent of any global OEM has created just such an anomaly. An Australian based venture has succeeded in solving one of the last remaining holy grails of the industry - A full one-piece carbon fiber composite wheel. This has been achieved through a remarkable series of partnerships and the assembly of an unrivalled group of technical and industrial talent.

The company’s name is Carbon Revolution and the product is the CR9.

It started as an independently run R&D program in close collaboration with a leading research institution. This rapidly evolved into a highly focused and effective group of leading engineers, scientists and industrialists within a tightly managed innovation cell. This group has met both the product design challenge as well as the manufacturing challenge head-on.

The results are staggering. The wheels are 40% -50% lighter than premium OEM equivalents made from Aluminum, yet they are exceeding OEM standards in laboratories and on testing tracks around the world. Breathtaking improvements in acceleration, braking, ride and handling have handed the driver a significantly improved vehicle with an extra chunk of horsepower, and a huge fuel efficiency gain.

The manufacturing process is highly efficient and controllable. It has merged the rigor of aerospace processes with the efficiency and control of high volume automotive production. The full-scale production lines will be fully automated - human interaction will be limited to the supervision of sophisticated machinery and robotic equipment. Achieving global OEM standards for component supply (TS16949) is just part of the overall world-class approach to quality and process control. This approach has attracted strong support and funding from the Australian Government under its $5.4 billion New Car Plan.

Carbon Revolution creates the world’s first one-piece carbon fiber wheels for automotive and aerospace applications.

continued page 24

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The wheels are constructed from continuous fiber, so the phenomenal strength and stiffness characteristics of carbon fiber are optimized. Computational modeling techniques including full vehicle dynamic modeling and finite element analysis (FEA) reflect the primary research backgrounds and passion of the founders. So advanced is the approach that Carbon Revolution is now working closely with specialist FEA partners to develop new and better approaches to accurately modeling the specific properties of carbon fibers. This is to account for the vastly more complex behavior of fiber laminates versus cast or forged metals. The group is now achieving computational simulations that are so closely correlated to reality that product development timeframes are being dramatically shortened. It’s far from being a typical ‘build and break’ development process.

The team has designed and patented a highly sophisticated bolted joint system that elegantly solves the challenges of attaching composites to metals under dynamic loading conditions. Advanced aerospace alloys are combined with the carbon fiber to ensure that the ‘bolted joint’ element of the technology is as highly engineered as its composite structure.

It’s easy to see why such a rigorous and sophisticated approach has been possible when you consider the origins of this team. Amongst the founders and subsequent hires are ex-OEM senior engineers from chassis development and drive train roles, senior manufacturing executives from component suppliers including Bosch, converts from Boeing’s renowned Phantom Works innovation cell, industrial composites manufacturing specialists and numerous PhD’s with world leading materials and structures knowledge. In addition to this, Carbon Revolution has numerous formal partnerships for technology development and product testing around the world. This includes Deakin University and RMIT in Australia, respectively the pre-eminent materials sciences and aerospace technology institutes in the region.

Carbon Revolution conducted much of the early laboratory testing in Germany using techniques and test rigs that are favored by OEMs over the common industry tests. This approach has ensured that the most rigorous standards imposed by European OEMs have been tested for in the best German laboratories. They could not have set the bar higher than this.

Outside the lab, the team has favored a multi-region approach to accumulating miles in the field. The Nurburgring is favored for limit handling and durability trials, Hockenheim for closed track, whilst Route 66 in the USA is the choice for extended rough road durability miles. A host of other locations have also been used in the quest for the most complete and comprehensive validation program.

Carbon Revolution has teamed up with automotive industry veteran and luminary Bill Koenig of Manhattan

Beach, California who has taken on the role of educating the market further about this technology.

“Bill has the right level of passion and a true understanding of what this technology can really deliver to a driver. He is the ideal match for our team as we move into the market with our first product” says Brett Gass, one of the founders and the Engineering Director at Carbon Revolution.

Gass is now based in Germany where the company has established an office to service the automotive industry across Europe. As an internationally recognized expert in ride and handling, and with a long history inside OEMs, he manages all technical aspects of that relationship to ensure that customers ‘get it’.

Carbon Revolution is in the process of commissioning its first commercial production line. Much of the capacity of this line will be used in further development work across the automotive OEM, Aerospace and Industrial sectors, but a small number of wheels will be available to the market globally over the coming months. The word is out and you can expect to hear more about product launches soon.

www.carbonrev.com

24

Carbon Revolution is in the process of commissioning its first commercial production line.

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Michelin’s global launch of its latest RFID/TPMS technology took place at the West Ham Bus Garage in East London in June. The event provided Michelin with a clear

opportunity to implement its technology on a large fleet and thereby also demonstrate the performance of its technology to fleets and the market as a whole.

Michelin unveiled a specially designed bus tyre featuring the combination of embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and specialist commercial vehicle orientated tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Currently only available in one size (275/70 R22.5), the Michelin X InCity tyres allow technicians to obtain casing specific pressure and temperature data quickly and accurately. At the same time the RFID part of the package offers the best traceability of commercial vehicles casings as they go through their multiple lifecycles that is currently available on the market. This in itself is not strictly pioneering, but the combination of the two technologies is.

While not generally employed yet, the use of RFID chips in various stages of tyre production and distribution is increasing, i.e., Chinese manufacturer Triangle uses this technology in its

distribution and logistics process. Other manufacturers such as Goodyear and Bridgestone are amongst the leaders when it comes to embedding chips in certain selected products. For its part Goodyear has been using RFID in its Nascar tyres for a few years and last November heralded the arrival of the Goodyear Regional RHT II RFID 435/50 R19.5 trailer tyre. Bridgestone is trialing RFID chips in selected markets and segments too, with its OTR tyres in Brazil being the latest example of this.

However, it must also be pointed out that fast growing tyre manufacturing equipment manufacturer Mesnac and Sailun Tire (two companies that have a history of cooperation) were jointly displaying 4x4 and truck tyres featuring this kind of capability as far back as the Qingdao, China tyre exhibition of 2008. This came about as a result of Mesnac purchasing some 100,000 of these chips “for a variety of testing purposes” from a UK-based niche supplier, which has since become part of Transense.

Bridgestone is also testing a bespoke commercial vehicle version of its own TPMS system, the prototype of which has been driven around British motorways for several months now, but in this instance there has been no mention of RFID technology. All this makes Michelin’s announcement something of a first.

The dominant player in the UK bus and coach network, Michelin recently launched its new RFID/TPMS technology that will enable the time it takes for tyre checks to reduce from 15 minutes to a matter of seconds.

continued page 28

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tyre checking

RFID chips used by Michelin is divided into four areas. Half of this is locked serial data (there are two types of virtual locking mechanism, one permanent and one reversible) and half is user data space. According to the company, its lifespan is considerably longer than that of the tyre itself. And unlike with bar codes, there is no risk of erasure or of labels coming unstuck. Data is transmitted by a wireless, non-contact system that uses radio waves. The TPMS system however does require batteries that need to be replaced every 7 – 10 years depending on usage.

Michelin said that it takes 15 minutes on average to check the pressure and condition of a bus or truck tyre. That’s why fleet managers need to implement complex, costly maintenance systems to check tyres on several hundred vehicles, especially for dual-mount wheels, which further complicate the inspection process and make it even longer. And this is all assuming that the weather is clement and the human error and paper and pencil don’t fail as well. The technicians using a special tread probe/system reader tool showed how the new system records tyre IDs, pressures and tread depths that could be checked in a matter of seconds. Dual axle fitments hardly take any longer. The time, accuracy and health and safety benefits of checking tyre condition this way are clear.

Demonstrating qualityWhen you consider that this information, once downloaded to a computer, gives fleet managers fast access to the tyre condition data, the sales benefits are also evident. And while premium tyres such as Michelin’s have long led the market in terms of quality and innovation, the ability to objectively demonstrate the mileage and condition of specific tyres will no-doubt help the company communicate the quality of its products to customers. Despite the tightening of legislation that has taken place in recent years, the share of the tyre market occupied by Korean and Chinese manufacturers that sell at a lower price than European firms has increased rapidly across the European markets. This is especially the case in the UK where these competitors are fast approaching the top five in the overall truck and bus tyre market. Michelin representatives conceded that this makes it all the more important to the company to demonstrate the superior quality of products.

In addition to saving time, Michelin gave an impression of just how much fuel, money and CO2 emission could be saved simply by keep tyres in the right condition. Michelin estimates that a tyre inflated to 1 bar less than the recommended pressure increases fuel consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100 km, where studies have shown that two-thirds of trucks in Europe could improve their tyres’ performance (choice of tyres, geometry and tyre pressure), thereby reducing fuel consumption.

Greater longevity is also said to be on offer as correction inflation also helps to reduce wear. And at the same time Michelin reports that studies of fleet operations have shown that 75 per cent of tyre-related incidents and problems are due to slow leaks.

According to the Michelin, 33,000 UK buses are covered by its service contracts (representing 80 per cent of the country’s bus market) and a 100 per cent market share for four of the five largest British bus transport companies and a 50 per cent share for the fifth (which is believed to be split with Bridgestone). What’s more, 85 per cent of all London buses are fitted with Michelin tyres.

External bar codes and serial number labeling systems can always go awry when it comes to retreading but embedded chips tell you exactly what tyre you are looking at no matter what tread or sidewall veneer it is currently wearing. RFID dispenses with the need for checking each tyre’s identification number individually which can be problematic, especially when that number appears on the tyre’s inner sidewall, which is often the case. Even when the number is on the outer sidewall, it is sometimes hard to read because of constant rubbing and scraping against curbs and other obstacles.

Calling it latest CV development the “communicating tyre”, Michelin said that by combining TPMS and RFID, the company is enabling London transport operators to “enhance the safety of the tyres fitted on their buses.”

Making sure tyres have correct pressures and tread depths certainly will aid safety, but there are also commercial and strategic reasons why Michelin is happy to just ahead of its premium competitors in this technology.

The clever thing about the RFID chips Michelin uses is that it doesn’t need a battery since it is powered by the electromagnetic waves emitted during data collection. The memory of the

Michelin reports that studies of fleet operations have shown that 75 per cent of tyre-related incidents and problems are due to slow leaks.

28

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hankook Tyres Carry pikes peak winnercRackiNG THe 10-miNUTe BaRRieR fOR THe fiRST Time, kiwi RHyS miLLeN wON THe aNNUaL PikeS Peak iNTeRNaTiONaL HiLL cLimB, dRiViNG a HyUNdai GeNeSiS cOUPe fiTTed wiTH HaNkOOk VeNTUS f200 RaciNG SLickS.

New Zealand’s Rhys Millen conquered the annual ‘race to the clouds’ at the

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, taking overall victory and setting a new outright record.

Driving a Hankook Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Millen topped a field of almost 200 drivers and motorcyclists with a time of 9 minutes 46:164 seconds.

2012 marked the 90th running of the race and presented competitors with a new challenge, a fully paved racing surface - rather than dirt - on the last section of the mountain’s 14,000-foot elevation finish. “With the newly paved

section of the course and the hot weather conditions, a lot of people failed or crashed,” said Millen.

“My experience at Pikes Peak over the years allowed me to shave a few tenths from virtually every corner. Breaking the 10-minute barrier is something I’ve always wanted to do, and it feels great to accomplish this goal in 2012.”

Millen’s Genesis Coupe was the same car that his father Rod Millen drove to a record time in the Time Attack 2WD class at last year’s Pikes Peak event.

For the 2012 hill climb it received a redesigned higher-downforce aero package and wider rear bodywork to house new, ultra-wide, staggered fitment Hankook Ventus F200 racing slicks on custom HRE lightweight wheels.

Enhancements to the turbocharged V6 engine resulted in outputs of 530 kilowatts and 949 Nm of torque.

“We were able to leverage the additional downforce and traction opportunities provided by the new all-tarmac surface and, despite a torrential downpour during the last half mile, the heat in the Hankook slick tyres was enough to produce a new record.”

Hankook motorsports marketing manager Paul Jho acclaimed the

Rod Millen Racing (RMR) team for “an amazing job” at Pikes Peak.

“Racing at Pikes Peak is extremely competitive, adding the course’s new fully paved surface made this one of the most heated events to date,” said Jho.

“I am glad that Hankook’s Ventus F200 tyres provided Rhys with the performance he needed to dominate at this year’s race to the clouds.”

Hankook has become a staple of the Unites States motorsports scene by officially sponsoring Formula Drift, as well as supporting teams competing in Global Time Attack, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, Off-Road Racing and the 25 Hours of Thunderhill race.

Rhys Millen taking the Hankook Hyundai Genesis Coupe to overall victory at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb 2012.

Racing at Pikes Peak is extremely competitive, adding the course’s new fully paved surface made this one of the most heated events to date.

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At Phillip Island in late September, Michelin and their Australian GT partners had a

highly successful weekend, claiming pole, smashing the lap record and winning the round.

In the battle for the Tyre Manufacturers Championship, Michelin extended their Championship lead by 2 points after securing nine out of a maximum of ten points available.

With all but three of the competitors choosing to run Michelin tyres,

it was a busy round for the team and their partners.

Qualifying was a close battle with Michelin tyre runners locking out the front row in a fierce battle, particularly up the front with guest drivers, AMG factory pilot Maro Engel, V8 Supercar driver Craig Lowndes, and regular international GT and V8 Supercar endurance competitor, Allan Simonsen.

Engel was making his Australian debut in a one off appearance with the Michelin partner, Erebus Motorsport, and was quickly on the pace. It was the Phillip Island rookie who claimed pole position with a time of 1:29.6148

The pace was epic in the first one-hour race of the weekend, with the German Engel, and multiple V8 Supercar Champion Lowndes, running near lap record times for much of the one-hour race.

Due to his qualifying position, Lowndes benefitted from a shorter pit stop than Engel and was able to jump him and came home in first place with Engel right behind him.

Current Championship leaders, Peter Hackett in the second Erebus

Motorsport Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3/ Michelin and Klark Quinn in his Porsche 911 GT3 R/ Michelin, were locked in their own battle in 3rd and 4th. The pair was content to run a more conservative race to protect their positions in the Championship while letting the front two fight their own battle.

Heavy rain greeted the Australian GT competitors when they arrived at the circuit on the Sunday – throwing up another challenge to the German visitor Engel who was making his first trip to the Island. He took it all in his stride though – leading much of the race and coming home in a dominant fashion.

Behind him, it was his teammate Hackett and Championship leader who was putting in the drive of his career to hold highly successful V8 Supercar driver, Craig Lowndes, behind him for the final third of the race.

Hackett held Lowndes behind him to make it a one-two for Erebus Motorsport and another round win thanks to Engel winning the race.

In race one Engel smashed the lap record, only for it to be further lowered by Dane Allan Simonsen in the Maranello Motorsports Ferrari 458 GT3/Michelin to further lower the bar in race two.

In race one Engel smashed the lap record, only for it to be further lowered by Dane Allan Simonsen in the Maranello Motorsports Ferrari 458 GT3/Michelin.

Photo Erebus Motorsport.

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