At Goodyear we’ve been driven by innovations since 1898. Find out more about our work at the leading edge of research and development.
Goodyear Innovations have always been at the leading edge of tyre technology, including the development of the futuristic tyre, the “Biolsoprene” concept tyres.
Goodyear Tyres have always been a favourite of mine, mainly because I worked for them for a number of years, managing some of their retail tyre depots.
“We’re also working hard on more environmentally-friendly products, with the BioIsopreneTM concept tyre—a tyre made of renewable biomass”—unveiled at the 2012 Climate Conference in Copenhagen. Goodyear innovations. Have always kept the giant tyre company in the world’s leading positions.
Goodyear Rubber Company history.
So, it shows that they were there right at the beginning. Thus, when tyres and the vulcanization of rubber were in there early stages,. Consequently, in 1839, Charles Goodyear accidentally discovered how to vulcanize rubber. Which could be later made into tyres. Of course, and other rubber products. In more recent times,. Goodyear introduces two notable advances in tyre design. Hence,Tiempo. The first all-season tyre and the revolutionary fuel-saving. Elliptic tyre.
Goodyear Innovations
Goodyear Ultragrips were developed from their involvement with the rally car scene and in the 1970’s they came out with the Goodyear Grand Prix X tyres, famous for the new word out at the time “aquaplaning”.
This made drivers aware of the dangers of driving on wet roads and the need for their tyres to be able to get rid of the surface water to allow the tyre tread to grip the road. In 1992, Goodyear introduced the first run-on-flat tyre for the Chevrolet Corvette.
This is now very popular on some of today’s cars,
allowing the driver to continue the journey after a puncture or other tyre deflation. In 2004, assurance tyres featuring TripleTred and ComforTred technology were introduced. These are just a few of the Goodyear innovations over the years.
Last rally in our (Barry Musker’s and mine) Anglia . it was all working by now and even NEW tyres Goodyear Ultragrips . we are car 72 now!! a very icy…
Goodyear Ultra-Grip Tyres: Revolutionising UK Roads for the Winter Season
Winter driving safety made major progress when Goodyear released their Ultra-Grip tyres on the UK market.
The Ultra-Grip series, which is well-known for its cutting-edge design and superior winter performance, became quite popular among drivers in the UK, especially in regions that frequently experience harsher, colder weather.
Developed especially to improve performance in snow, ice, and slush—conditions that UK drivers frequently encounter during the winter months.
Goodyear’s Ultra-Grip line was introduced in the 1990s. The Ultra-Grip tires were made to keep traction and control even in extremely cold conditions thanks to their unique tread pattern and state-of-the-art rubber compounds.
Goodyear Ultragrips
The use of Goodyear’s unique 3D-BIS Technology-Goodyear Ultragrips
which helps to boost grip through interlocking sipes and create a more stable tread block when driving on ice and snow, is one of the fundamental characteristics that sets Ultra-Grip tyres different. For safe winter driving, this technology offers superior handling and shorter stopping distances.
The arrival of these tyres was well-timed for drivers in the United Kingdom, providing a substitute for conventional summer or all-season tires that prove to be inadequate in severe winter weather.
Goodyear Ultra-Grip became a well-liked option for anyone wishing to boost safety during the coldest months of the year as more drivers realised the value of winter tires.
Thanks to ongoing advancements in compound technology and tread design, Goodyear is able to maintain its leadership position in winter tyre performance, and the Ultra-Grip line is still a reliable choice for drivers in the United Kingdom.
UK drivers can travel through winter with confidence thanks to Ultra-Grip tyres, whether they’re navigating slippery metropolitan streets or snow-covered country routes.
Wow, this image and the words of Goodyear Ultra-Grips take me back to the seventies, when I used to fit tyres on some of the Yorkshire stages for Goodyear. The company that I worked for in those days was Tyreservices.
Goodyear Ultragrips
I was manager at their Huddersfield branch and later at their Halifax branch here in Yorkshire. I have told this story many times. We sponsored a lady rally driver by the name of Krissy Ashford. She drove a Ford Escort Mk2 in the blue and white colours of TyreServices, which were owned by Goodyear tyres.
The tyres she used were-Goodyear Ultragrips
Goodyear Ultra-grip performance. Consequently, these tyres came in a slick and gravel tread pattern (as far as I can remember). Hence, this was also the time of the Mini’s involvement in rallying. She may have been driving on 13-inch Goodyear rally specials that Goodyear provided, and we would fit them for her and swap out the wheels as needed.
Goodyear Ultragrips
We worked from a massive Goodyear truck that was equipped with tyre fitting machines and compressors. We would change the wheels with tyres already built up at our tyre depot in Huddersfield. It was always in winter and freezing cold, but we loved to do this. It was very exciting with all the noise and smells coming from the different rally cars.
I loved the Minis? They were kitted out on 145×10 Goodyear Ultra-grips and were tops either in the forests or on tarmac. One driver told me that he preferred these tyres to the 165/70×10 Goodyear Rally Specials.
The Goodyear’s were great.Goodyear Ultragrips
The Ultra-Grip in 145 x 10 were tops in the forests and on tarmac, it was not much better than the 165 x 10 Rally Special.
Other tyre brands that we heard about in those days were the Dunlop SP 3’s and a bit later, Avon tyres used their Arctic Steel radials. The SP3 and the SP Sports were also very popular for rallying in Minis.
Testing General Grabber ATs on Freelander 2, Eastern Highlands, Scotland.
Scotland is probably one of the best tyre testing areas of the UK.
Hence, you can guarantee that snow will fall on the upper regions of the mountain ranges.
The General Grabber is famous for its many attributes. As expected, the first thing is that the tyres are not noisy on normal tarmac roads. This has surprised many drivers in the past.
This is because the grabbers have a chunky tread pattern, then our customers think that there will be a noise build up, say in summer when the roads are dry. However, this is not so?
Testing General Grabber
On road tests, the General Grabber’s have have compared favourably with many of he “so-called” road-only tyres. Of course, these tyres are a little noisier. However, the sound difference is negligible.
The Pirelli Scorpion verde, which is a road tyre, comes at 71DB. Compared to the grabber coming in at 74 DB,. As a result, there is not much difference.
The reason behind the low noise level. is the highly-engineered acoustic tread pattern that General Tyres created.
General Grabber ATs: The Anywhere Tyre
The General Grabber ATs are well worth considering whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or you simply want a tyre that can handle the everyday commute and the odd adventure with confidence. The outstanding performance these all-terrain tyres provide both on and off the road makes them a flexible choice for drivers who don’t want to change their tyres with the seasons.
Durability and Design: The General Grabber ATs are particularly notable for their strong construction. They are made to last on muddy trails as well as rough ones. Though polished enough to guarantee a smooth and quiet ride on roads, the tread pattern is aggressive enough to offer outstanding traction in off-road situations. They are therefore the best choice for motorists who deal with a range of driving situations.
All-Weather Performance: The General Grabber ATs perform admirably in a range of weather conditions. Because of the way their tread compound is designed, you won’t need to switch to winter tyres when the weather drops. Open tread shoulders, which give extra off-road traction and water evacuation capabilities, improve this all-weather flexibility.
Safety Features: The General Grabber ATs are designed with stability and control in mind. Reinforced sidewalls on the tyres help to increase durability and enhance cornering and handling performance. Those who like the odd, exciting drive or who run into unforeseen road conditions will find this especially helpful.
Environmentally Friendly Features: General Tyre has tried to make the Grabber ATs less rolling resistant, which lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Environmentally concerned drivers who wish to reduce their environmental impact without compromising performance or safety will find this to be a blessing.
UK Adventures Await: The General Grabber ATs are so adaptable that they can endure wintertime driving on Scotland’s snowy roads or Wales’s rainy roads. Given the variety of terrains and weather conditions in the UK, they are a great option.
Finally, the General Grabber ATs are a multipurpose travel buddy prepared to take on any road you choose, not just tyres. These tyres are perfect for the daily commuter or the daring spirit since they offer the performance, dependability, and safety you need to boldly take on any terrain or weather.
This and the incredible gripping power
in extreme weather conditions are why the Grabber is very popular. hence, amongst the SUV and 4X4 tyre fraternity.
Finally, these tyres are suitable for fitting on the Range Rover car models.
Video shows the tread self-cleaning, with snow been thrown from the tread. The side profile of the tyre gives it superiority over other similar tyres, especially when on a steering wheel lock.
Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.plugsinetminex.cu.cc
Yokohama tyres. Are one of the world’s most up and coming tyre companies. Hence, they have achieved this by developing an excellent tyre range available to the public. As a result, this tyre range has been developed. Together, with the aid of research and development. So, through their involvement in motorsport.
Yokohama once only appealed to the younger, sportier driver.
But it is now acclaimed as one of the best car tyres available. hence, for all classes of driver. naturally, from the sports hatch to the lucrative SUV market.
The news is now out. Yokohama having brought out a new run-flat tyre. Thereby, the Yokohama Advan Sport ZPS run-flat tyres. Like all run-flat tyres that are made. Thus, the Yokohama will have much strengthened sidewalls. Of course, that will allow the car to run on . After a rapid tyre deflation. This enables the driver to drive their car at 50 mph. Thus, for up to 50 miles to get the tyre changed.
Yokohama run-flat sports tyres
Many drivers did not like the idea at first. But they can be a real lifesaver. I especially think that they are now more appreciated. The Yokohama run-flat sports tyres. Therefore, it will run alongside the Yokohama Advan Sport tyres. Which also comes on many German car models. Such as Mercedes, Porsche, and Audi, and now including Bentley cars. Yokohama run-flat sports tyres The Yokohama run-flats will be fitted on BMW’s in the factory, including the Mini’s, and will be available from Yokohama stockists such as Pellon Tyres in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK. The new run-flat tyre is manufactured using Yokohama’s latest compound technology, enabling excellent grip and safety to be maintained at all times.
The new tyres will also have specially designed
bead wire on Yokohama Advan Sport ZPS run-flat tyres from Yokohama Tyres ensures that the tyre remains in good contact with the alloy wheel rim when in use. This bead wire, along with the bead filler, ensures that the tyre gives the car a rigid and comfortable ride all the time. The new Yokohama run-flat sports tyres will just slot in the already impressive range of tyres from this exceptional Japanese tyre manufacturer. Eric Roberts
The General Grabber is a tyre that I can’t stop enthusing about. Hence, it is one of those products that sells itself. of course, just like we have Michelin guys who only want to buy Michelin tyres. So we have the General grabber guys.
Of course, I keep writing about them. Because I want all the drivers of SUV’s and 4x4s. Thus, in the Halifax area of the UK, we are the place to buy them from.
General tyres sell themselves. As expected, because of the hilly terrain of Halifax, UK,. Naturally, we have a large number of drivers who own the Land Rover range of vehicles. The general grabber is well known amongst the drivers of these vehicles.
This article will explain why the Land Rover Freelander and General Grabber tyres are a perfect match for each other.
If you are a bit of a vehicle fanatic like I am and you find yourself ensconced here in the rough landscapes of Halifax, you will understand that the perfect set of wheels and tyres may make or break your experience behind the wheel.
Particularly in the United Kingdom, where meteorological conditions have a tendency to surprise us every once in a while. Today, I would like to talk about a great combination that is as perfect as a cup of coffee:
The Land Rover Freelander that has been outfitted with General Grabber tyres is the perfect match.
A brief introduction to the Land Rover Freelander is provided here. The Land Rover Freelander, a name that is connected with the history of British automobiles, has established itself as a reliable contender among compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
The Freelander has been a common sight on the roads and muddy lanes of the United Kingdom ever since it initially appeared on the manufacturing line in 1997 and continued to do so until its final version was released in 2014.
Construction of the Freelander took place in the historic Solihull facility, and it was intended to be suitable for both the rugged terrains of the countryside and the hectic lifestyles of city dwellers. It should come as no surprise that it became a popular among those individuals who required a vehicle that was as adaptable as our unexpected weather!
Why Should You Choose General Grabber Tyres?
Lastly, let’s talk about the tyres, which are the unsung heroes of any automobile.
The General Grabber brand of tyres is well-known for their durability, which is something that is very necessary when you are traversing the steep hills and dales that are found in Yorkshire.
The unrivalled grip and durability that these tyres offer, regardless of the weather, make them a marvel for those individuals who are not afraid to take on a little bit of an adventure.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a chilly Friday or a rainy Wednesday; General Grabber tyres will have you covered no matter what. They have an aggressive tread pattern, which means that mud, snow, and rain are not much of a problem for them. This ensures that they are safe and stable on those back roads that are slick.
The Ideal Working Relationship- Land Rover Freelander-General Grabber Tyres
When the Freelander is equipped with General Grabber tyres, it is as if you had the optimal combination of the two.
This team combines the engineering expertise of the United Kingdom with the tenacity of the United States (General Tyres, despite its global presence, has its roots in the United States), creating a mix that is prepared to take on any challenge.
The way they compliment each other’s abilities is almost as if they were designed specifically for that purpose.
The sophisticated four-wheel-drive system of the Freelander, when paired with the resiliency of the Grabbers, makes for a ride that is both assured and pleasant. This is true whether you are transporting the children to school or going on a weekend excursion to the Peaks.
One with a Regional Twist- Land Rover Freelander-General Grabber Tyres
In Halifax, where the topography may be just as varied as the history of the town itself, this combination ensures that you are well-prepared for a drive that is both safe and entertaining. Imagine driving through the relics of Halifax’s woollen mills or past the Piece Hall, all the while being certain that your reliable Freelander and its Grabber tyres are able to handle the roads with ease.
The Final Thoughts- Land Rover Freelander-General Grabber Tyres
In the United Kingdom, the combination of Land Rover Freelander with General Grabber tyres is something that stands out as particularly noteworthy.
It is a combination that not only provides dependability and performance but also pays homage to the long and illustrious heritage of our automobile industry and to the cutting-edge engineering of today.
If you are interested in upgrading
your ride or simply want to make sure that you are prepared for winter, you should think about purchasing this dynamic duo.
If you make this purchase, you will not only be purchasing excellence; you will also be purchasing a piece of motoring harmony. Are you prepared to go out and purchase some new tyres and hit the road?
Take a trip to the garage in your neighbourhood;
We can have a conversation and get you fixed. It is important to keep in mind that the quality of the journey is more important than simply getting from point A to point B.
Land Rover drivers are always well informed about their vehicles. They know about a tyres qualities. of course whether driving in summer or winter, from sunshine through to extreme weather conditions.
The general Grabber, in all its forms and modifications
can cope with everything the climate has to throw at them. The Land Rover Freelander in the video shows how diverse these tyres are. So they are seen to cope with the mud and water that are in their path.
The original video text from the video is listed below.
Testing my new General Grabber AT 255/60/18 on the Land Rover Freelander 2 It`s not the real off road thing,, but I was alone on a Sunday afternoon in my good clothing. But it looks very promising. On Road it`s perfect. Only a little more road noise as my Pirelli Scorpions. (100% road tire)
Michelin’s experience: Nothing is as unpredictable as the weather. Now it’s your turn to change the game.Put the new, innovative MICHELIN CrossClimate tyres to the test in the weather..
Sourced through Scoop.it from: crossclimate.michelin.co.uk
Michelin CrossClimate tyres are no doubt one of the tyres to watch out for this coming autumn. Michelin have now released stocks of the CrossClimate and we are now getting our own stocks in here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, Yorkshire UK.
it would be impossible to keep all the sizes in stock and so we just stick to the top ten sizes.
Other tyre manufacturers also make similar products, what we call “all-weather tyres”.
Apollo vredestein have just brought out another tyre from the long line of the The new Vredestein Quatrac 5 is characterised by the sleek, asymmetrical design of the tread.
Michelins experience in designing and making tyres
that are suitable for driving in winter conditions. Stems back to the early days of rallying. Michelins experience in rally tyres is second to none>Of course, with Pirelli and Goodyear probably come in close second.
In my opinion, the CrossClimate tyre is the culmination of all this experience. The video shows the extreme conditions and driving that these tyres are put through on testing.
This is something that was only available to the tyre trade at one time. Now though we have advanced visual aids for all to see, thanks to YouTube, these tyre companies can show the public exactly how their tyres can perform.
There are a couple of interesting points
that i think about when looking at the climate. So is the use of a directional tread pattern. The modern trend is for the development of the asymmetric tread pattern design. Which has the “holding the road on all four corners effect”. Another
The point is that Michelin shows the “snow flake emblem” on the Cross-Climates side wall. This is a good point and means that the tyre has been thoroughly tested in snow conditions, as the video shows.
Superior performance: Michelin tyres are known for their superior performance in terms of grip, handling, and overall driving experience. This is important for a high-performance brand like Porsche.
Consistency: Michelin tyres are known for their consistent performance, which is important for Porsche as they want to ensure their cars perform at the same level regardless of the tyre brand.
Durability: Michelin tyres are known for their durability and long-lasting tread life, which is important for Porsche as they want to ensure their cars maintain their performance over a long period of time.
Innovation: Michelin is a company that is always pushing the boundaries of tire technology and innovation, which is important for Porsche as they want to be at the forefront of automotive technology.
Brand reputation: Michelin is a well-respected and reputable brand in the tyre industry, which is important for Porsche as they want to be associated with high-quality products and brands.
Racing heritage:Michelin has a long history of success in motorsports, and Porsche has a deep-rooted motorsports heritage; this makes the partnership a natural fit for both companies as they share the same values.
As a result, I just scooped this up because of the great image. As a result, the excellent race tyres. So, those were fitted to the eventual winner’s car.
Michelin has always manufactured great tyre products.
Consequently, they are expected to make a bid for the F1 tyre contract. Of course, along with Pirelli. Currently, we supply Formula 1 with race tyres.
This years Le mans 24 hour race was won by Michelin Porsche tyres . In the closing stages, German Formula One driver Nico Hulkenberg’s car joined them.
Our own British racer Nick Tandy and New Zealander Earl Bamber were among the other winners. Audi R18 e-tron quattro finished in second and third, respectively.
The winning car was fitted with the famous Michelin race tyres.
"Barely 15 months after its return to world class
endurance racing, Porsche Team has returned to its former winning ways
at Le Mans. Nico Hülkenberg (DE), Earl Bamber (NZ) and Nick Tandy (GB)
steered their N°19 Michelin-equipped 919 Hybrid to an emphatic victory,
while the N°17 sister car made it a one-two success for the German make.
The result breaks Audi’s recent sequence of five wins but the
Ingolstadt firm was part of the podium celebrations thanks to third
place. There were class wins for Corvette/Michelin (LM GTE Pro),
Ferrari/Michelin (Am) and KCMG (LM P2)".
Courtesy of Michelin Motorsport... http://www.michelinmotorsport.com/
Partnership of Michelin Porsche
Michelin tyres have made massive inroads into all kinds of motorsport in recent years. This includes motorcycle racing and everything else barring Formula 1. There are rumours that Michelin is considering making a bid for the Formula One tyre franchise.
This came after a statement
from one of the top motorsport guys. He said though that changes would have to be made to the tyre compounds and the teams would have the freedom to choose their own tyres depending of the conditions of the particular circuit, before a bid could be made?
Subaru Forester XT-General Grabber Tyres Good Combination
This excellent video shows the quality and endurance of this Subaru car in thick snow. Consequently, equipped with General Grabber AT2 tyres.
The AT2 tyres have been a popular choice
for millions of drivers. Especially the drivers of SUV and 4X4 vehicles. Bridgestone 4X4 tyres are also popular, but General are the top of the pile.
The Forester, was fitted with 215/70R16 General Grabber AT2 tyres. of course the car had standard suspension, (not uprated). Thus this probably the reason for the car bottoming out a few times(this can be heard on the video).
The experiment with the tyres took place on a farm.
Of course, the filming took place with a video camera over a few days in winter. Snow had fallen to a depth between 3 inches and 2 feet. Thus giving the car plenty to think about during the tyre test.
General Grabbers are also very popular here in Halifax, Yorkshire, in the Pennine mountain range foothills. All types of drivers use the tyres, from farmers to families that live in the hilly areas. Therefore, they are well prepared for the snow that falls practically every winter.
This is the text that accompanied the video
Snow ranging from 3″ to close to 2 foot. I have about 9.5″ of ground clearance and you can hear it bottom out several times in the video on hard snow. Some highlights from a few days out on the farm (Iowa) this Winter with the FXT. Using 215/70r16 (28.1″ diameter) General Grabber AT2 tires (stock suspension). I didn’t have a camera man this weekend to take video from outside the car so we’re stuck with the video from my DVR207 dash man which isn’t that great. The rattling you hear is actually the slightly loose mic inside the camera.
Racing around an 8.47-mile circuit for 24 hours places severe demands on the Dunlop racing tyres used by sports car teams. Here’s how they cope
Dunlop Racing Tyres
Dunlop racing division. Will have just finished a busy weekend at the Le Mans 24 hour race meeting in France. The giant Dunlop race tyres trucks. Hence, will be making their way back to the UK . Naturally, to analyze all the data that has been collected during the weekends racing.
This information will be closely investigated and analyzed. Thus, to collate the data that they have collected. For that reason, this will be of great use when deciding which compounds and polymers are used.Thus, in the development of your every day passenger car tyres.
Dunlop Racing Tyres and the storied Le Mans Circuit:
An Account of Precision and Performance
Few pairings in motorsport history are as famous as the famed Le Mans circuit in France paired with Dunlop racing tyres. Since its inception in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been more than just a race; it is an intense test of speed, endurance, and strategy that has forced competitors, teams, and machinery to the ultimate limit. Tyres are one of the main factors that have helped teams win races throughout the years, and Dunlop is the brand that is most closely linked to Le Mans.
The Relationship’s Beginnings
Since the beginning of racing, Dunlop has been identified with it. John Boyd Dunlop, a Scottish innovator who transformed the world with the pneumatic tyre, created the company in 1889.
Dunlop was always at the forefront of tyre technology, from early breakthroughs in motorsport and cycling to rising to prominence in auto racing. Since the 1920s, they have maintained a close relationship with Le Mans.
Le Mans’s Evolution of Racing Tires
Unlike any other circuit in the world, Le Mans offers a singular challenge. The 8.5-mile (13.6-kilometer) course has long straights, sweeping turns and tight chicanes.
It is a combination of public roads and a permanent racecourse. The race format, which consists of 24 hours of nonstop racing, reveals the true difficulty.
Le Mans tires must withstand intense heat, unrelenting wear, and continuous use on a course that shifts from day to night and back again. It’s a severe endurance test for the tires as well as the automobiles.
Dunlop swiftly established itself as a reliable supplier at Le Mans by providing tyres that could handle these harsh circumstances. Tyre blowouts were frequent in the beginning, and tyre producers were always competing to create compounds that would last longer.
Due to their success in this area, Dunlop became a favourite of many teams, which helped them go on a dominating run in the middle of the 20th century. Dunlop tyres were used on 34 of the overall winning vehicles at Le Mans between 1924 and 1995—a record that bears witness to their dedication to excellence.
Le Mans Drives Innovation
Tyre technology has been tested in the Le Mans 24-hour race, and Dunlop has been at the forefront of these advancements. New compounds, tread patterns, and materials have been developed over time, revolutionising racing tyre technology for both endurance racing and motorsports in general.
The advent of multi-compound tyres, for instance, gave teams the flexibility to strike a balance between durability and grip, enabling them to push their vehicles to the edge over longer runs.
Dunlop’s tight ties to teams and manufacturers have facilitated quick development and real-time input, guaranteeing that the tyres get better every year.
Dunlop’s engineers have optimised their products to excel in every situation the track presents, whether it’s navigating the fast-paced Mulsanne Straight or the challenging Porsche Curves.
Dunlop Bridge: A Famous Bridge
In motorsport, the Dunlop Bridge at Le Mans is one of the most recognisable sites. This bridge, which leads into the Dunlop chicane at the end of the start/finish straight, has come to represent the race for many years.
Not only is it an advertisement, but it also serves as a reminder of Dunlop and Le Mans’ long-standing collaboration. Fans and racers alike recognise that bridge as the spiritual home of endurance racing, wherein Dunlop’s legacy is ingrained, every year.
Legendary Wins with Dunlop: Success Stories
Dunlop tires have been associated with some of the most memorable events in Le Mans history. During the 1950s, automobiles with Dunlop coatings from Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Jaguar dominated the race; the 250 TR from Ferrari and the D-Type from Jaguar became iconic vehicles of that time.
As the 1960s and 1970s wore on, Dunlop kept innovating by supplying tires for Ford’s storied GT40 during their fierce competition with Ferrari, which produced four consecutive victories from 1966 to 1969.
With Dunlop tyres, Porsche’s 956 and 962 models were nearly invincible in the 1980s, winning many Le Mans races and cemented the brand’s legacy in motorsport history.
Dunlop Present-Days: A Powerhouse at Le Mans
In the last few years, other manufacturers such as Michelin have gained prominence, although Dunlop is still a significant role in endurance racing.
Their tyres continue to be a popular option in a number of Le Mans classes, particularly the LMP2 class where performance and longevity are crucial. Dunlop’s dedication to pushing tyre technological limits in the most severe conditions is demonstrated by their continuing participation in Le Mans.
Final Thought: A Collaboration Based on Performance
A collaboration based on a mutual love of endurance, speed, and invention, Dunlop racing tyres and the Le Mans track go beyond simple commercial dealings.
Dunlop has had a significant influence on the history of Le Mans, from the beginning of racing to the present, helping teams win and drivers become legendary. You can count on Dunlop to be present for as long as Le Mans is held, constantly pushing the envelope, one lap at a time.
This heritage serves as a reminder that racing is about more than just the fastest vehicles and the best drivers. Additionally, technology plays a crucial role in keeping everything together and essentially adhering those vehicles to the road.
Dunlop has also provided that vital link between the road and the racer for a large portion of Le Mans’ illustrious history, leading innumerable teams to the checkered flag.
They have got years of knowledge and statistics to look back on when making crucial decisions. Consequently, when it comes to research and development on future tyre products.
Dunlop racing tyres have always had some or other involvement
In the top racing scene the world over. As a result , Would be drivers start out with Dunlop kart racing tyres. So then right up to Dunlop racing motorcycle tyres. Hence, including many of the large car racing events including the prestigious Le Mans 24 hour races.
The top five teams in the LMP2 category were fitted with Dunlop racing tyres in Le Mans. This gave the Dunlop racing tyres the top three spots on the finishing podium in the LMP2 class. The LMP2 stands “LE MANS” PROTOTYPE 2 and is indeed a racing car with no production minimum required. it is a class of car that will be only available to teams that are independent of car manufacturers and/or engine suppliers.
The top three LMP2 race teams were Oreca, Gibson, and Ligier; each team could choose from a different and new range of Dunlop race tyres, which meant that the teams could use different strategies.
Vredestein has always made an outstanding tyre product. Thus, even in the days before they were bought out by Apollo tyres.
This is a new Quatrac tyre.
Therefore, there will be no exception to the rule. I have been fortunate enough to visit the factory in Holland. Where the Vredestein tyres are made. As a result, I was very impressed by the cleanliness of the tyre-making facilities. Cleanliness helps to make a better tyre product without any warranty problems.
Alright, let’s dive into the story of Vredestein tyres
a familiar name on the roads of the UK, especially when the frost starts nipping at our toes. You know, tyres are a bit like a good cuppa—you don’t think about them much until you really need them, and then, well, they’re blooming essential, aren’t they?
So, Vredestein, that trusty old Dutch brand
has been around since your granddad’s days, making tyres since 1909. They’ve always had a bit of a reputation for quality, especially when it comes to winter tyres. You know the sort—those tyres that keep your motor gripping the road like a Yorkshire terrier holds onto a bone.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. In 2009, Vredestein got married to Apollo Tyres, a big player from India. It’s like when your local chippy. Hence, it gets taken over by that fancy new restaurant chain from London. You wonder, “Will my favourite fish and chips ever taste the same again?”
Well, the good news is
Apollo Tyres didn’t come to mess about. They had big plans. They wanted to get a foothold in Europe, and what better way than through an established name like Vredestein? So, they pumped in the cash—we’re talking serious investment here. It’s like they gave Vredestein a full MOT, new spark plugs, and the works.
What came out of this garage was quite something. Vredestein started rolling out new tyre ranges faster than you can say, ‘Bob’s your uncle’. There was the Ultrac range, proper high-performance tyres, perfect for giving your motor that extra bit of oomph on the motorway. Then came the Wintrac line—now, these are the winter tyres that could make a Siberian husky feel at home on a Halifax road in December.
But it’s not just about keeping your car straight
and narrow during a frosty morning. Vredestein, under Apollo’s wing, started getting a bit fancy. They brought out designer tyres; can you believe it? Teaming up with big names like Giugiaro, they started making tyres that weren’t just practical, but pretty darn stylish too. It’s like putting a Savile Row suit on your wheels!
And let’s not forget the green side of things. Vredestein has been working on more sustainable tyres because, let’s face it, we all want to keep the Yorkshire Dales looking lovely for our grandkids.
They’re using clever materials and designs to reduce rolling resistance, which means less fuel consumption and fewer emissions. It’s like having your cake and eating it—your car runs smoother, and you’re doing your bit for the planet.
So, there you have it.
Vredestein, with a bit of help from Apollo, has been keeping cars in the UK and beyond, steady on their feet (or should I say, wheels) through rain, sleet, and snow.
They’ve stayed true to their roots while adding a bit of spice to the mix. It’s a bit like your local chippy adding gourmet burgers to the menu—the classics are still there, but there’s something new and exciting for everyone. Keep an eye out on those roads, and you’ll see what I mean!
Vredestein also made other high-quality tyre products. Including the vredestein ultrac sessanta. Hence, for the SUV and 4×4 tyre markets,. Consequently, it has been proven to be very popular. Especially amongst the drivers of this type of vehicle.
The Vredestein Quatrac 3 SUV tyres were a very popular choice of all-weather tyres and have now been replaced by the Vredestein Quatrac 5 tyre, a worthy predecessor.
Apollo vredestein has now become one tyre company with emerging products.
The Indian tyre makers made a very shrewd move when buying Vredestein. The Dutch tyre company is renowned for their winter tyre range, with many award winners.
Apollo tyre India is growing into one of the world’s top ten tyre manufacturers. From their base in India, they have a presence in South Africa, Europe, and the UK, and now I believe that they are ready to make a bid for the Chinese tyre company, BCT.
Apollo Vredestein is now making great efforts
to expand their tyres throughout the UK. In fact, they no longer support the tyre dealer network Point-S after the resignation of MD Eric Roberts. We also stock Falken tyres here in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK.
Consequently, to bring things up to date in 2021, we are now receiving poorer service from the Vredestein product. In my opinion, this is often the case after a company is taken over by a larger company.
Vredestein, at the present time, is suffering from supply problems. something that they were once very proud of. So, our main and most important winter tyre is from the Falken Tyre products that we now stock and supply in the Halifax area.
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