Motorsport programme for 2008
The UK distributor for Yokohama tyres, Yokohama HPT Ltd, has confirmed that its motorsport programme for 2008 will cover all levels of sports, from grass roots in the UK to the very highest level, as the company seeks to ensure success for as many competitors in as many disciplines as possible.
The Yokohama name, and that of its flagship tyre brand ADVAN, are synonymous with success in motorsport. You only need look at the quality of the competition and the range of drivers and teams that stood on the podium in the 2007 FIA World Touring Car Championship to realise that. For the second year, the ADVAN brand was selected as control tyre by the FIA and the work carried out by the Yokohama development engineers drew critical acclaim from teams, drivers and engineers alike.
It is no surprise then that Yokohama ADVAN has been selected as the control tyre for the WTCC for a further two years, 2008 and 2009. Being chosen as control tyre for one of three FIA world championships is an incredible accolade and one which Yokohama HPT's Motorsport Manager, Mark Evans, is understandably proud of. "Being selected to provide the control tyre for a series such as the FIA World Touring Car Championship is probably the ultimate recognition of the credentials of not only the tyres themselves but the technical development and support which we as a company offer to the teams and the championship itself. After being chosen to supply control tyres for the last two years, we are delighted that ADVAN will be the control tyre for the WTCC for this year and next."
But it's not only at the highest level of the sport that Yokohama and ADVAN have been selected as control tyre. Closer to home in the UK, the brand will be used exclusively for the BRISCA Formula 2 stock car series. These open-wheel stock cars, using either 1300cc or two-litre engines, will use the Yokohama A021R racing tyre in 2008, supplied by legendary stock car stalwart, George Polley, through his Polley Motorsport organisation.
Once again, the Yokohama 205 Challenge will use Yokohama tyres exclusively throughout the 2008 season, which will see 1400cc; 1600cc and 1900cc Peugeot 205s and rear wheel-drive BMWs compete on asphalt and gravel rally stages across the country. Widely regarded as one of the best rally championships in the UK, the organisers are proud of their claim that the Yokohama 205 Challenge offers some of the best value motorsport and Yokohama HPT is delighted to lend its full support to the championship for the second season.
The Yokohama name is also sure to make more of a splash in this year's Isle of Man TT races, as it will be supplying tyres to Dave Molyneux, already the most successful sidecar racer in the history of the annual competition and the third all-time most successful rider outright. Dave has an incredible 14 race wins to his name using the Yokohama brand and will undoubtedly be looking to add two more to that tally come the summer.
Another series adopting Yokohama as control tyres is the Lotus On Track Elise Trophy. This series is co-ordinated by the Lotus On Track club, a non profit-making organisation run by Lotus enthusiasts. The race series is a ten-round championship, taking competitors around the UK and to Europe, including the awesome Spa Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The series has proved so successful and well organised that the UK's leading motorsport newspaper, Motorsport News, described it as; "the most impressive new series of the year."
In motorsport, success breeds success and Yokohama's achievements on the racetrack and rally stage have led to the brand being adopted by more manufacturers as Original Equipment on their road car products. The latest addition is the eagerly anticipated Mitsubishi Lancer EvoX, which was unveiled at January's Autosport International show and is fitted with the Yokohama A13C tyre from the factory.

GITI Tire
With a constantly evolving product range GITI Tire offer two high quality passenger car tyre brands, GT Radial and Runway, including ultra high performance, comfort line, SUV 4X4 and commercial light truck.
Two premium truck and bus brands complete the product portfolio, GT Radial and Primewell, specifically designed and manufactured to meet the demands of today's European Commercial Vehicle Operators. The extensive product range is Mission Matched to ensure the correct tyre is available for each application, whether Regional or Long Haul, Mixed Service or Municipal.
GITI Tire, headquartered in Shanghai, is China's largest manufacturer and supplier of top quality tyres. The Company distributes its products through an extensive sales network in China and exports to over 100 countries around the world.
Since its foundation in 1993, GITI Tire has grown to become China's largest tyre manufacturer in terms of production volume, sales revenue, and product range. Currently, GITI have seven globally scaled manufacturing plants in China, operating at global standards in terms of production quality and capacity. The company has vertically integrated into some strategic raw materials production like nylon cord and steel wire to mitigate supply risk and quality control.
For two consecutive years (2005 & 2006) GITI Tire has received the prestigious Global Supplier of the Year Award from General Motors.
General Motors commented on the professional approach and world-class performance in providing high quality parts and service to the General Motors global business.
Accredited to international quality standards including QS9000, ISO9001 and TS 16949, the company has made a significant investment in its Research and Development Centre, which employs over 160 associates with many years of experience in advanced tyre technologies. Moreover GITI has recently established a test and development facility at MIRA in the UK.
Eddie Young, Director Product Technology & Automotive Engineering, responsible for the GITI operation at MIRA said "the establishment of the test and development facility at MIRA represents GITI's continued commitment to the manufacture of industry leading products and places the company amongst the top premium global tyre manufacturers in terms of product development, quality, reliability and performance."
"The MIRA technical operation will provide development and evaluation support to GITI's Research and Development Centre in China and will be employed in the development of tyre products for application worldwide. MIRA is unique in that it provides the widest range of testing facilities and laboratories for the development of tyres for all types of vehicles. Because of these capabilities, GITI will use the MIRA facility in the development of Passenger, LT, Commercial and Motorsport tyres" said Eddie.
In addition to the continued development of tyre technologies, quality and innovation the company has recently demonstrated its commitment to global environmental concerns and become the first tyre company to offset all carbon dioxide production. GITI Tire Corporation is donating $1 million for conservation projects in northern Sumatra (Indonesia) and the Mountains of Southwest China in a partnership agreement with Conservation International.

New product sizes
The Portuguese manufacturer is adding over 30 new product sizes to their extensive range. The new products will include additional sizes to the already popular 60 series in the NL260 pattern. There is also a new asymmetric design named "CYGNUS" which will cover 45-50-55 series in 15" 16" and 17" rim sizes, covering the main popular European dimensions.
A new commercial tyre named "FARGO" will also be introduced in 65-70 and 75 series, this again is a completely new modern design for today's light truck and vans.
The 4 x 4 SUV range will also be extended with additions to the ATLAS pattern in 65 and 70 series giving comfort, safety, performance and durability for today's conditions.
For further information e-mail: camacuk@btconnect.com