Audi selects Pax as option on A6
GENEVA-Audi A.G. has selected Group Michelin's Pax integrated run-flat tire/wheel system as an option for its 2005 model year A6 mid-size sedan, extending a fitment option from the current generation A6 line dating back to 2003.
Audi also offers a Pax option on its top-of-the-line A8 sedan.
Audi and Michelin went one step further for the new A6 fitment, however, jointly developing a new wheel design to match the car's sporty style, Michelin said. The Pax system provides a minimum zero pressure mobility of 125 miles at 50 mph.
The Pax system option will be available in September throughout Europe, in summer and winter versions: 235-660 R 460 A 98Y Pilot Primacy (summer) and 225-650 R 460 A 99H Pilot Alpin (winter).
Nokian to build plant in Russia
NOKIA, Finland-Nokian Tyres P.L.C. plans to build a passenger tire plant near St. Petersburg, Russia, in the coming 12 to 18 months at a cost of about $67 million.
In addition, Nokia is pulling out of a sales and production joint venture with Russia's Amtel Holdings and instead will proceed with plans to set up its own distribution and sales network in the country.
The joint venture Amtel-Nokian Tires was formed in January 2003 to sell Nordman-branded entry-level passenger tires and to make preparations for a joint venture tire plant.
The proposed plant near St. Petersburg will have capacity for 1.5 million tires annually at first, Nokian said, with a planned expansion to 8 million units a year over a 10-year period. Production of Nokian-brand tires, set to start in 2005, will be initially dedicated to the Russian market.