CITExpo 2006 to Be Held Concurrently with Automotive Testing Expo

(Akron/Tire Review) The fourth annual China International Tire Expo (CITExpo), which will be held Sept. 6-8 at the Shanghai Everbright Exhibition Center in Shanghai, China, is expected to be a great success, with 200 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and technology in 8,000 square meters of exhibition space.

For the second year in a row, Tire Review serves as the exclusive U.S. media sponsor for CITExpo. Other key media supporters include Tire Review partners Tyres & Accessories and Rubber Asia.

This year, show organizer Reliable International Exhibition Services Co. announced it will co-locate of the most famous events in the automotive manufacturing industry – the Automotive Testing Expo – with CITExpo. The Automotive Testing Expo was previously held in Germany.

“The synergy of the two events being held concurrently will certainly attract more decision makers, engineers, and parts buyers of the carmakers from all around China,” said show organizers.

Last year’s CITExpo, held Dec. 14-16, attracted more than 150 exhibitors (a 50% increase over the prior year) that showcased radial and bias tires, wheels, tire maintenance equipment, retread materials and equipment and other related products. The 5,000-plus attendees traveled from 79 countries and 30 provinces of China to visit the show.

If you’re a shop looking to sell summer tires, it’s important to know that customers looking for these tires have very specific needs. Let’s talk about why, before recommending summer tires, you need to fully understand customer performance requirements.

Unlike all-season or all-terrain tires built for diverse driving conditions, UHP summer tires are designed with one priority: dry and wet traction for performance driving. Lateral and longitudinal grip in dry and wet conditions are also important, which is achieved through optimized contact patches, high silica tread compounds and circumferential grooves to channel water. Generally, UHP summer tire tread design features large blocks and fewer grooves for more road contact on dry surfaces. The grooves are designed to channel water away from the tire, reducing the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.