The charity campaign “Tires with the heart” organized by “Latakko” Ltd. has been carried out for six years now and has become a tradition in the network of tire centers “Key Point”. During the campaign, 1.50 EUR from each sold set of summer tires has been donated to the Children’s Clinical University Hospital.

During these six years, “Latakko” Ltd., together with customer donations, has donated more than 66 thousand euros to the Children’s Clinical University Hospital, which was used to purchase equipment for new-born children and intensive therapy.

Thanks to this donation, that is, to each driver who purchased a set of summer tires, and thanks to the selfless work of doctors, it is possible to help to an even larger number of children every year.

For six years the slogan of the charity campaign “Tires with the heart” has been “It is easy to help”, because together we can accomplish great things. Also, earlier this year, the hospital doctors expressed their gratitude for our contribution and mentioned that the equipment we donated last year saved the lives of four new-born children! Wow! We are inexpressibly grateful to all the participants who made this possible.

“Latakko” Ltd. has received two awards in the business competition and conference “Outstanding Employer’s DNA 2016” in the category “Involvement of company employees in social responsibility”, and special affinity award of “4Finance” Fund “Good Works”.

In total, 25 projects by 23 companies were nominated for the competition in five categories: “Assessment with added value”, “Efficient involvement and entrance of talents into work”, “Care of balance of work and life”, “Involvement of company employees in social responsibility” and “Innovative technological HR solutions”.

For the competition, “Latakko” Ltd. and PKP tire centers nominated their corporate social responsibility project “Tires with Heart”, which has been implemented since 2010.

In the project “Tires with Heart”, 1.44 EUR for each set of summer tires sold has been donated to the Children’s Clinical University Hospital. Moreover, each “Pirelli Key Point” customer may directly donate money in donation boxes placed in Pirelli Key Point tire centers and to current accounts of the Children’s Hospital Fund.

Over the course of four years, the total amount of donations has exceeded 50 thousand EUR. With those donations, the Children’s Clinical University Hospital has bought several vitally necessary devises and equipment that help to save the lives of children and promote their recovery.

“It is real pleasure to work in socially responsible company based on family values in cooperation with partners, customers and employees. It is easy to help jointly!   Small things, combined for united purpose, may create big difference.”
Jolanta Gruzdeva, the Head of the Personnel Department of “Latakko” Ltd. (third from the left)

Gathering more than 200 sportsmen from all three Baltic States, on the 2nd and 3rd of April, the long awaited opening of motorcycle race season took place on the “Lauma” track in Liepaja. Thus began the Latvian championship for quadricycles and sidecars, Latvian junior championship for children’s sidecars and quadricycles, and Latvian Cup competition. Several sportsmen were supported by the “Maxxis” tire brand, officially distributed in the Baltic States by “Latakko”, and we, as always, are proud of their achievements.

Eriks Eizans, a participant of the Quadricycle Committee said after the competition had finished: “The competition was successful. It was a pleasant track with elements suitable for sand surface. Sportsmen had an opportunity to show the results of their winter training. This place is very suitable to check sportsmen’s physical fitness and technique; therefore, one should thank the organizer for the creation of such a cool track in the city. I think that this track will become a tradition for the first competition of each spring, to check the abilities of the participants and the results of preparation performed in the winter.”

Having assessed the competition, Janis Pastars, experienced motorcycle race photographer and promoter of motorcycle racing, provided his comment and review: “There were tough battles in all qualifications, but particularly tense battling occurred among Q Pro class drivers. Events in Sidecar class were also interesting.”

MX OPEN Ivo Šteinbergs Maxxis

Performance of sportsmen supported by “Maxxis”

These sportsmen are part of the “CEC I. S. Racing” team. One of their official supporters is tire brand “Maxxis”, officially distributed in the Baltic States by “Latakko”.

• In Q Beginner’s class, the 1st place taken by Aigars Saicans (see main photo of the article)
• In MX Open class, the 5th place taken by Ivo Steinbergs
• In Q Pro class, place taken by Emils Sigajevs
• Place taken by Imants Lielaisramans

Results in Latvian championship qualification in Q Pro class

To the excitement of our fans, the winner in this class was our man Edgars Mengelis, who in the first drive yielded to Kevin Saar from Estonia, which was not typical for him, but gained victory in the second drive. The second place in this class was taken by Estonian sportsman Kevin Saar, and the third place – by another Estonian sportsman Priit Jarvlo.

Results in Latvian championship qualification in Sidecar class.

In Sidecar class, the winners were the famous team of Maris Rupeiks and Kaspars Liepins. Similarly to Edgars Mengelis, Maris Rupeiks and Kaspars Liepins also yielded to Estonians in one drive, gaining victory in the first drive, but in the second drive they came in second, following the team of Kert Varik and Maarek Miil. All in all, the 2nd place was taken by Kert Varik and Maarek Miil, and the 3rd – by Janis Daiders and Aigars Reimandovs.

Results in Q Beginners’ class

In Q Beginners’ class, the first place winner was Aigars Saicans, the second – Salvis Cinglers, and the third – Janis Zirnis.

Results in Q Veterans’ class

In this class, the leader was Aigars Neija, the 2nd place taken by Aleksejs Kuzmins, and 3rd place in the stage was won by Arturs Skuja.

Results in Q Amateurs’ class

The highest place on the podium was held by Andris Cirss, the 2nd place held by Martins Toms Pukitis, and the 3rd by Zigmars Sondors.

Results in Veterans’ Sidecar class

The fastest were Urmas Sugasep and Martins Antons, in the 2nd place at the end of the day were Paulus Tendzegolskis and Martins Zalausks, and in the 3rd place – Arnis Groza and Marcis Krumins-Dambrovs.

Results in Children’s Sidecar class

The 1st place was taken by team of Emils and Elmars Tilaki, the 2nd place being occupied by Markuss Aunins and Madara Stipenbaha, and the 3rd – by Bruno and Daniels Lielbarzi.

Results in Q Juniors’class

The best was experienced Lauris Eizans, the 2nd place was taken by Atis Breds, and the 3rd – by Arturs Baltgalvis.

Results in Q100 competition

The fastest was Kristians Stolarovs, the second was Rihards Freibergs, and the third – Jozep Esmae.

Results in Q70 class

The first was Martins Puhalskis, and the second – Reinis Bogomols.

Results in Q50 Small class

The 1st place in “Lauma” was taken by Karlis Neija, the 2nd – by Markus Augustovskis, and the 3rd – by Ivo Kristaps Kalve.

Results in Q50 Dwarves’ class

The first was Arturs S, and the second – Ernests Reisons.

Results in A16+ class

The 1st place was taken by Reinis Cudarans, the 2nd place – by Rolands Bleidels, and the 3rd – by Kristaps Kalve.

Results in A25+ class

The winner was Didzis Gorbenko, the second was Edgars Rutkis, and the third – Jurgis Zukas.

Results in A35+ class

The leader of the competition was Artis Egle, vice-leader – Gints Uzars, and Intars Janbergs took the 3rd place.

Results in Beginners’class

Guntars Cibulskis took the 1st place, Arturs Treija – the 2nd, and Andris Cukurs – the 3rd place.

Results in MX Open class

The winner was Toms Macuks, Karlis Sabulis, the representative of European championship, took the second place, and Davis Ivanovs, the participant of last year’s Nations Cup team – the third place.

Results in Ladies’competition

The winner was Anna Stecjuka, Anastasija Usakova took the 2nd place, and Anna Lankovska took the 3rd place.

Results in MX125 class, which started at the same time as ladies

Rainers Zuks won the stage, Toms Babris took the 2nd place, and Karlis Kalejs – the 3rd place.

Results in MX85 class

The 1st place was taken by Egert Pihlak from Estonia, the 2nd place taken by Patriks Uzuls, and the 3rd – by Kristers Krists Suna.

Results in MX65 class

The winner of the stage was Janis Kubulins, Kirils Maslovs was the second, and Uldis GFreiergs – the third.

Results in MX50 the smallest class

This time, the leader was Tomass Saicans, Ricards Alens Galcins was in the second position, and Rodrigo Livs Birbels held the third place.

The Latvian motorcycle race championship season will continue on 24 April, when two one-day competitions – the first stage of Latvian championship for solo motorcycle classes, will be held in Aizpute.

Photo by: Janis Mickevics

Today the charity campaign “Tires with Heart” organized by Pirelli Key Point concluded its day in the Children’s Hospital, supplying equipment necessary to patients of the Intensive Therapy Unit and even brought the shadow theatre along!

Charity campaign “Tires with Heart” has been organized for five years now with a goal to support the Children’s Hospital and its young patients! Over the course of previous years, more than 40,000 EUR were donated during the campaign, and they were used to supply necessary equipment to the units of new born and prematurely born children, and to supply special medical equipment for patients with burns. This equipment is vital for the patients of the Intensive Care Units.

Arta Barzdina, the Head of the Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Unit of the Children’s Hospital said the new equipment will be supplied to the patients of Intensive Care Unit, with help of “Tires with Heart”.

Liene Dambina, the Head of the Children’s Hospital Fund, stressed the importance of the Children’s Hospital having friends it can rely on every year.” The campaign “Tires with Heart” has become a warm-hearted and exciting event for us! Over the last 5 years, the organizers of the campaign have visited us numerous times, and now they know the needs of the hospital and its several units very well. We often say that children are the most important thing to us, therefore we say many thanks to the organizers and supporters of this campaign for transforming words into real work and contributions to our children’s health!”

The campaign “Tyres with Heart” is a charity initiative of the Pirelli Key Point network of tyre, which has been organised for the fifth year. During the campaign, Pirelli Key Point donated 1.44 EUR from each set of sold summer tyres to the Children’s Clinical Hospital; moreover, Latvian drivers also participated in the campaign, by donating in donation boxes placed in Pirelli Key Point tyre centres and to current accounts of the Children’s Hospital Fund.

“I am glad that amount of donation increases annually, and be means of donation we can not only improve necessary equipment for the hospital, but also to give contribution to the whole sector, in general!” says Martins Zeimanis, the Head of the development of “Pirelli Key Point” network in the Baltic States.

On April 24th, 2015, “Latakko” Ltd. presented Riga with a lane of West Himalayan birch trees near Mara’s pond.

In 2014, “Latakko” Ltd., celebrated its 20th anniversary and decided to celebrate this important event together with its employees and the residents of Riga by leaving a memorial sign in the image of birch lane in Agenskalns, near Mara’s pond. Employees of “Latakko” in cooperation with employees of “Darzi un parki” (“Gardens and Parks”), the division of “Rigas mezi” Ltd. (“Riga Forests”), created the tree lane, and, during the event, 20 West Himalayan birch trees (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Doorenbos’) were planted.

Jevgenijs Kopilkovs, a board member at Latakko Ltd. said: “Lately, the automotive industry develops and pays much more attention to the materials it uses and impact thereof to the environment. Trees are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also emit oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, thus reducing air pollution. By planting trees, we have an opportunity not only to present a gift to the city of Riga, but also the entire planet, as it is a very valuable contribution to our future.”

Uldis Zommers, member of the Board of “Rigas Mezi” stated: “The desire of members of society to financially contribute to activities that improve the quality of the environment in the city is unequivocally welcomed, as it bears supportive, instructional and educating meaning. A businessperson who decides to give his or her contribution to society and the city in this way, serves as an example for other entrepreneurs and people to share the profits of his or her work.

An orderly environment inspires people to orderly thoughts and inspires internal and external harmony.”

In the future, Latakko plans to continue the tradition of planting trees, thus contributing to the city and its visitors.

Statistics gathered in a survey in the beginning of this March by the network of tire centers “Pirelli Key Point” within a framework of “BTA Women’s Day Rally 2015” shows that almost a quarter of Latvian female drivers drive a car equipped with inappropriate tires. Pirelli Key Point urges men not to forget to take regular care of the auto safety of their women.

During the survey, professionals of Pirelli Key Point tire centers measured the two most important parameters showing the condition of tires: tire wear, or the tread depth, and tire “age”.

One of the most important indices that the “suitability” of a tire is determined upon, is the depth of the tread – the less it is, the less safe the tire is. Usually, the tread depth for a new tire is 6 – 8 mm for a summer tire and 8 – 10 mm for a winter tire. In accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Latvia, the minimum allowed tread depth is 1.6 mm for summer tires and 4 mm for winter tires. However, the survey data showed that part of female drivers in Latvia are not informed about the determined tread depth, and the importance thereof regarding safety: almost a quarter or 24% of female drivers drive cars equipped with tires with minimal tread depth. 21% of cars were equipped with winter tires, and tread depth thereof was less than 4 mm, and in 3% – less than 1.6 mm.

It was also specified that 14% of female drivers have their cars equipped with tires older than 4 years. Moreover, the “oldest” tire found during the survey, was manufactured in 1994! At the same time, it is considered that the average “life” of a tire is about 2-4 seasons, depending on driving style and conditions, wear, road surface, storing conditions and other subjective parameters. Tests, carried out by manufacturers, show that, on average, after 2-4 seasons of active use tire rubber loses its flexibility, becoming harder, and loses its qualities, failing to ensure necessary performance and safety. Obviously, the longer a tire is used, the less safe it is.

Gints Garuts, Pirelli Key Point expert says “We live in a society, where, despite large the number of female drivers, the car is still considered as the men’s “toy”, and women use cars more as simply a means of transport. Therefore, we would like to urge men: please, take care of the safety of your women and their cars!”

Tire wear, affected by tire “age” and tread depth, is directly related to breaking abilities. Breaking efficiency is a vital safety feature. Tests show that old tires with less tread depth break worse and endanger traffic safety. To avoid traffic accidents because of bad tires, Pirelli Key Point expert advises performing tire checks and maintenance regularly. In the spring, when warm the seasons approach, is the best time to think about the condition of your tires. That is, assess the condition of your winter tires, and put them aside until next winter season. Summer tires should be used when the average temperature already exceeds 7 degrees Celsius.

Pirelli Key Point survey was carried out in the beginning of this March within framework of “BTA Women’s Day Rally 2015”, and 479 women’s cars participated therein.