Apollo Tyres Ltd. has inaugurated its first super premium retail outlet in Bengaluru, India, aiming to transform the tire retail experience. The outlet, inaugurated by Rajesh Dahiya, vice president, Commercial (India, SAARC and Southeast Asia), Apollo Tyres Ltd., is crafted to offer a smart, emotionally engaging and community-driven service environment catering to modern motorists. The new retail space is designed as a destination for tires and mobility solutions, providing a curate...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced that Jan-Piet van Kesteren will join the company as managing director EMEA and chief sales officer EMEA Consumer, effective Sept. 1. He will report to Mark Stewart, CEO and president. Van Kesteren will be responsible for Goodyear's Consumer business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, focusing on sales execution, profitable growth and advancing Goodyear's global strategy. Additionally, he will oversee regional governance to ensure...

The US Commerce Department has announced an increase in tariffs on 407 products, including wind turbines, mobile cranes, bulldozers and other heavy equipment, as well as electric vehicle parts, with immediate effect. These products are now subject to a 50% tariff on any steel and aluminum content. The tariffs also extend to imported parts for automotive exhaust systems and electrical steel for EVs, despite concerns from foreign automakers about insufficient domestic capacity to meet...

Bridgestone Corp. has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Mexican carbon black manufacturing subsidiary, Mexico Carbon Manufacturing SA de CV (MXCB), to Cabot Corp. The strategic decision is part of the Japanese tiremaker’s ongoing efforts to restructure and strengthen its global operations under its Mid-Term Business Plan for 2024–2026. In June, Bridgestone agreed to sell its carbon black business in Thailand to Tokai Corp. The sale reflects Bridgestone’s commitment to “growth ...

Continental has introduced the aContact tire line designed specifically for autonomous vehicles, catering to the diverse needs and applications of autonomous fleets. These tires are suitable for different types of self-driving vehicles, including robo-taxis, shuttle vehicles and autonomous delivery services, with the potential for use in private self-driving cars in the future. The aContact tires are set to be deployed on public roads in US cities such as Las Vegas and San Francisco.&nbs...

Kumho Tire U.S.A. has announced the launch of the all-new Road Venture RT — a rugged-terrain tire that bridges the gap between the all-terrain and mud-terrain segments. The KUMHO Road Venture RT combines strong, rugged terrain traction and enhanced off-road durability with great on-road comfort and a 50,000-mile tread wear warranty.  “The new Road Venture RT was made for a growing segment of truck and SUV owners who seek hybrid tires that provide durability and traction for off-...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has launched the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife 2, a new premium all-season tire featuring Goodyear's proprietary TredLife Technology. Now available in the US and Canada, the tire is backed by an 85,000-mile limited treadlife warranty, making it Goodyear's longest-lasting tire. The tire is designed for a wide range of vehicles, including family sedans, hybrids, crossovers and luxury sport utility vehicles, such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Toyota Camry, Hon...

Japan's The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. announced that Shandong Yokohama Rubber Industrial Products Co. Ltd. (YRSC), a consolidated subsidiary engaged in the production and sales of conveyor belts, has become a wholly owned subsidiary of the firm. The move follows Yokohama's headquarters in China — Yokohama Rubber (China) Co. Ltd. — acquiring the remaining 22.98% equity stake in Shandong and adding to its existing 77.02% equity stake in the company. YRSC, established in January ...

Yokohama Tire has announced a size expansion of its GEOLANDAR A/T4 G018 tire, engineered for light trucks, sport utility vehicles and crossover utility vehicles (CUVs). This all-terrain tire is now available in 100 sizes, including 33 newly added Euro-metric and P-metric sizes, alongside 67 LT-metric sizes. The tire is designed for both on- and off-road conditions and is offered in wheel diameters ranging from 15 to 22 inches. Further expansions in size offerings are anticipated in the f...

Hankook Tire & Technology announced several key executive leadership appointments at its North American Headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. The company said these changes are part of its strategy to bolster its long-term growth in both passenger and commercial tire markets within North America. As part of the move, Kyuwang (Ken) Cho has been appointed as senior vice president of North America Marketing, moving from his previous role where he managed both Passenger Car/Light Truck (...

Continental is reinforcing its strong market position in the ultrahigh-performance (UHP) tire sector. UHP tires range from 18 inches in size and are engineered for high-speed, dynamic driving. Between 2019 and 2024, the company said it sold about 15 percentage points more UHP tires in the passenger car and light truck segment worldwide. Over the same period, the share of sales of UHP tires for all Continental brands rose from 38 to 52%, and to 60% for the core Continental brand. Five years ag...

Hankook Tire has introduced the iON HT, a new highway-terrain tire designed specifically for electric light-duty trucks. This tire is part of Hankook's iON product family and includes an XL load designation, enhancing strength and rigidity for additional cargo and the heavy battery packs associated with electric vehicles. The iON HT offers all-season versatility, low rolling resistance, ride comfort and improved durability to meet the unique demands of electric light-duty trucks. According...

Bridgestone India, a subsidiary of the Bridgestone Group, announced the opening of a new Bridgestone Select Store, Raj Tyres, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. This launch is part of Bridgestone's efforts to improve the tire retail experience across India through innovative and customer-focused services, the company said. The store, located on Renigunta Road opposite Auto Nagar, was inaugurated by Rajiv Sharma, director of Integrated Consumer Business at Bridgestone India. Raj Tyres is designed to...

Goodyear Tire & Rubber has announced its plan to close a manufacturing facility in Kariega, South Africa, resulting in the loss of 900 jobs, according to a report by Dow Jones Newswires. The US-based tire company disclosed this decision in a securities filing on Thursday, June 5, indicating that the closure is part of its operations in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. The facility is expected to be mostly closed by the end of this year. Goodyear anticipates incurring tot...

Continental, a tire manufacturer, is expanding its use of renewable and recycled materials in tire production, increasing the share from an average of 26% in 2024 to a projected 28-29% in 2025. This growth is driven by incorporating materials such as synthetic rubber from renewable or circular oil, recycled polyester from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled steel and innovative fillers such as silica from rice husk ash. The company plans to exceed a 40% share of renewable and recycle...

Continental Tires announced that it will discontinue its Truck and Bus Radial tire (TBR) business in India in June, saying that it will fully focus on the growth of its Passenger Car and Light Truck tire (PLT) business. The realignment move includes discontinuing its dedicated TBR manufacturing line at its Modipuram tire plant in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. “The realignment is aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of Continental Tires’ operations in India. In response to changing...

Maxxis International announced the launch of the new Victra Sport All-Season tire, an ultrahigh-performance tire that the company said offers "the exceptional performance and wet-weather traction drivers expect from Maxxis." With a focus on offering ultrahigh performance even in unfriendly weather, the Victra Sport All-Season provides solid traction via a sipe arrangement with multidirectional biting edges and a full nano-silica compound. This tire’s handling is high-caliber ...

Continental has announced that it is focusing on the role tires play in electrifying commercial vehicle fleets in Europe through its Conti Eco and Conti Efficient Pro tire lines. The company believes commercial vehicles contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and the EU Emissions Regulation requires heavy-duty vehicle CO2 emissions to be cut by 45% from 2019 levels by 2030. Continental has developed these tire lines to enhance fuel and energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and...

Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., announced it has successfully eliminated counterfeit versions of the company’s aluminum wheels in mainland China. The company had lodged an administrative complaint and provided information to Anlu City's Municipal Administration for Market Regulation in Hubei Province, mainland China, concerning a local manufacturer producing fake ADVAN Racing aluminum wheels intended for sports cars. In response to Yokohama Rubber's complaint, Anlu authorities conducte...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (Goodyear) announced that it has reached an agreement to sell a significant portion of its Goodyear Chemical business to Gemspring Capital Management LLC. This decision follows a strategic review as part of the Goodyear Forward transformation plan. Goodyear Chemical is a producer of synthetic rubber, offering a product portfolio in North America and serving the automotive aftermarket as well as the consumer and industrial end markets.  Good...

At the recently held 2025 Autopromotec event in Bologna, Italy, Chinese tire manufacturer Linglong Tire displayed products from its European core brands: LINGLONG, CROSSWIND and LEAO. These showcases highlighted Linglong's penetration into the European market and its technological advancements, the company said. Among the products exhibited, the Sport Master high-performance passenger tire stood out. The tire has braking performance that exceeds that of international competitors with wet...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, announced that it introduced its latest range of WESTLAKE and GOODRIDE tires, crafted specifically for European roads, at the recently held Autopromotec 2025 in Bologna, Italy. The new tire lineup is designed to meet Europe's stringent performance and safety standards, spanning passenger, all-season, winter and commercial segments, and includes several models with A- and B-rated wet grip, the company said. The line...

Continental has reported a 0.8% year-over-year decline in consolidated sales to €9.7 billion in the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Lower sales reflect a challenging automotive business environment in Europe and North America, the two key markets of the Germany-based supplier, where light vehicle production dropped 7% and 5%, respectively. The company recorded adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of €639 million and an adjusted EBIT margin of 6.6%....

Indian tiremaker Apollo Tyres reported 2.9% year-over-year increase in revenue to 261.2 billion Indian rupees ($3 billion) in the financial year ended March 31, 2025, the company said in a regulatory filing on May 14. Despite moderate growth in revenue, Apollo Tyres recorded 39.1% year-over-year decline in profit before tax to 15.5 billion rupees. The company concluded the financial year with net profit of 11.2 billion rupees, down 34.9% year over year from 17.2 billion rupees rea...

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has commenced production of its new passenger car tire, the 'UX Royale Green', at its Chennai plant in Tamil Nadu, India, using renewable and recycled raw materials. This marks the debut of India's first passenger car tire made with ISCC Plus certified sustainable materials. The certification, a part of the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) framework, ensures the traceability of responsibly sourced inputs in the value chain. This initiativ...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced the completion of the sale of its rights to the Dunlop brand in Europe, North America and Oceania. The transaction, which also includes related intellectual property and inventory, has been finalized with Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., effective May 7. The sale encompasses consumer, commercial and other specialty tires under the Dunlop brand. "The sale of the Dunlop brand is another action that advances Goodyear Forward by optimizing our ...

Continental will cease tire manufacturing at its Alor Setar, Malaysia, plant by the end of 2025. This facility, which employs 950 people, produces passenger car, light truck and motorcycle tires for the Asia-Pacific market. The closure decision follows a comprehensive business review aimed at maintaining competitiveness and business performance in the Asia-Pacific region, as Continental adapts to evolving customer demands and optimizes its product portfolio and manufacturing footprint. Des...

The supervisory board of Continental AG has appointed Roland Welzbacher to its executive board, effective August 1. Welzbacher will succeed Olaf Schick as CFO following a joint transition period. Schick, who requested an early termination of his contract in December 2024, will step down on Sept. 30, 2025. Welzbacher, currently heading the Finance and Controlling function in the Tires group sector since 2023, will take over as CFO on Oct. 1, 2025, while continuing his current role. The specifi...

Pirelli has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with CTS, an independent tire services provider in Northern Europe, to bolster its commercial presence in the region while enabling CTS to enhance its services in Sweden. As part of the agreement, CTS will acquire Däckia AB from Pirelli, which includes a network of 60 direct sales locations and 42 affiliates throughout Sweden. Concurrently, Pirelli and Däckia have signed a supply agreement effective through 2030, designating Pirelli as...

Continental has extended its project to enhance sustainability in smallholder natural rubber cultivation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH by three years. Since 2018, about 5,000 local smallholders in West Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, have already been trained to cultivate high-quality natural rubber in line with clearly defined sustainability criteria. By 2027, a further 1,000 smallholders are to be involved in the project, which is cofunded by ...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, announced that it displayed its latest advancements in off-the-road (OTR) tires at BAUMA 2025, held in Munich, from April 7 to April 13. The company introduced new products from its WESTLAKE and TIANLI brands, tailored for high-demand off-road usages, focusing on improved performance, durability and versatility. For the construction and mining sectors, WESTLAKE unveiled the 29.5R25 CB740 tire for articulated dump truc...

Continental has announced a significant shift in its Commercial Specialty Tires division, deciding to concentrate on Material Handling, Earthmoving and Port Operations Tires while discontinuing its Agricultural Tires business by the end of 2025. This strategic decision came after a thorough review of the business segment, which revealed that the agricultural tires market has been facing considerable disruptions, making it increasingly commoditized and misaligned with Continental's future...

India-based tire manufacturer, Apollo Tyres Ltd., announced the appointment of Rajeev Kumar Sinha as its new chief manufacturing officer. In his new role, Sinha will be responsible for overseeing the global manufacturing operations of the company, which includes strategy and planning, performance optimization, plant management, integrated manufacturing services (IMS), corporate industrial engineering (IE), and the implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Systems, including AI and machine learnin...

JD Auto Service has partnered with Continental Tire to introduce mainland China's first instant tire delivery and installation service. This new service combines JD.com's JD NOW platform and Continental Tires' Fast Delivery system to offer customers a tire replacement as quickly as 30 minutes. Customers can order their tires through the JD app or the company's nationwide maintenance network. This also applies to products that are out of stock in local stores. More than 800 tires products are ...

Continental was honored with the Tire Manufacturer of the Year Award at the Tire Technology International Awards event, held in early March, recognizing the company's excellence in sustainable tire manufacturing. Specifically, Continental's achievements in making its Lousado, Portugal, tire plant carbon-neutral earned it additional acclaim. Edwin Goudswaard, head of Research and Development at Continental Tires, expressed pride in being the only manufacturer to receive dual honors in the high...

Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA) recently announced significant organizational changes that are effective immediately. Jeff Barna, who has been serving as the president and CEO of Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC), has been promoted and will now also hold the position of president and CEO of YCNA. This promotion entrusts him with expanded responsibilities that include support roles for Yokohama Canada (YTC) and Yokohama Mexico (YTMX). These changes aim to strengthen the corporation's managem...

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. has launched ESP 3.0, an application that enables centralized management of truck tire conditions. The application combines air pressure and temperature data from the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with groove and appearance data from inspections to provide real-time indication of tire abnormalities. In addition, based on the data obtained, it also provides information regarding tire changes, rotations and retreading. The company has observed that in...

Continental has announced the retirement of Jochen Etzel, CEO of Continental Tire the Americas LLC, effective May 1. Tansu Işık will succeed him in this role and will be the new head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tires the Americas. He will report directly to Christian Koetz, executive board member of Continental and head of Continental Tires. The company said Etzel has significantly contributed to the consolidation and competitive strengthening of Continental's tire bus...

American Tire Distributors has recently concluded the sale of all its assets to a group of well-financed investors keen on fostering long-term growth. This move has led to the formation of a new entity, which will continue to operate under the name American Tire Distributors (ATD). The new company aims to enhance its growth trajectory and establish itself as a significant player within the replacement tire distribution sector. The strategy revolves around concentrating on its primary tire dis...

Meko (previously Mekonomen Group), an automotive spare-parts distributor based in Sweden, has announced that it is accelerating its business in the tire segment and entering a strategic partnership with Goodyear. The initiative aims to achieve sales of 1 million tires, valued at 1 billion kronor (about $99 million), by the end of 2026. The partnership ensures efficient distribution in the Nordic region, thereby strengthening Meko's position in one of the key growth segments of the aftermarket. ...

Finland-based original equipment (OE) and replacement tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres has unveiled the Nokian Tyres Surpass AS01, a tire designed for ultrahigh-performance vehicles, claiming the tires incorporate cutting-edge technology and materials for durability and performance. The tire features sidewalls that are reinforced with Aramid fibers, a puncture-resistant material also used in bulletproof vests, aiming to provide exceptional durability and safety. With a 55,000 miles tr...

German automotive supplier and tire manufacturer Continental has outlined its commercial vehicle tire testing methods. It said it tests under challenging weather conditions and conducts years-round tire testing at its internal tracks, including the largest European site, the Contidrom in Jeversen, and others in the US and Scandinavia, with a special focus on winter tire testing in Arvidsjaur, Sweden. In a statement, Test Engineer Joachim Blass, with 20 years of experience at Continental, high...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has unveiled its latest innovation, the Cooper WORK Series Regional Haul All-position (RHA) 2 tire, aimed at enhancing the performance and efficiency of superregional and regional all-position commercial vehicle operations. Known for its durability and longevity, the Cooper WORK Series RHA 2 has earned the SmartWay verification, indicating its environmental efficiency and contribution to long miles to removal and even wear. This new tire is specifically craf...

The Hankook Tire Gauge Index, a survey conducted by the global tiremaker Hankook Tire, has revealed that younger drivers, specifically Gen Z and Millennials, are indicating a shift toward prioritizing financial preparedness for vehicle maintenance and unexpected repairs, and showing a significant interest in car personalization for 2025. The survey indicates a shift among US drivers toward planning for vehicle care costs, with 25% of US drivers saving annually for routine maintenance and unex...

The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has announced that through joint research with Bo Nils Johan Persson, a leading expert in the study of rubber friction and contact, it has successfully developed the world’s first theoretical model to predict the rubber wear rates on uneven road surfaces and the size distribution of wear particles. Persson, affiliated with the Peter Grünberg Institute in Germany and the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics in China, owns Multiscale Consulting, a firm aiding va...

US-based EAS Tire & Auto, operating under the Straightaway Tire & Auto brand, has announced the acquisition of five automotive service locations, including four Integrity Tire shops to expand its presence in the Denver market. These newly acquired locations are situated in Aurora, Windsor, Loveland, and two locations in Parker, Colorado. This strategic expansion, particularly in the rapidly growing Parker community and the Northern Colorado region, brings EAS Tire & Auto's total t...

Continental has launched two new summer tire models, the EcoContact 7 and the EcoContact 7 S. Aimed primarily at electric vehicles, these tires also cater to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by offering lowered fuel consumption. They have achieved impressive ratings in EU tire label measurements, predominantly securing Class A for rolling resistance as well as Class A and B for wet braking and rolling noise, respectively. Continental has focused on enhancing overall tire ...

Japan's Yokohama Rubber has finalized its acquisition of the Off-the-Road (OTR) Tire business from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., a tire manufacturing and sales firm based in the US. The move follows the initial agreement announced July 22, 2024. The OTR business specializes in producing tires for industries such as mining and construction. Yokohama Rubber intends to incorporate this newly acquired business into its consolidated results starting from the first quarter of 2025, with ongoi...

Continental has announced significant structural changes within the ContiTech division, affecting various German locations throughout 2025. The planned adjustments involve halting production in Bad Blankenburg (Thuringia), Stolzenau (Lower Saxony), and Moers (North Rhine-Westphalia), ceasing toolmaking activities in Frohburg and Geithain (Saxony), and scaling back operations of the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) in Hamburg, Germany. Additionally, a production line at the ContiTech site in H...

Continental has announced the expansion of its ContiLifeCycle concept by introducing two new Generation 5 tire lines: The Conti Eco Gen 5 for long-distance and regional haulage, and the Conti Urban HA 5 for urban buses. These tires are designed with an emphasis on sustainability, featuring optimized rolling resistance, long lifespan and recyclability. In a statement, Hinnerk Kaiser, head of Product Development Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Continental, highlighted the inclusion o...

Bridgestone has announced its plans to construct a pilot demonstration plant for the precise pyrolysis of end-of-life tires at its facility in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The plant, set to commence operations in 2027, is aimed at showcasing technology for the chemical recycling of tires, specifically to extract tire-derived oil and recovered carbon black. This initiative is part of Bridgestone's strategy outlined in its Mid Term Business Plan (2024–2026) for sustainable growth and align...

Hankook Tire has entered into a partnership with Solvay Silica to advance the sustainability of tire production through the development of circular silica, a move aimed at enhancing the environmental friendliness of their tire manufacturing process. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 10 at the Hankook Technodome in Daejeon, South Korea. High-level representatives from both companies, including Hankook Tire's President and CTO Bonhee...

Bridgestone Americas, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, announced the closure of its Truck and Bus Radial Tire Plant in LaVergne, Tennessee, set for July 31, 2025. This move is part of the company's strategic initiatives to enhance its business operations in the US by optimizing its footprint and improving competitiveness. The closure of the LaVergne plant, affecting around 700 employees, is aligned with Bridgestone's ongoing efforts to strengthen its premium tire business and create v...

Hankook Tire has announced the introduction of two new additions to its Dynapro portfolio for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light trucks, alongside a new Ventus sport performance tire, in the US. The newly launched Dynapro evo AS offers a high-performance, all-season option for luxury SUVs, boasting improved dry and wet braking capabilities and a design that emphasizes quiet comfort and mileage. The second-generation Dynapro HT2, building on its predecessor's success, enhances year-round com...

Japan's Yokohama Rubber has developed an innovative sensing technology designed to remotely monitor the operation of conveyor belts and identify any abnormalities in real time. This technology, which incorporates a proprietary radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag into Yokohama Rubber conveyor belts, can detect minute changes that are typically not visible during regular inspections, including wear, damage and temperature fluctuations. The data captured by this technology is transmitted d...

Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) has announced the impending closure of its Prague facility, operated by its subsidiary Yokohama TWS Czech Republic a.s., which focuses on the production and sales of cross-ply off-highway tires (OHT). The Prague plant is a part of YRC's extensive global manufacturing network and has been operational for over 90 years, but it is now slated for closure by June 2025 due to inefficiencies and its reliance on outdated technologies. The strategic program neces...

Continental has announced the launch of its new Conti EfficientPro 5 tire, specifically designed for the commercial vehicle market. The new tire incorporates the advanced silica compound, vec2Sil, aiming to enhance fuel and energy efficiency for long-distance haulage while concurrently reducing carbon emissions. In a statement, Hinnerk Kaiser, Continental's head of Product Development for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the tire's role in aiding customers to achieve carbon redu...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., in partnership with TNO, has announced a new advancement in vehicle safety systems by integrating tire intelligence technology into automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. This integration is aimed at improving the capacity of AEB systems to mitigate crashes, especially in adverse road conditions such as wet or icy surfaces. The collaboration builds upon the success of incorporating tire intelligence into antilock braking systems presented at Consumer Elect...

Goodyear Tire & Rubber has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Dunlop brand and associated trademarks and intellectual assets to Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI). This strategic move is part of Goodyear's "Goodyear Forward" transformation plan, aimed at optimizing its brand portfolio and enhancing shareholder value. The transaction, valued at approximately $701 million, encompasses the Dunlop brand in Europe, North America, and Oceania across various tire categories, alongside a transi...

ZC Rubber recently marked the beginning of phase one production at its new facility, PT. Matahari Tire Indonesia (MTI) in Central Java, Indonesia. The Indonesian plant represents ZC Rubber's second international manufacturing site and involves a substantial investment of $280 million. Covering an area of 500,000 square meters, the facility is designed to manufacture a diverse array of products, including truck and bus tires, two-wheeler tires, bias tires, inner tubes, tracks, and carbon bla...

Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., based in Hiratsuka, Japan, has introduced the ADVAN V61, a new premium sport utility vehicle tire under its global flagship tire brand ADVAN. This product launch targets the expanding midsize to large premium SUV market, with availability set for worldwide markets, except North America, starting from February 2025. The company plans to release 17 different sizes of the ADVAN V61, ranging from 17 to 22 inches, some of which are intended as original equipment (OE) for new...

Michelin India, a subsidiary of the French multinational tire manufacturer Michelin, has expanded its aftermarket presence in India with the opening of two new stores, located in Lajpat Nagar, South Delhi, and Sector-52, Noida, within the National Capital Region (NCR), according to a news report dated Dec. 18. The openings are part of Michelin's strategic effort to extend its reach across India and improve customer experience in the tire aftermarket sector. The company emphasized that th...

Continental has announced that it is marking 90 years of advanced winter tires development, according to a press release dated Dec. 12. The first winter tire introduced by Continental in 1934 was called Gelände. Over the years, the company has focused on improving tread patterns and rubber compounds to ensure more grip and shorter braking distances on snow, ice and wet conditions. Its rigorous testing protocols involve extensive evaluations on test tracks worldwide. In a statement, Mart...

Continental has announced its decision to sell Zonar Systems, a key provider of smart fleet management solutions, to GPS Trackit, a company specializing in cloud-based, internet of things fleet solutions and GPS tracking. The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed. The strategic move aligns with Continental's Automotive group sector strategy revealed in 2023, focusing on its core strengths and streamlining operations. “The decision to sell Zonar is part of our broader automotive s...

Continental, a tire manufacturer based in Hanover, Germany, announced Nov. 28 its efforts to increase the use of recycled materials in its tire production. The initiative involves incorporating polyester fabric made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, thus upping the recycled content in many tire lines by an average of 3%. Depending on tire size, up to 15 PET bottles can be utilized for each tire. The company introduced its own ContiRe.Tex technology, which is pivotal in t...

Nearly three-quarters (72%) of fleet managers recognize a need for substantial changes within their fleets to meet industry challenges. This finding comes from a survey conducted by the market research company Dataforce on behalf of Continental, polling 850 fleet managers in Germany, France, the UK and the US, according to a press release dated Nov. 21. The survey, which took place online from June to July, identified rising costs, economic uncertainties and the need to reduce CO2 e...

Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) has announced its decision to close its manufacturing plant located at Hadera, Israel, according to a press release dated Nov. 14. This facility is part of YRC's extensive global network of over 30 manufacturing sites and has been operational for more than 70 years. It will cease operations effective Dec. 31. The decision to close the plant is attributed to the changing dynamics within the tire manufacturing industry, particularly the emergence of South ...

Chinese tire manufacturer Linglong Tire has announced that it showcased an extensive range of 20 new products under its brands LINGLONG, ATLAS, CROSSWIND, GREEN MAX and LEAO at the recent 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, according to a press release dated Nov. 11.  The products are designed for a variety of vehicles including racing cars, sedans, sport utility vehicles, off-road vehicles, trucks and buses, highlighting Linglong's deep expert...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, announced that it introduced its latest tire innovations for the North American market at the recently held SEMA Show 2024 in Las Vegas, according to a press release dated Nov. 5. The company showcased the North American debut of its WESTLAKE Gen II Truck Tires and unveiled new additions to the ARISUN PCR lineup. The former includes 13 tread designs catering to a variety of commercial needs, featuring advanced technol...

Milestar, a US-based supplier of performance tires, has announced the launch of its Winterguard studdable tire, set to be available in 2025, according to a press release dated Nov. 4. The new addition to Milestar's product lineup is designed to provide exceptional performance in severe winter conditions. The Winterguard tire boasts a Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) and Severe Ice symbol rating, indicating its capabilities in handling the toughest winter weather. This launch signifies M...

Continental announced the launch of its updated tire range for the winter season, introducing the new WinterContact 8S, designed specifically for high-performance vehicles, according to a press release dated Oct. 22. This addition joins the existing lineup that includes the WinterContact TS 870 and WinterContact TS 870 P. Alongside these, Continental offers the AllSeasonContact 2, an all-season tire praised for its excellent test results. The WinterContact 8S is tailored for elite sports cars...

Marubeni Corp. (Marubeni), a Japanese trading and investment conglomerate, announced that it has invested in Green Rubber Energy Co. Ltd. (GRE), which is developing an end-of-life tire (ELT) pyrolysis recycling business in Thailand, according to a press release dated Sept. 6. Pyrolysis recycling is a recycling method in which ELTs are heated in an oxygen-free environment to break down the rubber components and produce recycled resources such as recovered carbon black (rCB) and ...

Continental has announced its plan to significantly increase the production capacity of its tire manufacturing facility in Rayong, Thailand, with an addition of 3 million units per year, according to a press release dated Oct. 9. This expansion represents a considerable investment exceeding €300 million, supported by the Board of Investment of Thailand under its Investment Stimulation Measure for Economic Recovery Scheme, the release added. This initiative not only underlines Continental's ...

Bandag Europe NV, a subsidiary of Bridgestone, has announced its plans to close its retread production plant in Lanklaar, Belgium, by the first half of 2025, according to a press release dated Sept. 12. The decision was made during an Extraordinary Works Council due to a significant decrease in the European retread market over the last decade, leading to production overcapacity and uncompetitive production costs. The decline, accelerated by a 30% drop in demand and the influx of low-cost East...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, has announced a 10-year extension of its strategic partnership with DSV, a leading logistics company, according to a press release dated Sept. 17. This extension reinforces their collaboration that began in 2014, focusing initially on equipping DSV's trailer fleets with WESTLAKE tires, and later granting DSV exclusive rights to distribute these tires in Scandinavia. This partnership has significantly contributed to incre...

Rema Tip Top, a German manufacturer of tire repair systems, has revealed that in Europe, approximately 300 million car, light commercial vehicle (LCV) and truck tires are replaced annually, with about 45 million occurring in Germany. Highlighting the importance of tire retreading and repair, the company said this process is often overlooked for its potential savings in environmental and mobility costs, according to a press release dated Sept. 24.  Rema Tip Top specializes in profess...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, announced that it has introduced its new WESTLAKE Gen II truck tires at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany, targeting the European market, according to a press release dated Sept. 20. The company aims to improve performance, safety, sustainability and cost-efficiency for fleets. The WSL2, WDL2 and WTR2 tire models were highlighted for their eco-friendliness and long-haul application benefits, fo...

Continental has announced its plan to build its first fully owned tire distribution center in the US, located in the Dallas-Fort-Worth-Metroplex, aiming to enhance service levels and customer support, according to a press release dated Sept. 18. The facility's construction is slated to start in September, with the objective of commencing operations in 2026. Initially, the distribution center will occupy 753,000 square feet with a capacity to store over 800,000 tires, and it has the potential ...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, has announced that it has showcased its range at the China International Tire Expo (CITEXPO) 2024, held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, according to a press release dated Sept. 10. The company showcased its broad range of tire brands, including WESTLAKE, GOODRIDE, TRAZANO, CHAOYANG and TIANLI, featuring products from passenger car and commercial truck tires to specialized agric...

Continental announced the launch of its latest tire, the Conti Urban HA 5, designed specifically for urban transportation challenges such as varying road conditions, frequent stops, heavy traffic and the rising use of electric buses, according to a press release dated Aug. 29. The tire addresses the unique demands of electric buses, which are increasingly common in the EU's urban bus fleets, with about 18% of new urban buses registered in 2023 being electric. The Conti Urban HA 5 incorporates...

Japan’s Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced that it will release the aerodynamic fin tire ADVAN A50 designed for Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.'s light "COPEN" open sports car as a general commercial product exclusively for Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. at Daihatsu dealers nationwide from September 2024, according to a press release dated Aug. 28. The ADVAN A50, claimed to be the first fin tire launched by the company, will be available in one size, 165/50R16 75V. The tire has 12 fins arranged in ...

Continental Tires has unveiled its latest premium flagship tire line, the ExtremeContact XC7, according to a press release dated July 31. This series is the company's first to integrate both ContiSeal and ContiSilent technologies in all sizes, enhancing safety and comfort by combining self-sealing and noise reduction capabilities. The launch reinforces Continental Tires' commitment to meeting diverse mobility needs with technology and adhering to its strategy of focusing on market-specific de...

The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., alongside its Singapore subsidiary Yokohama Rubber Singapore Pte. Ltd., hosted its fourth Suppliers' Day this July in Singapore, marking a continued effort to foster sustainable natural rubber procurement, according to a press release dated Aug. 7. This event, the first to be held in person since 2018, gathered 61 attendees from 30 companies across eight countries, including natural rubber producers and traders. The assembly served as a platform for Yokohama Rubb...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, announced that it has initiated construction of its third international production site in Saltillo, Mexico, signaling a pivotal expansion to cater to the North and Latin American tire markets, according to a press release dated Aug. 8. The factory's strategic location within the Alianza Industrial Park, close to the US-Mexico border, involves an investment surpassing $500 million and spans approximately 600,000 ...

Finland-based original equipment (OE) and replacement tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres has announced the appointment of Paolo Pompei as its new president and CEO, with an effective start date by Jan. 1, 2025, at the latest, according to a press release dated July 20. This decision follows the notification from the current President and CEO Jukka Moisio of his intention to retire in 2024, as communicated on March 27. Moisio, who has been at the helm since 2020, will continue ...

Automotive supplier Continental has announced its focus on new technologies and sustainability at the Automechanika trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany, scheduled from Sept. 10 to 14, according to a press release dated July 24. New additions to the aftermarket portfolio include sensors for advanced driver assistance systems, such as various radar and camera modules. The company said that for wearable parts, the focus is on greater sustainability and environmental protection with maximum per...

Japan's The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. has announced a significant advancement in tire design technology with the development of a new tire design support system that utilizes eXplainable AI (XAI), according to a press release dated July 24. The system is designed to augment the knowledge and experience of tire development staff, offering a valuable tool for both seasoned and less experienced members of the team. By leveraging XAI, the system enhances the tire design process, contributing to fa...

Yokohama Rubber has announced its acquisition of Goodyear's Off-The-Road (OTR) tire business, comprising all shares of Nippon Giant Tire Co. Ltd., which operates a dedicated OTR plant in Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, and Goodyear Earthmover Pty. Ltd. in Australia, according to a press release dated July 22. The agreed acquisition price is $905 million and the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals. The deal also includes certain OTR assets at other plants and facilities ...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, has announced an exclusive partnership with Otto Just GmbH & Co. KG for its TIANLI brand, aiming to expand its market presence in Germany and globally, according to a press release dated July 2. TIANLI, a part of ZC Rubber Group, is recognized for its high-quality tires in the agriculture, forestry and earth-moving sectors, with a customer base spanning over 100 countries. The collaboration with Otto ...

Finland-based original equipment (OE) and replacement tire manufacturer, Nokian Tyres, has announced the production of the first tire at its new factory in Oradea, Romania, marking a significant step toward the scheduled commencement of commercial tire production in early 2025, according to a press release dated July 1. This development follows the factory's groundbreaking in May 2023, with the project advancing within budget and on schedule. The factory, which will specialize in passenger ca...

Continental has announced that its tire plant located in Púchov, Slovakia, has marked a significant achievement by being the first of the company's truck tire manufacturing facilities to be awarded the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, according to a press release dated July 10. This certification is globally acknowledged for its emphasis on the traceability of raw materials used in the production process, ensuring the materials are sourced from sustainable o...

Automotive supplier Continental has announced that Egemen Atış is set to assume the role of head of Strategy, Analysis and Marketing (SAM) for Continental's Tire Replacement business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, based out of Hanover, Germany, according to a press release dated July 1. Atış will be responsible for a diverse range of functions including Product Management, Marketing Communications, Public Relations, eBusiness, Business Analytics, Pricing, a...

The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd., based in Hiratsuka, Japan, has announced its plans to construct a new passenger car tire manufacturing facility in Qiantang New District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, mainland China. This initiative, with an initial annual production target of 9 million tires and a capital investment of approximately 36.7 billion yuan (about $227 million), is set to commence production in the second quarter of 2026, according to a press release dated July 1. This move c...

Continental has announced that it will be partnering with Samsara, a global telematics provider to deliver comprehensive, data-driven fleet management solutions with a focus on truck trailers, according to a press release dated June 26. To accomplish this, both companies will exchange data points, providing customers with access to a broad spectrum of trailer data. This includes in-tire sensor data from Continental, such as tire pressure and mileage. The aim is to enable fleets to improve saf...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber) has launched its latest electric vehicle tire lineup at The Tire Cologne 2024 event, according to a press release dated June 11. The range comprises three products, namely the WESTLAKE ZuperAce EV, WESTLAKE ZuperAce Z-007 EV Ready and GOODRIDE Solmax 1 EV Ready. These EV-specific tires are designed to enhance the EV driving experience and prioritize environmental sustainability. Technological features include Zuper-Silent technology for reduced tire noise, BPO...

Goodyear has announced that its premium all-season tire Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is now available to a broader range of vehicles as the brand continues to invest in the growing market segment, according to a press release dated May 30. The company believes given the forecast increase in demand for all-season tires in Europe, it is strategically placed to strengthen its position with Vector 4Seasons Gen-3. The line extension will introduce 29 new stock-keeping units (SKUs), 17 of which are 1...

India's Apollo Tyres Ltd. announced that it has expanded its Vredestein range for premium and luxury sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with the introduction of the Pinza HT and larger sizes for the Ultrac Vorti i, according to a press release dated May 29. The Pinza HT, designed for premium SUVs, is now available in India in 16-18 inch sizes. The Ultrac Vorti i range has been enhanced with 21 and 22-inch variants for luxury SUVs. Apollo Tyres has marked a milestone as the Ultrac Vorti i is t...

Zhongce Rubber Group (ZC Rubber), a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, has announced that it recently presented its construction tire range at the INTERMAT 2024 in Paris from April 24 to 27, according to a press release dated April 29. The company showcased a wide variety of products including tires from its Westlake & Tianli ranges and tracks from its Yonggu range. INTERMAT is held every three years, and 2024's edition had over 1,000 exhibitors offering their products to the ...

Goodyear announced that its brand Dunlop has launched its next generation of all-season tires, according to a press release dated April 11. The Dunlop All Season 2 has been developed to compete in the value segment of the all-season market, projected to grow by an estimated 2% to 3% each year between 2023 and 2028, according to the release. The new All Season 2 is designed to fit a range of modern vehicles, such as popular city cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Supply began in February,...

Continental has announced that it has acquired the mold manufacturing specialist EMT Púchov s.r.o. based in Slovakia, according to a press release dated April 8. EMT is a manufacturer of special tire molds, especially for commercial vehicle and specialty tires. The company specializes in the milling of molds made of steel.  All 107 employees, who have specialist knowledge in mold manufacturing, have been taken on by Continental. Further details of the agreement were not disclosed. With ...