TBC Corp., a distributor of automotive replacement tires based in the US, and a joint venture between Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. and French tire manufacturer Michelin, announced that it has reached an agreement to divest its company-owned retail portfolio to Mavis Tire Express Service Corp., according to a press release dated May 24. As per the transaction, TBC will transfer 595 retail locations to Mavis and will also provide wholesale and tire distribution for Mavis, the release...

India-based tire manufacturer, Apollo Tyres Ltd., has announced that it is now sourcing 100% of its natural rubber supplies from companies who have committed to sustainability throughout the supply chain, aligning with the code of conduct set out by the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), according to a press release dated May 24. The new initiative, which came into full effect recently, and forms part of Apollo Tyres’ Global Sustainability Strategy, applies to the suppl...

Global leading tire company Hankook Tire & Technology and global petrochemical company Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (KKPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of eco-friendly tires, utilizing Eco Solution-polymerized Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (Eco-SSBR), according to a press release dated May 23. To respond to the growing demand for sustainable raw materials and products, both companies will cooperate in developing eco-friendly tires using recycled...

Japanese tiremaker Yokohama Rubber has announced a successful completion of its efforts to eliminate counterfeit versions of the company’s aluminum wheels in China, according to a press release dated May 24. Yokohama filed an administrative complaint and submitted information to the Administration for Market Regulation in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China, regarding five companies engaged in the distribution of counterfeit sports-car aluminum wheels imitating Yokohama’s "ADVAN Racing...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has launched the AllSeasonContact 2 tire, which was developed with a focus on high efficiency, safety and driving pleasure, according to a press release dated May 22. Continental said it has increased mileage by 15% compared to the previous model while reducing rolling resistance by 6%. The tire provides even better handling on dry roads and has an even shorter braking distance on wet and dry ...

The Sterling Group (Sterling), a US-based private equity firm, has announced the establishment of Premier Tire & Service (Premier), a company that will aim to become a one-stop tire and auto-service solutions provider, according to a press release dated May 18. Sterling will partner with John Adams, an executive with 25 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket industry and former CEO of Full Speed Automotive, to build the Premier platform. Premier will seek to acquire indepe...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced that Jorge Almeida will take over as head of Sustainability at Continental Tires with effect from May 1, 2023, according to a press release dated May 11. He will be responsible for the strategic positioning and global management of the company’s sustainability activities. In his new role, he reports directly to Christian Kötz, head of the Tires Group Sector and member of the e...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., has launched an all-season tire called Cooper ProControl, engineered to help deliver enhanced wet handling and long-lasting, even tread wear, according to a press release dated May 9.  With 60 sizes available, the tire is built for a wide range of vehicles such as commuter touring coupes, sedans — including entry-performance sedans — and small to large sport utility vehicles (SUVs). It comes with "Wear Extending...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (Goodyear) has announced a new tread formulation for its ultrahigh performance, all-season ElectricDrive™ GT tire, tuned for electric vehicles (EVs), in size 235/40R19. The specialized tread compound that provides enhanced all-season traction will include Monolith Inc.'s (Monolith's) carbon black produced by methane pyrolysis. In doing so, Monolith and Goodyear are taking the next step on a journey toward zero-emissions carbon black in tire manufact...

The board of directors of Apollo Tyres Ltd. (Apollo Tyres) approved the company’s audited financial results for the fourth quarter (January to March) and the financial year 2022–23. Consolidated revenues from operations across geographies for the fourth quarter grew 12% to close at $761 million, whereas for the full year of financial year 2023, it grew more than 17% to close at $2,992 million. Both Indian Operations' and European Operations’ revenue grew 9% each, in the f...

TBC Corporation, a distributor of automotive replacement tires based in US, has announced the appointment of Sam Kato as the company’s new president and CEO, according to a press release dated May 1. Kato, who served as TBC’s chief administrative officer for the last two years, replaces Laurent Bourrut who is retiring after completing his assignment. Bourrut will remain an executive advisor to Kato and TBC. According to the company, Kato is a veteran of global automotive businesses for mo...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology Co. announced that it has won four iF Design Awards in three categories, including Product, Professional Concept and Communication at the iF Design Award 2023, according to a press release dated April 26. Hankook Tire's innovative design achievements, such as the iON evo, an electric vehicle (EV)-exclusive tire, and the Wheel Bot, a robotic wheel system, have been recognized at the ceremony. The first award-winning product...

Hankook Tire America Corp., a subsidiary of South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology, announced that it has added a new ultrahigh-performance all-season tire designed for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to its comprehensive Ventus product line, according to a press release dated April 26. Called the Ventus S1 evo Z AS X, the tire is claimed to provide ultimate handling at high speeds, excellent traction in all-season conditions, and uncompromising comfort for luxury SUVs. ...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, announced that it has launched the production of tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for passenger cars at its plant in Bangalore, India, according to a press release dated April 24. The company will increase TPMS production capacity over the next three years, with a plan to cater to the local market with the current production, and to expand into the export markets as well in the...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced that the Continental Hybrid HS5 and Hybrid HD 5 tires won the Product Design category at the Red Dot Award 2023, according to a press release dated April 19. This award is an annual design competition for product and industrial design, brand and communication design, and design concepts. The new Continental Hybrid family of Generation 5 tires have been developed for the rigorous deman...

Torqata Data & Analytics, a US-based data analytics software company that works with tire manufacturers, distributors and retailers, announced that it has appointed Kirsten Zaremba, Ashley Hoyt and Kate Beirowski to the team, bringing additional experienced women into the automotive industry, according to a press release dated March 31. Torqata also elevated Elizabeth Schneider to vice president of Product. Zaremba has been appointed as the new director of Marketing and she brings ov...

Japanese tiremaker Yokohama Rubber announced in a press release dated March 20 that it has begun production and sales of high-load capacity (HLC) tires to meet the needs of heavy-duty passenger cars such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars with high-capacity batteries, as well as large sport utility vehicles (SUVs). In response to the increase in the number of heavy-duty passenger cars, for which conventional extra load (XL) standard tires have difficulty maintaining high-loa...

According to a press release on March 23, Apollo Tyres announced a virtual prototyping and simulation platform to develop the new Vredestein Quatrac Pro EV all-season tire, with the simulation platform enabling the tire maker to significantly reduce time-to-market, the tire’s impact on the environment and development costs. Apollo used virtual prototyping to ensure that the Quatrac Pro EV had the quickest development cycle of any Vredestein tire to date. Apollo's in-house simulation and pro...

JK Tyre & Industries launched a premium tire brand, "Levitas Ultra" and expanded its presence in the fast-growing luxury car segment, according to a press release on March 21. The new tires were unveiled by Raghupati Singhania, chairman and managing director of JK Tyre & Industries in Delhi, India. The Indian automotive industry is seeing an increase in demand for premium cars as a result of the economy's solid recovery; the market has increased by almost...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology announced that its affiliated tire distribution brand, JAX Tyres & Auto, has been awarded "Customer Experience of the Year" at The Australian Retailer Awards 2023, according to a press release dated March 21. This event selects and awards excellent brands that have provided the best customer experience throughout the year in Australia and New Zealand. JAX was recognized for its customer-centric service innovation based...

German supplier of automotive components, tires and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced that all new passenger tire lines from the Continental brand that are launched on the market in Europe now bear a new marking on their sidewall: the electric vehicle (EV)-Compatible logo, according to a press release dated March 21. Every single tire in Continental’s current product range already meets the exacting requirements of electric cars and they reduce the fuel consum...

Yokohama Corporation of North America (YCNA), a subsidiary of Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co. has announced in a press release dated March 24 that on March 23, the 100 millionth Yokohama tire, a GEOLANDAR A/T G015, rolled off the line at the Salem, Virginia plant. Yokohama began manufacturing tires in the US in 1989, when it acquired Mohawk Rubber Company’s plant in Salem. It has since been renamed to Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Virginia (YTMV) and has been renovated and expan...

South Korean tire manufacturer NEXEN TIRE announced that Next Century Ventures (NCV), its corporate venture capital arm, has invested in Automotus, a player in the curbside-management technology industry, to meet NCV's goals to revolutionize the mobility industry, according to a press release dated 9 March. Automotus, founded in the US in 2017, collaborates with government, institutions, and mobility innovators across the country to test and evaluate curbside-management techniques to min...

Sumitomo Rubber Industries-owned Japanese tire manufacturer Falken Tyre announced the launch of FALKEN ‘e.ZIEX’ as a new line of replacement tires for electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe, where the company observed that the market for EVs has been growing at a rapid pace, according to a press release dated 10 March. The company said the tire features “the highest level of fuel (energy) efficiency of any tire” it has offered to date. The 'e.ZIEX’ is the brand’s second line of re...

MAXAM Tire, a manufacturer of specialty tires, announced its new warehouse facility in Houston, Texas, via a press release dated 28 February. Executing its major expansion plan, MAXAM Tire’s new facility in Houston features 244,000 square feet of warehouse space, carrying the momentum of growing global demands across specialty tire segments. According to the release, by locating its third warehouse in Houston, Texas, in addition to its existing warehouses in Los Angeles, Californi...

India-based tire manufacturer, Apollo Tyres Ltd., has named Brad Persons as the company’s new national sales head for commercial tires. In this role, Persons will oversee the company’s sales initiatives within the US and Canada for commercial tires, according to a press release dated 1 March. Prior to joining Apollo, Persons was the director of OEM Sales, GNB Industrial Power Division for Stryten Energy. He began working in the tire industry in 2003 as a commercial tire and serv...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, introduced RangeMax RSD EV, Goodyear’s first electric vehicle (EV)-ready tire compatible with EV and gas-powered or diesel-powered regional work vehicles, via a press release dated 28 February. RangeMax RSD EV is equipped to handle the higher load capacities of EVs. It is engineered to deliver lower rolling resistance than comparable competitor tires for improved efficiency to fleets regardless of drivetrain. These t...

Japanese tiremaker Yokohama Rubber has announced in a press release dated 17 February that it is expanding passenger car tire production capacity in India to meet the increasing demands from the local market. With an additional investment of USD82 million, the company said it is looking to increase its annual passenger car tire production capacity in India with Yokohama India Pvt. Ltd. (YIN), its local passenger car tire manufacturing and sales subsidiary, from the current 2.8 million to 4.5 ...

Indian tire manufacturer Apollo Tyres has announced the launch of premium tires for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) called the Vredestein Pinza AT, according to a press release dated 17 February. With all weather grip and excellent stability, the tires are claimed to be comfortably rugged and deliver quieter rides. Targeted at premium SUVs from brands like Jeep, JLR, Mercedes, Toyota, and Volvo, the ultra-high-performance tires have been developed after intensive study into SUV owner’s/driver...

Bridgestone is accelerating initiatives toward the realization of its Sustainability Business Framework that ensures the link between sustainability activities and business for contributing to carbon neutrality and a circular economy across the entire value chain, as announced in a press release dated 15 February. Bridgestone Corporation announced today that it has commenced solar power generation at two tire plants in Japan, the Shimonoseki Plant and Kitakyushu Plant, based on a power purcha...

Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation has announced the launch of a tire brand called NEWNO as a new category in an effort to expand its tire range that includes brands such as REGNO and ALENZA, according to a press release dated 23 December. The new tire brand went on sale in February 2023. The company says the tires from the brand achieve a high level of compatibility between low fuel consumption performance, wet grip performance, and long-life performance, “which are usually in conflicting r...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 27 January that it is implementing cost savings actions in response to a challenging industry environment and cost pressure driven by inflation. It said planned rationalization and workforce reorganization would result in an approximately 5% reduction in salaried staff globally, or about 500 positions. The company said its global replacement tire industry demand remained weak in the fourth quarter...

Sumitomo Rubber Industries-owned Japanese tire manufacturer Falken Tyre has announced the launch of the latest flagship tires, which, the company claims, has garnered popularity in Europe and North America. In a press release dated 16 January, the company announced the launch of AZENIS FK520L tires for premium vehicles and AZENIS FK520 tires made for all-around performance on wet road surfaces. The tires are available in 68 sizes at launch and will first go on sale in Japan on 1 March before ...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology Co has announced executive promotions at its North American subsidiary, naming Rob Williams as President of Hankook Tire America Corp, according to a press release dated 9 January. Additionally, Jong Jin (JJ) Park has been promoted to Vice President of USA PC/LT Sales, Intae (Ted) Choi has been promoted to VP of North American Marketing Strategy, and Byoungjoe (Joe) Park has been named Vice President of Corporate Management, the rel...

German supplier of automotive components, tires, and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced the appointment of Ralf Hoffmann as the head of public relations, media, and communications in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region for Continental's replacement tire business, according to a press release dated 11 January.  The company says Hoffmann has held various positions in Continental's tire division for 34 years, most recently as the head of marketing for th...

MEMA, an association in North America representing motor vehicle component manufacturers, has presented its new brand and business structure according to which the trade association will now operate under one umbrella organization with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, it announced in a press release dated 12 January. Over the decades, as the industry evolved, MEMA established four divisions: the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations (AASA),...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 4 January that it has unveiled a demonstration tire comprised of 90% sustainable materials. This demonstration tire has passed all applicable regulatory testing and it also tested to have lower rolling resistance when compared to the reference tire made with traditional materials, the release added. Lower rolling resistance means this demonstration tire has the potential to offer better fuel savin...

Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC) has announced three organizational changes within the company, according to a release dated 6 January. The changes, effective 6 January, include elevation of Fardad Niknam from senior director of consumer product planning and product marketing to vice president of OE Sales. Niknam joined YTC in 2014 and has had responsibility for product marketing, including product planning and motorsports for the last five years. Commenting on his appointment, Jeff Barna, YTC...

Indian tire manufacturer, Apollo Tyres, inaugurated an advanced tire-testing facility, which is housed at its global research and development (R&D) center in Chennai, India, according to a press release dated 7 December. The new facility will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of product-development cycle for passenger vehicle and two-wheeler tires, including the ones for electric vehicles (EVs). Daniele Lorenzetti, CTO, Apollo Tyres Ltd, commented, “We strongly foc...

Tire manufacturer, Apollo Tyres, has made further commitments in the environment, social, and governance (ESG) space, a press release dated 20 December read.  The company has undertaken the following commitments toward sustainability: Commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2050; this would entail improving Scope-1 and Scope-2 emission intensity by 25% by 2026 against a baseline year of 2020 and increasing renewable power in total power share to 25% by 2026 Improve...

RoboTire, a US-based robotics and automation solutions firm that designs and deploys systems to change vehicles' tires, has announced a partnership with Creamery Tire, a Pennsylvania-based tire service center, according to a press release dated 20 December. Under the partnership, Creamery Tire will deploy RoboTire's fourth-generation tire-changing system at its location in a North Philadelphia suburb, the release added. The partnership between Creamery Tire and RoboTire, who says its systems ...

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced the appointment of Christina Zamarro to the role of EVP and CFO, reporting to chairman, CEO and President Richard Kramer, according to a press release dated 14 December. In this role, Zamarro will lead Goodyear's Global Finance organization and oversee all aspects of the company's corporate finances, including treasury, investor relations, accounting, audit and financial planning & analysis, as well as its business unit finance teams in...

Illinois, US-based private tire company Atturo Tire has announced the appointment of Jeremy Wurst as its new Northeast Sales Director, according to a press release dated 15 December. Wurst will service, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. The company is confident that customers in this region will receive excellent service thanks to the proximity of Atturo’s warehouse in Latrobe city in Pennsylv...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire has announced that is has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Daeyong Chaevi, a Korean electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider, to build infrastructure that expands the accessibility to EV chargers to cater to the accelerating growth of EVs in Korea, according to a press release dated 2 December. Under the agreement, Hankook Tire is adding the newest Chaevi EV charging stations to its tire-focused total auto service center, T-Sta...

Continental Tire Canada has outlined its retreading strategy and product portfolio, saying that retreading is key to its sustainability targets, according to a press release dated 6 December. When tire tread depth has worn down and is no longer adequate for safe transportation, retreading can be performed reusing quality tire casings. The company said retreads offer excellent fleet mobility solutions that can lead to both cost savings and environmental benefits. With good quality tires c...

TireHub, the national tire distributor cofounded by Bridgestone Americas and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, has announced its expansion into six new markets within the fourth quarter of 2022, according to a press release dated 6 December. TireHub will open TireHub Logistics Centers (TLCs) in Shreveport, Louisiana; Beltsville, Maryland; Greenville, South Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Spokane, Washington, the release added. Including the six openings, TireHub w...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 8 December that it has expanded its Wrangler highway tire portfolio with the Goodyear Wrangler Steadfast HT. Representing Goodyear’s strongest performing highway tire to date, the Wrangler Steadfast HT is claimed to be an all-season tire with strong wet performance and enhanced ride comfort. The tire comes with a 70,000-mile treadwear limited warranty and features a long-lasting tread compound f...

Illinois, US-based private tire company Atturo Tire has announced the appointment of Bill Hume as the new Sales Director for Canada, according to a press release dated 6 December. Hume joins Atturo Tire’s growing international sales team with current members focused on Europe, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Asia, the release added. According to the company, Hume is an industry veteran with experience on both the manufacturer and wholesaler side of the business and expanding...

India headquartered Apollo Tyres has announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter (July to September) and first half (Apr to Sept) for the financial year 2022–23, according to a press release dated 14 November. For the quarter ended 30 September, Apollo Tyres on a consolidated level, registered a revenue of INR5956 crores (around USD720 million), an increase of 17% over the same period last fiscal. For the six months of the fiscal (April–September), the company’...

India headquartered Apollo Tyres has announced that it has partnered with Tyromer Inc, a firm involved in nonchemical devulcanization of end-of-life tires, according to a press release dated 23 November. Under the partnership, Tyromer, through their Indian associate, Tyromer India, will supply recycled rubber material or tire-derived polymer (TDP), produced using its environmentally sustainable processes, to Apollo Tyres as the raw material. According to P K Mohamed, chief advisor, R&D, A...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 14 November that it has expanded its lineup of Wrangler-branded tires with the Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse HT. Backed with a 60,000-mile treadwear limited warranty, the Wrangler Workhorse HT is said to feature a long-wearing tread compound designed to deliver dependable tread life and traction in wet, dry, and light snow driving conditions. Available in 34 sizes, the new tire is an all-terrain, al...

Sailun, a tire manufacturing company based in mainland China, has announced the group’s first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) passenger car tire called ‘ERANGE | EV’, according to a press release dated 1 November. The ERANGE | EV line is a new generation of tires for EVs utilizing the company’s EcoPoint3 technology. The tires are claimed to not only reduce braking distance and noise, but also boost the cruising range of EVs through improved rolling resistance. Significance: �...

Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region has announced via press release on 23 November that the company has developed bespoke tires for the BMW iX, the automakers’ first all-electric vehicle since the BMW i3. The ultra-low rolling resistance Bridgestone Alenza tires are said to feature a host of cutting-edge technologies that complement the BMW iX’s performance and character, the release added. Significance: The custom-engineered tires feat...

Sensata Technologies, a US-based supplier of sensors and sensor-equipped solutions to the automotive industry, has announced that it has developed a new tire mounted sensor for vehicle and tire OEMs to deliver enhanced safety, performance, and data insights, according to a press release dated 30 November. The tire mounted sensor includes TPMS functionality as well as an accelerometer to detect the force with which the tire is striking the ground. Mounted directly to the tire's inner liner, th...

In a release dated 1 November, Continental Aftermarket US, a supplier of OE-engineered aftermarket replacement parts and advanced diagnostics, announced that it has launched its new REDI-Sensor SE10008 Multi-Application Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) Sensor. Part of the next generation of REDI-Sensor TPMS sensors, the SE10008 is claimed to deliver application coverage for BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, GM, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart, Subaru, and Volvo mo...

Japanese tire manufacturer Bridgestone announced via press release on 17 November that it had been awarded a USD35 million from the US Department of Agriculture to invest in its desert shrub guayule-based natural rubber project. According to the press release, the company plans to use the grant funds to attract additional growers of the guayule desert shrub crop among local farmers and Native American tribes in the Southwestern US as well as provide growers with education regarding ...

Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation and Toppan Forms are working toward the early commercialization of next-generation RFID tags for tires, and joint development of mounting technology will start in October 2022, according to a company release dated 28 October. Both companies have explored the possibility of applying non-contact individual management technology to tires, according to the release. As part of the collaboration, Bridgestone's tire development and manufacturing technology and Toppa...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 31 October its financial results for the third quarter 2022.  The key highlights of the financial results for third quarter 2022 are:  Net sales was USD5.31 billion, representing an increase of 7.6% year-over-year (y/y) from the USD4.93 billion in the precious corresponding period. Net sales grew 8% compared with third quarter of 2021, 15% excluding foreign currency. Uni...

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is partnering with Drive TLV to expand its footprint into the Israeli mobility ecosystem, an official press release dated 8 November read. Drive will help drive partnerships between Goodyear and their network of start-ups and potential investment opportunities in Drive’s startup network. “Israel is a hot spot for innovation, with many cutting-edge technology companies working to advance the future of mobility. Goodyear has already invested and collaborat...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire has announced the launch of the iON winter tire, the first winter tire in a new product line that has been specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs), according to a press release dated 30 September. “Following on from the iON evo, Hankook’s summer tire, the new Hankook iON winter is the second member of the new, global 'iON' tire family for premium electric vehicles,” the release added. Features of the new tire include reduced rol...

German supplier of automotive components, tires, and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced the launch of the PremiumContact 7, the seventh generation of the summer tire, that focuses on maximum safety, according to a press release dated 4 October. “The new generation is the flagship of our brand. Our objective was to develop the safest tire on the market, which offers our customers a comfortable and carefree ride at all times—with the PremiumContact 7, we deliver peace...

Japanese tiremaker Yokohama Rubber has announced in a press release dated 28 September that a successful enforcement operation was conducted to combat counterfeit versions of the company’s alloy wheels in Hong Kong. In response to a request for cooperation received from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, Yokohama Rubber proceeded with preparations to expose a car parts company engaged in the distribution of counterfeit sports car alloy wheels imitating YOKOHAMA’s ‘AD...

US-based distributor of proprietary brand tires, TBC Brands has announced the elevation of Brent Wolak to the Director of Sales, according to a press release dated 27 September. In his new role, Wolak will lead all sales and growth efforts for TBC Brands’ business with a steadfast focus on exceeding the expectations of their customer partners, the release added. Significance: Wolak joined TBC in 2006 as the Marketing Manager for TBC’s distribution division. Over his tenure, he has taken o...

US-based distributor of proprietary brand tires, TBC Brands has expanded its off-road, mud-traction offering with the addition of a tire in the mud-terrain category, according to a press release dated 22 September. The tire, called Mud Claw Comp MTX, is part of its Eldorado, Multi-Mile, and Delta offerings and succeeds the Mud Claw Extreme MT. It provides “extreme off-road traction with plenty of on-road” capability, the release added. TBC says the mud-terrain tire was designed to increas...

Sumitomo Rubber Industries-owned Japanese tire manufacturer Falken Tyre’s European subsidiary has announced the introduction of a new management tier in an effort to continue to respond quickly and efficiently to both the changes in the market and the requirements within the organization, according to a press release dated 19 September. As part of this restructuring, the company has appointed Chief Financial Officer, Keiichi Miyamoto, Chief Corporate Officer, Andreas Giese, and Chief I...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire has announced the launch of an all-season sport utility vehicle (SUV) tire under its Laufenn brand portfolio, according to a press release dated 16 September. The Laufenn X FIT HP tire, available in 28 sizes supporting popular rim diameter ranges from 16 to 22 inches, is said to offer SUV and CUV drivers seeking a comfortable and quiet ride without sacrificing performance across wet, dry, and winter driving conditions, the release added. The tire is...

Sumitomo Rubber Industries-owned Japanese tire manufacturer Falken Tyre announced the introduction of two new tires for the winter season, called the EUROWINTER HS02 and EUROWINTER HS02 Pro, according to a press release dated 14 September. The Falken EUROWINTER HS02 is available with a symmetrical, directional tread in 76 sizes with diameters of 14 to 19 inches and cross sections of 40 to 70% with speed indexes of T, H, and V (up to 190, 210, and 240 km/h). The EUROWINTER HS02 Pro is aimed at...

Bridgestone Americas has announced an investment of USD60 million to expand its Bridgestone Bandag, LLC manufacturing plant in Abilene, Texas, according to a press release dated 22 September. The 50,000-square-foot expansion of the Abilene plant is aimed at the growing demand for the company’s tread rubber products, driven by the rapid growth of its retread business. The expansion includes an immediate increase in operational activity by running on six- and seven-day production schedules, a...

Bridgestone Americas has announced the launch of the all-new Firestone Firehawk AS V2 all-season ultra-high performance tire designed to deliver sporty performance, according to a press release dated 7 September. Inspired by the INDYCAR Firestone Firehawk rain race tire, the Firestone tire is claimed to deliver high performance in inclement weather, delivering faster lap times than the tire’s predecessor, the release added. The Firestone Firehawk AS V2 tire is backed by a 50,000-mile limite...

German trade fair, congress and event organizer Messe Frankfurt, who is also organizing the upcoming automotive service industry trade fair Automechanika Frankfurt from 13 to 17 September at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds, has revealed the key topics at this year’s event and announced that the exhibitor line-up continues to be international, according to a press release dated 8 September. The key topics include alternative drive systems, training and professional development, resilient su...

American Tire Distributors (ATD), a US based independent suppliers of tires to the replacement tire market., has announced the completion of the sale of its Canadian subsidiary, National Tire Distributors (NTD) to Groupe Touchette, according to a press release dated 7 September. With the sale of NTD now complete, ATD says it is moving forward as a more focused organization that is better positioned to serve its customers across the US. The company will continue supporting NTD and Groupe Touch...

Japanese tire manufacturing company Bridgestone Americas has announced that Bridgestone Brazil will invest an additional BRL270 million (around USD52 million) in the expansion and modernization of the tire plant in Camaçari, a city in Bahia, Brazil, according to a press release dated 6 September. This brings the company's total investments announced since 2021 to more than BRL970 million (around USD186 million) for the Bahia plant. This second phase of expansion and modernization of the Bahi...

Japanese tire manufacturing company Bridgestone Corporation has said that it has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to use its cloud services for the company’s mobility solutions, it said in a press release on 29 August. Bridgestone will be able to use AWS’ internet of things (IoT), machine learning, and analytics/business intelligence services to launch new customer-centric solutions and improve data analysis. “AWS has helped strengthen and modernize our Americas business fo...

US tire manufacturer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced in a press release dated 1 September, that to stay ahead of growing demand in the electric vehicle (EV) market, the company has launched the all-new Goodyear ElectricDrive all-season tire and two new sizes for its ultra-high performance tire, the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT. These new introductions come with a 60,000-mile tread life limited warranty, V speed rating and is available in some of the more popular sizes, accordi...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire has announced that its board of directors have approved a USD1.6 billion investment to expand its Tennessee plant in the USA, according to a press release dated 29 August. The investment includes the previously planned Phase 2 expansion that will double production capacity of Hankook’s passenger car and light truck (PC/LT) tires and adds a Phase 3 expansion with the company’s first US production of Truck Bus and Radial (TBR) tires. This expansio...

French tire manufacturer Michelin announced via press release on 30 August that its subsidiary, Michelin Lifestyle Limited, will be presenting its varied range of accessories at the upcoming Automechanika Frankfurt during 13–17 September as part of its efforts to position itself as “more than just a tyre company.” An innovative range of high-pressure washers with the brand’s patented dual-tech system, new jump starters, snow chains, wipers, car mats, and portable compressors will be amon...

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. today launched "What Really Matters," a new brand platform that is linked to the values of the global Bridgestone E8 Commitment and showcases the company's focus on creating a more sustainable world for future generations, according to a press release dated 24 August. The targeted activation will officially launch through multichannel content developed by creative agency Leo Burnett.  The platform marks a shift from the company's traditional product perfor...

Finland-based OE and replacement tire manufacturer, Nokian Tyres, has announced changes in its operating model and leadership, via a press release dated 24 August.  The company is combining passenger car tires commercial operations under one leadership, with increasing strategic and operational synergies across the geographical areas. Anna Hyvönen, EVP North America, Nordics and Vianor and member of Nokian Tyres management team, has been appointed EVP Passenger Car Tyres and Vianor. ...

US subsidiary of Japenese tire manufacturer, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp, has announced that Rob Lovi has been promoted to vice president of Sales via a press release dated 22 August. Previously serving as the director of Sales, National Strategic Accounts, Lovi’s promotion is a part of the company’s succession plan following the appointment of Mike Graber to president and chief executive officer earlier this year. Lovi first joined Toyo Tires as a director of Sales in July 2018 ...

ZC Rubber, a leading tire manufacturing company, has announced the appointment of Akos Barcsik as the new Deputy General Manager of ZC Rubber Europe via a press release dated 18 August.  During his career at ZC Rubber since 2017, Akos initially served as Field Engineer Manager and later as Sales Director of ZC Rubber Europe. Akos has greatly contributed to developing and improving WESTLAKE generation II truck tires. Since he became the European Sales Director in 2021, ZC Rubber Europe ha...

South Korean tire manufacturer, Hankook tire, has reported second quarter 2022 net sales at KRW2.03 trillion (USD1.61 billion), up 12.77% year-on-year (y/y) from KRW1.80 trillion in the previous year for the second quarter of 2021, according to a filing by the company on 2 August. Operating income for the quarter was reported at KRW175.2 billion, compared to KRW187 billion from the previous year. Significance: According to Hankook Tire’s financial report, sales of 18” or hi...

US tire manufacturer Goodyear announced Q2 2022 net sales at USD5.21 billion, up 31% year on year from USD3.97 billion in Q2 2021 for the three months ended 30 June, via a press release dated 5 August.  The highlights from the financial release are: Net income stood at USD166 million for Q2 2022. Adjusted net income was USD131 million for Q2 FY 2022. Net income was USD262 million (91 cents per share) compared with net income of USD79 million (...

Cooper Standard has reported second quarter 2022 net sales at USD605.91 million, up 13.64% year-on-year (y/y) from USD533.18 million in the previous year for the second quarter of 2021, according to a filing by the company on 4 August. Operating loss for the quarter was reported at USD8.73 million. Net loss for second quarter 2022 was reported at USD34.15 million. Jeffrey Edwards, chairman and CEO, Cooper Standard, said, “We began to see some improvement in global market conditions and...

Michelin Group has acquired RoadBotics, a US start-up specializing in the image analysis of road infrastructures, a press release dated 11 July read. RoadBotics’ computer vision technology transforms visual data from road infrastructures collected with cameras, mainly with smartphones, into actionable data to enable decision-making by road infrastructure managers. The company released an interview  with Lorraine Frega, member of the Group Executive responsible for D...

Bridgestone via press release on 5 August has announced collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate advance tire analytics integration across global portfolio of connected tires and mobility solutions.  According to the release, Advanced and predictive maintenance analytics will deliver greater productivity and efficiency for customers. Using Azure will enable Bridgestone to create value for customers, primarily global fleet and OEM customers, by integrating advanced tire analytic...

South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook announced via press release on 18 July the launch of its new SUV tire ‘Dynapro HPX’, which claims to offer a high level of handling and ride comfort. The Hankook Dynapro HPX is a touring all-season tire designed to provide refined handling, extra comfort, and low noise throughout all seasons and with improved mileage performance, it can drive the longest distance among Hankook’s SUV products, according to the release. The HPX has been first launc...

Bridgestone Japan has announced that it has added 10 tire sizes for SUVs to its lineup of the premium studless tire Blizzak VRX3, and that the tire sizes will be released sequentially from 1 October, according to a company release dated 20 July. The company says it aims to secure winter car life from the ground up through its studless tires from its winter tire brand Blizzak, according to the release. Bridgestone already has a premium summer tire brand, ALENZA, as an SUV-exclusive product, an...

Volta, a US-based electric vehicle charging network provider, has announced a partnership with Michelin North America to bring the latter’s ‘Motion For Life’ campaign to millions of EV drivers and consumers in the US, according to a press release dated 19 July. The campaign showcases Michelin’s tires designed to maximize EV performance. Volta provides public EV charging with locations at grocery stores, entertainment venues, apparel retailers, and more. The strategic location of Volta...

Finnish tire company Nokian Tyres announced in a press release on 28 June that its Board of Directors have decided to initiate a controlled exit from the Russian market. The company said that it is no longer feasible nor sustainable for it to continue operations in Russia due to the war in Ukraine and the subsequent, tightening sanctions. According to the announcement, the exit preparations will start immediately, and the company will evaluate different options for the exit and the company sa...

Finnish tire company Nokian Tyres announced in a press release on 13 July that it is involving the shift to EVs in its tire development. The company says it is focusing on low tire noise and energy efficiency. The power, mass, and low noise level of EVs are among the factors guiding its development, according to the release, which added that when the car is nearly silent, low tire noise is a substantial improvement in terms of driving comfort. It noted that the tire’s structure and tread co...

India headquartered Apollo Tyres has announced that it has appointed Vikram Garga as Group Head, Marketing for the Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA) region, according to a press release dated 14 July. Vikram would be spearheading the regional marketing team and would be responsible for marketing and product strategy for all product categories, dealer programs, brand positioning and monitoring performance in conjunction with sales, the release added. Vikram joins Apollo Tyres from...

Tiremaker Bridgestone Japan has announced its decision to raise its aftermarket tire pricing from 1 September due to increasing crude oil pricing under the Russia–Ukraine conflict as well as increases in other energy related costs, according to a press release dated 24 June. The increase will be from 3–8% for summer and winter replacement tires, according to the release. This is the company’s second price increase after 1 April. In a similar move, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp also announced it...

Zhongce Rubber Group or ZC Rubber, a mainland China-based tire manufacturer, has announced that it recently showcased its new Westlake-branded ultra-high performance (UHP) passenger car tires for the Brazilian market at Pneushow 2022 held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 22–24 June, according to a press release dated 28 June. The Pneushow is an international trade show that takes place every two years, focusing on products, machines, solutions and innovations related to tires. At the event, ZC Ru...

The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), India’s apex auto component industry body, announced that it commenced the first edition of the Automotive Aftermarket Roadshow in Namakkal, in South India, according to a press release dated 25 June. The Aftermarket Expo serves as a platform for innovation and collaboration between the buyers and exhibitors and aims to create awareness about the latest auto components and advanced technologies for the mechanics, dealers, a...

German supplier of automotive components, tires, and aftermarket replacement parts, Continental, has announced the launch of its new light commercial vehicle category VanContact Ultra that has been specially developed as a summer tire for delivery services and craftsmen’s vehicles, according to a press release dated 23 June. The tire comes with important capabilities for economical driving, even in urban environments. Very high mileage, robust design, low tire/road noise and low rolling res...

French tire manufacturer Michelin announced via press release on 22 June that it has become the first tire brand in the passenger vehicle segment in India to be accredited with the newly introduced star labeling program by Government of India with the MICHELIN Latitude Sport 3 and MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 sport utility vehicle (SUV) tires receiving a 5 Star rating. According to the release, a ‘5 Star product’, on average, consumes up to 9.5%   less fuel when compared to any other ...

The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event has received widespread praise from the automotive aftermarket community, witnessing 3538 participants over two days, according to a press release on Auto Resource UK dated 20 June. The event, held from 8 to 9 June, kicked off with visitors from garages, bodyshops and the wider automotive aftermarket from all over the UK at the NEC in Birmingham to learn about the latest industry technology, tools and training, the release added. One of the key takeaways from ...