Goodyear has announced that it would be the title sponsor of the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. From this year, the series will be formally known as the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship, or Goodyear FIA ETRC, the company said in a release. 

The championship provides a platform for the transport industry to demonstrate the performance and durability of vehicles and components, introduce ground-breaking technologies and showcase developments towards a sustainable future. With eight rounds making up the 2022 calendar, the teams will visit many of Europe’s top circuits proving Goodyear’s tyre technology not only on track but also within daily transport fleet operations. 

In 2021, FIA ETRC introduced 100 per cent renewable HVO biodiesel and became the first FIA-regulated championship to run on sustainable biofuel. Goodyear said it would work closely with ETRA to introduce new technologies in the years to come.  

Maciej Szymanski, Marketing Director for Commercial Europe at Goodyear said: “We are excited to reinforce our commitment to the European Truck Racing Championship by becoming the official title sponsor. Being the most successful tyre brand in Formula 1 history and official tyre supplier to many leading championships in the world, including World Endurance Championship (WEC) and Nascar, we have a strong legacy in motorsport. This now further strengthened with this first FIA-regulated championship under Goodyear name. We look forward to work closely with the European Truck Racing Association towards a greener future. Extreme conditions like in racing are the ultimate testbed enabling us to gain added value insights on tyre deformation, tyre temperature management and rolling resistance. We like to push the innovation envelop to maximize results for the teams and transportation companies and we will keep doing this in our quest to more sustainable materials and efficient tyre management systems to connect the dots.” 

Georg Fuchs, ETRA managing director said: The FIA ETRC strives to become a leading platform for sustainable technologies in the road haulage industry and at the same time making truck racing a relevant research and development platform for manufacturers. Both Goodyear and the FIA ETRC share the same objectives, where more sustainable solutions are being introduced in the industry and we are excited to intensify our commitment and to have Goodyear as partner onboard on our journey to a more sustainable future of truck racing.” 

Goodyear is also an official tyre partner to other series that will introduce biofuel - the FIA World Endurance Championship (including the 24 Hours of Le Mans) and European Le Mans Series - and the founding partner of the all-electric FIA ETCR - eTouring Car World Cup, the release added. (TT)

Chinese automaker Zeekr has selected Continental's PremiumContact 6 tyres as original equipment (OE) for its Zeekr 001 electric sedan. The sedan will be fitted with 265/40 R22 106V XL FR size tyre, specially designed for dynamic and responsive handling while providing safety and comfort.

The tyres refined design guarantees control and strong cornering stability at higher speeds, while its superior grip performance guarantees efficient power transmission to the road. The tread's shape enables both precision steering and a fast reaction. Excellent safety and braking performance on both wet and dry roads are guaranteed by the unique silica rubber compound, which is made for safe driving in all weather situations. Additionally, the reduced rolling resistance contributes to longer battery life of the vehicle. Even on damp roads, the tyre provides excellent safety qualities, accurate handling and short stopping distances.

Continental's PremiumContact 6 tyre has been selected as original equipment (OE) by US car manufacturer Cadillac for its LYRIQ-V. The electric SUV will be factory-fitted with the premium tyre in size 22 inches.

At higher speeds, the PremiumContact 6's refined design offers control and strong cornering stability, and its superior grip performance guarantees that power is delivered to the road efficiently. Fast reaction and accurate steering are made possible by the circumferential groove design. The tyre's unique silica rubber formula ensures superior braking on both wet and dry roads, making it designed for safe driving in all weather situations. Furthermore, the reduced rolling resistance contributes to the vehicle’s longer battery life. The tyre also provides precise handling, low stopping distances and exceptional wet-weather qualities.

The main goals of Continental's tyre development are low rolling resistance, minimal rolling noise and high mileage. The tyre is safe, comfortable and made for dynamic, responsive driving. These characteristics are especially advantageous for electric vehicles like the LYRIQ-V. The tyres are made to handle the added weight of electric vehicles brought on by the battery because of their higher load index.

Global leading tyre company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) and renowned German luxury mobility brand BRABUS have unveiled a new brand film titled ‘Electrified, Hankook iON & BRABUS’. The video emphasises the two businesses' mutual love of cutting-edge technology and creative design principles for future transportation.

With this alliance, Hankook Tire and BRABUS are further solidifying their premium brand status. The two businesses are spearheading the electrification revolution in mobility with Hankook's world-first complete range of electric vehicle tyres, ‘iON’, and BRABUS's proficiency in customising high-performance electric vehicles. The iON evo SUV tyre consistently supports the fast, dynamic manoeuvrability of BRABUS cars by providing outstanding grip and accurate handling on both wet and dry track surfaces. Even in the busiest driving situations, it flawlessly muffles all road noise, greatly boosting the immersive feeling portrayed in the movie.

In the video, a BRABUS-customised Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 with Hankook Tire's iON evo SUV tyres exhibits exceptional driving capabilities on Germany's renowned Circuit Meppen circuit. Last year, in anticipation of its role as an Official BRABUS Technology Partner, Hankook Tire released a 10-second teaser video that garnered a lot of international attention before the full-length release. Hankook Tire's official worldwide YouTube and Instagram accounts now feature the whole brand film.

Nexen Tire has continuously increased its supply of original equipment (OE) tyres to international automakers over the years, and their most recent collaboration with luxury automaker BMW Group emphasises the company's rising industry awareness.

Thanks to a number of crucial design elements, N'Fera Sport tyres offer exceptional dry, wet and handling performance. N'Fera Sport has a block design for superior dry and wet handle performance at high speed and a larger longitudinal groove for better drainage performance in wet circumstances. Furthermore, the tyre uses the most recent tread composition to improve braking and grip, while sidewall reinforcements increase stability at high speeds, providing exceptional handling and stability when turning. Most notably, the tyre has an AI-optimised engineering technology-based optimal design that increases fuel efficiency and reduces road noise. The Nexen Tire Europe factory ensures exceptional quality and performance by producing these high-performance tyres with cutting-edge automation and competitive quality.

As of 2024, Nexen Tire distributes OE tyres to 118 models of international automakers, having begun delivering OE tyres to luxury manufacturers in 2016. This accomplishment is the result of Nexen Tire's ongoing R&D expenditures to create high-quality goods that highlight its state-of-the-art technology. By utilising virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the business also spearheads tyre development and intends to deepen its alliances with international automakers.

Travis Kang, Global CEO of Nexen Tire, said, “To supply original equipment tyres, tyre manufacturers must meet the high standards of safety and performance required by automakers. We will continue to expand our supply to premium brands, demonstrating our exceptional quality and technological prowess.”