Linglong Tire launched the Grip Master Winter, a new winter tyre for compact, medium and luxury-class vehicles. It targets the high and ultra-high-performance segments.   

The Grip Master Winter succeeds the Linglong Green-Max Winter UHP and Green-Max Winter HP models, aiming to improve their performance in all aspects. Key improvements include:   

• Enhanced Wet and Dry Performance: The new directional V-shaped tread pattern and optimised block design provide better water evacuation and stability, improving handling and shorter braking distances on wet and dry surfaces.   
• Optimised Snow Performance: While already strong with the previous models, the Grip Master Winter's snow performance has been further refined using a newly developed polymer-silica composite compound and 3D sipes.   
• Increased Mileage: The new material mix combines full silica and natural resins, reducing tyre wear while maintaining braking effectiveness, resulting in increased mileage.
• Reduced Noise Emissions: The optimised block arrangement minimises noise generation compared to the previous models.
• Improved Rolling Resistance: The Grip Master Winter is fuel-efficient due to its optimised rolling resistance.

"The key main requirements for the Grip Master Winter were to elevate wet performance and dry handling characteristics, all while improving environmental properties compared to its predecessors," said Andreas Krause, Director of R&D at Linglong Germany GmbH. "Developing such a balanced winter tyre was a challenge, especially considering the need for increased mileage and further optimised rolling resistance. We believe the Grip Master Winter is Linglong Tire's best and most powerful winter tyre yet."   

Development and Production:

The Grip Master Winter was primarily developed by Linglong's European development centre in Hanover. Testing was conducted at European test tracks in Spain and Finland, as well as at Linglong's Sino-Asia test site in China. The tire is exclusively produced at Linglong Tire's newest factory in Zrenjanin, Serbia.   

Availability and Future Plans:

The Grip Master Winter is currently available in 70 sizes, ranging from 14 to 20 inches, with varying cross-sections and tread widths. An additional 30 sizes are planned for launch next year. Linglong also intends to offer the Grip Master Winter for original equipment with select automakers.   

This launch expands the Linglong Master family, including summer tyres (Sport Master, Sport Master e, and Comfort Master), the Grip Master C/S SUV tyre, and the Grip Master 4S all-season tyre. 

Tyre manufacturer Michelin has announced the expansion of its crane tyre range with the launch of the MICHELIN X-CRANE 2 445/95 R 25, designed for mobile and all-terrain cranes.

The new tyre, which follows an initial size released with constructor Spierings last summer, combines a civil engineering casing with a truck tyre tread and represents over a decade of specialist expertise, according to the French company.

Michelin claims the new product is five percent lighter than its predecessor, the MICHELIN X-CRANE +. It features an improved load and speed index that has shifted from 174F to 178F, allowing vehicles to carry heavier loads at higher speeds.

“MICHELIN X-CRANE 2 can carry 800 kg more per tyre when travelling at 80 kph. This increased load capacity represents an additional load of 1.6 metric tonnes per axle," the company stated.

Safety improvements include enhanced braking performance. Michelin claims comparative tests showed their main competitor needed 27 percent more braking distance, equating to approximately 10.5 metres or “2-3 car lengths."

The M+S-certified tyre incorporates Michelin’s REGENION technology, which utilises metal 3D printing to create what the company describes as "self-regenerating treads". This feature reportedly maintains consistent grip throughout the tyre's lifespan regardless of conditions.

Additionally, Michelin states the technology delivers fuel consumption reductions exceeding 13 percent, potentially saving around 826 litres of fuel and €1,321.60 for cranes travelling 10,000 kilometres.

The new size has been homologated for numerous machines across European and American markets, including models from Liebherr, Grove, Tadano and Linkbelt.

Nexen Tire, a global leader in tyre manufacturing, has received approval from Škoda for its N'FERA Sport ultra-high-performance (UHP) flagship summer tyre to be used as original equipment for the new Škoda Karoq SUV.

The Karoq is ideally matched with N'FERA Sport in size 215/50R18 W XL tire, which was created especially for the European market and made in Europe. It offers improved handling and stability even at high speeds. The N'Fera Sport (size 225/40R18) is already recognised by the ADAC Summer test 2025 and earns a strong overall rating for driving safety, comfort and environmental performance. The ADAC rates it as having a very good rating among competitors due to its short braking distance from 100 kmph. It also outperforms the norm in aquaplaning and wet braking.

Edwin van der Stad, Vice President Europe Original Equipment at Nexen Tire, said, “We are thrilled to receive this homologation for the N’FERA Sport on the Škoda Karoq. As our flagship summer product, the N'FERA Sport represents the peak of our tyre technology, designed to deliver outstanding performance and safety. Achieving the most homologations among our products, it is a true testament to the tyre's quality and our dedication to excellence. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Škoda, enhancing the driving experience for their customers worldwide.”

Toyota Motor Corporation has selected Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd’s DUNLOP GRANDTREK H/T31 tyre as original equipment (OE) in Japan for its recently launched LEXUS GX550 SUV.

In addition to the dependability and durability that the GRANDTREK series has established, the GRANDTREK H/T31 aims for on-road performance. The product uses new tread rubber and a H/T (Highway Terrain) pattern to provide a high level of anti-wear performance, good fuel efficiency and quiet operation. In order to increase visibility and create a more opulent overall design appeal, the tyres also employ the Nano Black design method, which colours brand insignia on tyre sidewalls a darker shade of black.

With its powerful but economical engine and sturdy construction, the new GX550 offers exceptional driving performance. With its unique design, cutting-edge suspension and driving support system, and 18-inch tyres, the OVERTRAIL+ delivers both off-road and on-road performance. Toyota SUVs have long been equipped with DUNLOP's GRANDTREK line of tyres as standard equipment.

Lucid Motors has selected Hankook Tire’s EV-exclusive all-season tyre, the iON evo AS SUV, as original equipment (OE) for its all-new electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity, designed for the North American Market.

Through its partnership with Lucid Motors, Hankook Tire has unveiled the iON evo AS SUV as a high-performance all-season tyre designed especially for big electric SUVs. The tyre's next-generation compound design combines high-performance polymers, environmentally friendly components, and high-concentration silica to provide outstanding grip and improved mileage performance in a variety of driving circumstances throughout the year. Notably, the tyre's stiffness profile has been tuned to support the heavier EV battery packs while maintaining a consistent road contact pressure to improve driving stability.

Its tread shape also permits even wear, increasing the tyre's longevity. The tyres greatly reduce rolling resistance and efficiently reduce noise by carefully balancing the size and quantity of tread blocks. Drivers who want a dynamic driving experience may retain great energy economy thanks to this design's improvements.

The Lucid Gravity, a full-size, three-row SUV and Lucid Motors' second all-electric vehicle model, was just introduced in the US. The Lucid Gravity has a sleek body and an elegant interior. It has a range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds and produces up to 828 horsepower in Grand Touring configuration. Actual results will vary depending on temperature, driving behaviour, battery state and charging.