Michelin announced the expansion of its REMIX 2 tyre retreading range, targeting fleet managers with a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for truck tyres.

The new offering extends Michelin’s hot retreading process to its popular X MULTI tyre range, specifically for sizes 315/70 R 22.5 and 315/80 R 22.5. The programme will be available in France, Benelux, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

“With REMIX 2, MICHELIN provides a new solution to the challenges now facing fleet managers,” said Paul de Lajudie, Michelin Group Truck Tire Retread Director. “The addition of a second premium retread reduces operating costs while offering performance equivalent to that of new tyres.”

The retreading process offers significant economic and environmental benefits. A retreaded tyre costs approximately 60 percent of a new tyre’s price, resulting in a 33 percent improvement in cost per kilometre. Each retreaded tyre saves 50 kg of raw materials and can prevent up to 115 kg of CO2 emissions.

Michelin claims the retreaded tyres deliver mileage performance close to 95 percent of new tyres while maintaining the same level of grip, traction, and safety.

Continental, the global tyre manufacturer, announced a new promotional offer for its ContiScoot tyre line. The offer provides a two-month satisfaction guarantee for scooter owners across European markets.

The promotion, launching in the first quarter of 2025, allows buyers to receive a full refund if they are unsatisfied with the tyre’s performance. Customers must register their purchase within 14 days at www.contiscoot.com and can request a refund by uploading photos of tyre sidewalls if dissatisfied within two months.

“With this satisfaction guarantee, we will further boost the popularity of ContiScoot among scooter owners,” said Christian Kless, Head of Sales DACH/East Central Motorcycle Tires at Continental. “This eliminates any hesitation customers may have in purchasing the product and will allow them to test the road handling characteristics of our premium scooter tyre for themselves under all everyday conditions.”

The ContiScoot line now offers 32 different front and rear wheel sizes, covering scooters in the 50 to 350 cm segment. The tyres are designed to provide excellent cold and wet grip, short braking distances, and low wear.

The global scooter market continues to grow, with nearly 21.5 million vehicles sold in 2024 — an increase of 700,000 from the previous year. Experts predict annual global sales could reach 24 million vehicles by the decade’s end, driven in part by advancing electric drive technology.

The promotion will be available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Porsche has selected Bridgestone, a world leader in high-end tires and environmentally friendly transportation options, to create custom tyres for its next Macan Electric and Panamera vehicles. Custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyres are now available for both cars. The Panamera, Porsche's third-generation sporty luxury sedan, may also be equipped with custom Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tyres, which are Bridgestone's first winter original fitting for the car.

The tread and compound design of the Porsche Macan Electric's custom Potenza Sport tyre manages the electric sport utility vehicle's (SUV) high weight and torque while enhancing the vehicle's dynamic sports performance. Bridgestone's signature ultra-high-performance tyre, tailored to Macan Electric's specific needs, maximises handling in dry, wet and high-speed conditions. Along with improved rolling resistance to enable the vehicle's about 600 km range, this also includes improved braking comfort and performance. ENLITEN Technology makes these performance advantages possible. Bridgestone's next-generation technology platform, ENLITEN, is intended to provide unwavering performance while emphasising sustainability features. Developed and manufactured in Europe, the Macan Electric’s bespoke tyres are available globally in six dimensions across 20’’, 21’’ and 22’’ sizes.

In addition to offering reduced rolling resistance for energy efficiency, the 21" Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres for the Porsche Panamera are designed with ENLITEN Technology to improve the vehicle's dynamic driving characteristics and driver comfort. The custom-made Potenza Sport ultra-high-performance tyres for the Panamera maximise dry handling, wet handling and high-speed performance through their pattern design and material composition. To improve the car's performance in winter circumstances, the Panamera's custom 20" Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 winter fitment uses a pattern design that optimises dry, wet and snow handling. These specially made tyres are all created and manufactured in Europe.

In order to meet Porsche's specifications for the Porsche Macan Electric and Panamera, Bridgestone's Virtual Tyre Development was essential. The technology was specifically employed to improve the dry braking characteristics of the custom tyres and guarantee that they were properly matched with the braking systems of the cars. Up to 60 percent less raw materials and CO2 emissions are used during the creation of original equipment tyres thanks to this technology, which also increases the sustainability and efficiency of the tyre development process. By combining the enormous weight and torque of an SUV electric vehicle with the dynamic sporty behaviour of the Macan Electric, Virtual Tyre Development also made it possible to retain a high degree of stability at high speeds.

Steven De Bock, Vice President Original Equipment (OE) at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “After our collaboration on the Porsche Cayenne, we’re breaking new ground in our partnership and offering premium tyre fitments to help enhance the driving experience of new Porsche models. We’re proud to share two firsts – the Panamera’s first Bridgestone OE fitment and our first bespoke tyre for an electric Porsche car with the Macan Electric. It is exciting to showcase our ability to provide a range of premium fitments that will help Porsche’s drivers get the most out of these two incredible and very different cars.”

Continental unveiled two new summer tyres that draw inspiration from an unlikely source: golf balls. The tyre manufacturer has incorporated dimpled aerodynamics, similar to those found on golf balls, into its new EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S models.

The premium tyre maker's latest innovations achieve the European Union's highest efficiency ratings for rolling resistance, with top marks also in wet braking and noise reduction categories.

Both models feature the company's new Smart Energy Casing technology and Green Chili 3.0 rubber compound. The most striking innovation, however, is the Aerodimple structure on the tyre walls, which mimics golf ball dimples to reduce air turbulence and improve energy efficiency.

The tyres have been specifically engineered to address urban noise pollution, incorporating a Silent Pattern tread design optimised for typical city driving speeds of around 50 kilometres per hour.

Continental has developed two distinct variants to cater to different driving preferences. The EcoContact 7 prioritises low rolling resistance for maximum energy efficiency, whilst the EcoContact 7 S offers enhanced wet grip and handling for more sporting performance.

The new models have already secured original equipment approvals from major automotive manufacturers, including BYD, Mercedes and Volkswagen, and are compatible with both electric and conventional vehicles.

Bridgestone and Komatsu Corporation announced a joint initiative to enhance mining operations through integrated data analysis of mining vehicles and tyres.

The collaboration combines real-time vehicle data from Komatsu's Komtrax Plus machinery management system with tyre monitoring information from Bridgestone's iTrack system.

The partnership aims to help mining operators improve fuel efficiency and extend tyre life whilst reducing operational downtime.

The programme will analyse multiple factors affecting mining operations, including site conditions, vehicle usage patterns, and tyre specifications.

This data integration will help quickly identify potential failures and implement preventive measures.

"Through this collaboration, we will be able to provide a new DANTOTSU solution that combines Komatsu's expertise in machinery with Bridgestone's tyre expertise—something neither company could achieve alone," said Shingo Hori, Executive Officer Vice President of Komatsu's Mining Business Division.

The initiative builds upon Bridgestone's recently launched "Smart On-site" mining solution, which utilises the company's MasterCore tyres and real-time monitoring systems.

Nobuyuki Tamura, Bridgestone's Executive Vice President and Representative Executive Officer, emphasised the partnership's customer-focused approach: "Through the further evolution of our mining solution, 'Smart On-site,' developed in partnership with Komatsu, we will contribute to enhancing the safety and productivity of our mining customers."

Both companies stated their commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and improving resource productivity by minimising unnecessary fuel and tyre consumption.

The programme is currently undergoing field verification, with plans for the companies to develop additional services based on the results.