After being tested for more than two years on a multitude of circuits, local and national rallies, by amateur drivers as well as by professionals, MICHELIN Track Connect is evolving. MICHELIN Track Connect app has now been upgraded to three different for the users- leisure mode, expert mode and motorsports mode.
All the features introduced in the new version of MICHELIN Track Connect are perfect answers to the needs expressed directly by users, said the company.
The Leisure mode makes its debut in the latest generation of the MICHELIN Track Connect application. In this mode, it is possible to record lap times and speeds, as well as the evolution of tyre inflation pressures between the start and finish, measured manually. It also helps to analyse in detail its runs with the "Replay" mode. It also allows the users to share their results with a community of enthusiasts, as well as on social media. The users can compare their performance to that of other drivers and invite some other drivers to participate in new challenges.
With the purchase of MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 Connect tyres as well as the MICHELIN Track Connect kit consisting in particular of four sensors and the central connection box, sports car owners shift into higher gear for increased driving pleasure.
In addition to the functions of Leisure mode, the MICHELIN Track Connect Expert mode allows you to monitor evolution of tyre pressures and temperatures in real-time and benefit from recommendations to improve lap times, dedicated to the vehicle, the track and the weather conditions.
Through this advice on pressures and temperatures provided by the app, the MICHELIN Track Connect solution in Expert mode allows the user to optimise the handling of its car, for more driving pleasure and better lap times. Tyre wear and consistency of performance on track are also improved, with for example a gain of 7.40 seconds after a series of 15 consecutive laps.
Michelin has always used competition as a development laboratory. On November 2019, during the FIA Formula E Championship, Michelin launched the first connected competition tyres, fitted with integrated sensors, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport with MICHELIN Track Connect.
Today, amateur and professional rally drivers also have access to a connected tyre solution, thanks to the MICHELIN Track Connect in Motorsport mode, in combination with the connection kit and the purchase of MICHELIN Connect ready competition tyres.
The benefits of the new Motorsport mode are optimisation of race performance by preparing the tyres with the correct pressure before the start. The app provides personalised advice according to the car model, use, type of tires fitted and driving conditions. It gives continuous information on tyre pressure on the smartphone screen, thereby limiting manual gestures before each special stage start. It also informs about the exploitation of the full potential of the tyres, by analysing the data recorded during a run and by proposing adjusted pressures for the next one. The automatic slow puncture warning increases safety during competitions.
The use of this innovation has just been validated by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for all national rally championships.
The MICHELIN Track Connect kit is sold in 18 countries in Expert mode, the app is already available in Leisure mode in 26 countries, spread over 4 continents. The app also includes more than 300 circuits recorded. In addition, for users wishing to switch to Expert mode by fitting Connect ready tires, the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 Connect is available in a range of 47 sizes which are all Connect ready and therefore compatible. This now represents more than 270 vehicles in Expert mode and more than 6,000 vehicles present in the application in Leisure mode.
Renault Sport Racing and Michelin have joined forces on the new Clio Rally for safer and more efficient connected mobility. The latest Renault Sport Racing car is delivered from the factory with the MICHELIN Track Connect kit in Motorsport mode, consisting of a connection box directly installed in the car, and 4 sensors to be inserted into the tyres. Crews then only have to provide with connect ready MICHELIN rally tires and download the app on their smartphones to take full advantage of the connected tyres solution.
Giti Tire has teamed up with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) to support Challenge4’s ambitious Guinness World Record attempt – visiting the most countries in a zero-emission vehicle using the fully electric VW ID. Buzz.
Spearheading the challenge is Rainer Zietlow, founder of Challenge4 GmbH and an eight-time Guinness World Record holder, known for his focus on endurance, efficiency and sustainable mobility. The journey kicks off on 1 July at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ headquarters in Hannover, Germany, with the first leg covering major European cities. Throughout the expedition, the team will engage with the VW community, media, fans and Giti’s global distributor network. The epic journey will span over 80,000 kilometres across approximately 75 countries in Europe, Central Asia, Oceania, Asia and the Americas, lasting more than eight months.
The ID. Buzz will be equipped with GitiSynergyH2 tyres (235/60 R18 front, 255/55 R18 rear), following Giti’s Original Equipment (OE) agreement with VWCV that began in September 2023. This marks Giti’s first EV tyre nomination in Europe, and the record attempt will serve as a real-world showcase of the company’s advanced EV tyre technology, emphasising durability, safety and sustainability. The AAA-rated GitiSynergyH2 tyres feature an innovative tread compound designed to minimise rolling resistance without sacrificing wear performance or critical safety attributes like wet and dry braking.
Zietlow said, “This is going to be a great adventure and one in which I’m proud to have Giti as my tyre partner of choice.”
Stefan Brohs, Marketing Director – Europe, Giti Tire, said, “This marks the first joint global EV record tour for Rainer which is supported by Giti Tire and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, reinforcing both brands' commitment to innovation and sustainability. This magnificent opportunity allows us to reinforce Giti's leadership in EV tyre technology and amplify our global brand visibility via high-impact storytelling and brand content across global regions. It also strengthens our OE credentials through visible support in a common project, which in turn will help deepen engagement with distributors, dealers and partners around the globe.”
Nexen Tire Opens Flagship Store in Bangkok as Part of Southeast Asia Expansion Drive
- By TT News
- June 25, 2025
South Korean tyre manufacturer Nexen Tire has opened a new flagship brand shop in Bangkok, marking a key milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing automotive market.
The newly renovated store was developed in partnership with a leading Thai tyre distributor that has maintained a decade-long relationship with Nexen Tire and operates more than 800 retail outlets throughout Thailand. The flagship location features a modernised environment designed to showcase Nexen Tire’s global brand identity, with every aspect from layout to customer service aligned with the company’s visual standards and brand philosophy.
The move comes as Southeast Asia’s tyre market shows robust growth potential, with annual demand reaching approximately 90 million units for passenger car radial (PCR) and light truck radial (LTR) tyres and projected annual growth of 3.7%.
Nexen Tire is responding to this opportunity by accelerating its regional investment, particularly in high-growth markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The company plans to renew over 80 key retail locations across Southeast Asia by the end of 2025, creating a unified brand presence to support localised sales campaigns.
Recognising the region’s high digital engagement levels, Nexen Tire is also utilising influencer partnerships and digital media to reach younger, mobile-first consumers.
The company’s regional product strategy emphasises high-performance summer tyres and all-terrain models specifically designed for Southeast Asia’s hot, humid, and challenging driving conditions. Key products, including the N’FERA SU4 and ROADIAN ATX, are gaining traction among local motorists seeking durability and performance.
“Our expansion in Southeast Asia represents a pivotal step in NEXEN TIRE’s global growth journey,” said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, chief executive of Nexen Tire. “While we’ve followed a carefully phased strategy aligned with production capacity and long-term vision, we are now entering a phase of acceleration. Our goal is to solidify our premium brand position not only in Europe and North America but across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Australia through strong local partnerships and a unified brand experience.”
The investment demonstrates Nexen Tire’s long-term confidence in Southeast Asia as the company works towards becoming one of the world’s most recognised and trusted tyre brands.
Pirelli Marks 40 Years of P Zero with Limited-Edition Reissue for Lancia Delta S4
- By TT News
- June 19, 2025
Pirelli has unveiled a limited-edition reissue of its first-ever P Zero tyre to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic brand. Originally launched in 1985 for the Lancia Delta S4 Stradale, the tyre has now been faithfully recreated in a run of just 40 sets.
The re-edition mirrors the original 205/55 R16 specification developed for the road-going version of the Group B rally car. It forms part of the Pirelli Collezione line, which caters to classic vehicles from 1930 to 2000. While the tyre retains its period-correct design, it incorporates modern materials and technology to enhance safety and performance.
Derived from Pirelli’s motorsport expertise, the original P Zero was notable for its asymmetric tread pattern—a distinctive mix of features for wet, dry, and mixed conditions. “The inner shoulder, with grooves like wet-weather tyres, ensured grip on wet roads. The outer shoulder, inspired by slick tyres, provided traction in dry conditions. The central part of the tread adopted some of the hallmarks of intermediate tyres, balancing the two extremes,” Pirelli noted.
In parallel with the anniversary edition, Pirelli also highlighted the launch of the fifth-generation P Zero, tailored to meet the demands of modern high-performance and electric vehicles. Developed using artificial intelligence and virtual modelling, the latest iteration boasts improved handling and shorter braking distances.
Available in sizes ranging from 18 to 23 inches, the fifth-generation P Zero already includes over 50 variants and continues to serve as a benchmark across the premium and prestige automotive segments.
The P Zero brand has evolved into a cornerstone of Pirelli’s high-performance offering over the past four decades, adapting to key industry trends including electrification and digital integration, while maintaining its commitment to performance and safety.
Toyo Tire has created a new corporate film featuring the key message “Blaze BLUE” to capture the world perspective and values the company’s TOYO TIRES brand seeks to convey.
The film showcases a Ford F-150 Raptor equipped with the company’s OPEN COUNTRY R/T Pro tyres for pickup trucks and SUVs driving across rugged terrain in the United States, Toyo Tire’s core market.
The message “Blaze BLUE” evokes the image of fearless challengers taking on daunting terrain, roads and new endeavours with determination, the company said. The film incorporates Toyo Tire’s blue corporate colour throughout its aesthetic.
The dynamic footage of the truck crossing dramatic landscapes aims to capture what Toyo Tire describes as the frontier spirit at the heart of the company, embodied in the group’s brand statement, “Open Roads Await.”
The new corporate film will be featured on a special Blaze BLUE page on Toyo Tire’s corporate website and the company’s official social media channels.
Toyo Tire, based in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture, is led by president and chief executive Takashi Shimizu. The company said it will continue to support those who pursue their chosen path while developing innovative tyres.
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