Hankook’s iON evo SUV tyre has been selected as original equipment (OE) for the new all-electric CUPRA Tavascan. The premium summer tyre is developed specifically for all-electric vehicles and designed to provide maximum sportiness without any compromise on comfort.

The Hankook iON evo SUV tyre comes with a ‘+’ marking (denoting its original equipment status) for the CUPRA Tavascan and is available as a mixed tyre in the 19-inch variants and as an all-position tyre in the 20- and 21-inch sizes. There’s also a 19-inch all-season tyre and a special sport variant in 21-inch size (with ‘e-Performance’ etched on the sidewall) that offers even more traction and shorter braking distances owing to its high-grip mixture.

Developed using Opti Pitch Technology, which optimises the number and size of tread blocks, the tyre has a noise level of less than 66 decibels, well below the overall vehicle limit of 68 decibels. The tyre features low rolling resistance, which provides a quiet rolling behaviour as well as high resilience, ultimately translating into more range per battery charge for EV drivers even with a sporty driving style. Moreover, the new Hankook iON evo SUV is specifically designed for the all-wheel-drive CUPRA Tavascan’s immediate maximum torque delivery, which plays a significant role in its acceleration from a standing start. Extremely durable aramid fibres counteract the deformation forces that result from the high torque, especially when driving off and accelerating. 

The high silica content ensures more grip on wet roads, whereas the high content of plant-based oils in the mixture make the iON evo SUV tyre more sustainable and provide better durability of the tread strip. This enables consistent performance with less use of materials, which again results in low weight and has a positive effect on rolling resistance. However, the best part of the tyre is Hankook’s SEALGUARD® technology, which automatically seals punctures up to 5 mm in diameter in the tread, making it possible to continue driving instead of forcing you to perform a tyre change on the side of the road.

“We are proud of having developed the perfect tyre in close cooperation with CUPRA for the brand’s new all-electric top model,” said Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Center at Hankook. “Our clear objective was to transmit the high dynamic potential of the SUV coupé to the road and at the same time achieve the lowest possible rolling resistance for maximum range without having to compromise when it comes to comfort.”

 South Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology reported first-quarter consolidated sales of USD 3.42 billion, marking significant growth following the integration of Hanon Systems as a subsidiary.

The financial results show the combined performance of Hankook’s core tyre business and its newly acquired thermal management segment. For the quarter ending March, the company posted an operating profit of USD 244.1 million.

Hankook’s tyre business alone generated sales of USD 1.62 billion, representing a 10.3 percent year-over-year increase, while operating profit in this segment fell 16.3 percent to USD 229.7 million. The company attributed the profit decline to “rising costs—particularly the rise in raw material costs and ocean freight rates”.

The company’s pivot towards premium and speciality segments continues to gain momentum. 18-inch and larger tyres now comprise 47.1 percent of total passenger car and light truck tyre sales. This premium segment performed particularly well in China, accounting for 64.7 percent of sales.

Electric vehicle tyres have become an increasingly important growth driver for the manufacturer. EV-dedicated products represented 23 percent of original equipment sales for passenger cars and light trucks; a substantial six percentage point increase compared to the same period last year.

The company has expanded its portfolio of OE partnerships, recently beginning to supply its Ventus evo SUV tyres for the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan. Hankook now supplies approximately 50 global premium automotive brands across more than 280 models.

Hanon Systems, the thermal management solutions provider acquired by Hankook in January, contributed USD 1.80 billion in sales but only USD 14.3 million in operating profit for the quarter.

The results come as tyre manufacturers globally face pressure from rising raw material costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions affecting logistics expenses.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has finalised the sale of its Dunlop brand rights across Europe, North America and Oceania to Sumitomo Rubber Industries for USD 735 million, the American tyre manufacturer said.

The transaction, which became effective on May 7, includes consumer and commercial tyre rights, alongside certain intellectual property and inventory assets.

The deal forms part of Goodyear's ongoing transformation strategy, which executives have dubbed "Goodyear Forward", aimed at streamlining operations and reducing the company's debt burden.

"The sale of the Dunlop brand is another action that advances Goodyear Forward by optimizing our portfolio, reducing leverage and sharpening our focus on our core portfolio of brands," said Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart.

"Goodyear is making significant progress, transforming our operations and growing in our targeted segments, and I am confident in our ability to continue delivering on our objectives," he added.

The transaction's gross proceeds comprise USD 526 million for the Dunlop brand rights, USD 105 million for transition support and USD 104 million for inventory.

Goodyear said it intends to use the proceeds to reduce its debt as part of its broader transformation plan.

Goldman Sachs served as lead financial adviser on the deal, with Barclays Capital and law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton also advising Goodyear.

THE TIRE COLOGNE (TTC) 2026 is adopting a new WALK OF SERVICES format that will focus not just on products but on solutions for the economic and organisational sustainability of the tyre industry. The event is scheduled to be held from 9 to 11 June 2026.

The WALK OF SERVICES addresses the dynamic change currently experienced by the tyre industry. Today, having the proper workshop equipment, specialised software architecture, good technical experience and long-term staff engagement and retention tactics are essential for surviving in a market that is becoming more and more complicated. By strategically connecting the pertinent partners, information and solutions in branded areas across the trade show, THE TIRE COLOGNE will provide visitors additional value through the WALK OF SERVICES.

Clear visitor instructions, exhibitor booths with a theme, live demonstrations and a diverse programme on the Service Stage all contribute to the WALK OF SERVICES' content-driven narrative. Employees, system and process solutions, workshop technology and tyre service, vehicle services and disposal and sustainability are the five topics covered by the WALK OF SERVICES. Additionally, the model gives exhibitors access to new prospects. They gain from more visibility, a tailored strategy for their target audiences and a pertinent content foundation for excellent conversations. This new format's emphasis on services shows a strong commitment to the trade show's continued growth.

Michelin, the world's foremost pioneer in tyre technology, has opened its first Michelin Tyres & Services shop in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with Tyre On Wheels, a top auto tyre dealer. Michelin India's emphasis on solid local connections is reflected in the new shop.

Tyre On Wheels offers a wide selection of Michelin tyres for high-end automobiles together with top-notch tools for tyre fitting, alignment and balancing. This alliance is well-positioned to meet changing consumer expectations given the continuous increase in private car ownership and the need for dependable after-sales servicing in Lucknow. Additionally, it backs Michelin India's continuous initiatives to grow its network of upscale stores and offer clients professional advice, high-quality goods and an exceptional level of customer service.

Tyre On Wheels has established itself as a reliable presence in Lucknow's automobile servicing industry by leveraging its 65 years of experience and three-generational heritage. In the city, Tyre On Wheels has two locations: one in Ashiyana Chauraha and one in Gomtinagar. The dealership, which is well-known for its knowledgeable advice, affordable prices and trustworthy after-sales support, provides a variety of services, such as alloy wheels, wheel alignment, balancing, nitrogen filling and tyre sales.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are pleased to expand Michelin’s presence to Lucknow, a city that blends cultural heritage with rapid infrastructural growth. Our partnership with Tyre On Wheels reflects a shared commitment to quality, customer care and trust, values deeply embedded in both their legacy and Michelin’s brand ethos. As we continue to grow our footprint across India, this launch reinforces our commitment to bringing innovative tyre solutions and superior service experiences to emerging cities with growing mobility needs.”