The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) is preparing a major presence at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026, the world’s leading tyre industry trade fair running from 9 to 11 June 2026. Building on its successful collaborative model, AZuR will return with an even larger network of partners representing all facets of the sustainable tyre circular economy. At the joint exhibition stand located in Hall 7.1, nineteen AZuR members from across the tyre and recycling sectors will showcase their work while the alliance takes on an intensive role within the fair’s event programme.

By bringing together industry, small businesses, trade and recycling specialists once again, AZuR demonstrates the full circular value chain under one roof. Visitors to the stand can explore sustainable new tyre production alongside repair, retreading, and both mechanical and chemical recycling processes.

The 2026 fair will place a special emphasis on promoting tyre retreading as a proven method to save resources, slash CO₂ emissions and reduce costs through multiple reuse of quality casings. To help retreading gain wider traction, AZuR is inviting European retreaders to attend and is integrating the topic into dedicated events and new dialogue formats spanning the entire value chain.

Among the fresh initiatives is a municipal dialogue connecting city decision-makers with experts to showcase retreaded tyres for public fleets, waste management and transit systems, highlighting CO₂ savings and up to 30 percent lower operating costs. An educational project called Retreading Goes to School will train tyre dealers, auto shops and their staff on the safety, quality and economic benefits of this technology.

THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 thus offers AZuR and its partners an unmatched platform for presenting innovations, best practices and concrete solutions. The joint stand will also serve as a meeting hub for policymakers, scientists and business leaders to discuss advancing retreading, new uses for recycled materials, chemical recycling progress like pyrolysis and better political frameworks.

AZuR network coordinator Anna-Maria Guth said, “Our joint stand demonstrates the strength of the industry when it works together on solutions. The increasing number of partners participating confirms our approach and the relevance of the tyre circular economy.”

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Webfleet, Bridgestone’s advanced fleet management solution, has closed a strategic agreement with Volkswagen Group Info Services AG. The collaboration leverages OEM.connect, the company’s original-equipment telematics programme, to erase the need for physical device installations across Volkswagen Group brands. Operators running Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Škoda, Seat, Cupra or Audi models can now channel real-time machine data straight into the Webfleet ecosystem.

Once a compatible vehicle’s identification number is registered, the system activates full-service functionality in under an hour. This digital-first approach accelerates fleet onboarding while unlocking analytics that drive cost reduction, operational refinement and eco-friendly driving habits. Crucially, the interface does not discriminate by brand mix, granting unified oversight of diverse fleets through a single dashboard or companion application, regardless of whether units come from one marque or several manufacturers.

Among the practical tools now available to European customers are fuel-level surveillance, electric-battery tracking for range assurance, granular performance dashboards and early-warning mechanical alerts to curb unplanned stoppages. Every feature is accessible across the continent, giving mixed and single-brand fleets equal command over their daily logistics without legacy hardware barriers.

Jan-Maarten de Vries, President – Fleet Management Solutions, Bridgestone, said, “We always aim to make connecting vehicles to Webfleet as quick and easy as possible. Adding six Volkswagen Group brands to OEM.connect serves that goal perfectly. Fleet operators get immediate access to valuable data that helps them optimise their operations. This collaboration represents an important step in expanding our OEM.connect ecosystem, enabling fleets to adopt connected services faster and with less complexity.”

Lasse Schmidt van Hülst, Lead Sales & Key Account Management, Volkswagen Group Info Services AG, said, “Combining our vehicle data with Webfleet’s advanced fleet solutions supports the continued development of connected fleet services across Europe. By making vehicle data available through trusted partners, we are helping fleet operators improve performance while ensuring secure and compliant data use.”

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Pirelli has finalised its gravel tyre lineup with the debut of the CINTURATO Gravel RH and CINTURATO Gravel RM, manufactured at the Milan-Bollate plant using FSC-certified natural rubber. These additions arrive as gravel cycling evolves towards faster racing, rougher courses and heightened performance expectations from riders. The ‘R’ designation signals a race-focused philosophy, while the ‘H’ and ‘M’ suffixes align with Pirelli's existing off-road naming system, indicating suitability for hard-packed or mixed terrain, respectively.

The company leveraged its motorsport pedigree and cross-country mountain biking expertise to engineer both tyres, which are positioned within the High-Performance Line. This premium category represents the pinnacle of Pirelli's gravel technology, with all design and production occurring in Italy. The HP-Line distinguishes itself through advanced materials and manufacturing methods, setting a new benchmark for the brand's gravel offerings.

For hard-packed surfaces where speed and efficiency reign supreme, the CINTURATO Gravel RH employs a tread design featuring a smooth centre section to maximise rolling efficiency on tarmac and compact gravel, while aggressive shoulder knobs deliver precise cornering grip. Its 120 TPI ProWALL casing, borrowed from XC racing, enhances ride feel and puncture defence. Internal testing has recorded a 17 percent decrease in rolling resistance compared to the previous Performance Line tyre, establishing it as one of the fastest options in Pirelli's gravel range.

Conversely, the CINTURATO Gravel RM caters to riders navigating a mixture of fast sections and technical terrain, offering a balanced compromise between traction and rolling economy. Its familiar tread pattern, previously known as RC, ensures cornering stability and dependable braking and acceleration on loose surfaces. With the same robust casing and sizes extending up to 700 x 55 mm, the RM serves as a singular solution for varied gravel races, maintaining a smooth and controlled ride. Pirelli's tests indicate a 20 percent improvement in rolling resistance over the Performance Line counterpart.

Both tyres incorporate the newly developed SmartEVO GR compound, tailored specifically for high-performance gravel applications. This formulation aims to reconcile low rolling resistance with trustworthy grip across wet and dry conditions, enabling riders to balance speed and control effectively. The complete range now spans from pure racing scenarios to adventure riding, covering everything from high-speed hardpack routes to muddy and technically demanding trails.

The portfolio is divided into the HP-Line for uncompromising performance and the P-Line, which utilises 60 TPI casings and SpeedGRIP compound for versatile all-round use. The CINTURATO Gravel RH and RM are currently available online and at select retailers, with the HP-Line offered in four sidewall finishes including a new Team Edition with yellow Racing labels. Sizes range from 700 x 40 mm to 700 x 55 mm, representing one of the most extensive size selections in the gravel market.

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) has been honoured with the ‘Highest Revenue Business – Southern Region’ award at the Prachachat Business Awards 2026. The recognition, presented during a ceremony at Paragon Hall in Bangkok on 28 May 2026, is based on performance metrics and tax contributions evaluated by Prachachat Business News, the Department of Business Development and Creden Asia Company.

This accolade underscores STA’s pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s natural rubber sector and its dedication to sustainable, stable growth. The company continues to enhance competitiveness and operational efficiency while generating value for stakeholders, including farmers, partners, employees and investors. Amid global industry shifts, STA is committed to raising domestic rubber standards and strengthening its international market position.

The organisation prioritises responsible supply chain management, transparency and strong corporate governance. By integrating digital platforms and artificial intelligence, STA is modernising data connectivity across its operations, facilitating the industry’s transformation into the digital age and ensuring long-term resilience.

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Doublestar Tire showcased its European-market product portfolio at The Tire Cologne 2026, held in Germany from 9 to 11 June. The international exposition drew specialists from more than 100 countries and served as a venue for presenting sector-wide progress in sustainable manufacturing, intelligent production systems, and advanced material science. For Chinese tyre makers, the fair represents a strategic avenue into the European arena, and the company used this opportunity to reinforce its commercial momentum within the region.

Visitor interest at the manufacturer's stand remained high throughout the event, with many industry peers examining the aesthetic qualities and technical specifications of the displayed items. Product offerings fell into two principal categories, heavy-duty solutions and light-vehicle tyres, each engineered to satisfy distinct operational demands prevalent across European roads.

Among the commercial range, the DLD816 all-weather tyre emerged as a notable entry for extended haulage operations. Its construction incorporates cold-weather features and a reformulated rubber layer that extends operational lifespan, while closely spaced tread patterns furnish dependable grip under varied climatic circumstances. Stopping distance reductions on frozen surfaces received particular attention from logistics professionals.

The passenger side featured the DSU08 summer variant, which employs refined dynamic control architecture to harmonise acoustic comfort with responsive steering and durable construction. With a newly operational production facility in Cambodia complementing its European launch, the enterprise continues to cultivate its overseas standing through sustained client engagement and incremental market development.

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