Bekaert has marked a significant sustainability milestone with the commissioning of its first solar energy project in Latin America. The installation at the Proalco Malambo facility in Barranquilla, Colombia, features 1,986 rooftop panels now generating renewable electricity on site, translating the company's sustainability strategy into concrete local action.

The Malambo plant produces a diverse range of steel wire products for agriculture, construction, upholstery, energy, utilities and general industrial applications and employs nearly 200 people. With an installed capacity of 1,291 kWp, the solar array is projected to generate roughly 1.87 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity each year, meeting a quarter of the facility's power needs. The company estimates this will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 117 tonnes annually, supporting its broader goal of reducing its environmental footprint and advancing the low-carbon transition.

Beyond environmental gains, the project tackles practical energy concerns. The site previously relied entirely on external electricity amid rising costs and mounting grid pressure. On-site generation now enhances cost efficiency and operational resilience by limiting exposure to price volatility and potential supply interruptions. The initiative also aligns with Colombia's national sustainability objectives by promoting non-conventional renewable sources, while the use of local suppliers and contractors bolsters the regional economy and community.

The Colombian project extends Bekaert's wider track record of renewable investments, following solar deployments in Europe and Asia and ongoing expansion through on-site generation and long-term energy agreements. Expansion in the region is already planned, with a second phase envisioned at the Muña plant in Bogotá.

Fernando Montes, General Manager Proalco, said, “This project represents a major step forward in our commitment to sustainability. As the largest investment project at our site, it reflects a high level of ambition and was delivered safely over one year. It will make a meaningful difference by reducing emissions, lowering energy costs and strengthening the reliability of our operations.”

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ZC Rubber has unveiled plans to establish a new tyre production base in Vietnam, adding another site to its worldwide manufacturing map. The plant, occupying 344,195 square metres within IDICO Phu My II Expansion Industrial Park, is targeted to start output in 2027.

A newly created subsidiary, ZHONGCE RUBBER VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED (ZCV), will run the operation. The company marked a developmental milestone in Ho Chi Minh City on 12 November 2026, when it obtained the investment registration certificate and formalised a land sublease with IDICO Corporation.

The Southeast Asian nation's location, trade relationships and maturing industrial base make it a sound choice for the venture, which will cater to Vietnamese and regional demand while reaching European and North American buyers. The move fits ZC Rubber's wider push to spread production across multiple countries and reinforce supply flexibility for distributors and customers globally.

Henry Shen, Senior Deputy General Manager, ZC Rubber, said, “Our overseas investments are guided by a long-term goal: to build a manufacturing network that supports our customers as their markets evolve. The Vietnam facility will give us greater flexibility to serve key markets and support our partners’ growth. We appreciate the support of the local authorities and will work closely with IDICO to deliver this project to high standards.”

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Tyres Europe has released its members’ replacement tyre sales figures for Q3 and the first nine months of 2026. Secretary General Adam McCarthy cautioned that modest nine-month gains should not obscure a weak third quarter. Consumer tyres across passenger car, SUV and light commercial dipped 1 percent in Q3 versus 2025, though nine-month volumes stayed 1 percent ahead, with all-season tyres up 13 percent in the quarter and 10 percent over nine months.

Summer tyres slipped 1 percent in both periods as demand shifted towards all-season, while winter tyres fell 11 percent in the quarter and remained 9 percent lower over nine months. Miles travelled declined again on high fuel prices and weak consumer confidence amid Middle East conflict, at about half Q2's pace, and PCLT imports into the EU27 plus UK dropped 7 percent from January to August.

Chinese imports more than halved year on year in July and August after July's anti-dumping duties. Truck & Bus tyres were stable in the quarter after strong Q2 growth and stood 4 percent higher over nine months, with freight volumes beating expectations and truck tyre imports up 26 percent. Agricultural tyres fell 34 percent quarterly and 17 percent over nine months, Moto & Scooter tyres dropped 5 percent in the quarter but stayed 2 percent higher over nine months. The full report is available on Tyres Europe's website.

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Goodyear brought generations of performance heritage to the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where its tyres appeared on some of the event's most talked-about vehicles. The annual automotive aftermarket gathering ran from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center, drawing builders, manufacturers, buyers, media and enthusiasts for four days centred on innovation, new products, craftsmanship, performance and emerging trends. For Goodyear, the setting was familiar territory, as racing has long served as both a proving ground and an inspiration for its street products.

A 1928 Ford Model A reimagined by TQ Customs as an F1-inspired mid-engined hot rod stood out among the featured builds. It pairs a custom chassis and roll cage with a Honda K20 engine and Porsche transaxle, riding on custom Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres sized 275/45R18. Three F-550 Super Duty trucks wore Goodyear's heavy-duty G275 MSA in 335/80R20, while the new 819-horsepower Ferrari 12 Cylindri was fitted with application-specific Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres, sized 275/35R21 front and 315/35R21 rear.

Goodyear's presence also extended through Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, the enthusiast performance brand within its portfolio. Mickey Thompson maintained a significant show footprint with displays in the Race/Performance section of Central Hall and the Silver Lot, showcasing products and builds spanning street, strip and off-road performance. Its SEMA programme highlighted the limited-edition Street Comp GHT Signature Series street-performance tyre, expanded Baja Boss A/T and Baja Boss M/T sizes and new MT Classic Forged wheel sizes.

The vehicles on display ranged from vintage American muscle to cutting-edge performance machines and purpose-built off-road rigs, yet they shared a fundamental drive to perform better, make a statement and become more personal.

Andrew Lau, Enthusiast Account Lead at Goodyear, said, "The SEMA Show highlights the best of the industry – emotionally charged and technology-filled and crossed with dramatic and eye-catching, which is where Goodyear and our dynamic portfolio really shine. For cars worth bragging about, we make tyres worth bragging about! Our Goodyear Eagle lineup fits the ever-growing supercar market, which we see growing especially as more enthusiasts get their hands on these cars at a range of price points. And it wouldn’t be SEMA without giant trucks and extreme lift kits, where we saw Mickey Thompson and Goodyear tyres shown off in a dramatic fashion.”

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Yokohama Tire has partnered with Tread Lightly! for the Protect What Moves You fundraiser, running through 30 November. Consumers who donate can enter to win GEOLANDAR tyre prize packs or a full set of tyres. Proceeds support trail stewardship, responsible recreation and keeping public lands open.

According to Yokohama’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications Melissa Aguirre, each USD 10 donation earns one entry for a GEOLANDAR prize pack, while donations of USD 100 or more earn one entry for a set of Yokohama tyres. The initiative complements Yokohama’s environmental ‘Caring for our Communities’ partnerships, which include Surfrider North Orange County and the California State Parks Foundation.

Aguirre said, “We’ve been an official partner of Tread Lightly! for three years and have collaborated on several stewardship projects across the country to improve access, restore trails and protect natural resources for off-road enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The Protect What Moves You campaign will definitely help with those efforts.”

James Boyd Jr., Executive Director of Tread Lightly!, said, “We’re grateful for Yokohama Tire’s continued partnership and commitment to protecting the places we all love to explore. Through our work together, we’ve made a meaningful impact on trails and public lands across the country. The Protect What Moves You fundraiser gives outdoor enthusiasts an opportunity to support responsible recreation and hands-on stewardship while helping ensure these places remain accessible for future generations.”

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