Bridgestone Americas has unveiled its latest innovation for the trucking industry with the launch of the W920, a tandem-axle radial drive tyre built to deliver reliable performance in all seasons. Engineered with Bridgestone’s next-generation ENLITEN technology, the W920 combines extended tread life, superior traction, and sustainability enhancements to meet the evolving demands of commercial fleets.

As the third ENLITEN-equipped tyre introduced for the commercial truck segment in 2025, the W920 represents Bridgestone’s commitment to advanced engineering that aligns with both operational efficiency and environmental goals. The tyre builds on the success of its predecessor, the W919, with notable improvements, including Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for dependable performance in rain and snow.

Fleet operators can expect a six percent increase in wear life compared to competitors like the Michelin XDS 2, translating to an estimated 10,000 additional miles (17,000 kilometres) per tyre, states the company. The W920’s non-directional tread design simplifies mounting and rotation, while features such as stone rejector platforms, specialised tread compounds and full-depth sipes enhance durability and all-weather capability. Additionally, the tyre’s premium casing supports multiple retread cycles, further extending its service life.

Manufactured at Bridgestone’s Warren County Plant in Tennessee, the W920 will debut in the 11R22.5 size, with additional sizes planned for release in 2026.

Brad Booth, Director, Canadian Commercial Sales, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Weather plays a significant role in every fleet’s journey. Our aim with the W920 is to mitigate risks and elements that weather brings to the road and give drivers more confidence in these uncertain conditions. The Bridgestone W920 tyre with ENLITEN technology illustrates our company’s passion for bringing products to the market that directly respond to the needs of fleets in different regions.”

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The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) projects total tyre shipments will reach a historic high of 340.2 million units in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 337.3 million set in 2024. This represents a 0.9 percent year-over-year increase and a 2.3 percent gain compared to 2019 levels (332.7 million), signalling continued recovery and growth in the tyre industry.

The forecast reveals diverging trends between original equipment (OE) and replacement markets. OE shipments are expected to decline across all categories, with passenger tyres dropping 2.0 percent (42.3 million units), light truck tyres down 1.4 percent (6.6 million) and truck tyres falling 8.0 percent (5.2 million) compared to 2024. This 1.4-million-unit overall reduction reflects softening demand from vehicle manufacturers.

In contrast, the replacement market shows robust growth, particularly in light truck (37.7 million units, +2.5 percent) and truck tyres (24.3 million, +3.7 percent), which have surged 15.7 percent and 28.2 percent, respectively, since 2019. Passenger replacement tyres (224.2 million) maintain steady demand with a 1.2 percent annual increase. Combined, replacement shipments are projected to grow by 4.4 million units in 2025.

These trends highlight shifting dynamics in the tyre industry, with aftermarket demand driving overall growth even as OE shipments contract. The data suggests consumers are prioritising tyre replacements and upgrades, potentially influenced by extended vehicle ownership cycles and evolving fleet needs.

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The Maxxis Dissector returns with key upgrades that elevate its already impressive blend of speed, versatility and control. A favourite among trail riders for its fast-rolling efficiency, the redesigned Dissector now delivers sharper cornering, improved braking traction and a more responsive ride feel.

A reengineered side knob profile enhances stability, particularly on dry, hardpacked terrain. The larger footprint and reshaped sipes reduce deflection under load, providing predictable grip and a locked-in sensation when carving corners. Meanwhile, the centre tread retains the original 2-3-2 layout but now features split knobs for better terrain adaptation and stronger braking performance. Transition knobs have been repositioned for smoother lean-to-edge transitions, catering to aggressive riding styles.

The updated Dissector excels as a front tyre for short- to mid-travel trail bikes (130–140 mm), pairing well with fast-rolling rear options like the Forekaster or Rekon. For longer-travel setups (150 mm-plus), it serves as a capable rear tyre in dry conditions, balancing speed and control for riders chasing PRs or pushing their limits. Available in 29×2.40 with EXO, EXO+ and DoubleDown casings, the Dissector offers both MaxxTerra and MaxxGrip rubber compounds.

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Trelleborg Tires will present its cutting-edge agricultural tyre solutions at the 2025 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, from 26-28 August at booth 612. The event, North America’s largest outdoor farm exhibition, will highlight the company’s latest innovations designed to enhance productivity, soil preservation and operational efficiency in modern farming.

Trelleborg’s advanced tyre engineering focuses on delivering exceptional traction, extended durability and optimised performance across challenging field and road conditions. Among the featured products, the TM3000 CFO (Cyclic Field Operations) in VF 850/45R26 size will make its live debut, offering increased load capacity, superior flotation and enhanced soil protection for modern spreader machines. Another new introduction, the TM3000 in VF 750/60R46, provides stability and precision for spreader applications and comes as a complete assembly with Trelleborg’s TW25x46 wheel, meeting all OE specifications.

The award-winning TM1 ECO POWER, recognised with the 2025 AE50 Award by ASABE, balances high performance with sustainability, minimising environmental impact. Additionally, the multi-awarded TM1000 ProgressiveTraction tyre delivers unmatched traction, reduced soil compaction, fuel efficiency and extended service life for advanced agricultural machinery.

Visitors can engage with Trelleborg’s tyre experts to explore tailored solutions for their farming needs. These innovations reflect the company’s commitment to advancing agricultural efficiency while prioritising soil health and sustainability.

Andrea Masella, Marketing Director – Agriculture, North America, said “With Trelleborg tyres, we bring innovation from the soil up, helping agri professionals go further, do more and do it better. Our solutions are not just designed to carry loads: they actively enhance performance, protect the land and deliver value where it matters most: in our customers’ fields.”

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Tyre maker faces headwinds from low-cost imports but exceeds transformation goals

Goodyear Tire & Rubber reported an adjusted net loss for the second quarter, citing challenges from global trade shifts and a surge of low-cost imports across key markets. However, asset sales helped boost overall revenue.

The Akron, Ohio-based tyre maker posted an adjusted net loss of USD 48 million, or 17 cents per share, compared with adjusted net income of USD 48 million, or 17 cents per share, in the same period last year.

Net sales for the quarter totalled USD 4.5 billion with tyre unit volumes of 37.9 million. The company reported net income of USD 254 million, or 87 cents per share, compared with USD 79 million, or 28 cents per share, a year earlier, boosted by significant one-off gains.

“The second quarter proved challenging in both our consumer and commercial businesses, driven by industry disruption stemming from shifts in global trade - including a surge of low-cost imports across our key markets,” said Chief Executive Mark Stewart.

The results included a pre-tax gain of USD 385 million from the sale of the Dunlop brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries in May, alongside rationalisation charges of USD 59 million and USD 5 million in transformation costs.

Segment operating income fell to USD 159 million from USD 334 million a year ago. After adjusting for the February sale of its off-the-road tyre business, segment operating income declined by USD 152 million, primarily due to higher raw material costs.

The company’s Americas division, its largest segment, saw net sales drop 1.3 percent to USD 2.7 billion with tyre unit volumes down 2.6 percent. Segment operating income fell to USD 141 million from USD 241 million the previous year, hurt by higher raw material costs and inflation.

In Europe, Middle East and Africa, the company posted a segment operating loss of USD 25 million compared with income of USD 30 million last year, despite net sales rising 5.1 percent to USD 1.3 billion.

Asia Pacific recorded the steepest decline, with net sales falling 22.7 percent to USD 459 million and tyre unit volumes dropping 15.6 percent, affected by the OTR business divestiture and actions to reduce lower-margin business outside China.

Stewart expressed confidence about prospects, stating: “We expect conditions to stabilise in the coming quarters, and we see a clear opportunity ahead as we capitalise on our strong U.S. manufacturing footprint.”

The company continues to execute its “Goodyear Forward” transformation plan, reporting USD 195 million in benefits during the quarter. The programme has generated USD 905 million from the February sale of its OTR business to Yokohama Rubber and USD 735 million from the Dunlop brand sale.

Goodyear has also agreed to sell the majority of its chemical business to an affiliate of Gemspring Capital Management for an undisclosed sum, with the transaction expected to close in late 2025.

“We continue to expect to exceed the original goals for Goodyear Forward both in terms of cost savings and proceeds from asset sales,” Stewart added.

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