Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) announced today that it is on pace to achieve one of its highest year-over-year results in its Bandag business, with a nine percent increase over 2021. With the growth experienced by strategic fleet partners and the unprecedented demand in the market, the company forecasts year-end sales of Bandag retreads will reach more than seven million units in North America and anticipates continued growth in 2023, with a $60 million investment in its Abilene, Texas retread plant to increase production capacity.

Bridgestone claims that retreading is an increasingly important solution that fleets are incorporating into their tyre programme that not only extends the life of their premium tyre casings, but helps reduce the environmental impact of end-of-life tyres, maximises fleet uptime and mitigates overall operating costs. Retreading also remains a critical component for fleets to unlock their ESG and sustainability goals contributing to a circular economy.

Bridgestone states that in 2022, Bandag retreads, which account for nearly half of the North American retread market, are forecast to deliver environmental benefits of approximately as follows –

• 105 million gallons of oil saved
• 290 million pounds of landfill waste avoided
• 207 million pounds of tyre waste avoided
• 5.6 billion KwH of energy saved which is the equivalent of powering 500,000 US homes for a full year

“Retreading makes more sense today than it ever has for fleets,” said Jason Roanhouse, Executive Director of Bandag Operations, Bridgestone Americas. “Not only does retreading deliver the same reliable performance of new tyres, it helps fleets deliver on their sustainability goals while also driving bottom-line business efficiencies."

Earlier this year, Bridgestone announced a new $60 million investment in its Bandag tread manufacturing plant in Abilene, Texas, which will add 50,000 square-feet and additional production days to meet the accelerating demand for the company's retread products. According to Bridgestone, the expansion will increase the plant's retread output by 16 percent and further Bridgestone's sustainability commitments.

Additionally, the all-new Bridgestone Last Mile Tire System (LMTS), introduced in the second half of 2022, will begin utilising retread for small and medium-sized fleets in Q1 2023 with the goal of extending the benefits of retreading to a broader population of fleet customers. As per the tyre manufacturer, LMTS will allow smaller fleets operating out of the same terminal to realise greater economies of scale in their tyre operations, including access to Bandag retread solutions and Bridgestone fleet care products. The programme was launched at the 2022 Route Consultant Expo, where more than 500 fleet contractors expressed interest as potential early adopters of the programme.

Bridgestone claims that the continued expansion of Bridgestone Bandag retreading aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which consists of eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter ‘E’. These are energy, ecology, efficiency, extension, economy, emotion, ease and empowerment that the tyre manufacturer commits to implement together with employees, society, partners and customers to create a sustainable society.

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Oak Group Holdings has secured the acquisition of Exhaust, Tyres and Batteries (ETB), a UK automotive service provider formerly owned by Bridgestone. This purchase introduces a significant new distribution channel for the expanding company while marking a strategic shift in its operational reach.

With ETB now fully integrated into the portfolio, Oak gains four warehouses spanning Wales, the Midlands and the Southwest of England. These additions bolster the firm’s existing wholesale network and extend its geographical presence across key regions. The deal also grants Oak direct access to consumers through ETB’s established fast-fit network – a first in the company’s 45-year history – allowing its technology-driven and brand-focused service model to enter the fast-fit sector.

The two companies' brand portfolios are well matched, allowing for a smooth transition to the current tyre brands presently under the Oak Group banner, which include Davanti, Envoy, Landsail, Linglong, Delinte and Aptany, ensuring continuity and strengthening the combined offering, said the company.

Peter Cross, Commercial Director, Oak Group Holdings, said, “2026 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Oak. This milestone acquisition demonstrates the strength of our business, our continued investment and our long-term commitment as a wholesaler operating in what has been a turbulent and challenging market in recent years. We are very excited to welcome ETB colleagues to the Oak Group. We know the ETB team has vast experience and our values are closely aligned in terms of the importance of customer service in every aspect of what we do.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, is highlighting the significant safety risks posed by under-inflated or degraded motorcycle tyres when bikes are brought back into use after winter storage. With motorcyclists across Great Britain preparing for the return to the road, the organisation stresses that thorough tyre inspections are essential. This urgency is underscored by troubling casualty data: in 2024, a total of 340 motorcyclists lost their lives on British roads, while over 5,400 suffered serious injuries and more than 10,000 sustained slight injuries. Fatalities rose by eight percent between 2023 and 2024, even though traffic increased by only four percent.

The core of TyreSafe’s warning lies in the hidden effects of prolonged inactivity. Even if tread depth appears sufficient, tyres can lose air pressure and structural integrity while a bike remains stationary. Unlike cars, motorcycles depend entirely on two small contact patches for grip, braking and stability, leaving almost no room for error. This makes the consequences of neglect particularly severe, especially in critical moments such as braking into a bend or riding on wet roads.

The impact of under-inflated or degraded tyres manifests in several noticeable ways. Riders may encounter a wallowing sensation during cornering, vague or heavy steering, reduced handlebar feedback and increased stopping distances. Irregular wear patterns and diminished fuel efficiency can also emerge. As pressure drops, excessive tyre flex generates internal heat, accelerating structural damage and raising the risk of sudden failure. Tread distortion further compromises grip, particularly in wet conditions where aquaplaning becomes a greater danger.

Visible sidewall cracking indicates that rubber compounds have hardened and lost flexibility, diminishing the tyre’s ability to maintain grip and absorb road forces. For a motorcycle, where balance and control hinge entirely on tyre integrity, such cracking can signal an imminent risk of grip loss or failure. Deep or widespread cracks warrant immediate replacement. Even occasional use during storage helps preserve flexibility and pressure stability, making meticulous inspection especially critical for seasonally ridden motorcycles.

TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “After months off the road, many riders are eager to get back out and enjoy their bikes – but tyres may not be in the same condition they were at the end of last season. Under-inflation can make a bike feel heavy, vague or unstable in corners, while degraded rubber reduces grip – especially in the wet. With casualty numbers rising, riders can’t afford to overlook something as fundamental as tyre safety. A simple check before the first ride could prevent a serious incident.”

Craig Carey-Clinch, Director of the National Motorcycle Council, said, “Motorcyclists depend completely on their tyres for grip, braking and stability. When tyres are under-inflated or deteriorated, the changes in handling can be subtle at first – but in an emergency situation, those differences can be decisive. Carrying out thorough tyre checks before the first ride of the season is one of the simplest and most effective ways riders can reduce avoidable risk.”

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Tegeta Motors is marking World Zero Waste Day with a dedicated environmental initiative at its Batumi branch, running from 30 March through 5 April 2026. During this period, the company invites citizens to responsibly dispose of used automotive products such as batteries, tyres and oil at the on-site ‘Tegeta Green Planet’ collection point. Rather than discarding these items, participants contribute to a sustainable cycle, as Tegeta Motors arranges for the collected materials to be transported to licensed recycling facilities where they are processed in full compliance with technical regulations.

To encourage participation, the company is offering several incentives for those who bring in their used items. Contributors will receive specially designed gifts featuring the Tegeta Green Planet logo, crafted from recycled banners previously used in the company’s own campaigns. Additionally, participants can benefit from a 25 percent cashback on new automotive products, including batteries, oils and tyres. As a special recognition, the individual who brings in the largest quantity of tyres and the greatest weight of batteries will be awarded a 300 GEL voucher from Tegeta Motors.

This effort reflects Tegeta Motors’ longstanding commitment to environmental responsibility. Through its ongoing partnership with Tegeta Green Planet, the company has for years promoted effective automotive waste management aligned with technical standards. The collection point at the Batumi branch, located at 1 Yuri Gagarin Street, will be open from 30 March to 4 April between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and on 5 April from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., welcoming all who wish to contribute to this green initiative.

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Zeon initiated the first iteration of its ZEON ACADEMY, known as the German/International Elastomer course, with a gathering held in Italy during March. This educational programme was originally established by Zeon’s technical team in 2015 with the core mission of disseminating expertise surrounding the company’s speciality elastomers and associated product lines. The curriculum is designed to illuminate practical applications and to explore emerging opportunities where these advanced materials can be effectively utilized.

Over the course of two days in Sarnico, the Zeon Europe team engaged with a diverse group of attendees representing a broad spectrum of industries, who demonstrated strong support for the seminar. The sessions facilitated in-depth discussions covering Zeon’s product portfolio, real-world applications and evolving market trends. For those interested in participating in future training opportunities, reaching out to a Zeon representative is the recommended way to express interest or register colleagues.

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