Bridgestone Americas is preparing to introduce three new off-the-road tyres at the upcoming CONEXPO-CONAGG exhibition, showcasing advancements in durability, load capacity and application versatility across its Bridgestone and Firestone brands. The company’s booth will feature these latest innovations – the Bridgestone MasterCore V-Steel M-Traction Deep (VMTD), the Bridgestone V-Steel Rock Deep Ultra (VRDU) and the Firestone Multi Block T – alongside a broader selection of premium intelligent tyres engineered for equipment ranging from cranes and graders to haulers and loaders.

The Bridgestone MasterCore VMTD, a 27.00R49 tyre developed for 100-tonne haul trucks, represents the expansion of the company’s proprietary MasterCore technology into large-scale quarry applications. This new tyre features a traction-oriented tread pattern that delivers a 14 percent increase in tread depth compared to the conventional Bridgestone VMTP tyre, enhancing performance on difficult terrain. Its durable sidewall construction and narrow tread grooves contribute to a 10 percent extension in tyre life, while the MasterCore platform enables a 10 percent increase in load capacity and a two percent improvement in tonne-mile per hour and tonne-kilometre per hour metrics over the previous generation. With this launch, Bridgestone now offers two distinct tread patterns in the 27.00R49 segment, the other being the rock-patterned MasterCore VRDU introduced in mid-2025. The MasterCore VMTD will be available to fleets beginning in June, offered in four compound formulations including standard, cut resistant, ultra-cut resistant and heat-resistant options.

Also debuting at the show is a new three-star VRDU tyre in the 24.00R35 size, engineered with a rock tread pattern specifically for rigid dump trucks operating in quarry environments. This marks the company’s second three-star product in the large tyre segment and extends the hauling benefits of larger VRDU sizes to more compact applications. The tyre incorporates a stronger cord, enhanced casing structure and refined tread design that together yield a 15 percent increase in TMPH and TKPH compared to its predecessor. The new casing construction also provides more than an eight percent gain in load capacity relative to the two-star Bridgestone VRQP tyre. Its tread pattern incorporates slopes and centre grooves that improve wear characteristics while minimising heat generation during operation. This new VRDU size is scheduled for availability in 2027 and will replace the Bridgestone VRQP tyre in the company’s portfolio.

The Firestone brand introduces the Multi Block T radial tyre, designed for articulated dump trucks and wheel loaders, marking a new chapter in the brand’s 125-year legacy of durable products. This model replaces the Versabuilt AP and delivers a 10 percent improvement in cut resistance through strategically placed tie bars, robust steel cord construction and advanced compound formulations. The tyre features a 10 percent deeper tread depth combined with a new block design incorporating biting edges for reliable grip on challenging terrain. Its multi-star rating and non-directional pattern enhance application versatility and simplify tyre management, contributing to reduced operational costs. The Firestone Multi Block T will be available this summer in five sizes including 17.5R25, 20.5R25, 23.5R25, 26.5R25 and 29.5R25.

CONEXPO-CONAGG stands as the largest construction exhibition in United States, taking place from 3 through 7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Bridgestone Americas will be exhibiting at booth 41633 in the West Hall.

Rob Seibert, President – Off the Road, Bridgestone Americas, said, "These three new tyres underscore our relentless focus on delivering premium products that help our customers operate more efficiently. Each tyre is engineered to deliver optimal performance in the most demanding environments, extending tyre life, reducing downtime and lowering total cost of ownership, helping our customers move more with less."

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Nexen Tire reported second-quarter revenue of KRW 891.3 billion and operating profit of KRW 34.3 billion, as growth in Europe and higher sales of premium products supported performance despite rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty.

Revenue increased 10.8 per cent from a year earlier, driven by demand in key markets, particularly Europe, the company said .

The tyre manufacturer said its strategy of expanding original equipment (OE) supply programmes and diversifying replacement (RE) tyre sales helped support growth amid weaker demand in the automotive market. Sales of 18-inch and larger tyres accounted for 38.8 percent of total sales, up 3.6 percentage points from a year earlier, reflecting a greater focus on premium products.

Profitability came under pressure as higher raw material prices and increased ocean freight rates raised costs. The company also incurred one-off expenses following the final ruling on US anti-dumping duties, which resulted in a higher tariff rate than previously expected.

Europe was the strongest-performing region during the quarter, with revenue reaching KRW 407.2 billion, the first time quarterly sales in the region have exceeded KRW 400 billion.

The company attributed the growth to higher OE sales from its European manufacturing plant, business expansion in the UK, Türkiye and other markets, and improved distribution and logistics following the addition of a finished-goods warehouse at the plant.

In South Korea, demand for electric vehicle (EV) and sport utility vehicle (SUV) tyres remained strong. Nexen Tire said its expanding OE portfolio, which includes the Hyundai IONIQ 6, Kia's EV3 to EV9 models and other domestic electric vehicles, supported higher OE revenue and increased sales of larger-diameter tyres.

The company also said continued growth in rental sales within the replacement market improved its product mix, while its first OE supply agreement with BYD strengthened its position in the global EV market.

Alongside its financial results, Nexen Tire said it had expanded its OE supply during the quarter to electrified models including BYD vehicles and the Hyundai STARIA EV. Supply to premium automotive brands also increased from a year earlier, supported by research and development initiatives, including AI-based performance prediction technologies.

"Despite growing cost pressures from external factors, we have continued to achieve top-line growth on the back of strong sales in key markets," said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of NEXEN TIRE. "With the stable ramp-up of the second-phase expansion at our European plant and the results of our distribution improvements in North America, we expect more tangible improvements in earnings."

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Pirelli has officially communicated to all Formula 1 teams the tyre compound selections for the upcoming Dutch, Spanish and Italian Grands Prix. The Italian manufacturer has opted for the medium-range C2, C3 and C4 compounds for the events at Zandvoort and the new Madrid circuit, while the Monza race will see the softest available tyres, the C3, C4 and C5, deployed.

For the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Pirelli has confirmed the same compound choice as the previous year. The coastal circuit is defined by its medium and low-speed corners, including two banked turns, which place significant vertical and lateral loads on the tyres and demand high aerodynamic downforce. The track surface itself offers low inherent grip, a challenge compounded by sand from the nearby beaches being blown onto the asphalt, further affecting tyre performance.

The Italian Grand Prix at Monza presents a contrasting challenge, with its recently resurfaced track encouraging teams to run low-downforce configurations. The pit lane loss time for a tyre change is among the highest of the season, incentivising teams to extend stints and manage degradation to achieve a one-stop race. However, the potential for high ambient temperatures could complicate this strategy, making tyre management more difficult.

Making its debut on the calendar as the Spanish Grand Prix, the semi-permanent street circuit in Madrid features 22 highly varied corners, significant elevation changes and the longest banked turn in the championship. Simulations indicate that the loads on the tyres are comparable to those at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps. Consequently, Pirelli’s selection of the medium-range compounds is designed to favour a two-stop strategy and offer greater protection against overheating, a risk to which the softer C5 compound would be particularly vulnerable in warm conditions.

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Vittoria has unveiled The Quest, a 25-minute technical documentary that grants unprecedented access to its factories, laboratories and production lines. The film meticulously answers what defines a world-class bicycle tyre by examining every facet of the Corsa PRO, the brand’s premier road racing tyre trusted by top WorldTour teams. From raw material sourcing and premium cotton casing construction to advanced compound development, the film chronicles the tyre’s complete journey.

Extensive laboratory testing and real-world validation alongside professional squads are featured, alongside the human expertise driving the process. The documentary also follows the tyre from natural rubber to test tracks and ultimately to the tarmac of cycling’s most prestigious races. Created for enthusiasts seeking deeper understanding over traditional advertising, the content reflects a growing consumer appetite for educational, long-form narratives.

Now available on Vittoria’s official YouTube channel, the film aligns with modern viewing habits on smart TVs and connected home platforms. By sharing the passion and knowledge behind each Corsa PRO, Vittoria responds to evolving rider trends with meaningful storytelling that respects viewers’ intelligence and time.

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has achieved the highest possible rating in the latest CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment, securing an ‘A’ score for its climate-related collaboration with vendors. This recognition from the global environmental disclosure organisation places the tyre manufacturer in the leadership tier for its supply chain emissions management.

The CDP evaluation scrutinises how corporations involve suppliers in climate strategy, focusing on emissions targets, Scope 3 greenhouse gases and cooperative initiatives. Goodyear’s top-tier score underscores its systematic approach to integrating environmental performance into procurement and partnership frameworks.

Central to this achievement is the company’s focus on value-chain emissions, supporting formal climate commitments. The firm has established science-based milestones for 2030 and a net-zero ambition for 2050. Goodyear initiated a supplier programme in 2023, mandating science-based target-setting, renewable energy adoption and transparent progress reporting from raw material providers.

The engagement strategy includes impact analyses by material type, customised development roadmaps and performance evaluations. Through structured assessments, Goodyear deepens understanding of vendor sustainability, identifies improvement areas and fosters collaboration on shared climate objectives throughout the production ecosystem.

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