Bridgestone Corporation has once again been selected as a constituent of several globally recognised environmental, social and governance (ESG) indexes, including the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index, the FTSE4Good Index Series, the MSCI Selection Indexes, the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index, the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index, the MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and the MSCI Japan Equity ESG Select Leaders Index.

The Japanese tyre giant’s continued inclusion in these rankings serves as a concrete and objective embodiment of its corporate mission to serve society with superior quality. Company leadership views the ability to sustain such ESG initiatives over many years as a distinct organisational strength.

Regarding the Dow Jones indexes, Bridgestone has been selected for the Best-in-Class World Index for four consecutive years since 2022, which recognises the top 10 percent of sustainability leaders among 2,500 major global companies. The firm has also maintained a place in the Best-in-Class Asia Pacific Index for 16 straight years since 2010.

In the FTSE Russell assessments, Bridgestone has achieved eight consecutive years of selection for the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2018, alongside the same duration for the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index. The company has also been included in the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index for five consecutive years since 2021. For MSCI, Bridgestone has secured three straight years of selection for the MSCI Selection Indexes since 2023 while receiving the highest AAA rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings for three consecutive years.

The company has additionally earned high marks from the international non-profit CDP, receiving an A minus rating in both Climate Change and Water Security for 2025, marking six consecutive years at the leadership level. Bridgestone also obtained an A rating in the Supplier Engagement Rating for the seventh time. Key initiatives behind these recognitions include the expansion of its sustainability business model towards carbon neutrality and a circular economy, actions supporting nature positive goals such as sustainable natural rubber and water resource management, a comprehensive due diligence system based on Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles for human rights and environmental risk and global policy execution guidelines.

Bridgestone places sustainability at the core of its management, aiming to implement and evolve its unique business model across the entire value chain from production and use to renewal and raw materials. These efforts link business operations directly to the realisation of carbon neutrality, a circular economy and a nature positive world.

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Vittoria has expanded its Gravel Endurance Range by introducing new 700×50c and 700×55c tyre sizes across the Terreno T10, T30, T50 and T70 models. The gravel cycling discipline has transformed from a niche mixed-terrain activity into a multifaceted sport encompassing competitive racing, multi-day journeys, bikepacking and increasingly technical routes.

Although 40 mm and 45 mm options remain effective benchmarks in certain conditions, adoption of 50 mm and 55 mm widths is accelerating across racing and adventure circles. A wider footprint delivers improved traction on loose terrain, greater stability on descents, lower pressure capabilities and enhanced comfort during prolonged rides.

Within the racing segment, the trend towards larger tyres is unmistakable, with some competitors turning to mountain bike rubber for rugged courses. Tyre pressure management emerges as critical, as reduced pressure absorbs vibrations and maintains control on unpredictable surfaces. The average weight increase of approximately 70 grammes represents a modest compromise relative to performance gains.

For bikepacking and touring, wider tyres prove invaluable for managing heavier loads, delivering superior stability and cushioning over extended distances. The flexibility to adjust pressure enables navigation of both paved roads and isolated gravel routes. This preference aligns with frame design developments, as manufacturers produce bicycles with ample tire clearance to accommodate diverse styles.

The Terreno tread patterns are purpose-built for gravel surfaces and outperform traditional mountain bike designs. With the new sizes, the Vittoria Gravel Endurance Range now addresses the full spectrum from competitive racing to wilderness adventures, empowering cyclists to select optimal configurations for their ambitions across any terrain.

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Titan International has introduced the ITP CrossTrax tyre, a new product developed to enhance utility task vehicle performance in demanding agricultural settings. The company translated direct feedback from dealers and farmers into engineering specifications, addressing the specific operational challenges faced on modern farms. This initiative underscores a strategic move to tailor equipment for the evolving role of UTVs as essential workhorses beyond simple transportation.

The genesis of the CrossTrax tyre stemmed from field observations rather than laboratory work. During the Titan University Summit in early 2025, dealers highlighted persistent issues with tyre durability and machine downtime. Concurrently, farmers at agricultural shows reinforced these concerns, emphasising the need for a tyre built exclusively for farm work, distinct from recreational models, given that UTVs are now routinely used for hauling heavy supplies across fields, gravel and hard-packed roads.

The engineering response targeted the most frequent user complaints, namely flats from crop stubble and accelerated wear from mixed-terrain use. To combat these issues, the CrossTrax features an aramid-reinforced ply layer for enhanced puncture resistance against debris. It also incorporates a low void-to-tread ratio to improve stability across varying surfaces and utilises large tread blocks to promote even wear, thereby extending service life and reducing operational disruptions.

Reinforcing Titan’s commitment to customer-driven development, the new tyre line is now available in nine sizes, covering popular models like the Polaris Ranger, Kawasaki Mule and John Deere Gator, with three additional sizes forthcoming. Early field evaluations have reportedly affirmed the design priorities, with positive feedback on improved ride stability and durability. The CrossTrax ultimately aims to increase operator confidence while minimising downtime and replacement frequency.

Todd Hinson, Powersports Product Manager, Titan Specialty Division, said, “Hearing this input directly from dealers and farmers was really eye opening. CrossTrax is the result of taking those conversations seriously and acting on them. We built a tyre around what is actually needed for farm work today. CrossTrax reflects who Titan is, a tyre manufacturer with boots on the ground, staying close to our dealers and customers. We spend a lot of time understanding how equipment is actually being used on farms and building solutions around those needs. That approach has always shaped how we innovate, and it will continue guiding us moving forward.”

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DUNLOP (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.) has formalised a new multi-year partnership with the renowned Goodwood Revival motor sport event. This agreement, which extends for up to three years, builds upon the company’s longstanding sponsorship ties with the historic Goodwood Circuit dating back to its early operational years.

The upcoming Goodwood Revival, scheduled for 18–20 September 2026 at the English circuit, will feature a substantial DUNLOP presence. A 600-square-metre exhibition booth and dedicated VIP facilities are planned, alongside a prominent display of three 1966 Ford GT40 race cars. These vehicles, fitted with DUNLOP racing tyres, are slated to compete in the event’s featured races.

This collaboration represents a strategic initiative for DUNLOP following its brand acquisition in 2025, aimed at strengthening its European market footprint. The partnership underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the classic car community while driving business expansion across the European continent.

Charles Gordon-Lennox, 11th Duke of Richmond, said, “It is extremely fitting that Dunlop, one of the original partners of the Goodwood Motor Circuit, back in 1948, is to become the very first presenting partner of Revival. Their history, not only with the event and Goodwood overall, but also as a pre-eminent tyre manufacturer and innovator for well over a century, makes them the perfect brand to become our first partner of this standing. We are absolutely delighted to have them onboard.”

Yasuaki Kuniyasu, President and CEO, DUNLOP (Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.), said, “This partnership is an extremely important initiative that plays a central role in our brand strategy. Building on the shared heritage of DUNLOP and Goodwood, both of which have roots in England, we will work together with mutual respect to disseminate the value of the event and the appeal of motor sports to the world. We will strive to further evolve the brand and enhance its value.”

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KENDA Europe Specialty participated alongside global colleagues at The Tire Cologne 2026 from 9–11 June, hosting a busy stand that drew customers, partners and industry professionals from multiple continents. The three-day exhibition fostered extensive networking and dialogue on current market dynamics.

The display highlighted selected turf and ATV/UTV products, alongside the automotive range with a special emphasis on all-season tyres and recent innovations tailored for the European market. Strengthening existing partnerships, engaging new clients and addressing sector-specific challenges and opportunities formed the core of the on-site discussions.

The presence of KENDA CEO Jimmy Yang and representatives from both European and international branches underscored the collaborative spirit of the event. Organisers expressed gratitude to all attendees, noting that direct engagement remains vital for comprehending market requirements and sustaining long-term relationships, with plans to continue these exchanges beyond the fair.

Andreas Thorborg, Aftermarket Sales Director for Germany, KENDA Europe Specialty, said, “It was a very successful Tire Cologne with strong international customer engagement and many promising leads. High-quality discussions, great teamwork and a strong joint performance made this event a real success. Thanks to everyone involved for the excellent collaboration!”

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