Continental has unveiled the Conti Hybrid HT 5, a new trailer tyre that completes its fifth-generation hybrid tyre family designed specifically for regional freight transport. This launch provides fleet operators with a fully coordinated tyre solution for steering, drive and trailer axles, all engineered to handle the rigorous demands of distribution transport. These operations often involve a challenging mix of inner-city manoeuvring, highway cruising and occasional light off-road driving.

The new Conti Hybrid HT 5 was developed to address the specific pressures of daily regional logistics, including frequent stop-and-go traffic, navigating tight urban streets and managing variable load weights. According to Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development for Bus and Truck Tyres at Continental, this tyre model integrates safety, operational efficiency and robustness to support dependable and economical fleet performance under fluctuating conditions. The trailer tyre delivers a 15 percent increase in mileage over its predecessor, the Conti Hybrid HT 3+, leading to fewer replacements. For a fleet operating 80 trailers covering 110,000 kilometres each annually, this translates to saving roughly 32 trailer tyres per year, along with reduced labour, storage and procurement costs.

Beyond durability, the tyre contributes to lower fuel consumption thanks to its optimised rolling resistance, a critical factor given that tyres can constitute more than half of a commercial vehicle’s operating expenses. This efficiency also brings environmental advantages by decreasing raw material use and cutting CO2 emissions throughout the production chain. The Conti Hybrid HT 5 excels in wet and cold conditions, achieving a B rating for wet grip on the EU tyre label. This performance stems from a new tread compound and a redesigned pattern featuring zigzag centre grooves and 2D pocket sipes, which maintain reliable traction even as the tread wears down. The design also ensures even pressure distribution for stable braking on slippery surfaces. Additionally, it holds a top A rating for external rolling noise, helping to reduce sound pollution.

With the arrival of the HT 5, Continental now offers a unified technological approach across all axle positions for regional transport. The Conti Hybrid HS 5 provides steering precision and comfort, while the Conti Hybrid HD 5 delivers strong traction and consistent braking for drive axles. The new HT 5 rounds out the lineup for trailer axles with its stability, rugged build and adaptable grip. All Generation 5 tyres share a focus on extended mileage and long-term performance, featuring an optimised casing suitable for multiple retreading cycles and embedded RFID sensors for digital tracking. The Conti Hybrid HT 5 will launch in March in sizes 385/65 R22.5 and 385/55 R22.5, with additional sizes expected by 2027. These tyres come ready for integration with the ContiConnect digital management system via pre-installed sensors.

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Tolins Tyres Ltd has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Terra Rubber Pvt Ltd, has entered into a purchase agreement with Cochin Reclaim and Rubbers Pvt Ltd to acquire plant and machinery as part of its capacity expansion and backward integration strategy.

The agreement, executed on 1 July 2026, involves the purchase of identified plant and machinery from Cochin Reclaim, an unrelated third party. According to the company, the acquisition is intended to strengthen Terra Rubber's manufacturing capabilities through increased capacity and greater backward integration.

Under the terms of the agreement, Terra Rubber will acquire the machinery on an "as-is, where-is" basis. The subsidiary is required to remove the equipment from Cochin Reclaim's premises within 60 days at its own expense. Ownership of each item will transfer only after full payment has been made and the machinery has been physically removed.

Tolins Tyres said the transaction is a routine purchase undertaken in the ordinary course of business and will have no impact on the management or control of the listed company. It added that neither Terra Rubber nor Tolins Tyres holds any shareholding in Cochin Reclaim.

The company also confirmed that the transaction is not a related-party transaction, has been negotiated on an arm's length basis, and that Cochin Reclaim has no relationship with the company's promoter group or board of directors.

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Nokian Tyres delivered a sharp improvement in second-quarter profitability as higher sales volumes, stronger pricing and lower manufacturing costs boosted earnings, while the company said it is entering a new phase focused on profitable growth after completing its major investment programme.

Net sales rose 10.6 percent year on year to €379.9 million in the April–June quarter, while operating profit more than doubled to €34.8 million from €14.8 million. Segment operating profit increased 71 percent to €45 million, driven by higher sales and improved manufacturing efficiency.

For the first six months of 2026, revenue increased 7.6 percent to €659.6 million, while segment operating profit climbed to €40.7million, more than five times the €7.8 million reported a year earlier. Operating profit returned to positive territory at €17 million, compared with a loss of €21.1 million in the first half of 2025.

"We delivered a strong quarter in line with our strategic ambition," said Paolo Pompei, President and Chief Executive. "Operating profit increased by 136 percent, driven by higher sales volumes and enhanced pricing."

Passenger car tyres lead recovery

The Passenger Car Tyres business remained the principal growth engine, with quarterly sales increasing 13.9 percent to €235 million, while segment operating profit more than doubled to €35.5 million. Heavy Tyres also returned to growth, posting a 10.4 percent increase in sales, although profitability at retail chain Vianor remained under pressure from cost inflation and seasonal factors.

Chief financial officer Timo Koponen said higher sales volumes remained the largest driver of earnings improvement.

"The Passenger Car Tyres continued their very strong performance also in Q2," he said, adding that the business had benefited from improved pricing, a richer product mix and lower raw material costs.

Management also highlighted six consecutive quarters of positive price and mix development, reflecting its strategy of moving further into premium products and larger rim-size tyres.

Romania becomes a strategic growth engine

Nokian Tyres said its new manufacturing facility in Romania is performing ahead of plan and is playing a key role in rebuilding capacity following the exit from Russia.

Sales in Central and Southern Europe rose 31.3 percent during the quarter, supported by higher production from the Romanian plant. "Everything is developing in this area according to plan," Pompei told analysts, referring to the Romanian factory.

He added that the new manufacturing footprint, together with recently launched products, was enabling the company to regain market share.

"We lost a significant amount of sales when we couldn't leverage our manufacturing facility in Russia at the end of 2022. Now, obviously, we are approaching the market with a new spirit, regaining market share in all the key markets where we believe we can be successful."

The company said contract manufacturing would continue to account for around 10 percent of total production, allowing it to focus internal capacity on strategically important products.

Investment phase winds down

Having invested heavily over recent years to rebuild its manufacturing network, Nokian Tyres is now shifting its attention towards cash generation and returns.

Capital expenditure in the first half fell to €24.5 million, compared with €89.7 million a year earlier. The company expects full-year capital expenditure to remain below €100 million, substantially lower than previous years.

"Following the successful completion of our major investment phase, capital expenditure will be somewhat lower this year than in the previous year," Pompei said.

Koponen said lower capital expenditure and stronger earnings had improved free cash flow, although higher receivables linked to increased sales continued to weigh on working capital. He added that net debt declined by €49m during the quarter while liquidity remained strong.

Premium positioning remains central

Nokian Tyres continues to focus on premium products rather than competing in lower-priced market segments.

The company said all-season tyres continued to outperform the broader market, while its flagship Hakkapeliitta 01 winter tyre had received a positive customer response.

Pompei said the strategy remains centred on strengthening brand equity and improving margins.

"We keep pushing our premium positioning, strengthening our brand through strong marketing investments, new products, and, in particular, better prices," he said.

Outlook unchanged despite uncertainty

Nokian Tyres maintained its full-year guidance, forecasting revenue growth in 2026 and a segment operating margin of 8–10 percent.

While management expects replacement tyre demand to remain broadly stable, it acknowledged that geopolitical tensions, tariffs and raw material price volatility continue to create uncertainty.

"We continue to focus on executing our strategy, strengthening our premium positioning, and improving profitability," Pompei said. "While there is still work ahead, we are on the right path to deliver profitable growth and create long-term value for all our stakeholders."

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Yokohama has announced the death of Simon Clarke, its Motorsport and Technical Manager, who was killed in a motorcycle collision on 12 July.

Clarke, who joined Yokohama HPT in 1993, spent more than three decades with the company and became a key member of its UK and European motorsport operations. He played a leading role in numerous domestic and international race series, while also supporting major European motorsport events at the request of Yokohama's global headquarters.

In addition to his motorsport responsibilities, Clarke led tyre development programmes for UK vehicle manufacturers. He also served as chairman of the Motorsport UK Production Tyre Panel and held a certified Claims Adjuster licence.

Yokohama said Clarke was a respected colleague and close friend to many across its UK business, the wider Yokohama organisation and the tyre and motorsport industries.

Outside work, Clarke was described as a devoted family man who enjoyed travelling and spending time with friends.

"Simon will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," the company said.

Yokohama extended its condolences to Clarke's family

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AZuR partner NEW LIFE has secured official recognition for its educational initiative, NEW LIFE macht Schule (NEW LIFE Makes School), following its inclusion in the national ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) actor index curated by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German UNESCO Commission. This distinction positions the programme among Germany's prominent contributors to Education for Sustainable Development, underscoring its role in cultivating responsible environmental stewardship among younger generations.

Through a complimentary educational offering, the initiative bridges theory and practice by introducing students and trainees to the mechanics of circular economy models, resource efficiency and sustainable corporate conduct. Using tangible examples from mechanical tyre recycling, the programme illustrates how secondary raw materials directly support climate action and resource preservation while also highlighting the commercial and societal advantages inherent in circular systems.

Educators are equipped with an array of no-cost tools, including digital learning modules, project blueprints and vocational case studies tailored for trades such as landscaping, roofing, carpentry, administrative services and soon agriculture. The curriculum prioritises circular economy principles, secondary material flows, climate protection and judicious resource usage, with the aim of nurturing systemic thinking and empowering learners to devise and implement sustainable strategies in their future professions.

For AZuR, this achievement reinforces the conviction that educational institutions play a pivotal role in driving the transition to a circular economy. The recognition not only elevates the profile of NEW LIFE macht Schule among schools and educational bodies but also strengthens AZuR's ongoing commitment to advancing tyre circularity awareness in collaboration with the initiative.

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