Continental's Supervisory Board has approved the proposed spin-off of Automotive and advised the 2025 Annual Shareholders' Meeting to approve this move as well. According to the Supervisory Board's decision, the new independent firm must have EUR 1.5 billion in cash funds before the time of the spin-off, subject to this approval, and the two future businesses must have a clear business-related distribution of possibilities and risks. A EUR 2.5 billion revolving credit facility will also be used to bolster the funding of Automotive's operational operations.

The Supervisory Board was also briefed by Continental's Executive Board on the next milestones for the spin-off. Short and mid-term goals for Automotive and Continental (Tires and ContiTech) will be presented at their respective Capital Market Days on 24 June and 25 June 2025. Germany's Frankfurt am Main will host both of these events. As of right now, September 2025 is when Automotive is expected to list on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The anticipated allocation ratio is 2:1, meaning that for every two Continental shares held at the time of the spin-off, each Continental shareholder will get one share in the then-listed Automotive firm.

The Supervisory Board of the proposed independent automotive firm will be chaired by Stefan E Buchner, a member of Continental's Supervisory Board. As previously stated, when Automotive spins out, Philipp von Hirschheydt will remain CEO. In light of this, his appointment to the Executive Board of the future firm was accepted by the Supervisory Board today. The Executive Board and Supervisory Board also reached a consensus on Continental's dividend policy for the future during today's meeting. Continental shareholders can anticipate a higher payout of 40 to 60 percent of consolidated net income (previously: 20 to 40 percent). The independent company's intended range is between 10 and 30 percent of consolidated net income, and it will go into effect as soon as the earnings situation permits.

Wolfgang Reitzle, Chairman of Continental’s Supervisory Board, said, “Today, the Supervisory Board unanimously gave the green light for the spin-off of Automotive. This is an important step in Continental’s realignment. Focused companies are significantly more agile and can create more value, especially in a challenging environment.”

Nikolai Setzer, CEO, Continental said, “Thanks to the intensive work of everyone involved, the preparations for the spin-off are well advanced. On this basis and with the approval of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, the spin-off can go ahead as planned. As part of this realignment, we are strengthening the independence of all our group sectors: Automotive, Tyres and ContiTech. This will enable them to be even more agile and closer to customers and markets so they can achieve their full growth and value potential.”

Philipp von Hirschheydt said, “I am delighted with the confidence the Supervisory Board has shown in the entire Automotive team and in me personally. Our earnings performance in 2024 proves that we are on the right track and are ready to develop further as an independent listed company.”

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has started accepting nominations for four seats of Board of Directors that will become open in November 2025.

The newly elected members of the Board will be appointed to three-year terms, with the possibility of being re-elected for two more. Leaders committed to furthering the association's goals of promoting tyre safety, serving as the industry's main spokesperson in governmental matters and improving the industry's reputation and professionalism can find a platform in these roles.

The nominees must be employed by a TIA member firm, have been in good standing for two years before to the election and represent a tyre dealer, manufacturer, wholesale distributor, supplier, recycler or retreader in order to be eligible. Nominations must be submitted by 14 May 2025 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

The newly elected board members will be installed during the TIA Annual Membership Meeting, which will be held in Las Vegas on 3 November 2025, before the Global Tire Expo/SEMA Show begins.

Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) has unveiled the new R273 Ecopia regional tyre for the steer position and the Duravis M705 tyre for mixed fleet vehicles in pickup and delivery (P&D) and last-mile delivery (LMD) fleets at the recently concluded 2025 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition. The company also demonstrated its new servicing Dispatch Solution, a fleet tool meant to decrease downtime and improve tyre communication and information for servicing events.

The Bridgestone R273 Ecopia is the second regional truck tyre with ENLITEN technology in the company's lineup. The improved tread compound and design of the R273 Ecopia are intended to lessen shoulder wear and increase removal mileage. Compared to its predecessor, the new casing's better four-rib design and reduced rolling resistance compounding result in increased fuel efficiency. Later this year, the tyre will be made available to fleets in six initial sizes: 295/75R22.5, 11R22.5, 11R24.5, 285/75R24.5, 12R22.5 and 295/80R22.5.

The Bridgestone Duravis M705 is the first to use ENLITEN technology in LMD and P&D tyres and is intended for mixed fleets with a wide tyre size arrangement. With sidewall protection and an upgraded casing that adds durability and improves retreading efficiency while keeping sustainability in mind, the all-position tyre offers performance improvements. In order to enhance wear over the Bridgestone M724, the Duravis M705 is made with 3D sipes and a mixed tread pattern. The Duravis M705, which has been designated a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF), is intended to give fleets excellent performance and traction during the winter months. In the second half of 2025, the Bridgestone Duravis M705 will be offered in the following sizes: 215/75R17.5, 225/70R19.5 and 245/70R19.5.

Apart from the two new tyres, Bridgestone also debuted the company’s new Service Dispatch Solution. This web-based tool seeks to increase efficiency and productivity. Automated technician deployment and comprehensive tracking of images, papers and digital event data are vital elements. Bridgestone fleet customers provided input for the new solution, which represents a fundamental change in the way the business handles its digital products. Bridgestone’s Service Dispatch Solution highlights the company's dedication to providing fleets with user-friendly tools and improving the customer experience.

Steve Hoeft, President – Commercial Truck Group, Bridgestone Americas, said, “The new R273 Ecopia and Duravis M705 with ENLITEN technology demonstrate how Bridgestone continues to push to enhance our product performance with our goal toward sustainability in mind. These tyres reflect our approach of using real-world data to not only enhance performance for our fleet customers but also to infuse environmentally friendly practices into our industry.”

KRAIBURG Austria, a leading supplier of retreading materials, has received the ISCC PLUS certification, further reaffirming its commitment to sustainable supply chains, resource conservation and environmentally friendly production.

KRAIBURG Austria is highlighting its need to produce in an ecologically responsible manner by offering bio-circular rubber compounds. Due to the growing demand for sustainable solutions from partners and consumers, the certification helps to both boost the company's position in the market and reduce CO2 emissions. In keeping with its motto, ‘Drive it. Again’, the company is making a significant contribution to the transition of the tyre industry towards a more sustainable future with this accreditation.

Johann Kammerstetter, Head of Quality and Environmental Management, KRAIBURG Austria, said, “The ISCC PLUS certification is an important step for us in consistently pursuing our sustainability strategy. It confirms that we not only adhere to the highest quality standards but also actively take responsibility for the environment.”

Leading global tyre manufacturer Hankook Tire unveiled its 5th generation lineup of truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres at the 2025 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee. The company also took the opportunity to share that the Phase 3 construction at its Tennessee Plant to increase TBR capacity will commence by the end of 2025.

The new members of Hankook's TBR family and all upcoming truck and bus tyre products will be marketed under the Hankook Smart Brand in accordance with the planned facility expansion. Hankook's Smartec technological concept is used in Smart Brand tyres, which incorporate novel tread compounds and Self-Generated 3D Sipe technology.

Among the new tyres displayed at the Hankook booth #619 at the event are the Smart Flex AH51/DH51/DH52 premium performance all-condition tyre for extended mileage and lifespan; Smart Line TL52 trailer tyre optimised for long-haul performance manufactured at Hankook Tire's US manufacturing plant in Clarksville, Tennessee; Smart Line AL52 and DL52 TBR long-haul tyres and eSmart City AU56 exclusive electric commercial vehicle tyre for high load capacity, extended battery efficiency and tread life. Attendees will also be updated about the future technology plans through videos and comprehensive explanations of current commercial vehicle solutions.

Phase 2 of the Passenger Car and Light Truck (PCLT) Line and Phase 3 of the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) Line expansion are now underway at the Tennessee Plant in Clarksville. When the expansion plan is finished, the factory will have around 2,200 employees, produce 10 million PCLT and 1 million TBR tyres annually.

Rob Williams, President, Hankook Tire America Corp, said, "TMC provides a great opportunity to showcase the many innovations and exciting updates happening on the TBR side with Hankook. It's exciting to be part of TMC in the same city as our North America headquarters in Nashville and our US manufacturing plant in nearby Clarksville. With advanced, new tech-forward products and the promise of a significant expansion of our TBR manufacturing capacity, we look forward to continue our growth and industry leadership, especially in such an innovative sector. This event gives us a perfect opportunity to connect with fleets and industry stakeholders and strengthen customer partnerships."