Continental has developed a successor to the proven WinterContact TS 860 and TS 850 P with the new WinterContact TS 870 and TS 870 P tyres.

Newly designed from the ground up, the new tyres offer excellent wet-weather properties while reducing rolling resistance by two percent and improving mileage by ten percent. The newly developed tread compound called, Cool Chili, with its blend of special resins, ensures better grip and shorter braking distances in the wet. The new compound also offers increased flexibility, improving the contact patch between the road and the tyre.

WinterContact TS 870

The new construction, compound and tread pattern of the TS 870 promise three percent shorter braking distances on ice and five percent better handling on snow as compared to the previous generation. The newly developed 3D interlocking sipes set at the best angle ensure improved grip on snow as the large snow pockets in the tread provides better adhesion between the compacted snow in the tyre and the snow on the road.

Further reduction in braking distance on slippery winter roads is achieved by increasing the number of tread blocks in the contact patch of the TS 870 by 10 percent. The V-shaped tread pattern with a wavy centre groove offers the tyre a distinct look, while the Hydro Grooves and the centre groove allow faster water displacement when driving in the rain.

The WinterContact TS 870 is available for models like the VW up!, VW Golf, Citroen C4, BMW 1 Series and 3 Series. Initially, the new tyre will be available in 19 sizes for 14 to 17-inch rims with aspect ratios from 45 to 65 and in widths from 175 to 225 millimetres.

WinterContact TS 870 P

Suitable for midsize cars and SUVs, the TS 870 P has been designed with drivers who fit wider tyres in mind. To help the large tyre displace water faster, Continental has moved away from the conventional V-shaped tread and instead features a stiffer construction with four large circumferential grooves running between the rows of tread blocks. This innovation results in better handling, shorter braking distances, and adequate protection against aquaplaning.

In comparison to its predecessor, the TS 870 P offers four percent improvement in wet braking and an eight percent improvement in aquaplaning while improving braking performance on ice by five percent and handling performance in dry and snow by six percent.

The WinterContact TS 870 P will be available for rim sizes 16 to 21-inch with aspect ratios from 35 to 65 and in widths from 205 to 255 millimetres for more than 52 passenger cars and SUVs. (TT)

Bekaert has flagged off its first fleet of LNG-powered trucks in India in collaboration with GreenLine, the country’s leading provider of sustainable heavy trucking solutions. The joint initiative is aimed at supporting India’s vision for a gas-based economy and reducing the carbon footprint of road logistics.

The foundation of the collaboration with GreenLine is a mutual dedication to operational innovation and ESG standards. Bekaert has the infrastructure required to trial this effort in Chennai and Halol, with plans to expand following a six-month learning period, thanks to GreenLine's LNG ecosystem, which is supported by real-time telemetry and a smooth refuelling network. It is anticipated that each LNG truck will save up to 24 tonnes of CO₂ a year, making a significant contribution to Bekaert's targets of 65 percent of sales coming from sustainable sources and carbon net zero by 2050.

Dinesh Mukhedkar, Procurement Operations Lead – South Asia and Procurement Global Shared Service Centre Lead, said, “As part of our purpose, ‘Establishing the new possible’, and our ambition to lead in safe, smart and sustainable solutions, decarbonising logistics is an essential step. Heavy-duty transport contributes nearly 90 percent of emissions in Indian logistics. Switching to LNG helps reduce CO₂ by up to 30 percent and particulate matter by up to 91 percent compared to diesel. GreenLine’s mission and integrated support made them the ideal partner. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for logistics in India.”

Trelleborg Tires is all prepped up to debut the ART1000, its first agricultural rubber track for high-powered machinery, at the upcoming Agrishow 2025, the largest agribusiness trade show in Latin America. The company will also display its TM150 CFO tyre, which is developed for a new generation of sprayers, along with a wide selection of products designed for modern farming. The event is scheduled to be held from 28 April to 2 May in Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.

Trelleborg Tires enters the agricultural rubber track market with the ART1000, a tyre designed for high-horsepower machines. In addition to optimizing vehicle economy and offering additional strength and long-lasting durability, the ART1000 is engineered for remarkable adaptability and mobility of agricultural machinery in all operating circumstances. Its track design incorporates cutting-edge tread bars that reduce soil compaction, encouraging nutrient absorption and robust root development. In demanding high-pull applications, the high self-cleaning capability maximizes overall performance and lowers operating costs by improving ride quality and increasing traction. Even in the most demanding agricultural settings, ART1000's exceptional wear and cut resistance is ensured by its cutting-edge engineering and sophisticated rubber compounds.

The TM150 CFO series, which comes in sizes VF380/90R46 and has both VF (Very High Flexion) and CFO (Cyclic Field Operations) technology, is also making its debut in Brazil. CFO allows for greater load capacity during cyclic operations at up to 30 kmph when installed on contemporary, powerful sprayers. Because of its unique internal construction, the TM150 can operate at lower pressures, increasing its ground footprint, reducing soil compaction, and improving traction.

At Booth #E8b, Trelleborg will also display a range of high-performance tyre solutions including PneuTrac, a hybrid between a radial agricultural tyre and a track designed for smooth navigation in vineyards and orchards, the multi-award-winning TM1000 ProgressiveTraction tyre and the company’s patented agricultural TW rim profile for contemporary tractors, combines and harvesters.

Marcelo Natalini, President at Yokohama TWS South America, said, “Trelleborg Tires brings innovation from the soil up, delivering high-performing tyre solutions to boost productivity and protect their land. At Agrishow 2025, agri professionals will have the chance to connect with our tyre experts on site and see these technologies live, from the new ART1000 rubber track to our most advanced tyre ranges, designed to handle the challenges of next-generation machinery and modern field operations.”

Goodyear Tyre & Rubber is conducting a strategic review of the farm tyre business at its Indian subsidiary, signalling potential changes as the US manufacturer evaluates its global operations.

The Indian unit disclosed in a regulatory filing that its board has acknowledged communication from its American parent regarding the review. Goodyear will be examining "all strategic, operational and financial opportunities" related to the agricultural tyre business, according to the statement filed under SEBI disclosure requirements.

The Ohio-based tyre maker has not indicated any specific plans or timeline for the review. The company cautioned that there is "no assurance that the strategic review will result in the implementation of any transaction."

This move is part of Goodyear's broader efforts to optimise its global portfolio amid challenging market conditions in the automotive sector.

As part of a strategic effort to increase its presence in the region's premium original equipment (OE) market, Kumho Tire has confirmed its plans to establish its first tyre production facility in Europe by 2027.

The company has shortlisted Poland, Serbia and Portugal as possible locations for the plant, which is projected to need an investment of more than KRW1 trillion (USD 705 million). The decision is closely linked to Kumho’s ambition to strengthen its partnerships with European automakers and was revealed by Kumho Tire CEO during the South Korean premiere of Kumho's new Ecsta Sport tyre line.

Kumho has recently secured OE supply contracts with major brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen Group. At the moment, Kumho runs eight tyre production plants in China, Vietnam, South Korea and the US. Its capacity to compete in the premium OE market, however, has come to be perceived as being constrained by the absence of a European production base. Through the benefits of local production, the new facility will improve response to European client requests, save freight costs and shorten delivery times, all of which will strengthen the company's partnerships.