A recent comprehensive tyre test conducted by the German magazine MOTORRAD has confirmed Continental's leading position for the modern retro motorcycle segment. In their 20/2025 issue, a combination of the ContiRoadAttack 3 CR for the front and the ContiRoadAttack 4 for the rear emerged as the clear test winner against five competing models. The assessment, performed on a Triumph Bonneville T120, highlighted the tyres' superior performance across a wide range of demanding conditions.

This victory underscores a significant trend in motorcycling, where retro-styled bikes blend classic aesthetics with contemporary technology, including advanced assistance systems. Riders of these machines expect a blend of nostalgic character and modern performance, particularly in terms of safety and agile handling. The winning Continental combination met these demands precisely. On country roads, the tyres excelled in every evaluation criterion, from steering precision and cornering stability to overall grip and predictable behaviour at the limit. Their dominance extended to wet weather testing, where they delivered outstanding results in braking distances and overall control.

The exceptional performance of both the ContiRoadAttack 3 CR and 4 stems from their advanced radial construction. This modern design incorporates a belt beneath the tread that provides high stability and significantly minimises the centrifugal force deformation that occurs at high speeds. Unlike older bias-ply tyres, which can expand considerably, these radial tyres maintain their shape and consistency. This engineering translates directly into enhanced high-speed stability, reduced heat buildup and reliable, consistent performance for the rider.

This test win marks the second major accolade for the ContiRoadAttack 4 this year, following a previous recommendation for its durability. For owners of modern retro motorcycles like the BMW R 12 nineT, these tyres represent an ideal original equipment or upgrade option, unlocking the full potential of their bike's agility and stability. Furthermore, for enthusiasts of true classic motorcycles, Continental offers a separate portfolio of specifically tailored tyres, such as the versatile ContiGo! or the high-performance ContiClassicAttack, ensuring an optimal solution for a wide range of heritage models from brands like BMW, Moto Guzzi and Suzuki.

The verdict of the MOTORRAD editorial team read: “Confidence makes you fast and, above all, safe! The Conti combination of RoadAttack 3 CR and RoadAttack 4 is the high-flying rubber for the Triumph. The sport handling comes 'free of charge' alongside the best riding characteristics in wet and dry conditions.”

Sagren Nair, Product Manager – Motorcycle Tyres, Continental, said “Radial tyres bring modern riding dynamics to classic motorcycles – recognisable by the 'R' in the size designation. Retro bikes with classic tyre dimensions in particular benefit enormously from this technology. The test victory confirms our consistent development work for classic motorcycles and retro bikes. We offer maximum safety and precise handling without compromising the authenticity of the vehicles. Whether it's an authentic classic or a modern retro interpretation, we have the right tyres for the character and requirements of every motorcycle.”

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NEXEN TIRE has been distinguished as a finalist in two categories at the prestigious 2025 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). The company earned this recognition for its visionary concept tyres, NEXIST and CELLEXIS, which were developed to address the complex transportation challenges of future megacities. The IDEA awards, hosted by the Industrial Designers Society of America, are globally renowned for honouring superior achievement in design innovation, aesthetic appeal, user benefit and societal value.

The NEXIST concept is engineered for a future of urban air mobility, anticipating a landscape where traditional road space is scarce. It is designed as a lightweight, high-performance component for fully autonomous vehicles capable of vertical take-off, utilising advanced carbon composites while retaining the familiar form of a tyre. The second concept, CELLEXIS, reimagines public transport with a modular system inspired by the efficiency of a red blood cell. Its unique spherical structure, equipped with multi-directional omni wheels, functions simultaneously as the tyre, a docking mechanism and a passenger entry point, aiming to streamline urban transit and lessen reliance on private cars.

These projects are the result of a collaboration with the Korea Institute of Design Promotion, an agency of South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. For NEXEN TIRE, such concept tyres are a critical platform for demonstrating technological leadership, design philosophy and a commitment to sustainable mobility. This accolade marks the third recent year the company has been honoured with an IDEA award, following wins in 2022 and 2023, highlighting a sustained commitment to pioneering design.

This latest achievement is part of a broader pattern of international recognition for NEXEN TIRE in 2025. The company also secured a Red Dot Design Award for its Winguard Sport 3 tyre and a North American Green Good Design Award for its N’FERA Sport R and N’BLUE 4Season 2 models, collectively affirming its growing stature and competitive edge in the realm of innovative and environmentally conscious design.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “This award is a testament to our philosophy and innovative efforts to deliver differentiated experiences that resonate globally. We will continue to develop designs and technologies that bridge the present and future of mobility.”

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Giti Tire (USA) Ltd. has announced a new national distribution partnership with American Tire Distributors (ATD). Under this agreement, ATD will distribute Giti and GT Radial brand tyres throughout its extensive US network.

The collaboration is a strategic move for Giti, designed to significantly expand market reach and improve product accessibility for customers by leveraging ATD's distribution expertise. This alliance also strengthens ATD's product portfolio with Giti's innovative and high-value tyres. Both companies anticipate the partnership will create substantial mutual benefits and support their respective growth initiatives in the market.

Dr Enki Tan, Executive Chairman of Giti Tire, said, “This partnership is a pivotal step in our growth strategy, extending our reach and enhancing customer service. Collaborating with ATD leverages their vast distribution network and expertise, making our products more accessible and opening new markets. We are confident this alliance will yield significant benefits for both entities.”

Ira B Silver, President & Chief Executive Officer, American Tire Distributors, said, “We are excited about our partnership with Giti and the opportunities it presents. This move underscores ATD’s strength in attracting premium brands seeking nationwide, best-in-class distribution.”

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The German rubber industry is calling for the European Commission's planned postponement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to be used to make the rules more practical. This perspective comes from the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), which believes the delay presents a critical opportunity to streamline the regulation for all parties involved.

The association's President, Michael Klein, has specifically proposed that the German federal government advocate for the introduction of a ‘first-touch principle’. This concept would require only the initial company placing an EUDR-regulated product on the European market to submit a due diligence declaration. Klein argues that the current requirement for each subsequent actor in the value chain to repeat the declaration for the same material generates high bureaucratic costs and inefficiencies.

According to Klein, limiting the obligation to a single declaration at the start of the value chain would be an elegant solution. He states that it would not only drastically reduce the administrative burden on businesses but also significantly lower the control burden and IT infrastructure requirements for EU authorities. The wdk president positions this as a win-win scenario and a tangible test of the commitment by both the German government and the EU to meaningfully reduce bureaucracy.

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ZC Rubber reinforced its European growth ambitions by convening key partners at the 2025 Westlake TBR Dealer Conference in Madrid. The event assembled strategic wholesalers, service providers and major fleet operators like DSV to outline a collaborative future focused on the fleet segment as a primary growth engine.

Marking a decade since the Westlake brand's European introduction in 2014, the conference highlighted a trajectory of steady expansion. This progress is evidenced by the delivery of over 300,000 Westlake truck and bus radial tyres to the region in 2024, securing an estimated 2.5 percent market share. In response to increasing market competition, ZC Rubber unveiled a comprehensive fleet service strategy aimed at delivering enhanced value. This plan prioritises deep technical collaboration, including on-site support and joint testing initiatives, alongside promotional programmes designed to help partners fortify client relationships. A critical objective is the establishment of a continent-wide service network to guarantee consistent support.

The agenda featured perspectives from Ákos Barcsik, Deputy General Manager of ZC Rubber Europe, on product innovation, while contributions from Interpneu, a German service provider, and logistics leader DSV offered practical insights into fleet needs and customer service. These discussions provided concrete directions for future cooperation. Under the unifying theme ‘Stronger As One, Together To Win’, the conference successfully fostered a spirit of partnership, reaffirming a shared commitment to expanding the Westlake brand’s presence across Europe’s dynamic commercial tyre market.

Leo Liao, Sales Director, ZC Rubber Europe, said, “Over the past decade, Westlake has established a strong foundation in Europe. Now, our mission is to work hand in hand with our partners and fleets, delivering technical expertise, stronger service capabilities and real business value. By focusing on fleet solutions, we are confident Westlake can achieve sustainable growth and become an even stronger player in the European market.”

Barcsik said, “In Europe, our priority is to provide fleets with the right tyre products backed by technical expertise. With reliable products, on-site engineering support and tyre testing programmes, we help partners deliver measurable performance and cost efficiency to their customers.”

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