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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Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. said it achieved a series of strong results in ESG evaluations in 2025, reflecting progress in sustainability, governance and risk management.

The company received a Gold medal for the second consecutive year from EcoVadis, which assesses corporate sustainability performance across environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. In 2024, Kumho Tire ranked in the top 5 per cent of about 150,000 companies assessed globally. In 2025, its scores improved notably in labour and human rights and ethics, supported by stronger ethical management systems and an expanded data management scope.

Kumho Tire also secured an overall A rating in the 2025 ESG assessment by the Korea ESG Standards Institute. The company said it improved by one grade year on year after strengthening management practices, including building a human rights management framework, setting employee diversity targets, increasing information security investment and introducing board evaluations.

The company has participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project since 2022 and in 2025 received an A- rating for water security, recognising its water management capabilities. It was also placed on the highest A List in the Supplier Engagement Assessment, citing progress in climate change response and ESG management across the supply chain.

Kumho Tire has maintained an AA rating in ESG assessments by MSCI since 2022 and was included as a Yearbook member in S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment, ranking within the top 15 per cent of the auto components sector. It was also recognised at the 2025 Korea Sustainability Conference, organised by the Korean Standards Association, ranking first for a third consecutive year in the tyre category of the Korean Sustainability Index. Its sustainability report was selected as an outstanding report for a second consecutive year in the manufacturing category of the Korean Readers’ Choice Awards.

Jung Il-taek, chief executive of Kumho Tire, said: “Kumho Tire manages issue-specific goals and initiatives in an integrated manner under its ESG management strategy. We will continue to strengthen and embed ESG management to build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and to develop into a global brand with credibility and authenticity.”

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Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. said it signed a partnership agreement late last year with UK-based driving simulator specialist Ansible Motion to develop next-generation digital tyres.

The agreement was confirmed on 5 January. The signing ceremony was attended by Kim Young-jin, executive vice-president and head of research and development at Kumho Tire, and Dan Clark, chief executive of Ansible Motion, along with other representatives from both companies.

The partnership is being pursued under the slogan “Kumho Tire with Ansible Motion: Driving the Future with Digital Tires”. The two companies agreed to collaborate on enhancing tyre performance validation systems using advanced digital simulation technology, with a focus on improving competitiveness in tyres for electric vehicles and high-performance cars.

Ansible Motion provides driving simulator technology designed to replicate real-world road conditions with high precision. Its systems allow vehicle dynamics, driving safety and ride comfort to be assessed in a virtual environment.

Kumho Tire said it expects the introduction of Ansible Motion’s latest driving simulator into its research and development processes to reduce the time and cost associated with vehicle testing and prototype production. The company also aims to enable more accurate and efficient performance verification from the early stages of development and to strengthen its digital-based R&D capabilities in response to changes in the mobility sector.

Kim said: “Cooperation with Ansible Motion will serve as an opportunity for Kumho Tire to take a significant step forward in transforming its research and development paradigm towards a digital focus. By actively utilising advanced simulation technology, we will introduce high-performance, high value-added products optimised for the future mobility environment and continue to strengthen our competitiveness in global markets.”

Clark said: “Our collaboration with Kumho Tire will be an important example of how driving simulation technology can accelerate innovation in the tyre industry. We look forward to contributing to the advancement of the global mobility industry through the technical synergy between our two companies.”

The partnership forms part of Kumho Tire’s wider digital transformation and sustainable technology strategy. The company plans to apply advanced driving simulation tools across its R&D processes to improve development efficiency and precision, with the aim of accelerating digital tyre development for electric and high-performance vehicles.

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Bridgestone Aircraft Tire Europe, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, has received a Gold rating from EcoVadis, the sustainability assessment platform, placing the company among the top five per cent of the 130,000 companies evaluated worldwide across 220 industry sectors.

The result marks a sharp improvement from recent years. The company achieved a Bronze rating two years ago and ranked in the top 15 per cent last year.

“After receiving Bronze just two years ago, this EcoVadis Gold Medal recognises the rapid progress we’ve made on our sustainability journey,” said Jean-Philippe Minet, managing director of Bridgestone Aircraft Tire Europe. “Last year, we were in the top 15 per cent and advancing to the top five per cent this year reflects the collective effort and commitment of the BAE team. This achievement showcases our progress in building a more sustainable commercial aviation sector.”

The 2025 Gold rating follows a year in which the company completed a full carbon footprint assessment covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3, carried out an energy audit and developed a decarbonisation roadmap.

It also reported zero lost-time accidents for a fourth consecutive year and implemented projects aligned with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, including partnerships supporting sports, charitable activities, cancer-focused organisations and initiatives for underprivileged children.

EcoVadis assesses how organisations integrate sustainability into business and management systems across four pillars: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

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Nokian Tyres has earned a leadership-tier A- score from CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts for the sixth consecutive year. CDP, a global environmental disclosure non-profit, assesses thousands of companies on their transparency, risk management and tangible actions towards decarbonisation.

An A- rating places Nokian Tyres among the highest performers, reflecting robust ambition, target-setting and operational execution. A prime example of this commitment is the company’s pioneering tyre factory in Romania, which operates as the world’s first full-scale zero-CO₂-emissions production facility. It runs entirely on renewable energy, including wind, hydro, biomass and solar power, and even generates manufacturing steam without fossil fuels.

Supporting these operational milestones, Nokian Tyres has set a long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Furthermore, the company’s near-term emission reduction targets have received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative for aligning with the 1.5°C warming limit, underscoring a strategy grounded in contemporary climate science.

Teppo Huovila, Vice President – Quality and Sustainability, Nokian Tyres, said, “Achieving a leadership-level score for the sixth year in a row shows that climate action is deeply embedded in how Nokian Tyres develops its operations and products. We want to deliver solutions that make a real difference, both for the environment and for the drivers who choose our tyres. Our actions for reducing emissions and improving sustainability translate into safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible mobility.”

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