Forbes has picked Cooper Tire & Rubber Company in its list of the World’s Best Employers 2020. Cooper is placed within the top 20%, ranking 143 out of 750 companies on the list, and ranked highly in the automotive industry, placing second among six tyre companies in the category.

Forbes compiled the ranking in association with Statista, market research firm. The ranking is based on employee ratings of their employer on topics such as economic footprint, gender equality, social responsibility, talent development and COVID-19 response, a Cooper statement said.

Paula Whitesell, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, said: “Cooper is comprised of dedicated employees focused on living our company purpose, which states that everyone deserves to travel through life’s journeys with confidence, and Cooper is there at every turn. Being ranked a World’s Best Employer speaks volumes about our company culture and practices, and the pride employees take in being part of the Cooper team. We are pleased to earn this recognition and are dedicated to continual improvement to meet and exceed the expectations of all of our stakeholders, including our employees.”

Cooper scored a 100% on the 2020 Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and was named a Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality. In 2019, Cooper was recognised by both the Women’s Forum of New York and 2020 Women on Boards for female representation on its company Board of Directors.

The Forbes World’s Best Employers 2020 list is composed of 750 multinational and large corporations headquartered in 45 countries. To compile the list, Forbes surveyed 160,000 full-time and part-time workers from 58 countries working for businesses with operations in multiple nations or regions.

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Bridgestone Americas has launched the new Firestone FS592, a robust steer tyre engineered for the demanding needs of long-haul and regional trucking fleets. This tyre is designed as a dependable, ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ workhorse, officially succeeding the widely recommended FS591 model. The FS592 enhances its predecessor's legacy of durability with significant technological advancements aimed at extending service life and reinforcing reliability.

Key improvements include an impressive 17 percent increase in average removal mileage, which translates to approximately 18,000 additional miles. This extended lifespan is achieved through an extra 32nd of an inch in tread depth and a wider footprint. The tyre's construction incorporates Bridgestone's next-generation ENLITEN technology, which strengthens the casing to improve durability, boost retreadability and enhance fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance.

Furthermore, the tread design has been refined with defence grooves and an optimised shoulder rib to promote even wear and resist tearing, while its five-rib configuration ensures consistent performance across diverse driving applications. The FS592 is available in four sizes and has earned EPA SmartWay certification for its environmental performance. This launch not only broadens the Firestone product portfolio but also commemorates the brand's 125-year history of providing mobility solutions to the transportation industry.

Steve Hoeft, President, Commercial Truck Group, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Bridgestone’s next-generation ENLITEN technology unlocks greater levels of performance, along with an enhanced focus on sustainability, enabling us to make Firestone’s best tyre even better. With the new Firestone FS592, we’ve improved several aspects while staying true to the foundation of its predecessor, the FS591. The FS592 tyre is a testament to Bridgestone’s commitment to developing innovative products and advancing mobility, even when it means reimagining a proven formula.”

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CTS Tyre Recycling is charting a definitive course for leadership in the circular economy, proving that end-of-life tyres can be transformed into valuable new products with purpose. According to Waste Management Review, this Western Australian company, alongside its remanufacturing arm, Throughcycle Rubber, is fundamentally reshaping domestic material flows by taking control of its own waste streams and boldly advancing into sustainable manufacturing. As part of the family-owned Cometti Group, CTS leverages decades of industry expertise to tackle some of the most challenging materials, a mission significantly supported by its long-term partnership with global recycling technology leader, Eldan Recycling.

Under Managing Director Leigh Cometti, CTS identified a significant opportunity in recycling large Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres from the agricultural and mining sectors. Backed by substantial government support, the company invested over USD 40 million in a state-of-the-art facility in Neerabup, designed to process materials others find too difficult, including massive OTR tyres, mining conveyor belts and marine fenders. This strategic move was just the beginning. CTS is now executing a crucial transition from mere recycler to sophisticated remanufacturer, a shift designed to build domestic markets, lessen export dependency and enhance both environmental and economic resilience.

This evolution is powered by a comprehensive Eldan recycling line, a relationship that has been central to the company's performance for the past five years. The Eldan equipment provides the foundational capability to downsize any tyre, from a small lawnmower wheel to a 63-inch mining giant, and to process tough conveyor belts with ease. This robust and scalable infrastructure allows CTS to focus on adaptability and high-value production. The shift to remanufacturing means that instead of just selling separated materials, the company now produces a range of finished goods in-house under the Throughcycle Rubber brand. These products – including acoustic underlay, soft-fall flooring, matting and load restraint materials – displace virgin rubber imports from Europe and Asia, creating a genuinely local and circular alternative.

This strategic pivot yields profound benefits. By substituting imports and reducing the use of newly extracted rubber, CTS cuts emissions, creates local jobs and retains more material within the Australian economy. Perhaps most critically, this model insulates the business from the volatility of the export market for tyre-derived fuel, a revenue stream upon which many other recyclers have become dependent. By creating its own downstream markets, CTS ensures the industry's sustainability is not just environmental but also economic, demonstrating a clear and powerful correlation between ecological responsibility and long-term commercial viability.

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Nokian Tyres has launched the Powerproof 2, a next-generation summer tyre engineered for the demanding conditions of European summers. Designed for modern passenger cars, SUVs and crossovers, it delivers ultra-high-performance by combining precise high-speed handling with best-in-class wet safety.

The foundation of its performance is the innovative Dual Zone Safety concept, which integrates sharp handling with reliable wet-weather safety through three core technologies. The Twin Force Tread design features distinct zones optimised for precise dry handling and superior wet grip. Its deep, continuous grooves channel water to combat aquaplaning, while the noise-optimised pattern ensures a quieter ride. Underpinning the tread is the new Hydro Grip Compound, which enhances braking on both wet and dry asphalt and offers wear-resistant durability. The tyre's stability comes from the Power Lock Core, a reinforced internal structure that provides high-speed precision and durability.

For enhanced resilience, select sizes of 17 inches and larger feature Aramid Strong Sidewalls, reinforced with aramid fibres for extra protection against impacts. To elevate comfort, a limited selection incorporates SilentDrive Technology to absorb road noise for a more relaxed journey.

The development involved a rigorous testing regimen at Nokian's test centres in Finland and Spain, with further validation through real-world professional taxi testing. Its premium status was confirmed by independent TÜV SÜD Benchmark Tests, where it demonstrated superior braking and handling. Furthermore, the tyre carries the ELECTRIC FIT symbol, verifying its compatibility and safe performance for both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric cars. The comprehensive Powerproof 2 range will be available to consumers ahead of the 2026 summer season.

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Pirelli has capped off a highly successful season by clinching the 2025 Tyre Manufacturers' title in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). This latest achievement builds upon the company's two consecutive drivers' titles, secured with Hayden Paddon. The championship victory was confirmed at the season finale in Croatia, where Jon Armstrong powered his Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta to a commanding win. This result marked the fourth victory for Pirelli-shod drivers in the eight-round championship.

Armstrong’s performance in Croatia was a masterclass in both driving and tyre strategy. He led from the start, navigating cold and slippery roads on Friday by using a combination of P Zero RA7E and P Zero RA7+C tyres. When heavy rain arrived on Sunday, he effectively utilised the new Cinturato RWD tyres, which were making their official debut. Armstrong's win secured him second place in the overall drivers' championship, finishing just six points behind the winner.

Pirelli's success extended beyond the top category, with Tymek Abramowski claiming the Rally3 title in his Pirelli-fitted Ford Fiesta. He finished ahead of fellow Pirelli user Hubert Kowalczyk, underscoring the tyre manufacturer's dominance across multiple vehicle classes throughout the ERC season.

Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager, said, “This has been a tremendously exciting European Championship for us in many respects, and winning the overall classification is the crowning achievement of a great team effort. The greatest satisfaction comes from the confirmed performance and reliability of our product range across all event types and in every condition. The latest proof came from the highly positive debut of our new wet weather tyre, the Cinturato RWD, which this morning on very wet surfaces allowed our drivers to perform at their best.”

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