Russian tyre manufacturer JSC Cordiant has started up commercial production at the former Bridgestone facility in Ulyanovsk, Russia. Vadim Volodin, CEO of Cordiant, and Alexey Mordashov, CEO of Cordiant parent firm Severgroup, attended the formal launch event on March 19.

After two and a half years of inactivity, Cordian resumed the plant's testing runs in November of last year. The facility, which was renamed the Gislaved Ulyanovsk factory, can now produce 2.4 million passenger vehicle tyres. With a daily capacity of 5,000 units, the unit has been in operation since 2016 and is regarded as one of the most advanced full-cycle tyre businesses in the Russian Federation. Its product line, which includes tyres with standard sizes ranging from 13-inch to 19-inch for cars, crossovers and SUVs, as well as tyres that have been approved for supply to automakers as original equipment, is produced under the Gislaved brand. In December 2023, after the Kremlin invaded Ukraine, Bridgestone sold the factory to Cordiant as the Japanese group left Russia.

“The launch is important both for the sustainable development of the Cordiant holding and for the entire tyre industry in Russia,” said Mordashov, adding that the start-up will have stabilising effect on the market and will enable Cordian to meet the growing domestic demand.

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NEXEN TIRE has broadened its original equipment (OE) supply for KIA’s strategic models, reinforcing its collaboration with the automaker. The company now provides its premium N’FERA Supreme S tyres for the KIA EV6 produced in Georgia, US, extending its existing supply beyond Korean and export markets. Designed for EVs, this tyre delivers a quiet, stable ride with low rolling resistance and is already featured on KIA’s EV3, EV4 and other flagship models, showcasing NEXEN’s advanced EV tyre technology.

Additionally, NEXEN TIRE has expanded OE supply of its ROADIAN HTX2 – previously for KIA’s Tasman in Latin America – to domestic Korean, Middle Eastern and European markets. Built for SUVs and light trucks, this tyre combines durability, off-road capability and smooth on-road performance.

With OE tyres now supplied across KIA’s full EV range – from EV3 to EV9 – NEXEN TIRE solidifies its position as a key partner in the global shift towards electrification.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “This expanded OE supply reflects the deepening of our strategic partnership with KIA and reinforces our position in key global markets, including North America. By providing advanced tyre solutions for a wide range of vehicles – from electric cars to pickup trucks – we are demonstrating the breadth of our technological capabilities. NEXEN TIRE will continue to strengthen its collaborations with global automakers as we lead innovation in next-generation mobility.”

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Continental has been named ‘Germany's Quality Winner 2025’ in the car tyre category, an award presented by the German Institute for Service Quality (DISQ) and n-tv. This recognition, based on a survey of nearly 45,000 customer evaluations across 560 brands, highlights Continental's commitment to excellence.

Quality is a priority at every stage – from development to production. New tyre models undergo rigorous real-world and virtual testing at Continental’s global facilities, including advanced simulations at the Contidrom near Hannover, ensuring performance across diverse conditions while minimising material use.

Manufacturing follows strict standards, with high-grade materials, automated processes and thorough inspections. Customer feedback and market insights further drive continuous improvement.

Continental’s excellence is also proven in independent tests. The SportContact 7 dominated eight 2025 evaluations, winning seven times (including ADAC and AUTO BILD sportscars), while the PremiumContact 7 triumphed in Tyre Reviews’ summer tyre test. These achievements reinforce Continental’s reputation for superior quality and innovation.

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Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent retreader producing high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres for fleets across the UK and Europe, has launched the ZEXY Range, a bold new line of versatile tyres designed for performance and durability, at the 2025 Road Transport Expo (RTX) last week.

Engineered to tackle every road condition, the ZEXY Range promises unmatched reliability for drivers seeking top-tier performance. Whether for long-haul journeys or urban commutes, the collection offers a tyre suited to every need.

More details about the ZEXY Range are available on the company’s official website.

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Michelin has introduced its new X Multi Z2 all-position tyre in sizes 11R22.5 and 295/75R22.5, engineered for food logistics, urban delivery and transit operations. This regional tyre delivers durability and reliable traction in harsh weather, helping fleets maintain efficiency without increasing costs.

SmartWay-verified and 3PMSF-rated, the X Multi Z2 offers 20 percent more mileage and 17 percent lower rolling resistance than its predecessor, the XZE2. These gains come from Michelin’s Regenion technology, which enhances tread efficiency for long-lasting traction. The tyre also features Powercoil technology for improved casing durability, ensuring dependable performance throughout its lifespan. Designed for cost-conscious fleets, the X Multi Z2 balances performance and economy for mission-critical operations.

Pierluigi Cumo, VP – B2B Marketing, Michelin North America, Inc, said, “In the high-stakes world of delivery and logistics, your schedule is only as reliable as your tyres. The Michelin X Multi Z2 tyre is designed to help regional fleets achieve promised deliveries. Urban mobility and logistics thrive on precision, and Michelin X Multi Z2 tyres are the foundation that can keep fleets moving when every minute matters. Michelin's track record speaks for itself delivering on its promise of unmatched quality and endurance in every product it creates. When performance is non-negotiable and reliability is essential, Michelin stands as the benchmark of quality the world drives on.”

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