Eurogrip, a global brand in the powered two-wheeler tyres segment, announced the international launch of two new products today – Roadhound, a sport touring tyre, and Climber XC, an off-road specialty tyre, at the 2022 EICMA Motor Show in Milan, Italy. EICMA is an annual Milan auto show, which witnesses the participation of several industry players, media and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world.

Sharing his views, Renato Zilli, Senior Advisor – Sales and Marketing, TVS Eurogrip, commented, “In 2022, Eurogrip has been the “underdog”, the unexpected player that changed the game. We have strengthened our presence across the globe, targeting the upper segment of the range.”

Speaking on the occasion, P Madhavan, EVP – Sales and Marketing, TVS Eurogrip, said, “As we continue to focus on innovation and quality while building Eurogrip into a strong global brand, as always, we are elated to be here at EICMA. This is a great forum to launch our new premium products, Climber XC and Roadhound, and we are happy to showcase these to the global market.”

Roadhound
Eurogrip claims that the Roadhound is a sport touring tyre, with dual compound technology on radial rear sizes. It features an excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces, and improves handling and comfort on all naked, sport and touring motorcycles. According to Eurogrip , Roadhound’s tyre profile, tread pattern and structure have been engineered to provide high mileage and performance consistency. The tyres will be available from early 2023, with a size range covering both radial and x-ply applications.

Climber XC
Climber XC is a tyre for motocross, enduro and cross-country applications, as per Eurogrip. It is designated for leisure, training and competition. Eurogrip states that Climber XC has been developed and fine-tuned with expert inputs from motocross and enduro racing teams in order to provide excellent traction and lateral support on multiple surfaces. An extended tyre service life is ensured by a knobby layout and geometry boosting wear and tear resistance, coupled with a symmetrical shape, allowing for wheel reversibility.

Furthermore, Eurogrip claims that its tyres are created with tyre technology that seamlessly blends superior mileage, performance and durability. All of its products are researched, designed and developed jointly by the company’s Italian and Indian R&D and product development teams. According to the two-wheeler tyre company, the products have been thoroughly tested by independent professional riders across the globe.

Silvio Montanari, Head of R&D activities at the Milan Global Product Design Center, said, “All Eurogrip products are the result of multiple development cycles aimed at bringing together the best of all the tyre components. 3D modeling and FEA-based predictive technology are complemented with extended testing in both indoor and outdoor real life conditions, stressing the tyre in order to ensure it is properly tuned before being released to the market. Roadhound and Climber XC are two prime examples of this approach, as they have been carefully scrutinised in every step of development to make sure their performances exceed rider expectations.”

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.

Sentury Tire USA has opened pre-enrolment for its two associate dealer programmes (ADPs), the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program and the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and partnership to the Landsail and Delinte brands.

The ADPs, which are customised for each brand and intended to encourage dealers, will formally start on 1 June 2025. Both programmes give dealers access to special benefits, incentives and strong tools to help them expand their businesses. This involves dependable customer service, effective marketing and worthwhile financial incentives to promote dealers' success at every stage.

Beginning in Q3, dealers may earn up to USD three per tyre through the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program. Dealers can receive retroactive benefits for purchases completed in Q2 if they register before 1 June. The awards are available for all Delinte PTR, LTR and the new DV3 LMD AS last-mile delivery tyres. For all Landsail PTR and LTR tyres, independent dealers that sign up for the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program can also earn up to USD three per tyre. For customers who sign up by June 1, the new LMD 100 AS last-mile delivery is also eligible for the benefits and will get the same early bird incentive for Q2 2025.

No initial order is necessary. Dealers only need to register to begin making money. According to the monthly programme rewards structure, 48 tyre purchases each month are eligible for a reward of USD one per tyre, 120 tyres are eligible for a reward of USD two per tyre and 240 or more tyres are eligible for a reward of USD three per tyre.

ENSO, a London-based tyre manufacturer engaged in the production of sustainable tyres specially designed for electric vehicles (EVs), has launched its new ENSO Premium range of EV-specific ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres aimed at drivers of high-performance EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Specifically designed for electric passenger vehicles, the ENSO Premium range comes with A/A EU-label ratings for both energy efficiency and wet grip. The tyres are designed to provide safety, increased range and a reduced total cost of ownership. Conventional tyre designs frequently fall short of the special performance needs of electric vehicles, which include greater vehicle weight, regenerative braking and higher torque loads. By lowering tyre wear and rolling resistance, ENSO Premium takes care of these issues.

The company is an authorised provider of replacement tyres for LEVC's electric taxis and has partnered with Uber to install its tyres in high-mileage metropolitan areas. The company now plans to grow throughout Europe and North America, and with ENSO Premium, it is now offering its services to individual EV owners throughout the United Kingdom. According to ENSO, the range offers advantages including longer tyre life and fewer replacements, lower energy usage, fewer charging stops and lower CO₂ emissions and tyre particle pollution.

Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO and Co-Founder, ENSO, said, “We’re plugging a long-standing gap in the tyre market by offering EV drivers a purpose-built, affordable, premium EV tyre alternative that matches the innovation of their EV.”

Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has announced a general price hike in North America for its SBS, SIS and HSBC product lines with effect from 1 May 2025.

Following a careful analysis of the effects of recently implemented tariffs, related cost increases and a conclusion that the company cannot independently absorb these repercussions, Kraton is adopting these pricing hikes, according to a company statement. The company further said that it will keep an eye on the scene and reassess these measures promptly in the event that conditions and US import tariffs alter.