The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), alongside 13 other European business organisations, has signed a Joint Statement urging the European Commission to ensure a strong and ambitious implementation of the Data Act.

The coalition, including numerous SMEs and Small Mid-Caps from the digital and industrial sectors of European companies, has urged the European Commission to uphold the regulation against pressure to dilute its core provisions, identifying it as a crucial framework for unlocking industrial data across the EU economy. The signatories contend that a robust implementation is vital for fostering a competitive market and unleashing innovation, particularly for smaller businesses.

The coalition highlights the Act’s benefits, which include empowering SMEs with data portability rights, protecting them from unfair contractual terms and mandating that data sharing occurs on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. A key provision requires cloud providers to facilitate switching through open standards, combating vendor lock-in. The statement expresses concern that lobbying efforts for delayed enforcement, weaker interoperability definitions and reliance on global standards without fairness guarantees threaten to undermine these objectives.

For the Data Act to be effective, the coalition insists on full implementation to open data markets to genuine competition and prevent SMEs from being excluded by legal complexity. The statement also calls for a proportionate approach, requesting practical guidance, standard contractual clauses and well-resourced enforcement authorities to support smaller companies. It notes that in certain sectors, supplementary legislation may be needed for full clarity.

The coalition concludes that strong enforcement is paramount, asserting that without it, the Act's rights will remain theoretical. They warn that any delay or softening of key provisions risks reinforcing the very market barriers the regulation was designed to eliminate. The signatories urge the Commission to ensure robust enforcement to secure a competitive and innovative Single Market for all companies.

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Mutares SE & Co. KGaA (Mutares) has successfully concluded its acquisition of the drum brake production and research facility in Cairo Montenotte, Italy, from technology company AUMOVIO, formerly the Automotive group sector of Continental. The share deal, finalised on 18 June 2025, results in Mutares assuming control of all business operations and the entire workforce.

This strategic move establishes a new platform investment named Zendra Systems, significantly strengthening Mutares' presence in the Automotive & Mobility sector. The Italian site is a dedicated centre for hydraulic drum brake technology, manufacturing key products such as Parking Brake for Simplex Brakes (EPB-Si) and the Drum Brake (Si). With a team of approximately 400 employees, the operation is projected to achieve revenues around EUR 100 million for the 2025 financial year, marking a substantial addition to Mutares' portfolio.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, CEO, AUMOVIO, said, “We have signed and closed the deal in a very short period of time. This transaction proves that we are delivering and executing our strategy. It is an important step in strengthening our core business by focusing R&D resources and investments on future technologies, and it also demonstrates our progress in consolidating our European manufacturing footprint. At the same time, the new ownership ensures continuity for employees, partners and customers.”

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K 2025, the world’s foremost trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, is scheduled for 8–15 October 2025 in Düsseldorf. The event is supported by the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), which has long championed the rubber and elastomers segment.

A central feature of the fair is the special exhibition, RUBBER STREET, located in Hall 6. For the first time since 1983, Messe Düsseldorf is directly managing this showcase, which is already a complete success with all spaces fully booked. The exhibit will present the entire spectrum of elastomer products. Visually, the 500-square-meter area will be defined by a strikingly illuminated ceiling in the event's bright blue-green corporate design, proudly displaying the wdk logo as the patron. The wdk will also be present with a joint booth featuring the AZuR (Alliance Future Tires) network.

The commitment to sustainability will be a tangible experience for visitors on RUBBER STREET. The flooring itself is an innovative demonstration of the circular economy, consisting of comfortable, reusable mats produced from recycled tyre rubber. Provided by wdk member MRH Mülsen GmbH, this solution contrasts with typical disposable fair flooring, as the durable mats are designed for multiple uses and are fully recyclable afterward. Alongside nearly 50 other wdk member companies and countless international exhibitors, the fair in its entirety will display the latest advancements in raw materials, machinery and components across every hall.

Boris Engelhardt, Managing Director, wdk, said, "Especially in challenging times like these, it is important to show our colours and strengthen networks. The K trade fair offers us as the rubber industry an excellent platform. We demonstrate our exceptional innovative strength and unique solution expertise to the world. With elastomers, we design sustainable, safe and comfortable products for all areas of life – from mobility to medical technology. And we not only supply the materials but also practical solutions to bring the products into a functioning circular economy at the end of their life cycle."

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Nokian Tyres has reinforced its reputation for mastering extreme winter conditions, with its flagship models, the studded Hakkapeliitta 8 and the non-studded Hakkapeliitta R2, once again dominating recent comparative tests. These victories across leading Scandinavian and Russian automotive magazines contribute to an impressive global tally, with both tyres having now secured over 20 first-place awards, affirming their status as premier choices for the world's most challenging winter weather.

According to Finland’s premier motoring magazine, Tekniikan Maailma, the studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 stands as the best tyre available on ice. Testers highlighted its exceptional braking grip and traction, noting that it remains easy to control even in extreme situations. The tyre also provides reliable handling on snow, while its calm and predictable nature on bare asphalt ensures drivers are not met with sudden losses of grip. Further adding to its appeal, the Hakkapeliitta 8 was praised for its extremely low rolling resistance, which contributes to better fuel efficiency. It emerged as the sole studded tyre to receive a five-star final rating, outperforming eleven competitors in its class.

This performance was echoed in the test by Tuulilasi magazine, where the Hakkapeliitta 8 was named the best overall tyre on both snow and ice. The test team credited its amazing ice grip to 190 strategically placed studs, with particularly strong cornering capabilities. On snowy tracks, the tyre was described as stable and easy to steer. Beyond its superior safety characteristics, it also recorded the lowest fuel consumption and was among the quietest tyres evaluated, enhancing driving comfort significantly.

In the non-studded category, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 claimed first place in the Tekniikan Maailma comparison for being the optimal choice for icy and snowy roads. Reviewers reported that its grip during braking and acceleration is strong, but its most notable quality is its ability to remain controllable even after passing the limit of grip on slippery surfaces. The tyre also demonstrated the lowest rolling resistance and rolling noise in its test group, promoting both fuel savings and a quiet, comfortable ride.

This winning pattern extended to Russia's largest automotive magazine, Za Rulem, where the Hakkapeliitta models conquered both the studded and non-studded categories. The Hakkapeliitta 8 was celebrated for its superior grip, logical handling and low fuel consumption, while the Hakkapeliitta R2 was praised for its extraordinary grip on ice and excellent all-surface performance.

The exceptional performance of the Hakkapeliitta 8 is driven by advanced stud technology, including an Eco Stud 8 concept that allows for 50 percent more studs than its predecessor while still meeting strict environmental regulations. This innovation provides superior braking and acceleration grip along with enhanced wear resistance. The Hakkapeliitta R2, meanwhile, employs a groundbreaking Nokian Cryo Crystal Concept. Its rubber compound is embedded with microscopic, diamond-hard crystals that act like built-in studs, biting into ice with their sharp edges. This compound maintains its effective grip properties even as the tyre wears, activating a safety reserve as these crystals become exposed.

Designed for the environmentally conscious driver, the lightly rolling Hakkapeliitta R2, along with the proven Hakkapeliitta 8, is now available in an extensive range of sizes to suit a wide variety of vehicles, solidifying their position as the frontrunners in winter safety and performance.

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Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the development, production and marketing of tyres for the commercial, agricultural and OTR sectors, has launched its first Prometeon-branded Serie 02 tyres in Europe and Turkey, marking the product brand's debut in these regions. This continues the global expansion that began with the Serie 02 line in Egypt. The transition will be gradual, with the new R02 line for regional applications available from October.

The launch introduces the R02 Proway and R02 Proway M1 lines. The M1 variant is specifically engineered for challenging markets like Turkey, where severe temperatures and demanding conditions require tyres with enhanced compounds and reinforced structures. Conversely, the European line is calibrated to deliver an optimal balance of mileage, durability and sustainability for cost-conscious fleets.

Available in sizes 315/70, 315/80 and 295/80, the R02 line benefits from an advanced technological package. This technology was honed through an intensive development programme involving over 6,000 tyres tested across 200 million kilometres in all conditions, refined further by continuous partner feedback.

The new Prometeon Serie 02 tyres show a marked improvement over the previous generation, boasting a 15 percent increase in both mileage and durability, plus a 20 percent gain in sustainability and retreadability. This makes the line an ideal partner for fleets aiming to lower operating costs and prioritise environmental responsibility.

Production will be based at the Group’s modernised Izmit factory in Turkey, a strategic site that also houses a key Research and Development Centre. This facility, the largest of its kind in Turkey, has a massive annual production capacity and a strong export focus. Prometeon has invested over EUR 185 million in the plant, which upholds strong sustainability credentials, holding both ISO 50001 energy certification and ISCC Plus certification for its use of bio-based and circular materials.

Roberto Righi, CEO, Prometeon Tyre Group, said, “The launching of the Prometeon-branded Serie 02 line marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of our company, and this event represents a crucial milestone on the way to launching our brand. In the coming years, the Group will undertake significant investments in both the industrial and commercial areas, with a clear objective: to offer products and services that are increasingly effective in responding to customer needs, according to a full-fledged ‘business partnership’ approach based on mutual trust and respect.”

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