GCAPS physical testing expertise has led to research and new modelling methods for improved products delivered to our customers, including global vehicle manufacturers, tyre manufacturers, and championship motorsports teams. These clients have used GCAPS modelling and testing services to elevate their performance in vehicle handling, autonomous vehicle technology, and many other aspects of transportation simulation. The ability to provide these services begins with the LTRe (Figure 1).

The LTRe was purpose-built with motorsports in mind. Infused with highly dynamic positioning rates, a maximum speed range of 320 kph, high force capabilities, and electric drives enabling driving and braking conditions throughout the entire speed range makes the LTRe the most dynamically capable machine globally. High spindle torque capabilities and overall size allow GCAPS to test heavier tyres such as light trucks and some commercial truck/bus tyres.

Until the establishment of GCAPS in 2012, the motorsports industry had been limited to either on-track or low-speed machine tests to quantify tyre response. On-track test methods are adequate for simulation validation but are often not comprehensive enough to measure pure tyre response due to vehicle dynamics interference and inconsistent terrains. Low-speed indoor methods will capture tyre responses, but speed limitations result in data extrapolation in trend analysis and tyre models at higher speed ranges. Increasing speed will affect the growth of the tyre, typically shown in loaded radius measurements, thereby changing the tyre’s contact patch dimensions and directly affecting the tyres force generation. This demonstrates the importance of measuring the tyre’s response throughout the vehicle’s operating domain. A tenth of a second in motorsports can mean finishing multiple positions behind the leader. Capturing accurate data at operating speed allows teams to optimize their performance and improve lap time. The LTRe provides such measurements to reduce speed sensitivity compensations in tyre models and measure the tyre’s response more accurately with a flat contact patch interface.

Another illustration of the LTRe’s dynamic capabilities is completing drive file replays (Figure 2). On-track or simulation data can be used as machine inputs to replicate vehicle manoeuvres. This test method can be used to validate tyre models, inform construction and vehicle setup analysis, or test the tyre’s durability. The LTRe is also instrumented with premium thermal measurement sensors (Figure 3) to capture the tyre’s outer and inner carcass temperatures to monitor the thermal state of the tire, develop thermal models, and improve lap-time predictions in simulation. GCAPS has developed a thermal logic algorithm, using customer-defined locations and temperature setpoints, controlling the tyre’s position in the test sequence until the defined setpoints of the tire are satisfied. This method ensures optimal and consistent temperatures are met before testing continues with the most efficient time, which inevitably reduces thermal variations in tyre response.

Heavy emphasis has been placed on vehicle simulations to improve the performance of handling, ride comfort, and safety. These areas are desired by customers and are required to comply with federal regulations.  GCAPS Simulation group produces commercially available tyre models such MF-Tyre™, MF-Swift™, PAC2002, and FTire™. These models are widely known across the industry and used frequently in vehicle dynamics platforms.  Utilizing their dynamic, thermal, and unique cleat capabilities, GCAPS has internally developed procedure methods aimed at improving the model’s fidelity which have been verified with the tyre model creators. These capabilities ensure and improve the robustness of these tyre models by offering dynamic test data to properly characterize the tyre’s response and match innovative vehicle maneuvers.  GCAPS offers both testing and modeling at the same facility, which will improve modeling results, shorten lead times, and reduce costs.  Additionally, GCAPS simulation team has the experience and industry leading expertise to generate tyre models that improve vehicle simulations and enhance the mobility industry. 

Not all race events have ideal sunny and dry days.  Many series will continue the race as rain occurs.  To gain knowledge of the wet tyre response, GCAPS has developed a water delivery system that can apply a consistent water depth to the tyre for speeds up to 250 kph on its LTRe. Using the water delivery system, GCAPS engineers have developed procedures to not only determine a hydroplaning speed, but also how a tire performs for all conditions a vehicle may encounter on roads or racetracks. Using the LTRe coupled with the water delivery system, changes in tyre force generation are measured at various speeds, loads, cambers, pressures, and even water depth. This information provides insight into the tyre’s force generation differences, which can loop back into the stability and safety assessments in wet conditions of highway vehicles ADS technology, and motorsport vehicles.  The methodologies developed by GCAPS have been used to quantify and improve the compounds and tread pattern designs of motorsport tires. 

Motorsport tyre design requires an in-depth knowledge of tyre response, irrespective of the vehicles their placed on. Pirelli faces a new challenge ahead of the 2022 season relative to tyre design, the new vehicle aero package coupled with a change in tire size from a 13-inch to 18-inch diameter wheel. With overall tyre diameter increasing from 660mm to 720mm (~3-inch difference), a reduction in sidewall height inevitable, requiring structural changes to the tyre to maintain current performance demands and removing the team’s ability to rely on historical data increase the challenges for understanding the tyre.. Teams use historical data through race events, practices, and testing to apply setup configurations to the car. Since there is no historical data for the new tyre designs, teams will rely on testing data from both on-track and laboratory environments. It is imperative that testing be performed at a facility containing the resources and capabilities to match conditions seen on track. GCAPS provides this framework to their motorsport’s customers by removing speed compensations, helping improve vehicle setup decisions, and optimizing overall performance.

Over the years, GCAPS has developed and implemented processes, test procedures, and processing tools to improve quality assurance for their customers. These methods are used to evaluate machine health, repeatability, and data quality, which is the reason GCAPS customers can collect such comprehensive data over the span of almost a decade and trust its validity. Yearly machine calibrations are completed by GCAPS to ensure machine repeatability, giving them explicit knowledge of system components and capabilities. For their global customer’s needs, GCAPS understands the importance of time and accuracy with respect to traveling schedules and deadlines, offering adjustable operating hours and virtual attendance options to remain flexible.

In January of 2013, Goodyear Racing became GCAPS first motorsports customer, and have consistently used GCAPS capabilities to improve tyre development, becoming even more prevalent in Goodyear’s development of the new 18-inch diameter tyre being implemented in the 2022 NASCAR season (Figure 4). GCAPS continues expanding their motorsports customer base, including a variety of racing series’ from IMSA to Formula 1, and notable customers which include Pirelli Motorsports and Alpine F1. GCAPS LTRe provides an asset to the motorsports industry and is used by championship series’ across the globe. So, why shouldn’t you?

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 The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is convening its annual Tire Manufacturing Ambassadors programme this week, sending industry professionals to Capitol Hill to press lawmakers on policies supporting domestic manufacturing, road safety and sector innovation.

The two-day event, running from 24–25 June, brings together representatives from USTMA’s 11 member companies — including engineers, business managers and marketers — to meet with members of Congress and their staff. The discussions are expected to focus on key legislative priorities such as expanding tyre retreading in the U.S., advancing consumer safety initiatives, and passing a congressional resolution in support of National Tire Safety Week.

“The U.S. tyre manufacturing industry is a vibrant engine of innovation, enabling safe and sustainable mobility for consumers and businesses. Our industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, supporting more than 800,000 jobs and keeping up with evolving consumer expectations on reliability, safety and environmental impact,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO.

The ambassadors, who live in the same communities where the industry operates, are set to highlight how national legislation impacts local jobs and infrastructure. USTMA members operate 55 manufacturing facilities across 16 states and contribute to a $170.6 billion annual economic footprint, the association said.

The event follows a letter sent by USTMA to Congressional leaders in February outlining the sector’s legislative agenda. The group is advocating for increased investment in tyre innovation, transparency measures for consumers, and job creation through infrastructure and sustainability-focused policies.

“Our Ambassadors represent the manufacturing workers who power the industry every day, and we are honoured by their advocacy for the tyre manufacturing industry and the communities it supports,” Luke added.

The initiative reflects USTMA’s broader push to align policymakers with the industry’s goals of maintaining global competitiveness while securing long-term growth for U.S. manufacturing.

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Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian Tyres has been recognised by TIME Magazine as one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025, ranking 98th on the prestigious global list of 500 companies demonstrating outstanding environmental and social responsibility.

The second edition of the rankings, compiled by TIME Magazine in collaboration with data firm Statista, evaluated companies based on verified sustainability commitments, including UN Global Compact membership and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative.

Assessment criteria also included performance ratings from respected organisations such as CDP and MSCI, alongside evaluations of sustainable business practices, transparency, and environmental and social stewardship.

Nokian Tyres has positioned itself as a sustainability pioneer within the tyre industry, driving sustainable development both within its operations and throughout its value chain. The company’s environmental leadership dates back three decades, with its Finnish factory becoming the world’s first tyre manufacturing facility to achieve environmental certification in 1995.

“We create tyres that are safe, innovative and sustainable. Nokian Tyres has been a pioneer in sustainability in the tyre industry for over three decades. As early as 1995, our factory in Finland was the first tyre factory in the world to gain an environmental certification. We are proud of our track record and want our sustainability actions to have a meaningful impact. The most recent example of this is our new factory in Romania, the first full-scale zero CO2 emission tyre factory in the world,” said Paolo Pompei, president and chief executive of Nokian Tyres.

The company’s latest sustainability milestone is its new Romanian manufacturing facility, which represents the world’s first full-scale zero CO2 emission tyre factory, demonstrating Nokian Tyres’ continued commitment to environmental innovation in industrial manufacturing.

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Chinese state-owned enterprise Sinochem has achieved a significant milestone, with its brand value surpassing 500 billion yuan for the first time, according to rankings released at the 22nd World Brand Conference in Beijing.

The World Brand Lab announced that Sinochem ranked seventh on its annual “China’s 500 Most Valuable Brands” list for 2025, with the company’s brand value climbing from 475.906 billion yuan in 2024 to over 500 billion yuan this year.

This marks the 22nd consecutive year that the Sinochem brand has secured a position on the prestigious ranking. The company’s property development arm, Jinmao, also featured prominently, placing 170th with a brand value of 74.186 billion yuan.

The World Brand Lab’s methodology evaluates brand worth through three key metrics: financial performance, brand strength, and consumer behaviour analysis, employing a “present value of earnings method” for valuation. The ranking is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative assessments in Chinese brand research.

Sinochem’s consistent performance has been particularly notable since 2004 when it first entered the top ten of the annual list. Following the establishment of China National Chemical Corporation on 8 May 2021, the enhanced Sinochem brand has maintained its seventh position for four consecutive years, demonstrating sustained growth in brand value and international market recognition.

The company attributed its success to implementing comprehensive brand management strategies aligned with government directives on brand development. Sinochem stated that it will continue to leverage high-quality brand building and valuable brand assets to strengthen its core functions and competitiveness, supporting the company’s long-term development objectives.

The World Brand Conference, now in its 22nd year, serves as a key platform for evaluating China’s corporate brand landscape and tracking the evolution of the country’s most significant commercial entities.

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German tyre major Continental is significantly expanding its presence in the global market for ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres. The company states that the UHP tyres are designed for safe and dynamic driving at high speeds and are available in sizes from 18 inches.

Between 2019 and 2024, the premium tyre manufacturer increased its worldwide sales of UHP tyres in the passenger car and light truck segment by approximately 15 percent. Over the same period, the share of UHP tyre sales across all Continental brands rose from 38 to 52 percent, and to 60 percent for the core Continental brand, up from 46 percent five years ago.

Edwin Goudswaard, Head of R&D, Continental Tires, said, “For us, ultra-high-performance tyres are much more than a technological flagship product – they are a strategic driver of innovation. Their development requires engineering of the highest standard, high-tech materials and precise testing and production processes. At the same time, they demonstrate our solid position in the premium segment and significantly contribute to Continental’s economic strength.”

UHP tyres are claimed to provide excellent grip, precise steering, strong brake performance and high driving stability, primarily used on powerful vehicles such as sports cars, SUVs and luxury saloons. The global demand for UHP tyres is projected to grow by around 9 percent annually until 2029, driven by the increasing popularity of SUVs and the electrification of powertrains. Continental is experiencing particularly high demand for UHP tyres in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in China.

The German brand currently offers UHP tyres across all product segments, including summer, winter and all-season tyres. The flagship product in its UHP portfolio is the SportContact 7. Since its global launch in 2022, the SportContact 7 has won 21 out of 24 independent tyre tests, boasting a success rate of over 87 percent.

The company stated that tyre testers have praised its ‘shortest braking distances under all test conditions’ and ‘very balanced and safe vehicle handling on dry roads and even better performance on wet roads compared with the competition.’ Its precise steering characteristics, reproducible driving responses and excellent grip during sporty driving have also received acclaim.

Continental continues to invest in the development of its UHP products, fostering close collaborations with vehicle manufacturers and tuning specialists like AC Schnitzer and Brabus.

"These partnerships enable us to transfer ideas from the high-performance segment to the mass market,” explained Goudswaard. The High-Performance Technology Centre (HPTC) in Korbach produces high-performance tyres for powerful and technologically sophisticated passenger cars and conducts rigorous testing under realistic extreme conditions.

The SportContact 7 has received original equipment approvals for various models, including the Porsche Panamera, Maserati Levante, Audi RS6 Avant, Polestar 3, BMW 5 Series and BYD Seal. The tyre is available in 120 sizes from 18 to 24 inches and has been developed for both electric and conventional vehicles.

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