GRI Tires, on Tuesday, announced the launch of its GREEN XLR EARTH 65+ radial agriculture tyre at the SIMA 2022 exhibition in Paris, France. This was in line with its agenda to drive sustainability lead innovation in specialty agriculture tyres.

According to GRI, incorporating an innovative tread design that creates a virtual rib, the GREEN XLR EARTH 65+ subscribes to the GREEN XLR EARTH Series, which is developed to protect and nurture the earth. The industrial tyres manufacturer claims that it is produced with 37.5 percent sustainable materials, while delivering on superior functional properties to drive high performance and productivity for tractors across global markets.

The GREEN XLR EARTH 65+ also includes bio-sourced, sustainable and recycled materials. GRI claims that the tyre, which is also of the earthy green colour, is built with pure natural rubber, highly dispersible silica, recycled carbon black and reclaimed rubber from used tyres. Natural soybean oil, which is a sustainable material, has also been used instead of petroleum-based oil. Moreover, the carbon footprint has been reduced, as it is produced using bio-sourced and recycled materials, according to the tyre manufacturer.

Furthermore, GRI states that the feature of the virtual rib sets this latest tyre apart from other 65 series radial agriculture tyres. It provides enhanced driving comfort, both on as well as off-road, and improves steering precision and guidance for tractors at higher speeds. Plus, the innovative curve of the lug angle at the centre has been designed for improved fuel efficiency and greater off-road traction to enhance tyre life span, as per GRI.

Sharing his thoughts, Prabhash Subasinghe, Managing Director of GRI, said, “The ambition to innovate aggressively in the space of sustainability-led specialty tyres continues to grow within GRI, owing to its significant positive impact on the environment, the farming community and society at large. The feedback received so far by farmers who are currently testing the tyres on the field has further encouraged us to continue this trend of innovation. More and more, the future of specialty tyres will depend on the incorporation of earth-friendly value propositions to help reduce the carbon footprint further. We are happy to have already begun this journey well ahead of the game.”

Adding to this, Dr Mahesha Ranasoma, Chief Executive Officer at GRI, said, “The innovative tread design of the GREEN XLR EARTH 65+ is borne out of extensive R&D and the virtual rib created as a result, is proving extremely beneficial in tests relating to performance and comfort for tractors used on farms. More importantly, it protects not just the soil, but also the future of generations to come. We are proud to be leading this mission in producing one of the world’s first and most earth-friendly agriculture tyres, and we look forward to continuing to sustain this momentum we have created.”

The GREEN XLR EARTH 65+ will be commercially ready for launch in early 2023.

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”