Hankook Tire has commenced the expansion of its European production plant in Rácalmás, Hungary. With an investment of around EUR 540 million, the expansion project is scheduled for completion in 2027 and expected to create 450 new jobs.

A new truck and bus tyre production line with a capacity of up to 800,000 units annually will be created as a consequence of the expansion. The new plant will manufacture tyres from the new e-SMART series, which is especially made for electric commercial vehicles, as well as Hankook's premium long-haul and mixed application products, SmartLine AL/DL 50 and SmartFlex AL/DL 51. Furthermore, the production line will allow Hankook to provide additional goods for every use, from construction sites and winter usage to long-distance and regional transportation, in order to satisfy the demands of clients in Europe.

A key component of Hankook's European growth, the Hungary plant has been operational since 2007. With its cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, the European factory can presently produce 17 million passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres. The new plant will also use the newest technology in tyre manufacturing, including 3D additive manufacturing for tread moulds and sustainable, renewable and recyclable materials. The industrial site's overall sustainability is shown by the Hungarian plant's achievement of the coveted ISCC PLUS accreditation (International Sustainability & Carbon accreditation).

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “We are very happy with the progress so far. After getting necessary approvals, we were able to commence the building works as planned and preparatory soil construction is underway. Once the new production line is complete, we will be manufacturing truck and bus tyres for the European market in Europe, which will shorten our transport routes. With the investment, we are strengthening the European business location and creating more jobs.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has joined forces with Towing Solutions, the nation’s leading provider of towing industry training. This new collaboration aims to improve public understanding and education regarding secure towing methods across the country. By combining their expertise, both organisations intend to address common risks associated with towing caravans, trailers and horseboxes.

Towing Solutions, a trusted family-run business based in Macclesfield, offers professional training courses for both private individuals and companies throughout UK. This alliance expands upon TyreSafe’s existing efforts as a founding member of the UK Towing Safety Alliance. It also follows the recent introduction of the charity’s TLC campaign, which focuses on tyres, load and connectivity to help drivers tow with greater confidence and safety.

Through this partnership, TyreSafe and Towing Solutions will jointly highlight the importance of routine tyre inspections, correct weight distribution and proper electrical hookups. The collaboration guarantees that TyreSafe’s educational resources on towing tyre safety become part of Towing Solutions’ training curriculum, reaching more drivers with essential safety steps. This milestone furthers TyreSafe’s mission to work across the towing and transport sectors, reducing accidents caused by neglected or unsafe tyres.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Towing Solutions as an official TyreSafe partner. Their expertise and reputation in training and education make them the perfect ally in helping us reach more drivers who tow. The TLC campaign – Tyres, Load, Connectivity – is all about preventing avoidable incidents, protecting people and promoting confidence when towing. By joining forces with Towing Solutions, we’re ensuring these vital messages are built into practical training that saves lives and reduces risk on our roads.”

Raessa Lea, Managing Director, Towing Solutions, said, “At Towing Solutions, safety is at the heart of everything we do, and tyres play a huge part in that. We’re proud to be partnering with TyreSafe to reinforce key safety messages through our training programmes. Together, we can help ensure that everyone towing – whether for work, leisure or travel – understands the importance of tyre safety, proper loading and connectivity. It’s about giving people the knowledge and confidence to tow safely every time.”

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MAXAM Tire has further expanded its off‑the‑road tyre portfolio by adding a new 45/65R45 size to the MS406 E4/L4 series. This larger variant is specifically engineered for heavy loader applications, offering operators an additional high‑performance solution that prioritises strength, longevity and cost efficiency over the long term.

The tyre’s deep E4/L4 tread pattern is designed to deliver strong traction while resisting wear and cuts, even in severe working conditions. This aggressive yet durable design helps loader fleets boost productivity, as the tyre maintains grip and reduces downtime. Over its service life, users can expect a lower cost per operating hour.

To withstand harsh job sites, the MS406 incorporates a thick undertread that provides enhanced puncture protection. Its robust casing not only endures heavy use but also supports excellent retreadability, further extending the tyre’s usable life and improving overall return on investment. A wide, flat footprint contributes to superior stability, ensuring dependable performance and operator confidence when the vehicle is under substantial loads.

With this new size addition, MAXAM Tire continues to strengthen its off‑the‑road product line, giving customers another valuable option that balances durability, traction and long‑term operating efficiency in demanding loader environments.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “With the addition of the 45/54R45 size, we’re continuing to respond directly to market needs while expanding access to a proven loader tyre. Our focus is always on delivering market-leading value and tyres that perform in real-world conditions while helping customers control operating costs.”

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Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, will face the demanding Croatia Rally from 9 to 12 April 2026. This event marks round four of the season and takes place in and around the port city of Rijeka. Among the most gruelling rallies on the calendar, it will feature both the Ventus Z215, engineered for precise dry handling and cornering stability, and the Ventus Z210, designed to deliver superior traction and rapid water evacuation in wet and unpredictable conditions.

The 2026 route spans roughly 300.28 kilometres across 20 special stages, with the service park relocated to the historic Grobnik Circuit. The course covers four counties, including shakedown stages on the island of Krk and technical tests through the Lika-Senj highlands. Drivers must contend with extreme grip variations along the Adriatic coast, from abrasive volcanic tarmac in the mountains to smoother, dustier sections near the sea, the latter becoming dangerously slick with even light rain.

Throughout the event, Hankook will operate its Brand World marketing booth inside the service park, reinforcing its unified global premium image. The booth will offer interactive experiences such as a motorsports history zone, racing simulator, tyre fitting activities, merchandise sales and a photo zone, giving fans an immersive brand encounter. Meanwhile, intense competition is expected: while Toyota GAZOO Racing has a strong history in Croatia, both Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team and M-Sport Ford World Rally Team aim to exploit the new coastal terrain to challenge for the podium.

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited has earned a total of 23 CSR-DIW awards, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to operating with ongoing responsibility towards society, local communities and the environment. In 2025, the Department of Industrial Works honoured the company under the CSR DIW to MIND for Sustainability programme, which recognises industrial factories that enhance their social and community responsibility for sustainable coexistence.

Among these accolades, five facilities received the CSR DIW Award for maintaining these high standards continuously for a decade, while another 18 facilities received the CSR DIW Continuous Award for consistently implementing responsible practices, collectively celebrating industrial organisations that serve as models for industry growing in harmony with communities under the principle of good industry coexisting sustainably.

These achievements reflect how the Sri Trang Group balances economic, social and environmental priorities, allowing the industrial sector to work alongside communities effectively and advancing Thailand’s rubber industry towards a sustainable green future. The group has steadily carried out community focused and socially responsible initiatives across six key areas, including youth development, arts and local traditions, livelihood and career support, environmental management, workplace health and hygiene as well as disaster relief and assistance for vulnerable groups.

This recognition further underscores Sri Trang Agro Industry’s role as a leading organisation that drives sustainable industrial practices while consistently creating lasting value for society, communities and the environment.

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