(From left): Alan Carter, Commercial Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK; Shane Kallaway, Regional Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK; Lucy Stanton, Marketing Executive, Hankook Tyre UK and Natasha Ramos Smyth, Marketing Executive, Hankook Tyre UK.

Hankook has confirmed its partnership for the 2026 Convoy Truck Shows, stepping in as an infield partner for the series, which runs in tandem with the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC). These events offer a distinctive fusion of high-octane track action and the immersive atmosphere of a large-scale truck gathering. This renewed involvement deepens Hankook’s footprint at some of the most eagerly awaited dates on the UK motorsport and haulage calendar.

The season’s schedule commences with Convoy on the Plain on 16–17 May, followed by Convoy Cymru on 20–21 June. The flagship gathering, Convoy in the Park, will round off the summer season on 8–9 August. Attendees can look forward to a full agenda of British truck racing, breathtaking stunt performances, live entertainment and attractions for all ages, alongside a remarkable display of working vehicles, custom rigs and pristine show trucks. Mirroring its sponsorship of the Devon Truck Show, Hankook’s partnership with the Convoy series supports its wider mission to generate substantial donations for local charitable causes and community groups, positioning it as an event with purpose beyond spectacle.

At each of these shows, Hankook will spotlight its cutting-edge range of commercial and consumer tyres. Key exhibits will feature the SmartFlex AH51 for steer axles and the SmartFlex DH51 for drives, both engineered for long-haul and regional use and prized for superior traction and extended durability. Also on show will be the SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre, the Vantra Transit summer tyre for commercial vans and several models from the Laufenn portfolio, such as the LZ22 all-weather drive tyre, the LF21 all-position tyre and the robust LF95 trailer tyre.

Rounding out the display are the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre and the iON evo SUV, a cutting-edge summer tyre purpose-built for electric vehicles, underlining Hankook’s forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility. Through its involvement in the Convoy Truck Shows, Hankook reinforces its dedication to the haulage industry by engaging directly with drivers, fleet operators and enthusiasts, showcasing tyre innovations focused on safety, efficiency and peak performance, all while actively contributing to valuable community initiatives.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "We’re thrilled to have Hankook Tyre UK return as an official sponsor of the Convoy Truck Shows. After the success of last year’s collaboration, continuing the partnership was an easy decision for us. Hankook’s commitment to the industry and to our events adds real value across the board – from contributing to the scale and quality of the events to elevating the atmosphere and experience for our audience. We’re proud to be building on this relationship as the Convoy series continues to grow.”

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Continental is supplying a special edition of its new 30-mm Grand Prix 5000 TT TR tyre for the Bugatti Factor ONE, a distinctive bicycle born from the partnership between the prestigious automotive marque and high-performance bike manufacturer Factor Bikes. This collaboration steps outside traditional cycling regulations to merge automotive engineering precision with advanced bicycle innovation, resulting in a machine focused on aerodynamic efficiency, precise handling and stable control at elevated speeds.

The tyre selected for this exclusive bicycle represents one of two recent size additions to Continental’s Grand Prix 5000 family, a product line engineered for reliable performance across diverse road conditions. Developed with a focus on pure velocity, the Grand Prix 5000 TT TR utilises a simplified casing construction to reduce both weight and rolling resistance, a feature trusted by elite competitors.

Now available in 30 mm width, this tyre offers an expanded contact patch that improves stability and grip during fast cornering while maintaining composure over extended distances. This combination of confidence and control allows riders to tackle technical sections more aggressively, fully utilising the bicycle’s capabilities. As the fastest model within the Grand Prix 5000 lineup thanks to its specialised two-ply casing that further minimises rolling resistance, the TT TR is a fitting match for the limited-edition Bugatti Factor ONE.

Limited to a worldwide production run of just 250 individually numbered units, the Bugatti Factor ONE embodies the exclusivity and meticulous detail characteristic of the Bugatti name. With the Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT TR serving as a critical performance element, the bicycle delivers a riding experience defined by uncompromising engineering and a world-class collaborative vision.

Rob Gitelis, Founder, Factor Bikes, said, “We’re thrilled to have been able to work together with Continental to create these special edition Bugatti Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT tyres. We’ve partnered with Continental to provide the tyres for all our bikes, and since they make the best tyres in the world, it was a natural choice to collaborate with them on these very special tyres for the Bugatti Factor ONE.”

Karsten Jacke, Global Head – Bicycle OE Sales, Continental, said, “We are highly honoured to be part of this premium project. Each Factor bike begins with a non-negotiable purpose. And here, with the Bugatti Factor ONE, it was Bugatti’s maxim to provide nothing but the best for their customers. Both brands’ values of excellence, courage and dedication create a perfect match with Continental’s ambition to Lead the Ride. It’s just great to see this collab rolling on our special edition Grand Prix 5000 TT TR tyres.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, marked a significant milestone on 23 March 2026, celebrating seven decades in the automotive industry. In recognition of this achievement and the company’s broader influence, the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners officially proclaimed the date as TBC Corporation Day, honouring the organisation’s deep-rooted impact on both its sector and the local communities it serves.

Originating in 1956 as a simple purchasing cooperative for tyre retailers, TBC has since evolved into a sprawling enterprise. The company now employs over 3,000 people, maintains more than 130 strategically located distribution centres across US and Mexico and operates globally. Its presence spans the entire automotive value chain, encompassing nearly 470 franchised Big O Tires locations alongside wholesale distribution, supply chain services and third-party manufacturing.

Beyond its commercial footprint, TBC prioritises social responsibility through its ‘Driven to Give’ initiative. This programme channels the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement by fostering volunteerism, sustainable business practices and targeted corporate giving, ensuring a positive impact in the areas where its employees live and work.

Don Byrd, CEO, TBC, said, “At TBC, we are building on our legacy by focusing on our purpose to be the distributor, franchisor and employer of choice in the markets where we compete through a steadfast commitment to excellence. We are proud of what we’ve achieved in our 70 years, and we strive to continue to be the most trusted provider of innovative and efficient solutions for our customers, franchisees and business partners.”

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Atturo Tires, a leading private brand of performance-focused tyres for light truck, SUV, crossover, UTV, hybrid, EV and performance vehicles, has confirmed it will continue as the Official Tyre Partner of the Professional Fighters League throughout North America for the 2026 season. This marks the second year of collaboration between the performance tyre manufacturer and the rapidly expanding mixed martial arts organisation. Building on a successful 2025 campaign that delivered more than 300 million impressions, the renewed agreement underscores Atturo’s dedication to supporting the league’s growth.

The partnership will be featured across the PFL’s North American event schedule. Atturo’s presence will include in-arena branding at all 10 United States events, beginning in Pittsburgh and Chicago, as well as broadcast visibility on ESPN platforms. Further integration comes through continued sponsorship of the ‘Keys to Victory’ segment, where analysts break down matchups. Collaborative digital content and brand ambassador activations tailored for MMA audiences will also extend the brand’s reach.

Alongside the renewed agreement, Atturo has introduced two official brand ambassadors for 2026: welterweight Logan Storley and bantamweight Sergio Pettis. Storley, a former interim Bellator welterweight champion and four-time NCAA Division I All-American, is set to headline the PFL’s return to Sioux Falls on 2 May. Pettis, a former Bellator bantamweight champion known for his polished footwork and technical striking, will headline the 11 April event in Chicago against undefeated Mitch McKee.

Both fighters carry strong followings within North American MMA, offering Atturo meaningful connections to an engaged consumer base. Storley’s championship pedigree aligns with the brand’s performance-driven identity, while Pettis’s skill positions him as a central figure in the 2026 title picture. Through these ambassador relationships and the broader sponsorship framework, Atturo continues to embed itself within the league’s marquee moments and fan-facing platforms.

John Martin, CEO, Professional Fighters League, said, “We’re excited to extend our relationship with Atturo Tire, a brand that aligns with our dedication to innovation and performance. As PFL continues to expand globally – including new partnerships in France, China, Mexico and Central America – our North American events remain a major foundation of our programming, and Atturo is a strong fit for that regional focus.”

Michael Mathis, President, Atturo Tires, said “Atturo is proud to remain the Official Tyre Partner of the PFL in North America. The PFL’s North American fan base is passionate, fast-growing and deeply engaged – exactly the kind of audience that resonates with our high-performance product line. We’re thrilled to continue showcasing the Atturo brand alongside the PFL’s elite athletes throughout the 2026 US season.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has issued a fresh warning to owners of caravans, motorhomes and trailers as vehicles emerge from winter storage, highlighting a significant rise in towing-related incidents across UK roads. New data reveals that between 2022 and 2024, there were over 16,700 incidents involving towed vehicles on the Strategic Road Network, with a 16 percent increase over that period. The majority were breakdowns, and trailers made up the largest proportion, followed by caravans and horseboxes. With nearly four out of five such incidents classed as breakdowns and many considered preventable, TyreSafe stresses that tyre condition and air pressure are essential checks after prolonged periods out of use.

Tyres can deteriorate while stationary, even when they appear undamaged. Air pressure often drops during storage, and combined with rubber degradation, this greatly raises the risk of failure once back on the road. For caravan owners, under-inflated tyres can lead to instability or snaking, especially in crosswinds or when passed by large vehicles, while the extra flexing increases the chance of tread separation under heavy loads. Motorhomes face distinct risks due to their heavier, permanently laden construction, which places sustained strain on tyres. A blowout can be harder to control given the higher centre of gravity, and flat spotting from long storage periods may cause internal damage that manifests as vibration at speed. Horseboxes and trailers stored for extended intervals are equally vulnerable, as tyres can suffer internal weakening without visible signs.

Correct tyre pressure on the towing vehicle is just as critical. Under-inflated rear tyres can cause the vehicle to sag under nose weight, altering weight distribution and reducing steering precision and braking effectiveness. Pressures should always be adjusted according to manufacturer recommendations for towing loads. Motorhome owners must also pay attention to CP-marked tyres, which are specifically designed for camping vehicles and often require significantly higher pressures—sometimes up to 80 PSI—compared to standard car tyres. Using lower car-type pressures leaves them dangerously under-inflated, leading to excess heat, sidewall stress, and potential failure.

Tyres that have lost pressure are more prone to overheating, rapid wear and sidewall cracking, which occurs when rubber polymers degrade. Cracking can appear on the sidewall or tread even in lightly used tyres, particularly if storage conditions are poor, and can compromise structural integrity over time. Factors such as air loss while stationary, oxidation, UV and temperature extremes, ozone exposure and improper storage all contribute to deterioration. Unlike regularly used vehicles, stored vehicles miss out on the benefits that help maintain tyre flexibility and pressure stability.

TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “With towing incidents rising, tyre safety has never been more important. Air pressure naturally reduces over time, and tyres that are both under-inflated and degraded are far more likely to fail. When towing or driving a motorhome, tyres operate under higher loads and stresses, so even small weaknesses can have serious consequences.”

Sarah Smithurst MBE, Chief Operating Officer, NTTA, said “Many caravans, trailers and horseboxes spend months in storage over the winter, and during that time, tyres can slowly lose pressure or begin to deteriorate without the owner realising. Because these tyres are often carrying heavy loads when they return to the road, even small issues can quickly become serious safety risks.

“Before towing for the first time each season, owners should take the time to check tyre pressures against the manufacturer’s recommendations and carefully inspect the tyres for signs of cracking, damage or excessive wear. It’s also important not to overlook the tyres on the towing vehicle itself, as they play a vital role in maintaining stability and control when towing. A few simple checks before setting off can make a significant difference to safety and help prevent avoidable breakdowns or incidents on the road.”

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