Hankook Tire has launched a strategic brand film that forges a direct link between the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). This narrative leverages Hankook’s exclusive status as the tyre supplier for both premier FIA series to demonstrate its technological breadth. The film’s core concept is an immersive driver exchange, featuring Maximilian Günther of the DS Penske Formula E Team and Adrien Fourmaux of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team. The two drivers swap their respective machines – the all-electric GEN3 Evo race car and the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 rally car – to gain a firsthand understanding of each other's discipline.

The production highlights this contrast by featuring dynamic, side-by-side footage of the specific tyres engineered for each challenge: the GEN3 Evo iON Race electric racing tyre and the extreme all-weather Dynapro R213 rally tyre. This visual comparison serves to underscore Hankook’s claim of race-proven performance and versatility across fundamentally different motorsport environments. The experience of the drivers in unfamiliar cars provides an authentic testament to the tyre technology, a point reinforced by positive feedback from representatives of both championships regarding Hankook’s cross-discipline capabilities.

The film, which includes a surprise cameo from Hankook’s Motorsport Director Manfred Sandbichler to signal the start of the action, is part of a broader content rollout. It will be supported by behind-the-scenes footage and short-form content, released in stages across Hankook’s global website and social media channels. This initiative is a showcase of Hankook’s extensive global motorsport involvement, which includes supplying tyres for over 70 FIA-sanctioned competitions. The data and insights harvested from these extreme conditions are channelled into the company’s advanced R&D infrastructure, including the Technoplex headquarters and the Hankook Technoring proving ground, to accelerate technological innovation and solidify its leadership in the tyre market.

Günther said, “I had full confidence in delivering a strong run thanks to Hankook’s exceptional grip and stability.”

Fourmaux said, “The tyres delivered consistent grip and sharp responsiveness at high speed, enabling me to approach the race with complete composure.”

Arne Dirks, Chief Marketing Officer of WRC Promoter GmbH, said, “WRC embraces innovation, and from the outset, that is exactly what this project has been about. It was fantastic for us to be able to join Formula E, to get insights into their world and share with them the thrill of WRC. This, of course, would not have been possible without Hankook, with whom we are continuing to grow and evolve in the first year of our fruitful relationship.”

“It is a rare and exciting opportunity to see cars from two of the FIA's World Championships taking to the same track at the same time. This video really demonstrates the impressive variety in terms of format and technologies that are offered in top-level FIA competitions, with innovation tailored specifically to the unique challenges of racing and rallying environments. It goes to show that there is not one single solution when it comes to either racing or the wider mobility landscape, and that the core DNA of motor sport is consistent regardless of the category. Thanks to our colleagues at Hankook, Formula E, WRC Promoter and Hyundai for making it happen," said an FIA spokesperson.

Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said, “As the world’s most progressive and competitive motorsport, Formula E has always been bold and ambitious in its approach to success. What has been central in our DNA, however, is pushing the boundaries of performance. What this film demonstrates is that not only are we here to disrupt and innovate but develop world-leading expertise and new technologies.”

Manfred Sandbichler, Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Hankook's technology and quality, trusted by leading motorsports entities such as Formula E and WRC, continue to deliver outstanding performance. Like our motorsports slogan, 'Race Beyond Limits', we remain committed to innovation and the ultimate driving experience.”

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Kuraray America, Inc. marked National STEM Day on 8 November by spotlighting a community educational event that brought together 15 of its volunteers and students from the Houston Japanese Supplementary School at San Jacinto College for a day of hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants engaged in activities illustrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) converge in chemical manufacturing. Experiments with superabsorbent polymer beads explored chemistry and material properties, while a tour of the college’s facilities introduced industrial equipment. Students also learned about water filtration and distillation processes and how mathematical concepts underpin scientific and engineering applications.

One student showed particular interest in the distillation tower, linking the experience to the Kuraray Group’s contributions to everyday life and its mission of achieving for people and the planet what no one else can. The event also benefited KAI volunteers, who shared technical knowledge, exchanged perspectives and learned alongside potential future scientists and engineers.

Kuraray America thanked Reiko Fuwa and Tomohiro Tani for coordinating the visit, Hans Vandommele for sharing his expertise and all 15 KAI volunteers. The company also expressed appreciation to San Jacinto College for facility access and to the Houston Japanese Supplementary School students for their curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful questions.

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Liberty Tire Recycling attended the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The automotive aftermarket event, one of the industry's largest, drew over 160,000 attendees from the automotive, tyre and transportation sectors to review new products, technologies and business opportunities.

The Lakin Tire brand, a consistent SEMA exhibitor, once again used the show to reinforce industry relationships and present Liberty's tyre collection, recycling and sustainable resource management capabilities. Personnel from Grade/Used Tires, Commercial Truck Tires, Metals, Recycling and Collection, together with corporate and regional leadership, met customers, suppliers and industry professionals from around the world.

The booth received existing and prospective customers from numerous tyre and automotive segments during the week. Costco Wholesale Corporate Office, United Tires and UTU Wholesale were among the organisations that stopped by to examine Liberty Tire's products, services and nationwide reach. The company viewed the event as an effective forum for monitoring emerging market trends and demonstrating its position in recycling and sustainability, alongside its focus on innovation, workforce development and circular economy principles.

A memorable moment came when a high school shop teacher and students, attending through a special educator programme, toured the booth to learn about tyre recycling and industry operations. Liberty team members provided industry insights, outlined career pathways and acknowledged educators' contribution to developing future skilled trades professionals, supplying tyre inflation gauges for classroom use.

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Laufenn, Hankook's associate brand, earned a ‘Good’ ratingwith an overall score of 2.2 for its G Fit 4S in the Auto Bild Allrad all-season SUV tyre test published on 8 October 2026 (issue 41). The tyre competed credibly against 11 rivals from established premium marques, finishing competitively in a 12-strong field.

Wet handling proved a particular strength, with the G Fit 4S collecting the second-highest rating shared with other models. Aquaplaning resistance also impressed, as the tyre held its line until stability began to fade at roughly 100 kmph (62 mph). In snow, it recorded the third-shortest braking distance, matching two other contenders.

Testing spanned snow, wet and dry disciplines, each weighted equally in the final ranking, with a third-generation MINI Countryman serving as the test vehicle. Snow assessments were carried out in New Zealand, while European venues hosted the wet and dry evaluations. The jury's conclusion underscored Laufenn's value-focused positioning, finding the G Fit 4S a solid option for cost-conscious buyers.

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Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.

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