Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has announced a general price hike in North America for its SBS, SIS and HSBC product lines with effect from 1 May 2025.

Following a careful analysis of the effects of recently implemented tariffs, related cost increases and a conclusion that the company cannot independently absorb these repercussions, Kraton is adopting these pricing hikes, according to a company statement. The company further said that it will keep an eye on the scene and reassess these measures promptly in the event that conditions and US import tariffs alter.

The WeatherFlex GT tyre from Hankook Tire has won the Red Dot Design Award for 2025 in the Product Design category.

With kerfs and narrow slits in the tread inspired by pine needles and an asymmetric tread pattern fashioned after broadleaf leaves, the tyre stood out for its nature-inspired design. By providing a balanced driving experience on dry, rainy and snowy roads, its biomimetic design improves overall driving safety and stability. Furthermore, the application of cutting-edge compound technology offers remarkable durability, allowing for a 70,000-kilometre range. High driving performance and long tread life are both met by the WeatherFlex GT's multi-performance characteristics. Hankook Tire's global competitiveness in both functionality and aesthetics is further reinforced by its noise-reducing grooves and user-friendly sidewall design, which further exhibit a consumer-oriented attitude to innovation.

Hankook Tire's WeatherFlex GT, which was introduced in North America in the second half of 2024, has been well appreciated by customers worldwide who value affordable and environmentally friendly mobility options. A next-generation all-weather tyre with dependable year-round performance and increased mileage, the WeatherFlex GT comes with 3PMSF (3-Peak Mountain Snowflake) certification and guarantees steady and reliable driving on ice, snow and wet roads, making it perfect for a variety of difficult winter conditions.

Held every year by Germany's Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen (DZNRW), the Red Dot Design Award is a renowned international design competition. Product Design, Brands & Communication and Design Concept are the three areas in which entries are evaluated. Winners are chosen after a thorough assessment of creativity, usability and aesthetics.

Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) has inked a title sponsorship deal with professional football team Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia. Hankook will be the club's official title sponsor for three seasons, starting in 2024–2025, as per the deal.

By forming a strategic partnership with Al-Ittihad, Hankook Tire hopes to bolster its international sports marketing initiatives. The corporation aims to further strengthen its position as a premium brand in the worldwide market by utilising the club's high profile. Throughout the sponsorship time, the club's official team uniforms, media interview backgrounds and in-stadium LED signs will all prominently display the worldwide Hankook brand emblem. In order to increase sales and brand recognition in the Middle Eastern region, which includes Saudi Arabia, Hankook Tire also intends to implement engagement-driven marketing efforts.

Al-Ittihad is one of the most prominent football clubs in Saudi Arabia, having been founded in 1927. Recently, with two games left in the 2024–2025 season, the squad secured their 10th Saudi Pro League title. Al-Ittihad's back-to-back AFC Champions League victories have further shown their dominance on the global scene.

Through a variety of well-known sponsorships, Hankook Tire keeps up its worldwide brand presence and strengthens its premium brand image among sports enthusiasts. The company is an official partner of prominent worldwide football properties, such as the German football team Borussia Dortmund, the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Europa Conference League and the coveted Ballon d'Or awards.

German premium tyre manufacturer Continental has inaugurated the Continental Premium Drive dealership in Karimnagar, Telangana, which also makes it the 10^th such facility in the state.

The dealership spread across 1,900 square feet offers a range of services such as wheel alignment, wheel balancing, tyre changing and nitrogen filling among others.

Samir Gupta, Managing Director – India and Head of Central Region Asia-Pacific, Continental Tires, said, "India continues to be a key growth market for Continental Tires, and expanding our retail footprint is another important step in our expansion journey. With our ‘In the Market, For the Market approach’, we are strengthening our commitment to deliver premium products and a seamless experience to customers across the country.” 

“With the new launch in Karimnagar, we aim to bring advanced tyre solutions and superior service standards to automotive customers in southern India. The southern market is strategically important for Continental Tires, and we are excited to accelerate our expansion in this region with several more CPD stores planned in the near future,” said Gupta.

Baddam Srinivas Reddy, Owner, 4 Wheelz and Tyres, said, "We are looking forward to strengthening our association with Continental Tires through the launch of the new Continental Premium Drive store. With this new store, we aim to offer customers high-quality tyre solutions and expert services under one roof. We look forward to building stronger customer relationships with the innovations and support of Continental Tires."

At present, Continental Tires has over 200 brand stores in the country as part of its strategy to be closer to its customers.

A colossal fire engulfed a significant portion of Kumho Tire's Gwangju manufacturing plant on 17 May 2025, forcing a complete halt in production and prompting authorities to issue a nationwide firefighting mobilisation order reported Korea Times. The company is South Korea’s second-largest tyre manufacturer.

The blaze, which began around 7:11 am local time, rapidly consumed factory buildings, with flames reportedly reaching heights of up to 100 metres.

The report further stated that by 5 pm on Saturday, approximately 70 percent of the plant's western section – an area roughly equivalent to five football fields – had been devastated by the fire. Firefighters concentrated their efforts on preventing the flames from spreading to the southern section of the facility, which is separated from the severely impacted western area. The National Fire Agency's had to deploy crucial personnel and equipment from neighbouring regions to help control the disaster.

What’s important to know is that about 400 on-duty workers were safely evacuated. However, one male employee in his 20s sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Additionally, two firefighters were injured during the ongoing efforts to control the blaze.

The local authorities suspect the fire originated from equipment used for heating raw rubber. Then there was the challenge about the estimated 20 tonnes of raw rubber stored at the factory, which is significantly hindering firefighting efforts.

This incident will not only have financial impact for Kumho Tire but also supply constraint for its major customers such as Hyundai Motor Corporation and Kia Corporation.

Last year, Kumho Tire reported sales of USD 3.21 billion and an operating profit of USD 431 million.

"With the fire now under control, we will soon be able to announce our estimated losses and outline plans for relocating our production lines," the report quoted a company official.