Linglong Defends Quality After Volkswagen Tiguan Criticism
- By TT News
- July 30, 2025
Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire Co Ltd has defended the quality of its products after facing criticism over Volkswagen's decision to equip the new Tiguan model with its tyres as standard equipment.
The Shandong-based company, which operates Europe's first Chinese-owned tyre factory in Serbia, issued a statement emphasising its commitment to meeting automotive industry standards and highlighting its partnerships with leading car manufacturers.
"Linglong is fully committed to the quality, reliability and safety of its tyre products. Our highest priority is to guarantee drivers and manufacturers the highest standards in tyre technology," the company said in a statement from its German subsidiary.
The new Volkswagen Tiguan comes equipped from the factory with a Linglong Original Equipment tyre in size 255/45 R19 100V, marking a significant win for the Chinese manufacturer in the premium European market. The Ultra High-Performance tyre was specifically developed according to Volkswagen's requirements and carries a "+" marking on the sidewall, which "stands for a noticeable plus in quality, comfort, performance, and efficiency."
Linglong emphasised that development work took place "in close coordination with Volkswagen, with a focus on criteria such as driving dynamics, safety, comfort, mileage, and emission reduction." The company said it adheres to the same specifications as all other premium original equipment tyres regardless of their origin.
CEAT Launches First Radial Mining Tyre As India Pushes Sector Modernisation
- By TT News
- July 31, 2025
Mumbai-based manufacturer targets mining belt expansion with ROCKRAD technology
Indian tyre manufacturer CEAT Ltd launched its first radial tyre designed specifically for mining operations on Thursday, marking the company's entry into a segment traditionally dominated by bias tyre technology.
The ROCKRAD tyre represents a strategic move by the Mumbai-based company to capitalise on India's mining sector modernisation, with initial rollouts planned across key mining regions including Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
CEAT, part of the RPG Enterprises conglomerate, said the tyre underwent extensive testing from Odisha's Barbil mines to Indonesian terrain before launch. The company claims ROCKRAD delivers approximately seven percent better bead durability compared with competitors, alongside improved heat dissipation capabilities.
The tyre features what CEAT calls an "S-Type tread pattern" designed for enhanced grip and pressure distribution on rough surfaces, whilst a specially formulated sidewall compound provides cut resistance and flexibility.
"The introduction of ROCKRAD also marks a significant push toward radialisation in the mining segment, which has traditionally been dominated by bias tyres," the company said in a statement.
Initially available in 11.00R20 size, ROCKRAD targets load-haul operations in extreme mining conditions. The company positioned the product as supporting sustainable mobility through extended service life and reduced material waste.
The launch strengthens CEAT's truck and bus radial portfolio as the company, established in 1958, seeks to demonstrate its technology credentials in specialised applications including mining and heavy construction.
Hankook Tire Launches Brand Film For Laufenn
- By TT News
- July 31, 2025
Hankook Tire has launched The Essence of Driving, a global brand film for its associate brand Laufenn, emphasising performance across all road conditions. The film reinforces Laufenn’s identity as A Brand by Hankook, highlighting its access to Hankook’s premium tyre technology.
Through striking visuals, the film captures Laufenn’s focus on core capabilities like grip and stability. A desert scene shows a vehicle disappearing until only the tyres remain – symbolising the brand’s dedication to essential driving performance. Dynamic sequences then demonstrate consistent traction on snow, wet roads and off-road terrain, aligning with its ‘A Tire That Fits’ slogan.
The film is available on Laufenn’s global website and social media channels, including YouTube and Instagram. Since its 2014 debut at the SEMA Show, Laufenn has expanded to 100 countries, offering tyres for sedans, SUVs, trucks and buses tailored to diverse driving needs. Record sales of nine million units in the past year underscore its growing market presence.
Laufenn has also earned acclaim in European tyre tests by publications like Germany’s Auto Bild, ADAC and the UK’s Auto Express, with consistently high ratings since 2020. These achievements reflect its technical competitiveness and strengthening brand credibility.
By merging Hankook’s innovation with targeted design, Laufenn delivers reliability for global consumers. The new film amplifies this message, showcasing the brand’s commitment to performance, safety and adaptability – key drivers of its ongoing success in the tyre industry.
Hankook Launches Smart Work AM11+ Tyre For Waste Management Companies
- By TT News
- July 31, 2025
Hankook Tire has launched the Smart Work AM11+, a premium commercial tyre designed for the UK’s demanding regional distribution and waste management sectors. Engineered for vehicles with frequent stop-start cycles, it features a reinforced sidewall with proprietary abrasion-resistant compounds to withstand repeated kerb impacts. The innovative triple-wear indicator system simplifies maintenance by providing clear, at-a-glance tread depth checks, helping fleets optimise replacement schedules and reduce operational costs.
Available in size 315/80 R22.5 from September, the AM11+ utilises Hankook’s advanced casing technology to deliver extended mileage and puncture resistance. Its optimised tread pattern enhances wet grip and braking performance, critical for urban safety compliance. Developed after extensive fleet trials, this tyre addresses the specific needs of refuse trucks, delivery vehicles and municipal operators facing harsh daily conditions.
Goodyear And Anti Social Social Club Rev Up Motorsport Style With New Capsule Collection
- By TT News
- July 30, 2025
Building on their successful 2024 collaboration, Goodyear and streetwear brand Anti Social Social Club (ASSC) have reunited through IMG Licensing to launch a bold new capsule collection celebrating racing culture. The limited-edition line blends ASSC's rebellious aesthetic with Goodyear's rich motorsport heritage, paying tribute to the iconic Goodyear Blimp and the brand's century of track innovation.
The collection features adrenaline-charged designs across apparel and accessories. Standout pieces include racing-inspired ‘Catch the Feeling’ tops with driver's seat graphics and international race flags, ‘High Performance’ hoodies showcasing the Goodyear Blimp, and ‘Wet Tyre’ tees with tread-pattern branding. Motorsport enthusiasts can also find spark-generating race car graphics on ‘Sparks’ collection pieces, while the ‘Eagle’ line incorporates blimp imagery across button-ups and swim trunks.
Complementing the apparel are podium-worthy accessories like a dual-branded Zippo lighter, flag-adorned keychain and racing gloves. The crown jewel is the Podium Cap, featuring wreath detailing that channels vintage motorsport victory celebrations. Each piece fuses ASSC's signature irreverence with Goodyear's legacy of high-performance racing technology.
This marks the second collaboration between the tire giant and streetwear disruptor, following their October 2024 drop that similarly celebrated automotive culture through fashion. The new collection continues to bridge the worlds of competitive racing and contemporary street style.
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