French tyre manufacturer Michelin will become the exclusive supplier for the FIM Superbike World Championship from 2027 through 2031, marking its return to the series after more than two decades.

The deal represents a significant expansion of Michelin’s motorsport portfolio, adding to its existing partnerships in MotoGP and MotoE racing series. The company plans to leverage technology developed in premier motorcycle racing categories for the WorldSBK competition.

“We are very pleased to be able to commit so quickly to a world-class motorcycle racing championship starting in 2027,” said Matthieu Bonardel, Director of Michelin Motorsport. “The WorldSBK offers an ideal environment to bring our technologies even closer to those used by all riders, whether on the track or the road.”

The championship features motorcycles derived from production models, allowing for faster technology transfer from racing to consumer tyres compared to prototype-based series. Michelin highlighted this as a key advantage for developing products aimed at sport motorcycle enthusiasts.

WorldSBK’s audience consists primarily of riders who own supersport motorcycles, making it an attractive platform for Michelin to showcase performance technology that can translate to road use.

Michelin previously competed in WorldSBK during the early 2000s, securing 12 titles in an open-competition environment before withdrawing from the series. The French manufacturer has maintained a strong presence in motorcycle racing through its MotoGP involvement.

The Clermont-Ferrand-based company, which operates in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people, has positioned itself as a leader in high-performance tyre technology whilst emphasising sustainability initiatives across its motorsport programmes.

Financial terms of the exclusive supply agreement were not disclosed.

The deal comes as motorcycle racing continues to grow globally, with manufacturers increasingly viewing championship participation as crucial for technology development and brand positioning in the performance motorcycle segment.

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Forvia and Michelin, co-shareholders of Symbio together with Stellantis, have provided several crucial explanations in the wake of a press release dated 15 July 2025 regarding Symbio's future.

In May, Stellantis notified Michelin and Forvia that it will cease its hydrogen-related operations by 2026. Stellantis, a co-shareholder and Symbio's largest client, has long aimed to influence the hydrogen mobility market for light commercial vehicles, so this sudden change comes as a surprise, according to Michelin’s 16 July statement, because about 80 percent of Symbio's anticipated manufacturing volume comes from Stellantis' orders alone.

Based on Stellantis' stated needs for the next eight years, Symbio has scaled its recruiting, investments and development plan during the last two years. All shareholders, including Stellantis's own teams, have verified the technology and functionality of Symbio's systems. More recently, Symbio was ready to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells for Stellantis vehicles that qualified for this programme as part of the French government's call for proposals, which was released in April 2025.

The statement further said that Symbio will suffer permanent operational and financial repercussions as a result of Stellantis' choice, adding that Forvia and Michelin are especially worried about how it would affect Symbio's 50 employees overseas and its 590 employees in France. Forvia and Michelin are in frequent communication with the government in this regard.

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The European Court of First Instance partially annulled the European Commission's decision regarding searches conducted in January 2024 as part of an antitrust probe into possible cartel activity in the tire industry. Michelin acknowledged the 9 July 2025 ruling, expressing satisfaction with the outcome. The company stated it would not appeal the decision but remains committed to defending its position as the investigation continues into other periods flagged by the Commission.

This development suggests procedural or jurisdictional flaws in the initial raids, though the broader inquiry persists. Michelin's response indicates cautious cooperation while maintaining its stance on compliance and legal rights. The case highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the automotive sector, with potential implications for competition enforcement practices.

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Doublestar Tire showcased its high-value tyre solutions at the recently concluded 2025 Latin Tyre Auto Parts Expo in Panama City. The event, considered one of Latin America's premier trade events for tyres and automotive components, saw participation from manufacturers, distributors and industry professionals, along with visitors and potential partners.

Doublestar presented a diverse range of innovative tyres tailored to Latin America’s demanding conditions, including high-performance passenger car tyres and robust commercial tyres for trucks and buses. Given the region’s varied terrain and climate, the company highlighted products engineered for superior wear resistance, wet traction and durability. Among the featured solutions was the TBR model TPR79, designed with a specialised tread pattern for enhanced off-road performance, alongside the PCR AT and MT lines – popular among SUV drivers for their safety, extended lifespan and reliable grip on challenging roads.

This exhibition aligns with Doublestar’s strategy to strengthen its presence in Latin America as a provider of advanced, dependable tyre technology. The company remains focused on R&D to deliver sustainable, high-performance solutions that address the dynamic needs of the global automotive market, ensuring safety, efficiency and environmental responsibility.

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The German rubber industry has reiterated its call for the adoption of a ‘First Touch Principle’ in the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), citing excessive bureaucratic burdens. Boris Engelhardt, Managing Director of the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), emphasised that businesses – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – are struggling to meet the EUDR’s extensive documentation requirements. The proposed principle would simplify compliance by requiring only the first importer in the European supply chain to provide proof of adherence, exempting downstream processors and manufacturers from redundant verification.

As a major user of natural rubber, the European rubber industry relies heavily on imports from Asia and Africa, making the EUDR’s proposed ‘zero-risk class’ – advocated by 18 EU member states – irrelevant to the sector. While fully supporting the regulation’s goals of protecting human rights and ecosystems in rubber-producing regions, Engelhardt argued that enforcement should focus on initial importers rather than imposing repetitive checks across the entire supply chain.

He noted that established natural rubber traders already comply with EUDR standards, and the industry can trace whether imported finished goods contain natural rubber. This, he stated, should suffice for regulatory oversight. Engelhardt urged EU policymakers to adopt the ‘First Touch Principle’ to streamline compliance, reduce administrative strain, and ensure the regulation achieves its intended impact without unnecessary complexity.

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