French tyre manufacturer Michelin will launch a comprehensive range of motorcycle tyres in January 2024, marking a significant technological advancement. The initial three products will be showcased at the EICMA trade show from 7 to 12 November this year. These cutting-edge tyres will be featured on select motorcycles presented in Milan, Italy, and will also be exhibited at the Michelin space in Hall 22.

With a legacy spanning 130 years in motorcycle tyre development - the very first Michelin tyre was crafted for a motorcycle - and a record of over 500 victories in the FIM World Championships, Michelin holds a wealth of unparalleled expertise. From slick tyres to radial and asymmetrical designs, Michelin has been at the forefront of innovation over the past half-century.

Presently, Michelin’s motorcycle tyres are widely acknowledged by both customers and the media for delivering top-notch performance across all riding conditions. In the majority of countries, Michelin stands as the most trusted tyre brand among consumers. Over recent years, premium manufacturers such as BMW Motorrad, Triumph, KTM, and Honda have homologated Michelin’s Power and Anakee ranges.

MICHELIN POWER 6: BALANCING FUN AND SPORTINESS FOR EVERYDAY RIDING

The MICHELIN Power 6 tyre caters to a broad spectrum of sports motorcycle enthusiasts. It offers a blend of sportiness and pure riding pleasure, positioning it as Michelin’s new reference in this category.

In addition to its sporty attributes, this Michelin tyre prioritises mileage for daily riders and those embarking on long motorcycle journeys. Its exceptional grip in both wet and dry conditions, coupled with precise handling, addresses the demands of motorcyclists effectively. Available in various sizes, this tyre suits motorcycles over 300cc and has already received homologation for the 2024 KTM 390 Duke.

MICHELIN POWER GP2: TRACK PERFORMANCE FOR THE ROAD

While initially designed for the racetrack, the MICHELIN Power GP2 is now homologated for on-road use. Targeting owners of super sports bikes, this evolution of the MICHELIN Power GP tyre takes performance to a new level. It offers even more excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces compared to its predecessor(2), which was already a leading tyre in its category. With enhanced riding precision, it elevates the track experience, enabling the most seasoned riders to push their limits. Developed by the same team of engineers and using the same cutting-edge technology as MotoGP™ tyres, the new MICHELIN Power GP2 benefits from Michelin’s extensive experience gained from 500 victories in the FIM World Championship.

MICHELIN ANAKEE ROAD: OPTIMAL ON-ROAD PERFORMANCE WITH A DISTINCT TRAIL APPEAL

The MICHELIN Anakee Road complements the existing Anakee range, which includes patterns designed for more aggressive off-road usage - Anakee Wild and Anakee Adventure. Tailored for trail bikes known for their versatility, the Anakee Road caters to motorcyclists who primarily favour on-road riding for extended road trips and daily commuting. This new tyre offers high levels of grip in both wet and dry conditions(3), along with extended longevity(4) and reliable stability. Despite the evolving lighter weight of bikes in this category, they still possess a commanding presence. Michelin has harmonised the design of the new Anakee Road to align with the aesthetics of these formidable machines.

As part of a strategic effort to increase its presence in the region's premium original equipment (OE) market, Kumho Tire has confirmed its plans to establish its first tyre production facility in Europe by 2027.

The company has shortlisted Poland, Serbia and Portugal as possible locations for the plant, which is projected to need an investment of more than KRW1 trillion (USD 705 million). The decision is closely linked to Kumho’s ambition to strengthen its partnerships with European automakers and was revealed by Kumho Tire CEO during the South Korean premiere of Kumho's new Ecsta Sport tyre line.

Kumho has recently secured OE supply contracts with major brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen Group. At the moment, Kumho runs eight tyre production plants in China, Vietnam, South Korea and the US. Its capacity to compete in the premium OE market, however, has come to be perceived as being constrained by the absence of a European production base. Through the benefits of local production, the new facility will improve response to European client requests, save freight costs and shorten delivery times, all of which will strengthen the company's partnerships.

Sentury Tire USA has opened pre-enrolment for its two associate dealer programmes (ADPs), the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program and the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program, underscoring the company’s commitment to rewarding dedication and partnership to the Landsail and Delinte brands.

The ADPs, which are customised for each brand and intended to encourage dealers, will formally start on 1 June 2025. Both programmes give dealers access to special benefits, incentives and strong tools to help them expand their businesses. This involves dependable customer service, effective marketing and worthwhile financial incentives to promote dealers' success at every stage.

Beginning in Q3, dealers may earn up to USD three per tyre through the Delinte HYPERDRIVE Associate Dealer Program. Dealers can receive retroactive benefits for purchases completed in Q2 if they register before 1 June. The awards are available for all Delinte PTR, LTR and the new DV3 LMD AS last-mile delivery tyres. For all Landsail PTR and LTR tyres, independent dealers that sign up for the Landsail Elyte Associate Dealer Program can also earn up to USD three per tyre. For customers who sign up by June 1, the new LMD 100 AS last-mile delivery is also eligible for the benefits and will get the same early bird incentive for Q2 2025.

No initial order is necessary. Dealers only need to register to begin making money. According to the monthly programme rewards structure, 48 tyre purchases each month are eligible for a reward of USD one per tyre, 120 tyres are eligible for a reward of USD two per tyre and 240 or more tyres are eligible for a reward of USD three per tyre.

ENSO, a London-based tyre manufacturer engaged in the production of sustainable tyres specially designed for electric vehicles (EVs), has launched its new ENSO Premium range of EV-specific ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyres aimed at drivers of high-performance EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y.

Specifically designed for electric passenger vehicles, the ENSO Premium range comes with A/A EU-label ratings for both energy efficiency and wet grip. The tyres are designed to provide safety, increased range and a reduced total cost of ownership. Conventional tyre designs frequently fall short of the special performance needs of electric vehicles, which include greater vehicle weight, regenerative braking and higher torque loads. By lowering tyre wear and rolling resistance, ENSO Premium takes care of these issues.

The company is an authorised provider of replacement tyres for LEVC's electric taxis and has partnered with Uber to install its tyres in high-mileage metropolitan areas. The company now plans to grow throughout Europe and North America, and with ENSO Premium, it is now offering its services to individual EV owners throughout the United Kingdom. According to ENSO, the range offers advantages including longer tyre life and fewer replacements, lower energy usage, fewer charging stops and lower CO₂ emissions and tyre particle pollution.

Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, CEO and Co-Founder, ENSO, said, “We’re plugging a long-standing gap in the tyre market by offering EV drivers a purpose-built, affordable, premium EV tyre alternative that matches the innovation of their EV.”

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.