Mutares SE & Co. KGaA (Mutares) has successfully concluded its acquisition of the drum brake production and research facility in Cairo Montenotte, Italy, from technology company AUMOVIO, formerly the Automotive group sector of Continental. The share deal, finalised on 18 June 2025, results in Mutares assuming control of all business operations and the entire workforce.

This strategic move establishes a new platform investment named Zendra Systems, significantly strengthening Mutares' presence in the Automotive & Mobility sector. The Italian site is a dedicated centre for hydraulic drum brake technology, manufacturing key products such as Parking Brake for Simplex Brakes (EPB-Si) and the Drum Brake (Si). With a team of approximately 400 employees, the operation is projected to achieve revenues around EUR 100 million for the 2025 financial year, marking a substantial addition to Mutares' portfolio.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, CEO, AUMOVIO, said, “We have signed and closed the deal in a very short period of time. This transaction proves that we are delivering and executing our strategy. It is an important step in strengthening our core business by focusing R&D resources and investments on future technologies, and it also demonstrates our progress in consolidating our European manufacturing footprint. At the same time, the new ownership ensures continuity for employees, partners and customers.”

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Pirelli has capped off a highly successful season by clinching the 2025 Tyre Manufacturers' title in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). This latest achievement builds upon the company's two consecutive drivers' titles, secured with Hayden Paddon. The championship victory was confirmed at the season finale in Croatia, where Jon Armstrong powered his Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta to a commanding win. This result marked the fourth victory for Pirelli-shod drivers in the eight-round championship.

Armstrong’s performance in Croatia was a masterclass in both driving and tyre strategy. He led from the start, navigating cold and slippery roads on Friday by using a combination of P Zero RA7E and P Zero RA7+C tyres. When heavy rain arrived on Sunday, he effectively utilised the new Cinturato RWD tyres, which were making their official debut. Armstrong's win secured him second place in the overall drivers' championship, finishing just six points behind the winner.

Pirelli's success extended beyond the top category, with Tymek Abramowski claiming the Rally3 title in his Pirelli-fitted Ford Fiesta. He finished ahead of fellow Pirelli user Hubert Kowalczyk, underscoring the tyre manufacturer's dominance across multiple vehicle classes throughout the ERC season.

Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager, said, “This has been a tremendously exciting European Championship for us in many respects, and winning the overall classification is the crowning achievement of a great team effort. The greatest satisfaction comes from the confirmed performance and reliability of our product range across all event types and in every condition. The latest proof came from the highly positive debut of our new wet weather tyre, the Cinturato RWD, which this morning on very wet surfaces allowed our drivers to perform at their best.”

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Continental has introduced the Conti Coach HA 5, the inaugural tyre in its new Conti Coach Generation 5 line, specifically engineered for the coach and bus sector across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This all-axle product is designed to address the complex challenges of long-distance and intercity travel by offering a balanced performance profile that prioritises longevity, fuel efficiency and all-weather safety.

A key achievement of the Conti Coach HA 5 is its best-in-class rolling resistance, a result of an optimised casing and a specially formulated tread compound that minimises heat generation. This engineering focus directly translates to lower fuel consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions for fleets. The tyre’s environmental and efficiency credentials are confirmed by its EU label ratings, which show a B grade for both rolling resistance and wet grip, demonstrating a strong combination of energy savings and safety.

Durability is another central feature, achieved through an advanced tread cap compound that provides superior wear resistance. This ensures the tyre can withstand high loads and varied road conditions, effectively extending service life and reducing operational costs. Complementing this durability is a commitment to passenger safety. The tyre’s pattern design incorporates features like pocket sipes that enhance grip in wet conditions, providing dependable all-weather performance and bolstering driver confidence.

Beyond its physical attributes, the Conti Coach HA 5 is offered as an intelligent tyre. An integrated sensor enables digital monitoring, allowing for real-time fleet management. This capability helps operators track tyre performance, optimise maintenance schedules, extend service intervals and minimise vehicle downtime. By maximising tyre lifespan and operational efficiency, this intelligent system significantly lowers the total cost of ownership.

Now available for both original equipment and the replacement market in a size 295/80 R 22.5, the Conti Coach HA 5 is ideally suited for long-haul and intercity bus fleets. With sensors included as standard for new vehicles and available on request for replacements, this tyre represents a comprehensive solution. It empowers fleets to achieve greater year-round dependability while simultaneously reducing their operating expenses and environmental impact.

Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development at Continental Truck Tyres EMEA, said, “The Conti Coach HA 5 is the most advanced coach tyre we have ever developed. By combining state-of-the-art tread compounds with an optimised casing design, the new tyre is independent of weather conditions. It delivers outstanding 20 percent higher mileage, 10 percent lower rolling resistance and reliable safety thanks to its high grip, compared to the predecessor tyre. This means that fleets can cover more miles over the entire life of the tyre, consume less fuel and produce fewer CO₂ emissions. Our goal was to create a tyre that doesn’t force fleet operators to choose between cost efficiency and environmental responsibility. The Conti Coach HA 5 directly supports operators’ climate targets by lowering fuel usage and emissions, while its durability and retreadability reduce raw material consumption. It’s a solution designed for both operational performance and measurable environmental benefits.”

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TyreSafe, the UK’s road safety charity dedicated to tyre safety, has expanded its reach by welcoming R&J Strang as a new supporter. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to reducing tyre-related incidents across the country.

With its extensive network of depots throughout Scotland and England, R&J Strang is ideally placed to promote vital tyre safety messages to a wide audience of both private motorists and commercial fleets. The collaboration aims to integrate safety into every customer engagement, moving beyond simple tyre services to champion regular maintenance and proactive checks.

A key focus will be supporting TyreSafe's campaigns, which educate drivers on the essential monthly checks of air pressure, tread depth and overall tyre condition to prevent accidents and enhance safety for all road users.

Stephen McCarthy, Head of Operations, R&J Strang, said, “Joining TyreSafe is a meaningful step for us as tyre safety is so fundamental to what we do. We want our customers to understand that this isn’t just about selling tyres – it’s our job to do all we can to protect lives. Working with TyreSafe allows us to raise awareness, share best practice and ensure tyre safety remains front of mind for every driver we serve.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We’re delighted to welcome R&J Strang into the TyreSafe community. Their commitment to making tyre safety a core part of their service sends a strong message to customers and the wider industry: tyres are not simply a purchase – they’re a safety-critical investment. With their extensive UK coverage, R&J Strang is ideally placed to amplify the importance of regular checks on air pressure, condition and tread.”

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In a comprehensive 2025 winter tyre evaluation conducted by the German publication AUTO BILD sportscars, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 emerged as the definitive test winner with an overall rating of ‘exemplary’ (grade 1.3). Assessed against 10 competitors on an Audi Q3 Sportback, the tyre secured the highest overall rating of exemplary.

The Blizzak 6 proved to be a specialist in snow disciplines, earning top scores for both braking and traction. Test editors highlighted its exemplary lateral grip on wintry roads, cementing its reputation as a snow expert. Beyond its snow prowess, the tyre delivered a balanced and high-quality performance in wet and dry conditions, demonstrating its capability across diverse winter driving scenarios.

As the successor to the highly-awarded Blizzak LM005, this model launched in 2024 is engineered for all winter road conditions and is EV-ready. Independent testing from TÜV SÜD confirms its leading status, identifying it as a top-rated tyre for snow braking and traction while also offering the shortest stopping distances on wet roads. A significant additional benefit is a 32 percent improvement in mileage compared to its predecessor.

This advanced performance is underpinned by Bridgestone's ENLITEN Technology. This next-generation engineering approach revolutionises tyre design by focusing on customised and uncompromised performance. Driven by a deep understanding of customer needs, ENLITEN also enhances sustainability and advances electric vehicle readiness across the company's product portfolio.

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