Nexen Tire crafted a significant and multi-faceted presence at this year's SEMA Show, moving beyond a simple product display to foster genuine engagement. The brand’s strategy centred on creating dynamic conversations and providing tangible proof of its products' capabilities. A key initiative, Nexen Live, served as a bustling hub, featuring a continuous schedule of short, unscripted discussions with a diverse array of industry figures. This approach allowed fans and trade professionals alike to see the tyres in action on actual competition vehicles and hear directly from the drivers who depend on them. The core message was one of validated performance, emphasising that Nexen’s passenger and performance lines are rigorously tested and race-proven for dependable daily use.

This narrative was powerfully reinforced early in the event when the N’Fera Sport tyre was distinguished as the runner-up in SEMA’s prestigious New Product Showcase, standing as the only tyre honoured in its category. This accolade amplified the brand's momentum and credibility on the show floor. The company’s outdoor space was consistently active, with presentations that skilfully connected various topics back to a cohesive story about the entire tyre lineup. This provided attendees with a clear understanding of where featured products, such as the EV-compatible N’Priz S and the high-performance N’Fera Sport, fit within the broader range.

The credibility of this full-line story was bolstered by an impressive roster of guests who appeared on the Nexen Live stage. The breadth of perspectives was extensive, featuring product strategy leaders from major OEMs including Nissan, Ford, Toyota and Jeep, who shared insights into manufacturer direction and original equipment performance standards. This high-level industry view was complemented by the real-world, competition-tested experiences of professional racers from Team Nexen and the NHRA. Further depth was added by builders and designers who connected tyre function to vehicle craftsmanship, while influential artists like Cartoon and Mike Giant brought unique visual storytelling that attracted new audiences. Media personalities and content creators effectively translated technical features into relatable benefits for diverse drivers, from truck owners to families. Additional practical context came from aftermarket experts in audio and lubrication, who tied tyre performance into a complete real-world vehicle experience.

This comprehensive SEMA activation is a single component of a larger, sustained effort by Nexen to build market familiarity and trust. This broader plan includes consistent media storytelling, collaborations with digital creators and visible validation from rigorous racing and off-road programmes. The SEMA presence directly followed the company's recent Ride N’ Drive event, where influencers and partners provided direct feedback after hands-on testing. Together, these initiatives delivered a dual spotlight on key products within their full-line context, helping consumers understand each tyre's specific role without overwhelming them with technical specifications. The dialogue from the show is set to continue, as Nexen will release over 40 interviews from its stage across social channels, extending the energy and conversations from Las Vegas throughout the year.

Theresa Kapper, Director of Marketing, Nexen Tire  America, said, “We brought Nexen Tire back to SEMA to make a bigger impression and a bigger impact among the people who live and breathe this industry every day. By opening the stage to racers, builders, creators and partners, we’re not just talking at people, we’re inviting them in. The choice to encourage transparency and open dialogue, and to platform other champions in this space leaves a lasting impression. It tells showgoers exactly who we are: confident in our products, confident in our process and confident enough to let real voices carry the story.” 

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Bridgestone India has inaugurated a new Bridgestone Select Store in Sector 101, Noida, strengthening its presence in Uttar Pradesh and North India. Operated by Tyre Shoppe India Pvt Ltd, this premium retail outlet was opened by Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director of Integrated Consumer Business at Bridgestone India. The store represents the company’s modern retail approach, moving beyond mere sales to provide comprehensive tyre and mobility solutions through advanced technology, expert advisory services and high-quality infrastructure.

Strategically situated near the Sector 101 Metro Station, this expansion highlights Bridgestone’s focus on enhancing its network in key growth markets. Customers will have access to the latest premium tyre offerings, including the Turanza 6i and the Dueler All-Terrain A/T002. The Turanza 6i incorporates Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology, providing improved comfort, fuel efficiency, braking performance and longevity for both traditional and electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the Dueler All-Terrain A/T002 is built for diverse driving conditions, offering durability, strong traction and reliable control on various surfaces.

This launch underscores Bridgestone India’s ongoing commitment to broadening its customer reach and solidifying its role as a leader in safe and sustainable mobility solutions. By investing in such flagship stores, the company aims to deliver an elevated, customer-focused experience that prioritises safety, performance and driving comfort.

Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director – Integrated Consumer Business, Bridgestone India, said, “Uttar Pradesh is an important and fast-growing market for Bridgestone. The inauguration of our new Select Store in Noida is a significant step in strengthening our presence in North India and bringing our premium retail experience closer to customers. Through our Select Store format, we aim to deliver not only high-quality, technologically advanced tyres, but also a superior, end-to-end customer experience built on trust, safety and performance.”

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The Goodyear Highway Hero Award is actively seeking nominations to honour the exceptional bravery of commercial truck drivers. The programme, now in its 42nd year, recognises those who perform courageous acts that extend far beyond their typical job responsibilities to aid others and enhance public safety on North American highways.

To qualify for consideration, a nominee must hold a current Commercial Driver's License and drive an eligible vehicle, which includes long-haul trucks, vocational and infrastructure trucks and non-lifesaving emergency vehicles with rim sizes exceeding 19 inches. The incident must have taken place within the United States or Canada during the 2025 calendar year while the driver was officially on duty.

The nomination period remains open until 31 January 2026. Submissions require a detailed account of the event and are made through Goodyear’s dedicated online portal. Following a review of all entries, a panel of judges will evaluate the approved nominations to select one winner and up to two finalists. The grand prize winner will receive a cash award and a ride aboard the Goodyear Blimp, while the finalists will also be granted monetary prizes. The recipient of the award will be officially announced in early 2026.

Joe Stuglis, Vice President, Commercial Sales North America, Goodyear, said, "Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads and communities. For more than four decades, the Highway Hero Award has celebrated those who step up in critical moments to protect others. We're proud to continue this tradition and shine a spotlight on their inspiring stories."

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The Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee (ITTAC) has made a proposal to Tyre Retreaders Education Association (TREA) for mandating certain standards that will improve the quality of retreads.

Speaking to Tyre Trends about the move, a source privy to the developments explained, “We have sought TREA’s views on mandating the retread standards and we are currently awaiting their formal response on the subject. Once an agreement is reached with TREA, a formal proposal will be submitted to BIS for consideration. At present, the retread sector is largely unorganised with more than 10,000 retreaders operating. Once the applicable standards are mandated, all retreaders will be required to comply with the relevant BIS standards and mark their products with the BIS certification marks.”

“Considering the large number of retreaders operating in the market, enforcing retread standards will be a significant challenge for BIS,” he added.

As per an ICRA report, the Indian retreaded market was valued between INR 580 billion and INR 600 billion with a cumulative annual growth rate of 7–9 percent between FY23-26. As the market continues its projected trajectory, quality and efficacy become paramount not only to bolster recognition and usage but also to make a name at the global level.

The documents that were accessed by Tyre Trends signal a major restructuring of test procedures and physical property norms across key retreading standards.

At the centre of the exercise is remarks from Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), supplemented by inputs from a major tread maker, covering four foundational BIS retread standards, namely IS 15725, IS 15753, IS 15524 and IS 9168.

TREA members are yet to assess proposed updates to the physical-property criteria for uncured rubber including tread, belt, undertread, base and cushion gum compounds.

The technical work on retread-casing standard IS 15704 represents the most sensitive part of the proposal. Furthermore, ITTAC has partially aligned Indian requirements with ECE R109, the European regulatory benchmark.

Key alignments include widening allowable outer-diameter growth for tyres with section widths above 305 millimetre, raising permissible deviation from two percent to 3.5 percent for high-aspect-ratio radial tyres and four percent for bias-ply constructions.

ITTAC also endorsed the addition of a one percent deviation allowance for snow tyres, consistent with R109 clause 7.1.5.2.

The recommendations in the proposal also contains inputs from Michelin Tyres. The company had proposed a full R109-based clause on minimum material thickness above the breaker for diagonal-ply casings.

ITTAC did not accept the full wording, arguing that IS 15704 already covers requirements for both radial and bias tyres, but acknowledged that the minimum 0.80 millimetre non-repair spot thickness must be explicitly stated to prevent accidental exposure of the belt package during buffing operations, informed the source.

Alluding to how these changes will be incorporated, he noted, “As far as process is concerned, like in case of new tyres, retreader will apply to BIS for getting the license. After reviewing the application, a BIS auditor will visit the retreading facility and collect samples for testing at BIS-authorised laboratories. The laboratories will conduct tests as specified in the standard and submit their reports to BIS. If the sample successfully meets all requirements, a license is issued to the retreader, allowing them to mark their retreaded tyres with the applicable ISI mark.”

India’s retreading sector now stands at a defining crossroads. The push by ITTAC to formalise and mandate BIS standards marks a decisive shift from a largely fragmented landscape to one governed by measurable, certifiable quality benchmarks.

For more than 10,000 retreaders, the transition will not be easy as compliance, auditing and testing will demand new investments, capabilities and mindsets.

Yet, this transformation also presents an unprecedented opportunity. Standardisation could elevate Indian retreads from a cost-driven alternative to a globally credible, technically assured product category.

As TREA prepares its response and BIS gears up for the next drafting phase, the onus now lies on industry players to embrace this moment. If executed well, the reforms could not only improve safety and performance but also position India as a competitive force in the international retreading arena.

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Linglong Tire has recognised its top-performing global dealers at a five-day event in London, bringing together partners from several regions as the Chinese manufacturer seeks to strengthen its international distribution strategy.

Dealers from Australia, El Salvador, Egypt, Finland, Italy, Poland, Turkey and Uzbekistan were among those invited. The company said participants were selected for achieving the highest sales of Linglong Group products in the first half of 2025, covering its core Linglong range as well as regional brands such as Atlas Tires in Australia and Benchmark in Turkey.

The event included corporate and product briefings, during which Linglong awarded certificates to all attendees. Several dealers also presented their own business strategies, outlining how they position the brand in their respective markets. Linglong said the exchanges enabled participants to compare marketing approaches and share regional insights.

The programme concluded with a group visit to a Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC. Linglong is a global tyre partner of Chelsea and is represented on LED boards at all home games at Stamford Bridge.

Shandong Linglong Tire Co., founded in 1975, operates seven research centres and seven manufacturing bases, including facilities in Thailand and Serbia. The company employs more than 19,000 people and supplies tyres to over 200 vehicle-production sites worldwide. It retains a presence in original equipment supply for manufacturers including Volkswagen, Audi and BYD.

Linglong said it intends to continue evaluating potential sites for future overseas capacity as part of its long-term global expansion strategy.

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