A global tyre manufacturer NEXEN TIRE is revolutionising tyre development by integrating advanced technologies such as eXplainable AI (XAI) and 3D printing.

NEXEN TIRE has traditionally followed a multi-step process for tyre development, involving designing structures and patterns, creating molds, manufacturing prototypes, and testing them on vehicles. The company has streamlined this process by incorporating XAI and 3D printing and enhanced product precision.

XAI, an artificial intelligence technology, helps analyse and understand the causes and processes behind machine learning algorithms. NEXEN TIRE uses XAI to analyse various information related to tyre design, such as basic designs, key design variables, performance contributions, and design directions. This maximises design efficiency and helps propose optimal structures and designs that meet tyre developers’ requirements.

NEXEN TIRE leverages XAI-driven designs to create Virtual Tire Models, assessing product performance in virtual environments. This increases accuracy and speed in tyre development. The company’s recent decision to adopt a driving simulator will elevate virtual development further.

Once a model passes the virtual development stage, a physical prototype is produced for final evaluation, which requires mould production. NEXEN TIRE utilises 3D printing technology to make molds, enabling the simultaneous creation of prototypes in various designs and specifications. As these prototypes have already undergone verification in the virtual development process, the chances of final product approval are significantly increased.

Traditionally, mould production alone took two to three months, but with 3D printing, this period can be cut by at least 70%. Additionally, production costs can be reduced by at least 50%, ensuring cost efficiency from the early stages of development.

The 3D printing-based mould manufacturing technology allows for innovative tyre designs that include diverse and complex patterns and sipes. This is crucial for supporting high-performance vehicles and providing consumers with enhanced performance and safety. NEXEN TIRE has applied for an international patent for its 3D printing technology.

By innovating its development process, NEXEN TIRE enhances product competitiveness while reducing time and costs. The company also contributes to sustainable management by reducing waste and costs associated with discarded prototypes.

“The ultimate goal of our technological innovations is to enhance customer satisfaction.” A NEXEN TIRE representative stated, “Transforming the tyre development process not only secures market competitiveness but also contributes to environmental protection during the development process, shaping the future of tyre manufacturing and driving revolutionary change.”

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Hankook Tire-sponsored TGL presented by SoFi, a US-based team golf league, is set to host its ninth through twelfth matches over two days beginning 23 February at the SoFi Center in Florida. As the league’s first-ever Official Tyre Partner and a Founding Partner, Hankook Tire is maximising its involvement by showcasing its unified global ‘Hankook’ brand across on-site LED displays, television advertising and broadcast coverage. This strategic presence reaches fans in approximately 150 countries, delivering premium brand value and creating a distinctive brand experience at the crossroads of mobility and sports while broadening consumer engagement.

The upcoming matches carry significant weight as TGL Season 2 approaches its playoff phase. On 23 February, Atlanta Drive GC will face a demanding doubleheader, first confronting Boston Common Golf followed by Los Angeles Golf Club. The opening contest presents a compelling standings battle, with Atlanta seeking to defend its top position against a Boston team that recently surged into second place after a decisive victory over The Bay Golf Club. Although Atlanta opened the season with consecutive wins to claim the lead, Boston has narrowed the gap based on holes won, intensifying the stakes. The subsequent match against Los Angeles proves equally critical, as Atlanta holds merely a two-point advantage over a team tied in holes won, meaning a defeat could trigger a standings reversal.

The following day features New York Golf Club in its own doubleheader, beginning against The Bay Golf Club before meeting Boston Common Golf. Currently occupying sixth place, New York aims to close ground on fifth-place Bay, while The Bay seeks to overcome early-season inconsistencies and build playoff momentum through back-to-back victories. The twelfth matchup places New York against second-place Boston, with only two points separating them. New York will depend on Matt Fitzpatrick, undefeated in Season 2 singles competition, to anchor its postseason push.

With merely three regular season matches remaining before the playoffs, the battle for top-four positioning has intensified considerably. Atlanta Drive GC maintains its lead atop the standings, pursued closely by Boston Common Golf, Los Angeles Golf Club and Jupiter Links GC. Meanwhile, The Bay Golf Club and New York Golf Club occupy fifth and sixth places, respectively, rendering every remaining contest crucial for postseason aspirations.

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Tipler convened dealers from across Brazil and Latin America in a live online broadcast in February using its annual convention to reward top performers, outline strategy and tighten alignment across its commercial truck tire retreading network.

Branded the 2026 Convention – Tipler Champions League, the virtual gathering connected business owners, managers and sales teams in what the company described as a pivotal moment for recognition and planning ahead of its next expansion cycle. The event spotlighted standout performances in 2025 with dealers evaluated on sales results, management standards, market growth and operational excellence.

Beyond awards, the convention doubled as a strategic roadmap session for 2026. Executives detailed commercial targets, marketing and market intelligence investments and new technical and management training initiatives. The company also signaled plans to expand regional operations and further develop its Tipler Champions League program, while sharpening its focus on innovation, efficiency gains, customer proximity and territorial expansion in key Latin American markets.

Leadership underscored the dealer network’s role in driving sustainable growth. “Our business model is built by many hands. Each dealer is a key player in our story. The convention is the moment to celebrate achievements and, above all, align our course so we can continue growing together,” said Jandrei Goldschmidt, Marketing Executive at Tipler.

The high-engagement broadcast reinforced integration across the network and a collective push to bolster competitiveness as Tipler works to consolidate its position among sector leaders. By linking partners, sharing operational and commercial priorities and recognising performance, the company signaled its intent to accelerate growth while maintaining a focus on excellence, dealer partnership and value creation for the transportation market across the region.

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DRC (Doctors of Rubber Compounding) is set to participate in the 2026 edition of Tire Technology Expo, a premier European event focused on tyre manufacturing materials and technology. The exhibition will take place in Hannover, Germany, from 3 to 5 March 2026.

Bringing over four and a half decades of expertise as a specialist custom compounder, DRC supplies advanced rubber compounds to tire producers worldwide. These formulations are designed for various tyre components, such as treads, sidewalls, innerliners and other technical parts. Beyond developing compounds and offering large-scale mixing capabilities, the company also manufactures semi-finished tyre-related goods, including calendered rubber and retreading materials. DRC provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from the initial formulation stage to final application, backed by in-house testing and scalable production to guarantee consistent quality, processing efficiency and supply reliability.

Attendees are invited to visit Stand C114 in Hall 20 to engage with the DRC team, explore custom compound development, address specific performance criteria for tyre materials and learn more about their full range of compounded and semi-finished products.

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Left Lane Auto, a tyre retail and automotive services provider based in Champaign, Illinois, has expanded its footprint through a new partnership with Don Foshay's Discount Tire & Alignment. The Maine-based business operates six locations offering comprehensive vehicle repair and maintenance and is the latest addition to Left Lane’s growing portfolio, which is backed by private equity firm Bertram Capital. The financial details of the deal have not been released.

Founded in 1982 by Don Foshay Sr with a single shop in South Portland, the company has since grown to include six locations and a team of more than 75 employees. Over the years, the business has earned multiple industry accolades while building a strong reputation under its established local brand. Its service offerings are extensive and include tyre sales and installation, wheel alignments, preventive maintenance, diagnostics, transmission work and repairs to exhaust, cooling and belt systems for a wide range of vehicles. The organisation has also invested in modern diagnostic and repair technology to support its commitment to dependable service.

This acquisition represents a significant milestone for Left Lane, bringing its total number of owned stores to over 80 since its inception in 2021. It also marks the first transaction completed following the strategic partnership announced between Left Lane and Bertram Capital in late 2025.

Parham Parastaran, CEO, Left Lane, said, "We are excited to have the opportunity to carry on the strong legacy and operation that the Foshay family has built in Maine, which will serve as a strong entry point into the state for our platform. We plan to retain all upper management and employees across all locations and are excited to continue to grow both the Don Foshay's brand and the broader Left Lane platform's presence across the New England area."

Don Foshay Jr said, "We had multiple buyers to pick from but found that Left Lane Auto was the best match for our team and our customers going forward. The further we've gotten into the transition, the happier we are with that decision."

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