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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Trelleborg Tires will showcase its agricultural tyre solutions alongside its official distributor, Gomería Altamirano, at Expoagro 2026. The event is scheduled for 10–13 March 2026 at the Predio Ferial y Autódromo de San Nicolás in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Visitors to Booth 1504 will have the opportunity to explore high-performance radial tyres designed for the demands of contemporary farming. This collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening Trelleborg’s market presence in Argentina through a partnership with a well-established regional distributor.

The Argentine agricultural sector is increasingly transitioning from bias to radial tyre technology. This shift is driven by greater mechanisation, the use of higher horsepower equipment and a focus on improving field productivity. Farmers are turning to radial solutions for benefits such as superior traction, reduced fuel consumption, minimised soil compaction and longer tyre life. Trelleborg and Gomería Altamirano are actively supporting this evolution by providing products tailored to local conditions.

At the expo, two flagship tyre ranges will be highlighted. The TM1000 ProgressiveTraction series, intended for high-horsepower tractors, features patented double-edge lug technology to enhance grip, optimise the footprint and lower fuel usage. The TM3000 CFO range, engineered for combine harvesters, offers high load capacity at low inflation pressures to preserve soil structure and ensure reliability during harvesting.

With over six decades of experience serving central Argentina, Gomería Altamirano has built a strong regional reputation through its branches in Río Cuarto, Córdoba and Santa Rosa. Expoagro 2026 will mark their first joint exhibition, underscoring their shared dedication to delivering advanced radial technology to local farmers.

Pablo Altamirano, CEO, Gomería Altamirano, said, “For us, it is a source of pride to strengthen our partnership with Trelleborg Tires and bring world-leading tyre technology closer to Argentine producers. Trelleborg tyres are original equipment on many of the high-horsepower tractors, harvesters and sprayers currently sold and operating in the country. At Expoagro, we want to showcase these high-performance radial solutions, together with the track line that we are already commercialising, expanding the technological alternatives available to farmers.”

Eduardo Marrone, Commercial Manager, Trelleborg Tires, said, “We are proud to strengthen our alliance with Gomería Altamirano, a partner with deep regional expertise and a solid reputation in the Argentine agricultural market. Their close relationship with farmers plays a key role in supporting the country’s transition to radial technology. Together, we deliver premium tyre solutions that increase productivity, improve operational efficiency and promote more sustainable farming practices.”

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Pirelli is all set for the Chinese Grand Prix, which marks the first Sprint weekend of the 2026 Formula 1 season and will see the presentation of the newly redesigned Pirelli Sprint Qualifying Award. The second round of the championship will feature a 19-lap short race on Saturday, the first of six such events scheduled for the year.

The tyre allocation for the event remains unchanged from previous years, with teams supplied the C2, C3 and C4 compounds for the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit. The track layout, inspired by the ‘shang’ ideogram, includes two primary straights and sixteen corners. One notable straight connects a slightly banked Turn 13 to Turn 14, while the other, which exceeds one kilometre in length, is where the starting grid is situated.

The circuit presents a varied challenge with a mix of high-speed corners, such as the sweeping Turns 7 and 8, and slower sections found at Turns 1, 3, 6 and 14. These demanding sequences, combined with fast straights, place significant stress on the tyres and will test the energy recovery capabilities of the new power units. Drivers may face difficulties with corner-entry lock-ups under heavy braking, similar to issues observed during pre-season testing in Bahrain, which features comparable braking zones.

A key variable for the weekend is the track surface, which was completely resurfaced in August 2024. The new asphalt initially provided higher grip and lower lap times, but its smoothness led to front-axle graining during the 2025 event, particularly in the Sprint race. However, as the surface has had another year to age, grip levels might be slightly reduced, potentially lowering the risk of graining. This will be assessed in early practice sessions. Teams’ simulation data suggests lap times will be closely matched to last year’s, indicating that the performance loss expected from the new car generation may be offset by other factors.

Looking back at the 2025 race, most drivers started on the Medium compound, with only three opting for the Hard. The Soft tyre was unused in the Grand Prix. The winning strategy was a one-stop, featuring a long final stint on the Hard tyre, which proved durable and resistant to graining. The podium finishers made their sole pit stops between laps 14 and 15, with Oscar Piastri taking victory ahead of Lando Norris and George Russell.

The trophy for the pole-sitter features a Soft tyre above a base embedded with a helmet decorated in the colours of the Chinese flag, which will be engraved with the winner’s name and car number. The Chinese Grand Prix returns for its 19th running at this venue, having first appeared on the calendar in 2004. Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes share the record for the most wins here, with six each. Hamilton also holds the record for the most podium finishes, with nine.

To celebrate the event, a special podium cap has been created in imperial yellow, a colour traditionally associated with prestige. It features designs commemorating the Year of the Horse and will be available for purchase on the Pirelli e-commerce platform.

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Continental has broadened its Grand Prix 5000 family of road tyres with two new size options, responding to evolving rider needs while upholding the line's established reputation for speed, grip, and endurance. The new offerings include a 35 mm version of the GP5000 S TR and a 30 mm variant of the GP5000 TT TR.

The Grand Prix 5000 series is engineered to deliver reliable performance across a spectrum of riding scenarios. The S TR model serves as a versatile all-rounder, balancing lightness, velocity and robustness for those who prioritise both speed and dependability. In contrast, the TT TR is engineered exclusively for velocity, employing a minimalistic casing design to achieve the lowest possible weight and rolling resistance.

With the introduction of a 35 mm width, the GP5000 S TR enhances its adaptability over mixed surfaces while boosting comfort during extended, high-tempo journeys. This increased volume enables riders to utilise lower air pressures, which dampens vibrations and elevates comfort without compromising pace or puncture resistance. The 30 mm GP5000 TT TR expands its contact area, delivering superior stability and grip during high-speed cornering. This greater composure over long distances inspires confidence, allowing cyclists to push harder through demanding sections. Its specialised two-ply casing is fundamental to minimising rolling resistance, cementing its status as the swiftest tyre in the range.

Every tyre in the Grand Prix 5000 lineup incorporates Continental’s signature technologies. These include the BlackChili Compound for an optimal blend of traction and efficiency, a Vectran Breaker for robust puncture defense, Active Comfort construction to dampen road buzz and Lazer Grip for improved cornering adhesion. The new GP5000 S TR 35 mm has a weight of 380 grammes, while the GP5000 TT TR 30 mm comes in at 280 grammes.

Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager, Continental Tires, said, “We recognise that the needs of the modern cyclist are ever-evolving, and by extending our GP5000 offering, we are ensuring that every rider, from elite professionals to endurance enthusiasts, has the perfect tyre for their setup. These new sizes are a direct response to the shift towards high-volume tyres, where the benefits of reduced rolling resistance, enhanced vibration dampening and a larger contact area are no longer just for comfort but for performance. With the introduction of the 35mm S TR and 30mm TT TR, we are proving that riders seeking a more supple, confident ride do not have to sacrifice speed. These extensions allow riders to optimise their tyre pressure and grip to match the demands of their ride.”

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has introduced the End-of-Life Tire Toolkit 2.0, a comprehensive resource designed to guide stakeholders in building more sustainable management systems for end-of-life tyres (ELTs). This updated edition offers practical strategies for reducing waste and advancing circularity across the global tyre sector.

Each year, over one billion tyres reach the end of their useful life worldwide. Although ELTs contain valuable materials that can contribute to a circular economy, current management systems remain inconsistent, with significant regional disparities in collection, recovery and recycling outcomes. The new toolkit addresses these challenges by providing adaptable approaches for developing transparent, resilient and effective ELT systems that can function across diverse regulatory landscapes and market conditions.

Created for policymakers, industry associations and tyre manufacturers, the guide also offers relevant insights for recyclers, recovery operators, retailers, researchers and civil society organisations. Building upon the foundation of the 2021 first edition, this iteration stands as the only known compilation that consolidates current knowledge, real-world case studies and expert perspectives on evolving opportunities and obstacles throughout the ELT value chain.

The toolkit draws upon extensive work by TIP and its member companies, combined with contributions from committed experts across the tyre value chain. It features maturity assessment tools that provide structured frameworks for evaluating ELT system effectiveness, concrete examples from nine countries showcasing diverse regulatory approaches and practical improvement guidance with action-oriented recommendations spanning collection, sorting, processing and management.

Additionally, the toolkit advances multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including improved resource efficiency in consumption and production (8.4), the sustainable management and use of natural resources (12.2) and substantially reducing waste generation (12.5).

Tania Paratian, Director of Action and Engagement, TIP, said, “Effective ELT management is both an environmental imperative and a source of long-term value creation. We developed the ELT Toolkit 2.0 to offer stakeholders, no matter where they are in the world or in their ELT management journey, a strong practical foundation for building their sustainability efforts. The initiative supports our commitment to advancing more sustainable ELT management worldwide, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.”

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