Pirelli's Cyber Tyre has been distinguished as the Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Innovation of the Year at the 2025 AutoTech Breakthrough Awards. This accolade, presented by the Tech Breakthrough platform, recognises leading advancements in the automotive technology sector. The Cyber Tyre system represents a significant step forward as the first intelligent tyre capable of directly gathering data, processing it through Pirelli's proprietary algorithms and communicating the information in real-time to the vehicle's electronic systems. This integration enhances driving dynamics, safety and connectivity with broader digital infrastructures.

The technology functions through sensors embedded within the tyre tread that monitor critical parameters including pressure, temperature, load and wear. After this data is processed, it is relayed to the vehicle's control unit, allowing for the optimisation of electronic stability control, anti-lock braking systems and traction control. Developed in collaboration with Bosch Engineering, the system is seamlessly incorporated into the vehicle's electronic architecture.

Beyond improving the performance of individual vehicles, the Cyber Tyre enables communication between vehicles and with road infrastructure. This V2X capability supports the development of smart cities by providing data that can improve urban mobility planning, issue warnings about road conditions, interact with traffic signals and enhance fleet management. Such features are vital for the progression of autonomous driving technologies. Currently available on several high-end vehicles, the technology is being expanded to other premium platforms, with a recent agreement confirming its future integration into Aston Martin's luxury models.

AutoTech Breakthrough stated, “Cyber Tyre is a key technology for the future of smart mobility, which includes autonomous driving, connected vehicles and the digitalisation of infrastructures. By integrating intelligence directly into the tyre, Pirelli Cyber Tyre makes transport systems safer as well as sustainable and data-driven.”

Piero Misani, CTO, Pirelli, said, “This recognition highlights the value of Cyber Tyre, which gives the tyre a new role in the revolution currently taking place in mobility. In Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), the availability of precise real-time data is essential: our technology enables, for the first time, the transmission of detailed information to the vehicle’s electronics regarding the tyre’s status and road surface conditions, improving safety, performance and efficiency. The system has already been adopted on high-end vehicles, with the goal of extending its application to an increasingly wider audience and to different functionalities towards other systems thanks to V2X connectivity.”

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Kuraray America, Inc. marked National STEM Day on 8 November by spotlighting a community educational event that brought together 15 of its volunteers and students from the Houston Japanese Supplementary School at San Jacinto College for a day of hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants engaged in activities illustrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) converge in chemical manufacturing. Experiments with superabsorbent polymer beads explored chemistry and material properties, while a tour of the college’s facilities introduced industrial equipment. Students also learned about water filtration and distillation processes and how mathematical concepts underpin scientific and engineering applications.

One student showed particular interest in the distillation tower, linking the experience to the Kuraray Group’s contributions to everyday life and its mission of achieving for people and the planet what no one else can. The event also benefited KAI volunteers, who shared technical knowledge, exchanged perspectives and learned alongside potential future scientists and engineers.

Kuraray America thanked Reiko Fuwa and Tomohiro Tani for coordinating the visit, Hans Vandommele for sharing his expertise and all 15 KAI volunteers. The company also expressed appreciation to San Jacinto College for facility access and to the Houston Japanese Supplementary School students for their curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful questions.

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Liberty Tire Recycling attended the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The automotive aftermarket event, one of the industry's largest, drew over 160,000 attendees from the automotive, tyre and transportation sectors to review new products, technologies and business opportunities.

The Lakin Tire brand, a consistent SEMA exhibitor, once again used the show to reinforce industry relationships and present Liberty's tyre collection, recycling and sustainable resource management capabilities. Personnel from Grade/Used Tires, Commercial Truck Tires, Metals, Recycling and Collection, together with corporate and regional leadership, met customers, suppliers and industry professionals from around the world.

The booth received existing and prospective customers from numerous tyre and automotive segments during the week. Costco Wholesale Corporate Office, United Tires and UTU Wholesale were among the organisations that stopped by to examine Liberty Tire's products, services and nationwide reach. The company viewed the event as an effective forum for monitoring emerging market trends and demonstrating its position in recycling and sustainability, alongside its focus on innovation, workforce development and circular economy principles.

A memorable moment came when a high school shop teacher and students, attending through a special educator programme, toured the booth to learn about tyre recycling and industry operations. Liberty team members provided industry insights, outlined career pathways and acknowledged educators' contribution to developing future skilled trades professionals, supplying tyre inflation gauges for classroom use.

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Laufenn, Hankook's associate brand, earned a ‘Good’ ratingwith an overall score of 2.2 for its G Fit 4S in the Auto Bild Allrad all-season SUV tyre test published on 8 October 2026 (issue 41). The tyre competed credibly against 11 rivals from established premium marques, finishing competitively in a 12-strong field.

Wet handling proved a particular strength, with the G Fit 4S collecting the second-highest rating shared with other models. Aquaplaning resistance also impressed, as the tyre held its line until stability began to fade at roughly 100 kmph (62 mph). In snow, it recorded the third-shortest braking distance, matching two other contenders.

Testing spanned snow, wet and dry disciplines, each weighted equally in the final ranking, with a third-generation MINI Countryman serving as the test vehicle. Snow assessments were carried out in New Zealand, while European venues hosted the wet and dry evaluations. The jury's conclusion underscored Laufenn's value-focused positioning, finding the G Fit 4S a solid option for cost-conscious buyers.

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Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.

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