Pirelli has launched the fifth generation of its iconic P Zero ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre, the flagship model of the P Zero range.

Thanks to enhanced handling, as demonstrated by track tests on both dry and wet roads, and shorter stopping distances, the P Zero has two main advantages: superior performance and safety. The European wet grip label has given the new tyre an ‘A’ rating since its introduction. In order to improve cornering grip, the contact patch and grooves were updated as part of the development approach, which concentrated on the tread design and tyre structure. To guarantee constant performance over the course of the tyre's life cycle, a more balanced contact patch enhances both braking performance and wear rate. New designs with contrasting marks on the sidewall make the new P Zero visually stand out as well.

With more than 50 models now on the market, the fifth-generation P Zero tyre is available in sizes ranging from 18 to 23 inches. Together with the other P Zero family tyres, these offer comprehensive coverage for the premium and prestige market in all application types. The majority of the new lineup includes Pirelli's specialties, such as Elect, a technology package for electric and plug-in hybrid cars that uses solutions made especially to manage high torque and cut down on noise, increasing range by up to 10 percent because of decreased rolling resistance.

UHP products in the P Zero series are made for a variety of applications, such as track racing, electric vehicles and winter driving. Every driving demand is met by other members of the extended family in addition to this most recent P Zero. These include the P Zero R, which is made to optimise driving pleasure and sporting performance for high-performance cars and SUVs, and the P Zero E, which combines e-mobility and safety (as evidenced by the triple ‘A’ rating on the European tyre label) with a reduced environmental impact (thanks to the use of more than 55 percent natural or recycled materials). Pirelli's P Zero Trofeo RS, which is also approved for road usage, is designed for track driving. The range also includes the P Zero Winter 2 for wet or snowy surfaces.

Leading tyre-retreading machinery maker Marangoni has unveiled a new strategic sustainability strategy for 2025–2027 that reaffirms its social and environmental pledges.

In order to direct and oversee its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives during the ensuing three years, the tyre retreading expert has voluntarily created a targeted action framework. The framework is in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN's 2030 Agenda. Marangoni claims that the plan was implemented in accordance with globally accepted standards, such as AccountAbility 1000 and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, and that it is meant to function as a monitoring tool to periodically assess the company's progress as well as a guide for action.

The company has identified 17 specific initiatives as part of this strategy. These were established after a materiality study that took into account input from external stakeholders as well as internal input. Each of the 17 initiatives is built around three core pillars, namely supporting the ecological transition, integrating ESG principles into corporate governance and ensuring a safe, stimulating and inclusive work environment. The result is a ‘balanced approach’ reflecting management’s priorities and stakeholder expectations, said the company.

Trelleborg Group has finalised the purchase of National Gummi AB from the Swedish industrial group National through its Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business unit.

Extruded rubber profiles and gaskets for specialised industrial, automotive and construction applications make up the company offering. Mostly in Northern Europe, sales in 2024 were little over SEK 150 million. The production facility is situated in Halmstad, Sweden. The acquisition is in line with Trelleborg's plan to establish dominant positions in desirable markets. This deal excludes National's activities outside of extruded rubber profiles and gaskets, which will continue to be a part of the National group.

Jean-Paul Mindermann, Business Area President, Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, said, “This is an exciting addition to our portfolio. National has specialist capabilities and knowhow which will allow us to broaden our value-adding offering to customers across Europe.”

BKT has expanded its AGRIMAX range of agricultural tyres with the launch of AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, a new steel-belted version. The new tyre is aimed at row crop, vineyard and orchard operations to meet the specific challenges of farming environments where steep terrain, narrow row spacing and muddy conditions require precision and reliability.

The new tyre, which builds on the AGRIMAX SPARGO row crop tyre, has VF (Very High Flexion) technology, which enables it to bear the same load at lower inflation pressure. This helps to improve handling and comfort while reducing soil compaction. Steel belts improve the tyre's resilience to punctures, lessening the possibility of downtime and damage from sharp objects. At faster speeds, it also enhances riding accuracy. The polyester casing and steel belts work together to distribute stress evenly throughout the tyre, preventing uneven wear and extending tread life. By reducing vibration, a revised sidewall enhances riding comfort even further, which is especially useful for precise spraying operations.

The tread pattern of the AGRIMAX SPARGO SB is more open and higher than that of its predecessor since it has a deeper tread and smaller lugs. With a D-class speed rating that permits travel at up to 65 kmph, this design seeks to enhance road handling. Smoother transitions between field and road are made possible by the tyre's dual-layer mud ejection mechanism, which rapidly removes debris from the tread.

Dilip Vaidya, Senior President & Director Technology, BKT, said, "In the case of the AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, we have paid special attention to the casing design by using a strong polyester structure that offers greater strength, flexibility and durability than traditional materials. This choice enables the tyre to handle heavy loads while keeping deformation under control, improving the footprint and thus traction, stability and handling."

TBC Corporation, a joint venture between Michelin and Sumitomo Corporation, has entered into an agreement to divest its Midas franchise portfolio to Mavis Tire Express Service Corp., which operates a tyre retail chain across the United States.

The deal is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025, subject to the approval of the competent authorities. This deal is a component of TBC's ongoing reorganisation, which intends to concentrate management resources on its core operations.

According to a statement issued by Michelin, “TBC distributes tyres and provides automotive repair and maintenance services in the US, Mexico and Canada. TBC identifies wholesale, distribution and Big O Tires, tyre retail focused franchise portfolio under TBC, as core businesses, leveraging an industry-leading network and scale, whereas Midas activity mostly relies on retail automotive services. The operation will enable TBC to focus on driving accelerated growth and value in its core businesses. It is also an opportunity for Michelin and Mavis to support and reinforce their commercial agreement.”