Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the development, production and marketing of tyres for the commercial, agricultural and OTR sectors, has launched its first Prometeon-branded Serie 02 tyres in Europe and Turkey, marking the product brand's debut in these regions. This continues the global expansion that began with the Serie 02 line in Egypt. The transition will be gradual, with the new R02 line for regional applications available from October.

The launch introduces the R02 Proway and R02 Proway M1 lines. The M1 variant is specifically engineered for challenging markets like Turkey, where severe temperatures and demanding conditions require tyres with enhanced compounds and reinforced structures. Conversely, the European line is calibrated to deliver an optimal balance of mileage, durability and sustainability for cost-conscious fleets.

Available in sizes 315/70, 315/80 and 295/80, the R02 line benefits from an advanced technological package. This technology was honed through an intensive development programme involving over 6,000 tyres tested across 200 million kilometres in all conditions, refined further by continuous partner feedback.

The new Prometeon Serie 02 tyres show a marked improvement over the previous generation, boasting a 15 percent increase in both mileage and durability, plus a 20 percent gain in sustainability and retreadability. This makes the line an ideal partner for fleets aiming to lower operating costs and prioritise environmental responsibility.

Production will be based at the Group’s modernised Izmit factory in Turkey, a strategic site that also houses a key Research and Development Centre. This facility, the largest of its kind in Turkey, has a massive annual production capacity and a strong export focus. Prometeon has invested over EUR 185 million in the plant, which upholds strong sustainability credentials, holding both ISO 50001 energy certification and ISCC Plus certification for its use of bio-based and circular materials.

Roberto Righi, CEO, Prometeon Tyre Group, said, “The launching of the Prometeon-branded Serie 02 line marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of our company, and this event represents a crucial milestone on the way to launching our brand. In the coming years, the Group will undertake significant investments in both the industrial and commercial areas, with a clear objective: to offer products and services that are increasingly effective in responding to customer needs, according to a full-fledged ‘business partnership’ approach based on mutual trust and respect.”

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Yokohama Rubber Co has announced that its Mexican subsidiary, Yokohama Industries Americas de Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. (YIA Mexico), will expand its production capacity. YIA Mexico manufactures air conditioning and transmission oil cooling hose assemblies for the North American market.

The expansion involves constructing a new building on approximately 32,000 square metres of land adjacent to the existing plant, more than doubling the current site area. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with operations expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The expansion aims to strengthen YIA Mexico’s profitability and support the continued growth of Yokohama Rubber’s hose and couplings business.

The move is part of the growth strategy within Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026), the company’s medium-term management plan, which positions the hose and couplings business as a driver. Expanding capacity at YIA Mexico is an effort to restructure the MB Segment’s value chain and North American production network.

Prior to construction, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on 14 October, attended by local government officials, including the governor of the state of Aguascalientes and the mayor of the city of San Francisco de los Romo.

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In a significant move to reinforce their strategic partnership, ZC Rubber recently hosted a delegation from International Tyres, the exclusive UK distributor for its WESTLAKE tyre brand, at its Hangzhou headquarters. The visit, which included Managing Director Andy Jackson and Commercial Director Richard Allen, was centred on a mutual dedication to providing superior product quality, reliable supply chains and excellent service for commercial vehicle operators in the United Kingdom. The itinerary provided a comprehensive look into ZC Rubber's operations, beginning with a corporate showroom that detailed the company's brand history, global presence and future innovation strategies, including its sustainability efforts.

The tour then progressed to two key manufacturing facilities. The first was the Future Factory for passenger car tyres, where the delegation observed highly automated production lines. This facility demonstrated a commitment to smart manufacturing through real-time quality monitoring, end-to-end traceability and automated logistics, all designed to ensure consistent product quality while improving environmental efficiency. The second site visited was the Zhongce Qingquan TBR plant, which specialises in all-steel truck and bus radial tyres. Here, the guests witnessed the entire production process, from initial material mixing to final inspection.

The tour emphasised robust construction techniques, precise engineering and stringent quality checks that contribute to the tyre's durability and potential for retreading. This collaborative visit has set a strong foundation for the two companies to continue aligning on product availability and responsive support, ensuring that UK fleets receive dependable performance and value from WESTLAKE tyres across various demanding applications.

Leo Liao, European Sales Director of ZC Rubber International Business, said, “International Tyres is a trusted partner, and visits like this ensure we stay closely aligned with the expectations of UK customers.”

Andy Jackson, Managing Director, International Tyres, said, “We appreciated the open access to ZC Rubber’s teams and facilities. Seeing the manufacturing and quality processes behind WESTLAKE strengthens our confidence in the product and our ability to support fleets across the UK.”

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The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ has earned a notable third-place ranking with an 'Exemplary' rating in a major test of high-performance winter tyres conducted by Auto Bild Allrad. The German magazine’s rigorous assessment involved 12 different tyre models in size 215/55 R 17, putting them through a demanding series of tests on specialised tracks in Finland and Germany. These trials – performed with a Volkswagen T-Roc as the primary test vehicle – were designed to evaluate safety and performance across the most challenging winter conditions, from icy and snow-covered roads to wet surfaces.

Testers praised the tyre for its exemplary balance and specifically highlighted its outstanding wet grip and traction. They described its performance as confident and well-rounded, noting its ability to deliver consistent grip and precise steering control even in highly demanding scenarios. This performance profile confirms the tyre's design and engineering purpose as an ideal choice for modern high-performance vehicles.

The Wintrac Pro+ is the latest flagship winter tyre from Vredestein, a brand with a heritage of winter innovation spanning more than half a century. Its advanced technology includes a high-silica tread compound and an optimised directional pattern. This combination is engineered to provide exceptional braking and handling on snow, slush and ice while also contributing to reduced rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency.

To accommodate a wide array of vehicles, the tyre is available in over 120 different sizes fitting rims from 17 to 22 inches. The majority of these variants carry a ‘Y’ speed rating, meaning they are certified for speeds up to 300 kmph. Furthermore, every tyre in the range carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, certifying that it meets strict European regulatory standards for severe snow service.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Vredestein Pro+ is a premium winter tyre designed specifically for high-performance cars and SUVs, including the latest generation of performance-oriented electric vehicles. With this segment continuing to grow rapidly, it’s significant that Auto Bild Allrad has once again endorsed the competitiveness of our products. The Wintrac Pro+ combines exceptional winter capability with the refinement and confidence expected by today’s drivers.”

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Bridgestone is set to redefine high-performance motorcycling with the 2026 introduction of its track-exclusive RACING BATTLAX V03 tyre in Europe and North America. This premium offering is engineered for a broad spectrum of riders, from dedicated amateurs to professional competitors, who demand exceptional speed and the ultimate in grip from their equipment.

The V03’s development is deeply rooted in Bridgestone’s proven success in elite global racing, such as a five-year winning streak in the FIM Endurance World Championship. This racing heritage directly informs the tyre's advanced technology, including a completely new front and rear profile that enlarges the contact patch with the track. This redesign, combined with novel compounds and sophisticated production methods, results in what Bridgestone describes as the most significant grip in the history of its BATTLAX line. When benchmarked against its predecessor, the V02, the V03's SOFT compound demonstrates a measurable 1.3 percent reduction in lap times, all while maintaining consistent performance over multiple laps.

A landmark innovation for this model is the introduction of a dedicated rear SPRINT spec. This variant is specifically formulated to deliver the absolute peak grip for shorter race formats. By concentrating its compound technology on immediate, maximum performance, the SPRINT spec achieves an even more substantial lap time improvement of 1.9 percent over the previous generation. This provides riders with a strategic choice, allowing them to select a tyre optimised for either endurance or all-out sprint racing conditions.

As the new flagship of Bridgestone's motorcycle racing portfolio, the RACING BATTLAX V03 embodies the company's philosophy of using motorsports as a dynamic laboratory. The technologies perfected in this track-focused tyre are intended to ultimately influence the development of future commercial products, marking a new era where cutting-edge racing innovation directly fuels advancements for all riders.

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