The benefits of this are multiple. First of all, they don’t need to offer the full range of sizes to stake their claim as a racing tyre manufacturer. And I need to stress I’m talking about road car racing, not F1 racers, as those tyres are basically rocket science at this point. Many Chinese factories seem to have launched their racing tyre range for a very specific purpose, as they only have a few sizes, and sometimes very odd ones. For example, I saw a factory with just three different sizes for their racing tyre pattern, and one of them was 255/55R18. Just in case you want to rock your BMW X5 on the racing track, maybe? I can’t help but giggle at the image of drifting SUVs. Secondly, they don’t even need to be very good at it, or to be able to make very innovative products. It’s much easier to develop a product for a very specific purpose and just make it ‘good enough’, without engaging in the top five percent where all the heavy investment and R&D is needed to churn out those milliseconds that make all the difference for the top performers. Actually, when catering to the segment that just wants to burn tyres – drifters, for example – the usually all-important grip factor suddenly becomes negligible. And offering a budget option is attractive to those burning tyres on their own bill.

Design wise also racing tyres are very different from regular car tyres, in that they’re basically slicks with a flashy looking single lightning groove from close to the centre to the edge. Hard to make that design truly unique, but that also means that nobody can be blamed when designing something a bit too similar to something already on the market. Function before looks in this case, I’m sure. And in terms of rubber compounds, there are usually two or three different ones, depending on specific client needs, and they’re made to order. The hardest compounds are naturally for the drifters, and the softer ones for track racing.

But, in spite of the designs being simple, compounds not challenging to make, and the fact that the size range doesn’t need to be extensive, launching a racing tyre range still somehow reflects positively on all the regular passenger car tyres in the manufacturer’s range. As if the fact that they can design and produce tyres for high-performance racing machines also means that their standard range offers better handling or on-road performance to vehicles run by weekend warriors or others who might drive a station wagon, but really are race car drivers at heart.

That is, of course, if the Chinese budget manufacturers used this in their global marketing strategy – and in most cases, had one to begin with. The days where Chinese tyres could be sold on price alone are over, as output has far exceeded demand, but it’s striking to see how few have actually invested in their future market shares. For the layman, trying to name five major Chinese tyre manufacturers (or any of their brands) would be a tall order. Trying to name any that produce racing tyres would be even harder. Even for those inside the industry, very few know how many produce racing tyres or other specialised tyre products, because they often produce for a single client and don’t use this in active marketing. And no, a ‘sales manager’ posting a picture on LinkedIn doesn’t count. The brands and tyre manufacturers in China that will prevail are those able to build a global marketing strategy and naturally possess the skills to stay at the front of product development and gradually move out of the ultra-budget segment. The rest will learn the hardship of selling cheap tyres on price alone when China isn’t cheap anymore. (TT)

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Sun Auto has expanded its strategic footprint by acquiring two locations: Highland Auto in Tennessee and Highland Tire at Sentry Station in Georgia. This marks the company’s first entry into Georgia and adds a fourth Tennessee site, enhancing regional network connectivity.

The move supports Sun Auto’s broader 2026 growth campaign, which includes new operations in Colorado and brings the company’s total presence to 27 states nationwide. Both acquired shops join the Sun Auto Network, gaining access to 24/7 online scheduling, digital vehicle inspections and the company’s Driver Commitment focused on clarity, confidence and customer care.

Each location provides a full range of automotive services, including major tyre brands with a price match guarantee, alignments, brake service, oil changes, batteries, diagnostics and preventative maintenance. Sun Auto now operates over 575 locations nationwide through both acquisitions and new builds.

Chris Tavares, SVP Operations, Sun Auto, said, "Expanding into the Southeast is an important step in strengthening our national footprint and positioning our network for long-term growth. Establishing a presence in Georgia allows us to serve more customers, support our teams with greater regional resources and build stronger continuity across key markets."

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Hankook Tire has formally launched a major national research initiative at its advanced Hankook Technodome facility in Daejeon. The kick-off gathering took place on 4 June to begin work on a project titled ‘Development of Tire Manufacturing Technologies Using Sustainable Materials’, which falls under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment’s 2026 Environmental Technology Development Program.

The core objective of this undertaking is to accelerate South Korea’s transition to a circular economy by deriving high-grade recycled inputs from discarded tyres. Two parallel tracks of research involve creating premium reclaimed materials from waste rubber and establishing manufacturing processes that rely on sustainable components. Hankook Tire has been a driving force in this field since 2023, leading the domestic Tire-to-Tire consortium, and has already brought to market the iON GT, an electric vehicle tyre composed of over 70 percent sustainable content.

Participation in this government-backed programme allows Hankook to broaden its existing private sector work into a larger cooperative framework that includes universities, research bodies and industry partners. The company intends to strengthen its ability to adapt to evolving environmental rules while making its raw material supply chains more resilient. The project consortium brings together 11 entities, with M&B Green Earth acting as the lead institution alongside Kumho Petrochemical, HS Hyosung, Solvay, KRICT, KAIST and several other academic and technical organisations.

Hankook Tire ultimately targets the commercial release of next-generation, low-carbon tyres containing more than 85 percent sustainable materials and capable of cutting carbon emissions by over half. The project will also allow for large-scale validation of the domestic Tire-to-Tire circular model through product demonstrations and integrated performance assessments. Further demonstrating its commitment, the company recently attended the April launch of the Eco-design Forum, where industry players discussed compliance with the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

Bonhee Koo, Head of the R&D Innovation Division at Hankook Tire, said, “This national R&D project presents a meaningful opportunity to bring together the expertise of leading industry, academic and research institutions. Through close communication and collaboration among all participating organisations, we will strive to deliver tangible outcomes that contribute to strengthening competitiveness in the global market.”

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American tyre brand General Tire has officially widened its all-terrain product family by unveiling the Grabber AT3 Plus, a new all-season tyre engineered for unpredictable weather and rugged off-road use. The launch addresses the rising popularity of both traditional 4x4 vehicles and the rapidly expanding sport utility vehicle segment, offering a single solution that balances highway driving with trail capability.

When measured against the previous model, the latest Grabber delivers superior snow traction and enhanced wet-road grip thanks to a thoroughly reengineered tread design that visually signals its off-road intentions. Durability remains a priority, as both the compound and tread pattern have been optimised for harsh conditions while still providing precise handling and reduced cabin noise. The tyre is built for year-round use on pavement and dirt, and every available dimension bears the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, ensuring legal compliance for winter driving across numerous countries.

Upon its release, the Grabber AT3 Plus will be offered in rim diameters ranging from 15 to 22 inches, widths between 195 and 315 millimetres and aspect ratios of 80 down to 40 percent. Certain sizes carry LT identification along with LRD and LRE load ratings, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications, while speed ratings can reach up to 240 kilometres per hour. To achieve its balance of toughness, grip and ride quality, General Tire integrates three proprietary systems: TracGen for loose-surface traction and on-road precision, Comfort Balance for smooth rolling and noise reduction and DuraGen for cut-resistant tread blocks and stone bumpers.

A rugged sidewall with a pronounced shoulder, clear tread markings and logo detailing gives the tyre an assertive appearance that complements modern SUVs and off-road vehicles. Depending on the dimension, the Grabber AT3 Plus earns a C grade for wet braking, a B for noise emissions and most commonly a D for rolling resistance.

Matthias Bartz, Business Development Manager – EMEA, General Tire, said, “Our R&D department has achieved a remarkable feat in further developing the leading Grabber AT3. The Grabber AT3 Plus delivers improvements across all key performance areas – without any compromises.”

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Michelin North America, Inc. is participating once again in a special journey to transport World War II veterans to Normandy, France, in observance of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines, reflecting a unified effort to preserve the memory of veteran courage and sacrifice through direct, intergenerational experiences rather than solely through historical texts.

A charter flight carrying the veterans departed on 2 June, accompanied by caregivers and volunteers from the partner organisations. Over the course of a nine-day stay, the group will attend commemorative ceremonies and celebrations marking the anniversary. The Best Defense Foundation views the journey as not merely a commemoration but a meaningful opportunity for connection.

This year’s programme again includes students selected through the Best Defense Foundation’s NextGen initiative, who travel alongside the veterans as escorts and witnesses. From Omaha Beach to Pegasus Bridge and Carentan, the students will explore historic sites with those who lived through the events, ensuring that the stories of service members are passed on with authenticity and respect.

The collaboration among Michelin, the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines began in 2021 and has brought veterans back to France each year since the 78th anniversary in 2022. Michelin’s historic link to D-Day dates to spring 1944, when the 1939 Michelin Guide’s detailed maps were reprinted by Allied commanders to aid navigation in France. The company later produced additional maps for Allied advances, earning formal recognition from Allied Forces, and continues that legacy today through acts of remembrance and return.

Matthew Cabe, President and CEO, Michelin North America, Inc., said, “It is deeply meaningful and humbling for Michelin to stand alongside these veterans in Normandy. Supporting this initiative is one way we demonstrate our deep gratitude for these heroes and ensure the significance of their service is carried forward for generations to come.”

Bob Somers, Senior Vice President – Global Sales, Delta, said, “As we mark the fifth year of the Normandy Legacy Flight, we are reminded that carrying forward a legacy of this magnitude requires partners who share not only our values but a deep sense of purpose and responsibility. We are profoundly grateful for our partnership with Michelin, whose steadfast commitment and collaboration make this mission possible year after year. Together, we are honoured to pay tribute to our nation’s greatest heroes by preserving their legacy, honouring their sacrifice and ensuring their stories endure for generations to come.”

Donnie Edwards, Founder, Best Defense Foundation, said, “Michelin's commitment to this mission goes beyond sponsorship. It is a shared belief that the men and women who fought for our freedom deserve to be remembered, honoured and heard. Because of partners like Michelin, we are able to bring veterans back to the places that shaped history and ensure their stories live on in the people who will carry them forward.”

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