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 Tire & Service has reached a major milestone with its new Plaza Tire Service outlet in Bowling Green, Kentucky, officially marking the company's 600th store. Since 2017, the organisation has surged from roughly three dozen locations to a dominant force within the independent tyre and automotive service sector.

The Bowling Green facility offers premium tyre products alongside skilled mounting, alignment, balancing, puncture repair and full mechanical work. Patrons benefit from digital booking and electronic vehicle health reports, all under the firm's philosophy emphasizing transparency and attentive treatment. This launch coincides with the group securing Better Business Bureau (BBB) recognition across its entire portfolio.

Beyond retail, the company is supporting local academic and athletic pursuits. Partnering with the Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Foundation, it has funded two student scholarships. A Drive With Purpose initiative partners with the high school cheerleading squad, with a share of oil change revenue directed to the programme over the coming month.

BBB accreditation denotes adherence to honest dealings and clear communication, offering consumers a reliable benchmark. As Sun Auto celebrates this landmark, its customer pledge and accredited standards demonstrate a sustained commitment to responsible service across its nationwide footprint.

Tony Puckett, Chief Executive Officer, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "This milestone represents far more than a store count. Reaching 600 locations is a testament to the thousands of teammates who deliver exceptional service every day and the customers and communities who trust us with their vehicles. As we continue to grow, our focus remains unchanged: providing clear communication, trusted guidance and expert care through the local brands our customers know and rely on."

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe and Avon Tyres are set to showcase their combined expertise in cruiser, touring and custom motorcycle tyres at the upcoming European Bike Week, one of the continent’s largest gatherings for riders. The event unfolds along the shores of Austria’s Faaker See and routinely draws tens of thousands of enthusiasts with its mix of live entertainment, custom bike displays, demo rides and a broad spectrum of industry exhibitors.

Reinforcing its deep-rooted ties with Harley-Davidson, Dunlop will again sponsor the event’s signature Harley-Davidson Parade. Both tyre manufacturers will occupy separate exhibition spaces, continuing a joint presence at major trade fairs that began after Avon became part of the Goodyear family in 2022. Their stands will feature Dunlop’s co-branded Harley-Davidson tyres and Avon’s expanded Cobra Chrome line for custom cruisers, while Dunlop additionally offers a hospitality bus and the returning Ape Hanger Challenge, where daily winners earn a free set of co-branded tyres.

Earlier this year, Dunlop was named exclusive tyre supplier for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, providing racing tyres for the MotoGP-supporting series. Attendees may combine the festival with the 2026 Bagger World Cup finale, scheduled for 19–20 September at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

The 2026 European Bike Week runs from 8–13 September at Faaker See. The Dunlop-sponsored Harley-Davidson Parade is set for 12 September, departing at noon from Rosental Street near the Pogöriacher roundabout and Harley-Davidson sculpture.

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager Motorcycle Europe, Goodyear, said, “Dunlop and Avon have a proud heritage in the cruiser and touring motorcycle segment, and European Bike Week is a fantastic opportunity to meet thousands of passionate riders from across Europe. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stands, where they can discover our biggest ever range of Dunlop and Avon tyres for cruiser, custom and touring bikes, as well as take part in some fun challenges.”

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Kumho Tire USA has introduced the all-new Crugen GT Pro, a premium all-season touring tyre engineered for larger crossovers and SUVs. The latest addition delivers superior ride comfort and confident year-round capability while featuring one of the most robust treadwear warranties in its class. The launch responds to shifting consumer preferences towards larger vehicle platforms.

To commemorate the release, Kumho is offering a promotional incentive through October 31. Customers purchasing a set of four qualifying tyres will receive a USD 80 prepaid Mastercard, applicable to the new Crugen GT Pro and Road Venture HT, AT52 and RT models.

The Crugen GT Pro utilises K-Maxmile technology and a next-generation tread compound to achieve a 20 percent improvement in wear resistance over its predecessor. An optimised contact patch promotes even treadwear, backed by warranties up to 75,000 miles for H- and V-speed rated versions. K-Noise Defender technology and rounded tread block edges reduce resonance and road impacts, lowering interior noise by up to 0.8 decibels.

Reinforced shoulder blocks and a zigzag tread pattern enhance stability and high-speed handling for heavy SUVs and electric vehicles. K-Sipe Control technology and wider lateral grooves improve wet braking and light-snow traction, while Dual Performance Block Technology resists hydroplaning. Available now in 85 sizes from 16 to 22 inches, the Crugen GT Pro covers over 85 percent of the current crossover and SUV market.

Shawn Denlein, President – Sales and Marketing, Kumho Tire USA, said, “As crossovers and SUVs continue to dominate new vehicle sales, today’s drivers expect replacement tyres that combine long tread life, ride comfort and confident all-weather capability. Crugen GT Pro was engineered to deliver the premium performance today's drivers demand at an exceptional value that Kumho is known for.”

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TyreSafe has entered into a formal partnership with Knowsley Council to advance tyre safety awareness among motorists throughout the borough. This collaboration bolsters the council’s broader dedication to enhancing road safety and aligns with its strategic objective of reducing traffic-related harm on local highways.

Under this agreement, TyreSafe will supply practical educational materials that clarify driver responsibilities and guide proper tyre inspection procedures. The initiative is designed to empower road users to detect early warning signs of wear, incorrect pressure or damage, thereby preventing minor issues from escalating into hazardous failures. This educational push complements Knowsley’s existing road safety programmes, which integrate engineering improvements, public information campaigns and enforcement measures.

The urgency of this effort is underscored by recent collision data. Over the five-year period concluding in 2025, Knowsley recorded 945 police-attended road incidents, resulting in 262 casualties classified as killed or seriously injured, including 12 fatalities. With more than one billion vehicle miles travelled across the borough annually, proper vehicle maintenance is critical for safeguarding drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike. Tyres, being the sole contact point between a vehicle and the road surface, are fundamental to effective braking, steering and overall handling.

Regular condition checks are therefore essential, particularly given that regional enforcement operations frequently uncover illegal or defective tyres, which carry severe penalties and elevate accident risks. The TyreSafe-Knowsley partnership will facilitate joint campaigns, community engagement and educational events, ensuring clear tyre safety guidance reaches a wide audience. This initiative forms part of TyreSafe’s broader UK-wide strategy to foster multi-sector collaboration, recognising that lasting reductions in road deaths and serious injuries demand coordinated action across education, enforcement, engineering and vehicle safety standards.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said, “Keeping people safe on our roads requires everyone to play their part, and our Vision Zero approach is focused on reducing the risk of people being killed or seriously injured. Making sure vehicles are safe and properly maintained, including their tyres, is an important part of protecting drivers, passengers and other road users. Tyres can have a significant impact on braking, steering and vehicle control, so ensuring they are legal and in good condition should be part of every motorist’s routine. We’re pleased to be partnering with TyreSafe to provide motorists with clear, practical information that supports our wider road safety work and helps people make safer choices on Knowsley’s roads.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chair at TyreSafe, said, “Tyre safety has an important role to play in keeping everyone using Knowsley’s roads safe. Whether someone is making a short local journey or covering significant distances, ensuring their tyres are legal, correctly inflated and in good condition is essential. Simple, regular checks can help motorists identify problems before they become a risk. We’re delighted to partner with Knowsley Council. Their commitment to Vision Zero and their work to improve safety across the borough makes this a particularly valuable partnership. By working together, we can raise awareness of tyre safety among road users and support the council’s wider efforts to make Knowsley’s roads safer.”

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