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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Doublestar Tire emerged as a standout exhibitor at the 21st China (Shanghai) International Tire & Wheel Expo (CITEXPO), which commenced on 2 September at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. The event, recognised as a premier professional gathering in the Asia-Pacific region, attracted over 400 international exhibitors displaying the latest industry innovations. Among them, Doublestar distinguished itself with a portfolio focused on high differentiation and added value, capturing significant attention from attendees.

In response to varied overseas requirements, the tyre manufacturer presented a comprehensive product range addressing commercial and passenger vehicle applications. For the commercial sector, the flagship TBR tyre D902 was engineered with an abrasion-resistant compound and an advanced tread design. This configuration ensures stability and longevity under high-temperature, long-haul conditions, offering fleet operators a balance of dependable performance and economic efficiency.

The passenger vehicle lineup featured the EV95 SAFORT tyre, a specialised product for new energy vehicles incorporating the company’s proprietary ‘Safort’ support technology. This innovation addresses critical new energy vehicle demands, including reduced rolling resistance and minimal noise levels. The exhibition also included additional differentiated products, underscoring Doublestar’s commitment to understanding and fulfilling evolving consumer preferences through targeted engineering.

Throughout the expo, the company’s booth drew sustained interest from domestic and international buyers, with the overseas sales team outlining technical benefits and application-specific advantages. These interactions led to substantive discussions and positive indications for prospective partnerships. Looking ahead, Doublestar intends to persist in developing safer, more energy-efficient tire solutions, reinforcing the competitive standing of Chinese tire manufacturers in the global marketplace.

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BendPak has announced that all current models within its Ranger line of wheel balancers and tyre changers now feature ETL certification as a standard offering. This independent validation, conducted by Intertek Testing Services, confirms that the equipment complies with applicable UL and CSA safety standards for both the United States and Canadian markets. The certification rigorously covers electrical, pneumatic and mechanical safety requirements, ensuring robust operator protection and adherence to workplace compliance regulations.

The achievement of this certification was the result of an extensive 18-month internal project focused on comprehensively redesigning critical components. The initiative mandated sweeping upgrades across the equipment's electrical architecture, structural framework and both mechanical and pneumatic systems to meet the stringent criteria. Every aspect of the machines was scrutinised to ensure they could withstand the demands of the certification process.

Throughout the development cycle, a primary emphasis was placed on mitigating operator risks inherent in daily tire service tasks. Engineers systematically assessed potential hazards, including pinch-point dangers, moving parts, electrical and fire risks and high-pressure systems. When existing configurations fell short of the required benchmarks, teams implemented complete redesigns, replaced substandard parts and integrated new protective safeguards to address these vulnerabilities.

Following these extensive modifications, each piece of equipment underwent a battery of rigorous tests to verify its safety and performance prior to final approval. The certified lineup includes models such as the DST30PX, LS45DS, RB30T, DST2420X, R745, R980XR, R76ATR, R980DP, R80EX and R26FLT. These certified units are now clearly identifiable by the ETL mark displayed on their product labels.

Jeff Kritzer, President and CEO, BendPak, said, “The end result is not just a certification mark. Certification represents a fundamentally higher level of product engineering, component quality, mechanical and electrical safety, durability and overall North American compliance, giving customers confidence that their Ranger equipment is built to the highest standards.”

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Hankook Tire will take on the sponsorship role for the ‘Best Use of Technology’ prize at the upcoming Motor Transport Awards in September, reinforcing its active role in celebrating industry progress. The award specifically targets organisations that harness digital tools, hardware upgrades or system overhauls to produce real-world gains in freight movement and logistical coordination.

Following the release of the 2026 finalist roster, the technology category has narrowed its focus to three contenders: Explore, GXO and HF Owen Transport & Storage. Each enterprise has put forward evidence of how their chosen technical strategies have resolved persistent operational hurdles while also boosting service quality for their client bases.

The September gala holds added weight this year, as the Motor Transport Awards reach their 40th anniversary of honouring top performers in British road haulage. Scheduled for the Grosvenor House Hotel along Park Lane, the gathering will draw upwards of 1,250 senior figures from across the sector, offering a prime setting for peer recognition and forward-looking dialogue.

Presenting the trophy will be Paul Emery, Sales Director at Hankook Tyre UK, whose presence underscores the brand’s parallel pursuit of advanced mobility solutions. Beyond the competitive element, the evening serves as a networking hub and a moment to assess broader industry shifts, all while Hankook deepens its ties to one of the transport world’s most enduring award platforms.

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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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