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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As temperatures drop and road conditions become increasingly unpredictable, ensuring vehicle safety demands more than cautious driving. Giti Tire, drawing on over seven decades of global expertise, offers both advanced tyre technology and practical guidance to help drivers navigate winter’s challenges with confidence. Their latest winter offerings, the Giti Winter Comfort WT26 and the Giti Winter Control WT80, cater to a wide range of vehicles with sizes spanning R15 to R22. These tyres, developed under the AdvanZtech platform with Ice Surface Adhesion Technology 3.0, demonstrate how innovation can directly enhance grip and stability in icy and snowy conditions.

However, even the most sophisticated tyres require proper maintenance to perform effectively. Giti highlights that drivers frequently overlook how colder weather affects their tyres. A significant drop of 10°C can cause tyre pressure to decrease, which in turn impacts braking and handling. Checking pressure monthly when the tyres are cold helps maintain optimal performance. Tread depth is another critical factor; once it nears the wear indicators, replacement is essential. Additionally, the condition of the rubber itself matters – prolonged exposure to moisture, harsh sunlight or road chemicals can accelerate aging. Simple habits like parking carefully and clearing debris from the tread grooves can prevent damage and extend tyre life.

When temperatures consistently hover below 7°C, or when frost and snow coat the roads, switching to dedicated winter tyres becomes a necessity rather than an option. Unlike all-season alternatives, winter tyres retain their flexibility in extreme cold, offering superior traction on slippery surfaces. This translates to more controlled acceleration, braking and cornering. The WT26, for instance, is engineered for comfort and quiet operation. Its specialised rubber compound works to absorb the thin water layer on ice, while interlocking tread blocks and dense sipes provide secure footing without compromising cabin serenity. For those who prioritise dynamic handling, the WT80 employs a bionic tread pattern and tightly packed sipes that act like brushes on ice, sharpening steering response and braking precision. Advanced groove designs also boost snow traction, while noise optimisation technology ensures a refined ride even at higher speeds.

Beyond tyres, a holistic approach to winter preparation is vital. Drivers should verify that lighting, brakes and steering systems are in peak condition before the season sets in. Choosing the right windshield washer fluid, one rated for local low temperatures, prevents freezing and maintains visibility. On the road, managing fogged windows, using lights appropriately and keeping a steady rhythm on slick surfaces are key defensive driving techniques. Electric vehicle owners face unique considerations; preserving battery health means avoiding extended parking in extreme cold with a low state of charge. Even routine car washing matters – opting for warmer parts of the day and using warm water reduces stress on paint and glass caused by rapid temperature changes.

These combined efforts, from high-tech tyre selection to mindful daily habits, form a comprehensive safety net. By attending to both the obvious and easily missed details, drivers can significantly reduce risk and maintain control throughout the winter months.

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Dunlop Tyres South Africa has announced that from 1 February 2026, its 18-month Dunlop Sure Tyre Insurance has become a standard feature included with every tyre purchase across its entire range. This decision follows an overwhelmingly positive response from South African motorists to a previous limited-time promotion that extended the cover period.

The original promotion, which added an extra six months of protection to the standard 12-month policy, was introduced as a temporary measure. However, it quickly became evident that South African drivers highly valued the extended security and long-term peace of mind it provided against unforeseen tyre damage.

Lubin Ozoux, the CEO of Dunlop Tyres South Africa, explained that the feedback from their dealer network, who interact with customers daily, highlighted a clear demand for a robust safety net. Motorists are seeking reassurance that they are protected should a tyre suffer irreparable damage from common road hazards. Responding to this consumer need, the company has taken the significant step of embedding the 18-month cover as a permanent, no-cost feature. This move underscores the brand's confidence in its product quality and its commitment to delivering genuine added value.

By standardising this extended protection, Dunlop aims to reinforce its market leadership, offering a comprehensive package that goes beyond premium performance and safety. The proposition now provides continuous support and value for drivers long after their initial purchase. To activate the cover, customers simply need to buy their Dunlop tyres from a Dunlop-branded store and register them on the official Dunlop website within seven days. This free insurance provides crucial financial protection against the cost of replacing tyres damaged beyond repair by hazards on the road.

Ozoux said, “By making 18 months of Dunlop Sure standard, we’re reinforcing our confidence in our products and raising expectations of what tyre ownership should deliver – safety, value and reassurance.”

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Maxion Wheels, a division of Iochpe-Maxion and a global leader in wheel manufacturing, has taken a significant step forward in its environmental strategy by activating a new on-site solar energy system at its facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This installation, developed in partnership with Iberdrola México, is part of a broader commitment to reducing the company's carbon footprint through the adoption of renewable energy sources. It marks the ninth solar project completed by Maxion Wheels worldwide.

The newly commissioned photovoltaic system boasts a capacity of 499 kilowatts, enabled by the installation of 1,073 solar modules. It is projected to generate around 919 megawatt-hours of clean electricity on an annual basis. This initiative is expected to eliminate approximately 617 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, an environmental benefit comparable to the carbon sequestered by more than 10,200 trees over a decade. The clean energy produced will directly support the decarbonisation of the plant’s manufacturing processes.

This project in San Luis Potosí is one element of a three-part solar collaboration between Iochpe-Maxion and Iberdrola within Mexico. It follows the activation of a similar system at the company’s Chihuahua plant in 2024 and precedes another photovoltaic project at the Castaños, Coahuila facility, which is anticipated to come online soon. These investments are integral to Maxion’s global sustainability framework, known as Roadmap Zero, which sets the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions across all company operations by 2040.

The Maxion Wheels plant, which began operations in 1996, is situated in the capital city of San Luis Potosí state. The expansive facility covers roughly 70,000 square metres and specialises in producing steel wheels for both light and commercial vehicles, supplying a diverse portfolio of leading international automotive manufacturers. The recent inauguration of the solar project was marked by the presence of company leaders Alexandre Becker and Alfonso Campos, alongside local dignitaries including Sonia Mendoza Díaz, the Secretary of Ecology and Environmental Management for the state, and César Lara from the CROM labour confederation, as well as the plant’s manager, Hugo Soriano.

Alfonso Campos, Commercial Director, Iberdrola México, said, “Through this partnership, we are supporting Maxion Wheels in its transition towards cleaner and more environmentally responsible processes. On-site photovoltaic energy enables lower emissions, greater cost stability and direct positive impact across the entire value chain. It is a tangible benefit for both industry and the planet, and it motivates us to continue growing together.”

Alexandre Becker, Business Unit President Americas, Maxion Wheels, said, “The inauguration of the photovoltaic solar panel system at our San Luis Potosí plant marks a decisive step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation and environmental responsibility. This project is the result of a collective effort across multiple teams, united by a shared purpose and a common vision.”

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Yokohama Rubber reported record sales and profit for fiscal 2025, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth, as higher tyre volumes and a stronger product mix offset one-off costs linked to an acquisition.

Sales revenue rose 12.8 percent year on year to USD 8.2 billion. Business profit increased 24.0 percent to USD 1.11 billion, while operating profit advanced 28.3 percent to USD 1.02 billion. Profit attributable to owners of parent climbed 40.7 percent to USD 0.70 billion. The business profit margin reached a record 13.5 percent.

The company said the increase in consolidated business profit reflected strong performance in existing operations, which absorbed one-time costs related to the acquisition and consolidation of Goodyear’s OTR business. In tyres, profit rose on higher unit sales of consumer tyres and continued growth in high-value-added ADVAN, GEOLANDAR and winter tyres, alongside larger-diameter products. In the MB segment, cost reductions and structural reforms supported profitability.

For fiscal 2026, management targets sales revenue of USD 8.7 billion, business profit of USD 1.25 billion, operating profit of USD 1.15 billion and profit attributable to owners of parent of USD 0.60 billion, aiming for a sixth consecutive year of sales and profit growth.

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