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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Hankook Tire has further solidified its global reputation for innovative product design after securing three Winner awards in the Product Design category at the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2026. The recognition from the internationally acclaimed competition underscores the company’s commitment to advancing tire technology through aesthetic and functional excellence.

The honoured products include the ultra-high-performance Ventus evo, the all-terrain iON AT developed for electric SUVs and pickup trucks and Laufenn’s summer performance tyre, the S FIT2. Each design was evaluated for its innovation, aesthetics, functionality and overall quality, with Hankook Tire standing out among global contenders in this year’s selection.

The Ventus evo was distinguished by its sharply defined centre wheel groove that enhances steering precision and reduces road noise, while a chamfer design and an AI-powered sustainable compound improve mileage by up to 32 percent. Its sidewall also features a Vanta Velvet graphic with an ultra-fine texture, combining visual appeal with practical performance. Meanwhile, the upcoming iON AT integrates key electric vehicle attributes such as energy efficiency, extended mileage and low noise into an off-road focused structure, with an optimised tread pattern and compound that minimise energy loss, heat generation and wear.

The S FIT2 from Laufenn earned recognition for its Numeric Sidewall design, which aligns with the brand’s minimalist philosophy while strengthening visual identity. Its asymmetric tread pattern ensures precise handling and effective drainage, while added features like the Alignment Indicator and EV Mark enhance user convenience. Environmentally conscious technologies also extend tread life and reduce noise. Organised by Germany’s Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the Red Dot award is one of three major international design accolades – alongside the iF Design Award and the IDEA – where Hankook Tire continues to earn consistent recognition, reinforcing its premium brand image through innovation-driven design.

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HS HYOSUNG Group has officially released its inaugural Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone since the conglomerate’s establishment. The comprehensive document provides a transparent overview of the organisation’s Environmental, Social and Governance management activities, detailing both ongoing initiatives and notable accomplishments across its operations.

The publication consolidates ESG data from the holding entity, HS HYOSUNG Corporation, and extends to major subsidiaries such as HS HYOSUNG USA, Inc., HS HYOSUNG TOYOTA Co., Ltd. and HS HYOSUNG GLOBAL LOGISTICS VINA CO., Ltd. Furthermore, the report incorporates the ESG performance of key affiliates, including HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS Corporation and HS HYOSUNG INFORMATION SYSTEMS Corporation, ensuring a holistic representation of the group’s sustainability efforts.

Central to the report is the introduction of the group’s sustainability vision, ‘Rooted in Value, Growing Together’, which is supported by three strategic pillars: Growth Value, Shared Value and Trusted Value. To guide its strategy, the group synthesised double materiality assessments from various units, identifying five Group-wide priorities: customer satisfaction, occupational health and safety, compliance, eco-friendly portfolio and climate change response. The report systematically details the management frameworks, current progress, key achievements and forward-looking plans for each of these critical areas.

An HS HYOSUNG official said, "Publishing our first Sustainability Report as we celebrate the second anniversary of HS HYOSUNG makes this milestone especially meaningful. Going forward, we will continue to respond proactively to a changing business environment while creating greater value and building stronger trust with our stakeholders."

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an environmental awareness session at Edison School ‘Novatsia’, drawing the participation of approximately 60 students. The gathering was designed to illuminate the core tenets of the green economy, renewable energy and circular economic models, aiming to instil a robust sense of environmental stewardship among the younger generation.

The initiative sought to cultivate a collective sense of duty regarding the preservation of natural resources and the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Attendees were briefed on the deployment of modern technologies and innovative strategies to mitigate ecological footprints while also exploring the corporate sector's role in fostering a sustainable future. The discourse underscored that sustainable development transcends mere environmental conservation, integrating economic vitality and social equity.

Tegeta Green Planet’s representatives delved into the specifics of the Extended Producer Responsibility system and the intricacies of managing particular waste streams, alongside the foundational principles of the circular economy. Concurrently, Shine Energy’s team elaborated on the pivotal function of renewable sources in the ongoing energy transition, highlighting the societal and ecological advantages of solar power and other clean energy alternatives. The session was notably enriched by the proactive engagement of 10th-grade students.

These students delivered presentations on Earth Day, tracing its historical origins, its evolution into a global movement and the critical importance of individual action in resource preservation. The dialogue reinforced that every societal member contributes to this balanced vision. Tegeta Green Planet and Shine Energy remain committed to expanding such educational projects across various institutions, viewing them as essential to nurturing an environmental culture and responsible behaviours that are fundamental for the well-being of future generations.

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The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has launched National Tire Safety Week 2026, a public education campaign running from 29 June through 4 July. This year’s initiative, themed ‘Driving Safety, Full Circle’, introduces a new storytelling platform called Full Circle, which emphasises the essential role of tyres in everyday American life. The campaign underscores the critical importance of regular tyre maintenance for overall vehicle safety.

To illustrate this message, the association has released Full Circle Moments, a series of short videos depicting common scenarios where tire performance is paramount. The series features five distinct vignettes, including an infant’s secure journey home from the hospital, a parent’s lesson in driving for a teenager, the durability required for a family road trip, the traction needed during a heavy rainstorm and the stopping power necessary for sudden braking. These videos are being distributed via USTMA’s official website and social media channels.

The campaign also provides motorists with a practical maintenance guide, urging them to remember the acronym ‘P.A.R.T.’, which stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. Drivers are advised to conduct these checks at least monthly and prior to embarking on extended summer road trips. According to the association, investing a few minutes in these simple inspections can significantly reduce the risk of highway incidents.

Furthermore, National Tire Safety Week marks the official launch of the Full Circle digital platform, which is structured around five core pillars: safety, sustainability, innovation, economic impact and advocacy. The site offers evidence-based narratives about the tyre industry’s dedication to reliable mobility and environmental stewardship, including efforts to repurpose tyres. The initiative is supported by all major USTMA member companies, including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and several other leading tyre manufacturers.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Every drive home, every family road trip, every race to an emergency by a first responder happens on tyres. Proper tyre maintenance plays a critical role in safety on the road, and we must all do our part to protect the people and moments we value most. National Tire Safety Week is our reminder that caring for our tyres is simple and essential, and that behind every safe mile is an industry working to make mobility safer, smarter and more dependable.

“Tyres are essential to nearly every part of modern life, yet they’re easy to take for granted. Full Circle embodies the depth of our industry’s commitment to the communities we serve. It’s a story of an industry committed to continuous progress with safety at the forefront, and we’re proud to keep driving it forward.”

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