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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THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 commences tomorrow, marking the premier gathering for the global tyre and wheel sector. The opening day promises a dense schedule of industry-shaping events, from political discussions to technical innovations, as the trade fair becomes the central hub for professionals seeking solutions to contemporary market challenges.

A total of 388 exhibitors representing 34 countries will showcase products and services across the entire value chain. The first day alone features three press conferences addressing current and future industry hurdles. Attendees can expect a mix of political impulses, international conferences, practical demonstrations and extensive networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration.

Key highlights begin with a morning session on North Rhine-Westphalia’s role as a leader in tyre circular economy, where Environment and Transport Minister Oliver Krischer will present the ‘Roadmap Tyre Circular Economy North Rhine-Westphalia 2030’ alongside real-world research examples. Later, the Global OTR Conference will focus on safety and efficiency for off-the-road tyres, while the ‘Runderneuert’ initiative at the AZuR Netzwerk pavilion demonstrates how modern retreading combines economic benefits with sustainable cycles.

Additional first-day attractions include the debut of Vipal V SUPER HYBRID remoulding technology on the SERVICE STAGE, engineered for varied usage conditions to improve mileage and reduce operating costs. Visitors can also participate in the WALK OF SERVICES, exploring workshop concepts throughout the fair area for chances to win daily prizes from sponsors including Bartec, Corghi, ALCAR and ALZURA based on station visits.

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World Environment Day should not only remind us about the environmental challenges we face today but also make us realise how urgently we need to change the way we produce, consume and manage waste across industries and communities. For decades, waste has continued to accumulate faster than our ability to process it responsibly, which has directly impacted our ecosystems, natural resources, public health and the future of coming generations. The reality is that environmental sustainability can no longer remain limited to discussions, annual reports or long-term commitments because the planet needs immediate and measurable action.

One of the biggest changes we need today is a shift in mindset where waste is no longer viewed as something to discard but as a resource that holds economic and environmental value when managed through the right systems and technologies. Countries across the world are moving towards circular economy models because they understand that sustainable growth will only be possible when industries reduce landfill dependency, recover value from waste and invest in cleaner processes that protect the environment while supporting economic progress.

India has made significant progress in building awareness around sustainability, recycling and environmental responsibility over the last decade, and government is leaving no stone unturned to formalise this sector in terms of infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation and collective participation.

To support the government’s initiative, we all must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices and create long-term environmental impact through real execution rather than temporary solutions.

As someone who has spent years working closely with the recycling industry, I strongly believe that technology will play one of the most critical roles in solving future environmental challenges because efficient recycling systems can help recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, lower landfill burden and conserve energy for a more sustainable future. This belief is also deeply connected to our motto, ‘Committed to Create a Green Future’, which reflects the responsibility we all share towards protecting the environment through meaningful and long-term action. However, technology alone cannot create change unless it is supported by intent, awareness and collective responsibility.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable planet where environmental progress is driven by action, innovation and responsibility for future generations.

Jignesh Kundaria
Director and CEO, Fornnax

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TyreSafe has issued an urgent appeal for motorcyclists to prioritise tyre maintenance as new government data shows a worrying rise in rider deaths. The safety organisation is backing the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Operation Apex, a road safety initiative running from 1 to 14 June.

According to provisional casualty figures from the Department for Transport, motorcycle users recorded the largest percentage increase in fatalities among all major road user groups across Great Britain. An estimated 384 riders lost their lives in 2025, representing a 13 percent rise compared to the previous year and marking the second consecutive annual increase.

Although motorcyclists make up a small fraction of overall traffic, they remain heavily overrepresented in serious and fatal collision statistics. In response, TyreSafe is using Operation Apex to promote a simple pre-ride tyre check known as ACT, which covers air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Riders are advised to check air pressure when tyres are cold using an accurate gauge and to follow manufacturer recommendations, adjusting for luggage or passengers. Visual inspections before every ride should look for cuts, bulges, embedded objects, uneven wear or signs of ageing. For tread depth, motorcycles over 50 cc require a minimum of one millimetre across the central three quarters of the tyre, while smaller mopeds need all original grooves clearly visible.

TyreSafe recommends performing these checks before each journey, especially after storage, bad weather or long trips. The organisation has released free resources including a guide, leaflet, poster, videos and social media assets to support Operation Apex and encourage safer riding habits.

These materials are available for riders, instructors and safety groups to download from the TyreSafe website throughout June. The initiative aims to reduce preventable incidents by helping motorcyclists recognise warning signs and maintain their tyres properly.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “The latest casualty figures are a stark reminder that riders remain among the most vulnerable people on our roads. For many riders, motorcycles and scooters provide freedom, independence and essential transport – but that freedom depends on machines being safe, sustainable and roadworthy. Tyres are too often overlooked, yet they play a critical role in how a motorcycle brakes, corners and responds in an emergency.

“Our message during Operation Apex is simple: ACT before every ride by checking Air pressure, Condition and Tread. A few moments spent checking tyres can make a significant difference to safety. Tyre safety should become part of every rider’s routine, just like checking fuel or putting on protective equipment. ACT is easy to remember and empowers riders to take control of their own safety before setting off. Tyre safety is not about fear – it is about preparation. You cannot control every hazard on the road, but you can control whether your motorcycle is ready to respond safely when the unexpected happens.”

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The Goodyear Blimp has redefined its century-long legacy of hovering over major pop culture moments by hosting a first-of-its-kind music festival inside an airship hangar. Dubbed BANGR at the HANGR, the event marked the brand’s second annual birthday celebration, transforming the massive space into a high-energy bash.

Festivalgoers experienced a series of exclusive attractions, including a ride aboard the Wingfoot One blimp itself. A headlining DJ set from Noizu was delivered from a stage built with Goodyear tyres, while guests also browsed signature merchandise and attended an after-party in a uniquely blimp-worthy atmosphere.

The event featured an eclectic roster of attendees, from nostalgic mascots to local sports icons. Participants included the Care Bears, puppies from Kind Paw Rescue wearing Fi GPS wearables, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, an inflatable Flo from Progressive, Rainforest Cafe’s Cha! Cha! The Tree Frog, Geoffrey from Toys“R”Us and Vita Coco’s Coco Man.

Swensons Drive-In also made an appearance, alongside Ohio-based sports mascots such as Chomps from the Cleveland Browns, Flash from Kent State University and Zippy from the University of Akron. From chaotic dance floor moments to oversized photo opportunities, the birthday celebration was a blend of fun and charm as intended by the high-flying guest of honour.

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