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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Goodyear has introduced a new global campaign titled ‘Fast Is In Us’, dedicated to celebrating its renowned Eagle performance tyre family. The campaign debuted at the Kentucky Derby and follows last year’s STILL campaign, which underscored Goodyear’s iconic status. Fast Is In Us builds upon that foundation to elevate the Eagle legacy further.

Rather than focusing solely on traditional speed, the campaign highlights individuals deeply passionate about automobiles. It honours their appreciation for vehicle design, engineering and the tactile connection through the steering wheel. Fast Is In Us shifts attention from raw velocity to the emotional bond between driver and machine, celebrating those who feel performance rather than merely claim it.

The Eagle tyre family’s decades-long performance pedigree grounds the campaign, shaped in elite motorsport environments and high-performance automotive partnerships. After 45 years and millions of drivers, Eagle enters a new era believing fast is inherent to its design. This marks Goodyear’s first global campaign built around a performance tyre family, inviting drivers to embrace Eagle as a living philosophy rather than a one-off product.

The campaign will roll out globally across premium television, out-of-home, digital, social and cultural events. At the Kentucky Derby, the Goodyear Blimp carried the phrase Did someone say horsepower? Future integrations include the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other elite racing gatherings. Created with Publicis P1T Crew and led by BBH USA, Fast Is In Us aims to remind performance drivers why Eagle has always belonged with them.

Mark Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and President, Goodyear, said, "The performance car category is growing, and the drivers entering it want tyres worth bragging about. Eagle has more than four decades of credibility in performance and racing, and Fast Is In Us puts that legacy back to work – re‑establishing Eagle as the tyre knowledgeable drivers choose when performance truly matters. This campaign reflects how we're building Goodyear for the future: leading with premium products, authentic performance and brands that mean something."

J J Kraft, VP Global Creative, Goodyear, said, "Eagle isn't a product line – it's a piece of car culture. Fast Is In Us is a comprehensive platform built to put Eagle back at the centre of that enthusiasm. It expresses performance through feel and confidence behind the wheel, not just numbers on a page. It stands as one global campaign idea with the range to live across motorsport, retail and culture, and the ambition to lead the category, not chase it."

"For these drivers, Eagle is more than a tyre, it's a badge of devotion for drivers who respect the craft behind performance and demand confidence, responsiveness, and control every time they drive. Fast, in this world, isn't something you switch on. It's something you live," Kraft added.

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A comprehensive scientific review released under the umbrella of the Tire Industry Project (TIP) has concluded that despite significant advances in understanding tyre wear emissions, current data remains insufficient to quantify their direct impact on human health. The final paper in a three-part ‘State of Knowledge’ (SoK) series, supported by TIP as part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, analysed over 850 peer-reviewed studies to assess global research on tyre and road wear particles. The authors found that inconsistencies in sampling approaches, detection techniques and analytical methodologies across studies prevent reliable comparison and robust risk assessment. As a result, while interest in the topic has grown, the evidence linking tyre emissions to specific health outcomes remains inconclusive.

According to the review, tyre wear particles constitute only a small fraction of total airborne particulate matter, typically less than five percent of PM2.5 and PM10 in urban environments. Toxicological data from both in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that tyre and road wear particles are no more harmful than general ambient particulate matter, with effects that are similar to or less potent than those of other airborne particle types. Although chemicals used in tyre manufacturing have been detected in human body fluids, the authors stress that these substances are also widely used in other applications, making it impossible to clearly attribute exposure to tyres as the primary source.

The paper, independently authored by Kathrin Müller, Julie Panko, Kenny M Unice and Dr Stephan Wagner, identifies the lack of harmonised global methods for sampling, analysing and characterising tyre wear emissions as a major barrier to drawing firm conclusions. This call for greater methodological consistency aligns with the findings of the first two SoK papers published in 2025, which examined the characterisation, quantification and environmental impacts of tyre wear emissions. Without standardised approaches, meaningful comparison across studies and reliable exposure or risk assessment remain unattainable.

Looking forward, the authors recommend that future research prioritise the identification of potential exposure pathways and examine relevant health outcomes, including chronic effects, under realistic conditions. Such studies should cover urban and suburban populations across different global regions to ensure comprehensive and applicable findings. The SoK series, representing the most extensive review of global science on tyre wear emissions to date, underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to improve the identification, measurement, and attribution of these particles in both environmental and human health contexts.

Dr Wagner, one of the leading researchers of Paper 3, said, “Tyre wear emissions are a complex topic that we still only partly understand, especially in relation to human health. While research has advanced our understanding of TRWP, the current data simply isn’t robust enough to quantify any potential health risks specifically linked to tyre wear. Looking forward, cross-stakeholder collaboration is fundamental to making rapid progress. By aligning methods, sharing data and focusing on real-world studies, we can build a stronger, more consistent evidence base to inform future decisions.”

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Citira has announced the acquisition of A&P Gustavsson Däck i Småland, a well-established tyre shop in Tingsryd, Småland. This transaction adds a key service point in the region and significantly strengthens Citira’s presence across southern Sweden.

Founded in 1985, A&P Gustavsson Däck has built a lasting reputation over four decades through high-level service for both heavy vehicles and passenger cars. Anders Gustavsson, who joined the business in 1985, became Shop Manager in 1995 and took full ownership in 2008, shaping the shop into a trusted local institution. His deep community ties have made the business a valued presence beyond just tyre services. Following the transaction, Anders will become a co-owner of Citira.

Linus Engberg, an employee since 2013, will assume the role of Shop Manager after the deal closes, ensuring continuity in daily operations and service standards. The shop will remain at the same premises with the same team, now backed by Citira’s resources and network to support further growth.

David Boman, CEO, Citira, said, "We are very pleased to welcome Anders, Linus and the team to Citira. The tyre shop has an impressive history and a genuinely strong local presence. That kind of trust, built over many years, is exactly what we look for when growing our network. We look forward to supporting the continued development of the business in Tingsryd and the surrounding region.”

Gustavsson said, "Joining Citira is the right next step for the business. It has been a privilege to serve this community for so many years, and I am confident that with Linus leading the team and with Citira's backing, the tyre shop will continue to thrive and deliver the service our customers deserve.”

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Prinx Chengshan has introduced its latest ultra-high-performance tyre, the Austone Meijie, through a charity test-drive event held in Kunming on 26 and 27 April. Centred on the theme ‘Cherish Every Moment with Love’, the initiative brought together dealers and store representatives to blend cutting-edge tyre technology with social responsibility. The new tyre was highlighted throughout as the group embarked on a mountainous journey focused on rural education support.

The charity effort targeted left-behind children, addressing both educational and daily needs as part of Prinx Chengshan’s broader corporate social responsibility commitments. Volunteers travelled to Jibi Primary School in Zhongshu Town, Luxi County, where 80 percent of students are boarders and nearly half of all families come from poverty-registered or low-income households. The convoy delivered stationery kits, sports equipment and backpacks to fill resource gaps at the campus.

Beyond material aid, the event fostered personal connections and emotional warmth, with the Austone brand philosophy of cherishing every moment put into practice. The new tyre played a key role in safeguarding the journey across city streets, highways and winding mountain roads. Participants gained direct experience of the Austone Meijie’s handling, durability and comfort throughout the convoy’s travels.

Professional test-drive sessions at Kunming Yujia Auto & Motor Sports Park further demonstrated the new tyre’s capabilities. In dry braking tests, the Austone Meijie delivered confident control and immediate response. The tyre’s high-grip tread compound and wide longitudinal grooves tackled wet surfaces by ensuring stable lane changes even through standing water. The new tyre provided unwavering lateral support and precise steering throughout the journey.

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