Banner image caption: Europäische Fachpressekonferenz, v.l.n.r.: Dr. Ralf Deckers (Bereichsleiter Research Experts, IFH Köln GmbH), Ingo Riedeberger (Director THE TIRE COLOGNE), Maximiliane Sarwas (Moderatorin), Gerald Böse (Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung Koelnmesse GmbH), Stephan Helm (Vorsitzender BRV), Motorworld Köln

The German Tyre Retail and Vulcanisation Trade Association (BRV) and Koelnmesse has announced that the Tire Cologne 2021 will be a hybrid trade fair. It will be held in the classic trade format as well as in the digital format called the ‘TTC@home’. According to Koelnmesse, a global leader for Digital Media, Entertainment and Mobility segments, the two parallel formats would ensure that the industry participants from around the world, whether exhibitors or trade visitors, can exchange ideas live in Cologne or digitally via a platform developed specifically for this purpose.

Desperate conditions demand discerning measures
The event organisers have revealed that the trade fairs will be carried out safely and successfully while keeping all the safety measures in place. The stand
areas are limited to a maximum of 150 sq.m. Additional capacities are offered by the ‘Lead Café’ – consultation rooms that can be used flexibly. Koelnmesse has developed a host of measures under the ‘#BSAFE4BUSINESS’ in accordance with the provisions of the corona protection ordinance of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and in close coordination with the authorities in Cologne. These measures work together seamlessly and regulate interaction at the trade fair.

The digital platform developed by Koelnmesse, on which the TTC@home digital trade fair components are realised, is already currently being used successfully at DMEXCO, the largest trade fair for digital marketing & advertising in Europe that concluded today. ‘Digital’ exhibitors can present their products as photo and text information within the exhibitor showrooms and increase the attention their company attracts by embedding video content. Content on products and companies can be presented in digital panels or conferences to a circle of interested parties and in greater depth via special networking functions in chats or digital meetings. In addition to a large number of additional tools, TTC@home also supports new visitor target groups and is at the same time the basis for a sustainable community platform that will continue to exist beyond The Tire Cologne 2021. All the exhibitors will receive a digital basic package at no charge. TTC@home thus also makes an important contribution to the digitalisation of the tyre industry.

Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse, (pictured above) said, "One thing is certain; trade fairs will remain indispensable. Only here can direct personal encounters for the maintenance of existing contacts and the initiation of new business opportunities be assured with precision and certainty. We are more than prepared to carry out trade fairs safely and successfully for all participants, and to thus provide the so urgently needed impulses for the further development of the industries.”

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Michelin has launched the new Anakee Adventure 2, a tyre aimed at the Trail motorcycle segment and engineered to deliver safety, pleasure and freedom for the modern rider. This product is a strategic pillar in the company's global vision for the Trail category, designed for those who navigate daily commutes but live for the spirit of exploration.

The MICHELIN Anakee Adventure 2 is developed for predominantly road-based use while retaining confident off-road capability. It meets the needs of discerning riders who demand safety in everyday conditions alongside the ability to spontaneously explore beyond paved surfaces. The tyre promises enhanced wet grip through advanced silica-based compounds and offers improved longevity, with significant increases in mileage over its predecessor. It also provides superior riding comfort through reduced noise perception, leading to less fatigue. Its versatility is confirmed by an M+S marking and a tread pattern optimised for effective traction on varied terrain.

These benefits are achieved through Michelin's latest technologies, including a dual-compound construction for durability and grip, reinforced casing architecture for stability and comfort, and a new tread design that balances on-road refinement with loose-surface traction. The tyre also features a premium sidewall design to complement the aesthetic of modern adventure motorcycles. It is available for a comprehensive range of flagship models from manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, Ducati, Triumph and KTM.

This launch completes Michelin's strategic Trail portfolio, which ranges from purely road-focused tyres to those with off-road bias. The introduction of the Anakee Adventure 2 is a key component of Michelin's broader ambition to become a leading force in the Trail segment by 2030. This strategy is built upon strengthening brand image through motorsport heritage, fostering a dedicated rider community via engagement initiatives, and expanding original equipment partnerships with major motorcycle manufacturers. The MICHELIN Anakee Adventure 2 is available globally through authorised dealers.

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Michelin will join Team Picnic PostNL as an official technical partner from 2026 onwards, signalling the tyre manufacturer's high-profile return to elite road racing. This alliance is founded on a shared drive to expand performance boundaries through dedicated innovation. Rather than a mere supply agreement, the collaboration entails a deep technical union between the brand’s engineers and the team’s performance specialists. The primary goal is to validate Michelin tyre capabilities under the most demanding race conditions and to jointly pioneer next-generation technologies.

Team Picnic PostNL, a leading World Tour squad with men’s, women’s and development rosters, will exclusively race on state-of-the-art tyres co-developed with Michelin, set to debut in competition this coming February. This partnership embodies a modern and ambitious sporting vision, uniting both entities under core values of elite performance and innovation. Data and feedback gathered across all racing programmes will fuel a continuous cycle of optimisation, aimed at propelling the team to the podium while simultaneously accelerating the development of future consumer tyre products.

For Michelin, this venture integrates competition directly into its global innovation strategy, using the rigours of world-class cycling as a dynamic proving ground and beacon for technological advancement.

Vincent Ledieu, Director – Cycling Programme, Michelin, said, “By partnering with Team Picnic PostNL, Michelin is showing its support for the world of top-level road cycling. Working closely with the riders and the whole team allows us to better understand the demands of competing at the highest level. This partnership allows us to continue to develop innovative tire technologies while supporting Team Picnic PostNL's ambitions in World Tour competition.”

Piet Rooijakkers, Team Picnic PostNL's R&D expert, said, “Our partnership with Michelin allows us to have very high-quality equipment that is perfectly suited to the demands of the World Tour. By working closely with their engineers, we quickly turn user feedback and performance data into actionable improvements. This process of continuous learning and optimisation is essential for Team Picnic PostNL, and we see this collaboration as an important step in pushing performance to the next level.”

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Toyo Tires has made its way to the annual A-List of CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts. This premier recognition, awarded for the first time to the company in the 2025 evaluation, reflects the company’s comprehensive decarbonisation efforts, which include validated science-based targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards renewable energy at its production sites. CDP’s annual assessment is a key benchmark for corporate sustainability across climate, water and forests.

The assessment also highlighted Toyo Tires' commitment to transparency, as verified by independent third-party data reviews. Viewing its business activities as intrinsically connected to society and the future, the Toyo Tires Group treats reducing environmental impact as a top operational priority.

Moving forward, the company is dedicated to advancing decarbonization across all its manufacturing processes and broader supply chain, aiming to support a sustainable global society.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new and more affordable range of gravel tyres under the Vredestein Aventura Core Series. This new-generation family consists of three distinct models: the Aventura Seta Core, Aventura Core and Aventura Grezzo Core. Engineered in Europe, these tyres are built for enhanced durability and dependable performance across diverse surfaces, offering riders a cost-effective upgrade for adventure biking.

The series is constructed around a streamlined Core platform, which incorporates a robust 60 TPI casing for increased puncture resistance and stable handling on uneven terrain. While utilising the proven tread patterns of existing Vredestein gravel tyres, this refined construction delivers high-end capability at a more accessible price point.

Each model is tailored for specific riding conditions. The Aventura Seta Core is designed for speed, with a race-optimised tread for fast rolling on asphalt and high-speed gravel, complemented by shoulder knobs for technical cornering. For versatile, everyday use, the Aventura Core offers a balanced blend of rolling efficiency and predictable grip across tarmac, hardpack and gravel roads. Finally, the Aventura Grezzo Core provides confidence on loose and rugged terrain, featuring an aggressive tread for enhanced traction in sand and soft surfaces, while its chained centre tread maintains efficiency on harder ground.

The Aventura Core Series will be available starting 1 February 2026. The Aventura Seta Core comes in 40, 45 and 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Core is offered in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Grezzo Core is available in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. Colour options include black/black and black/transparent sidewalls.

Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Aventura Core Series marks an important expansion of our gravel offering within the Vredestein range. By introducing three purpose-designed tyres built on a shared durable foundation, we can better support riders across the full spectrum of gravel terrain – from high-speed racing to off-road exploration and everyday mixed-surface riding.”

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