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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Prinx Chengshan hosted its Brand Open Day on 21 May at the Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) Product R&D Institute, showcasing cutting-edge achievements and technical strengths. The event was designed to build deeper mutual trust and align industrial development strategies between the tyre manufacturer and the automaker.

The partnership between Prinx Chengshan and JMC began in 1992, and over 34 years, their collaboration has continuously deepened. They have expanded beyond traditional strongholds like pickup trucks, light trucks and light buses into passenger vehicle supporting businesses, achieving integration in supply chain stability and technological co-innovation. Executive President Jiang Xizhou addressed industry trends such as electrification and connectivity, positioning Prinx Chengshan as a future-oriented, technology-driven enterprise. R&D Center Director Li Chongbing detailed the company’s digital R&D system and collaborative innovation ecosystem, while Marketing Center Director Wang Hongdian introduced the brand portfolio and strategy for the global flagship brand, PRINX.

During technical exchange sessions, Prinx Chengshan leveraged its fundamental research capabilities to discuss tyre NVH technology, virtual tyre sampling, EV tyre formulations and smart tyre solutions with the JMC R&D team, reinforcing consensus on core technologies. At a separate Technical Showcase Area, the company set up experience zones for Silenteck silent technology and low-temperature low-rolling-resistance technology, turning abstract principles into immersive demonstrations. Other innovations on display included X-CHIP smart tyres, colourful tyre technology, Vanta Black and Healteck self-healing technology.

The open day served as both a comprehensive brand showcase and a major opportunity to deepen the longstanding cooperation. Prinx Chengshan will now accelerate its transformation from a tyre supplier into a technical partner for automakers, working closely with JMC on R&D innovation, vehicle matching and technical upgrades to jointly drive sustainable development in the transportation industry.

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Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH has secured a fresh three-year alliance with Fanatec, a premier sim racing hardware manufacturer and an official Formula 1 partner under the Corsair Group. Fanatec’s high-end equipment is widely used by both passionate sim racing amateurs and professional esports athletes.

Dunlop has been actively involved in digital motorsport since September 2025 through an official role with Gran Turismo on PlayStation, developed by Polyphony Digital and Sony Interactive Entertainment. That simulation platform allows Dunlop to express its performance heritage virtually. The new Fanatec deal logically extends this foundation, combining Gran Turismo’s authentic racing scenarios with Fanatec’s premium gear to deliver a lifelike driving experience.

A primary focus of the partnership is improving audience engagement with motorsport. Fanatec’s racing setups will appear at live trade shows and events, starting with TIRE COLOGNE 2026 from 9 to 11 June, giving attendees a chance to enter a virtual cockpit and feel racing firsthand.

This cooperation seeks to bridge different enthusiast groups and strengthen ties between the motorsport and sim racing communities. By merging digital authenticity with high-grade hardware, Dunlop aims to advance motorsport both technologically and emotionally, ensuring it stays relevant for contemporary audiences.

Dennis Wilstermann, Marketing Manager, DUNLOP Tyre Europe GmbH, said, “As an official partner of Gran Turismo, it was clear to us that collaborating with Fanatec is the next logical step. Together, we are creating a platform where motorsport can be experienced at every level – digital, virtual and real.”

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JK Tyre & Industries has approved a phased capacity expansion plan involving an investment of INR 49.8 bllion to strengthen its presence in the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) and Passenger Car Radial (PCR) tyre segments.

The company said its board of directors, at a meeting held on May 26, approved the expansion of TBR production at its Chennai Tyre Plant (CTP) and Vikrant Tyre Plant (VTP), along with PCR capacity expansion at the Chennai facility.

JK Tyre currently has an installed TBR and PCR capacity of 21 million tyres per annum, including capacities under implementation, with utilisation levels running at over 90 percent. The proposed expansion will increase overall capacity by 24 percent and is scheduled to be completed by FY30.

The investment will be undertaken in phases and financed through a combination of internal accruals and debt, the company said in its regulatory filing.

According to JK Tyre, the expansion is driven by robust demand across tyre categories in the Indian market and the need to maintain and strengthen its market presence.

The announcement comes alongside the company’s strong FY26 performance, with JK Tyre reporting record revenues and profitability amid rising domestic demand and higher sales volumes.

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Continental has introduced an addition to its retread product family with the launch of the ContiTread HDR 5, a regional retread designed to support fleet operations through enhanced durability and dependable performance. The new retread focuses on delivering confident handling, reliable traction and an extended service life for vehicles operating on regional routes.

The ContiTread HDR 5 employs a five‑rib tread pattern intended to provide predictable control, stability and even wear, particularly on routes involving frequent stops, sharp turns and mixed road surfaces. Its open shoulder design improves grip across various weather and road conditions, ensuring real‑world reliability while preserving both durability and overall mileage.

Developed to balance toughness with performance, the retread helps fleets maximise value from each retread cycle. Available widths include 210, 220, 230 and 240, all featuring a tread depth of 26/32 inch, offering flexible fitment for a range of regional truck applications.

Shaun Uys, VP of Sales and Marketing, Truck Tire RE USA, said, “Regional fleets need tyres that perform consistently across a wide range of conditions. The ContiTread HDR 5 was engineered to provide predictable handling, dependable traction and the durability fleets rely on to keep vehicles moving and costs under control.”

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