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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Hankook Tire has announced that its Winter i*cept evo 4 tyre secured first place in the latest Auto Bild winter tyre test. Competing in the 225/55 R18 size for SUVs and crossovers, it achieved an overall rating of 1.3, described as very good, beating nine rival models. The evaluation was carried out using a BMW X1.

The tyre stood out in wet conditions, earning a 1.2 rating after leading the field in both straight-line and cornering aquaplaning. It also recorded the highest average speed in dry handling while maintaining strong safety margins. Auto Bild further commended its dependable snow performance. Three tyres in total received very good ratings.

The Winter i*cept evo 4 is a studless tyre designed for passenger cars and SUVs, offering enhanced winter safety and fuel efficiency. It replaces the previous generation with a 5 percent improvement in snow grip, achieved through wider lateral grooves and semi-sipe technology.

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, joined forces with United Way Worldwide and the American Cancer Society's Road To Recovery for its yearly Week of Action.

Running from 21–25 September, the initiative mobilised staff at the company's Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. headquarters along with workers at about 100 distribution centres nationwide. The annual event, first introduced in 2024, invites TBC's roughly 3,000 employees to give back through volunteer work in their own communities. More than 2,000 volunteer hours have been logged since the programme began.

Across US sites, workers put together hygiene kits stocked with toothpaste, tissues, shampoo, conditioner, combs and deodorant, which were given to local United Way branches assisting people and families facing hardship. Additionally, employees wrote personalised messages for those served by the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery programme, which supplies free transportation to cancer-related medical visits. Thanks to TBC's involvement, 500 free rides became available for patients in that programme.

Looking ahead to October, the company's San Luis Potosi location in México will team up with Fondo Potosino and Colonia Juvenil, two organisations that deliver resources and create opportunities through programming, civic engagement and social support. TBC staff will take part in mentorship and team-building exercises alongside programme participants, aiming to build confidence and pave the way for future achievement.

Ron Harper, Chief Supply Chain Officer, TBC Corporation, said, “Giving back to the planet and making an impact in the communities in which we live and work is a core part of our vision. Our Week of Action reflects our commitment to doing right by our communities in meaningful and tangible ways.”

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Dunlop-equipped riders filled the rosters of the two strongest teams at this season's Motocross of Nations (MXoN), where Liam Everts, riding for Nestaan Husqvarna, played a pivotal role in ending Belgium's lengthy wait for the Chamberlain Trophy. Jorge Prado and Guillem Farres likewise turned in impressive rides on Dunlop rubber, propelling Spain to a narrow runner-up result at the prestigious gathering.

Only three points separated the leading teams when racing concluded, and Everts proved instrumental in Belgium's triumph. Having placed second in Saturday's Open-class qualifying, the Belgian followed up with a pair of fourth-place moto finishes on Sunday. Spain mounted a determined challenge across the weekend, briefly holding the top spot after the first moto before finishing three points adrift of Belgium.

Prado, a two-time MXGP champion, claimed second in both of his outings, enough to head the MXGP standings, while Farres contributed a fourth and a fifth to Spain's total. France also delivered Dunlop success, with Kawasaki's full-time pairing of Romain Febvre and Mathis Valin racing before a home crowd. While his teammates struggled, Febvre produced one of the day's standout individual displays, winning the opening moto and then taking third in the finale, where he also grabbed the Holeshot.

Those results placed Febvre second in the MXGP class behind Prado, while Farres and Camden McLellan of South Africa topped the MX2 standings. Everts ended second in the Open category, with fellow Dunlop rider Pauls Jonass of Latvia third. Dunlop riders claimed three of six race wins across qualifying and the main motos, and five of the nine Sunday podium finishers used the brand.

In total, 32 competitors from 16 nations depended on Dunlop's Geomax MX34 front and Geomax MX14 rear tyres, engineered respectively for soft-to-mid terrain and loose-surface traction. The weekend rounds off another standout season for Dunlop. Farres captured the MX2 world title and led Triumph Racing to a one-two with McLellan, while Febvre was MXGP runner-up after winning the crown on Dunlop the previous year. In America, Ken Roczen rode Dunlop to a first 450cc AMA Supercross championship, continuing Dunlop's unbroken run of AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross titles since 2010.

Wim Van Achter, Motorcycle Motorsport Manager EMEA, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said, “It has been a fantastic weekend of racing at the Motocross of Nations, and we congratulate Dunlop rider Liam Everts on the victory with Team Belgium. Team Spain fought hard all weekend, with Jorge and Guillem helping the team fight right to the end for the victory. We’re pleased that so many top riders continue to choose Dunlop Geomax tyres, and the results across the field weekend underline the performance of our Geomax MX34 and MX14 products.”

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Liberty Tire Recycling partnered with Henry County staff and volunteers for a three-day Tire Amnesty Event at the County Barn last week, during which thousands of scrap tyres were collected from residents seeking free and responsible disposal. The recurring programme, offered every three years, drew a steady stream of vehicles ranging from cars and trucks to trailers and farm equipment, generating sizable piles of tyres and underscoring both strong community participation and the persistent need for proper recycling.

County personnel, including Jason Stanley, Jeremy Raisor, James Nutgrass, Darrell Abbott, Zach Smith and Travis Buchanan, worked continuously to unload and organise tyres as residents arrived. Among those taking part was New Castle resident Charles Miller, who delivered over 100 tyres, many from demolition derby vehicles, and also brought tyres on behalf of several family members so that materials from multiple properties could be recycled.

Photo by The Henry County Local

Stanley reported that turnout substantially exceeded the previous amnesty event held three years ago, with residents arriving consistently throughout the collection period. Such events offer a convenient way to remove scrap tyres that might otherwise accumulate on properties, create safety hazards and serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other pests, thereby reducing environmental risks and advancing sustainable waste management.

Officials applaud the Kentucky Division of Waste Management and its local partners for organising these programmes, noting that states collecting mandatory tyre disposal or recycling fees can reinvest them in amnesty days that channel waste tyres into the recycling stream and deter illegal dumping. While the final tally remains pending, county officials anticipate the total will rank among the most successful amnesty events in recent years.

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