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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

BKT Tyres, the tyre mobility brand of Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), has introduced a 24x7 journey assistance programme called BKT YOU FORWARD for two-wheeler riders. The initiative marks the company’s shift from a pure tyre manufacturer to a comprehensive mobility partner, offering support that extends well beyond the point of sale and aligns with its Elevate Your Drive philosophy.

Available across India, the programme provides round-the-clock assistance through a dedicated helpline for unexpected incidents like punctures, breakdowns or accidents. Services include towing, repairs, ambulance access, cab arrangements and legal aid, all aimed at reducing rider anxiety and ensuring uninterrupted mobility.

A digital-first campaign film starring veteran actor Rakesh Bedi brings the initiative to life through everyday riding scenarios, showing how reliable support turns stressful roadside moments into reassuring experiences.

BKT YOU FORWARD offers three structured plans with two-year validity: the Basic Plan at INR 99, the Signature Plan at INR 149 and the Elite Plan at INR 199. Partner agencies Crossroads and Bi WW support the programme, which relies on a robust service infrastructure, real-time monitoring and defined processes to maintain consistent customer experiences and long-term engagement.

Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer, BKT Tyres, said, “Indian riders face diverse challenges every day, and access to timely, reliable support can redefine their journey experience. At BKT Tyres, our philosophy of Elevate Your Drive is not limited to selling tyres; it’s a long-term commitment to rider confidence and mobility. BKT YOU FORWARD, as the name suggests, is designed with consumer-first principle and embodies this promise by offering a structured, 24x7 assistance programme that covers nearly every scenario a rider may encounter. This initiative is not just about solving problems, it’s about building trust, continuity and assurance into every journey. By combining strong service infrastructure, real-time monitoring and defined escalation processes, we are setting a new benchmark in customer engagement. Our vision is to ensure that riders don’t just move forward but move forward with confidence.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Xingda, a prominent producer of rubber reinforcement materials, has joined forces with tyre manufacturer Pirelli and low-carbon steel specialist Nanjing Iron & Steel (NISCO) to obtain ISCC PLUS certification across the entire scrap steel recycling chain. The jointly awarded certification spans every stage from raw material sourcing and steel cord production to finished tyre manufacturing.

The pilot project, championed by Pirelli and taken up by both Xingda and NISCO, seeks to add recycled steel to the ISCC PLUS approved materials list. This achievement represents continued progress in certifying the complete tyre supply chain under the ISCC PLUS framework for recycled steel usage.

Through this certification, a fully traceable circular model has been validated. Scrap steel carrying ISCC PLUS certification is turned into high-grade wire rod at NISCO, then converted into steel cord by Xingda and finally incorporated into tyres produced by Pirelli. The three value chain leaders are demonstrating collective action under a single certification system to speed up the circular economy transition. The partnership has helped define technical standards and sustainability protocols, enabling transparent communication about raw material origins.

Xingda has confirmed that recycled steel can be used in steel cord and bead wire applications at proportions between 40 and 100 percent. The company has established targets of reaching 40 percent recycled content by 2030 and full 100 percent by 2050. Meanwhile, Pirelli, as an early adopter of ISCC PLUS certified recycled steel in tyre production, aims to launch a tyre composed of over 80 percent bio based and recycled materials by 2030 while achieving 40 percent in total raw material use. NISCO supplies green special steel to the automotive sector using advanced electric arc furnace technology, with plans to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

The ISCC PLUS certification awarded to this three-party collaboration ensures that the recycled steel meets strict sustainability and traceability standards. As a globally recognised system for tracking recycled and renewable materials across complex supply chains, ISCC PLUS now supports a replicable model for the worldwide tyre industry, allowing the full journey from scrap steel to finished tyres to be verified in response to rising market demand for transparent, circular supply chains.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (Toyo Tires) has launched the 10th annual Toyo Tires Shutter Space Automotive Photo Gallery Contest, calling on automotive photographers to submit their best original work. The competition is open to all, with entries required to capture car culture through artistic composition and technical excellence without using artificial intelligence. Submission details and entry forms are available online.

The grand prize winner will have their photograph displayed at the Shutter Space Collaborative Car Meet & Automotive Photo Gallery in Southern California later this summer. Additional rewards include social media features from Toyo Tires, a USD 1,000 gift card from BHPHOTOVIDEOdotcom, and an all‑expenses‑paid trip for two to the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where the winner will serve as a guest photographer for the brand.

Nineteen finalists will also be selected, with their work showcased at the Shutter Space event and on Toyo Tires’ social media channels. Each finalist will receive a USD 200 BHPHOTOVIDEOdotcom gift card. Judging criteria include originality, artistic composition, technical quality, authentic non‑AI imagery and embodiment of the Toyo Tires lifestyle. Submissions must be received by 28 June 2026 at 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time.

Stan Chen, Deputy Director – Consumer Marketing, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., said, “It’s incredibly exciting to reach the 10th annual Toyo Tires Shutter Space Automotive Photo Contest. Over the years, this event has created a platform for photographers to express their passion, showcase their incredible work and capture the spirit of the automotive world. At Toyo Tires, we are honoured to continue supporting the creative voices that share our passion for car culture.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Liberty Tire Recycling recently hosted 20 visitors from the Recycling Association of Minnesota for an industry tour of its state operations. Company representatives guided the group through the entire scrap tyre processing cycle, demonstrating how inbound tyres are collected, processed and transformed into finished materials.

Beyond collecting tyres from retailers, auto body shops and transfer stations, Liberty Tire Recycling assists local governments with amnesty drop-off events and illegal dump cleanup initiatives. These efforts protect roadsides, neighbourhoods and natural areas by redirecting discarded tyres into responsible recycling channels. Minnesota generates more than four and a half million end-of-life tyres annually, making robust collection infrastructure essential. Liberty accepts tyres from landfills, transfer centres, and generators such as tyres retailers and auto dealerships.

Despite a strong state framework, illegal dumping persists. Community amnesty events and targeted cleanups provide residents with convenient disposal options and give local governments a proven partner for addressing abandoned tyres piles. Liberty operates two key facilities serving Minnesota: a tyre collection and processing site in Savage and another in St. Martin. Both locations are part of Liberty’s North American network, which processes over 200 million tyres each year into rubber mulch, moulded rubber goods and rubberised asphalt components.

During the Recycling Association of Minnesota tour, visitors observed how end-of-life tyres become crumb rubber, tyre-derived aggregate, rubber mulch and tyre-derived fuel for commercial and residential applications. Through education, direct collection services, local processing, amnesty support and cleanup partnerships, Liberty helps prevent tyres from ending up in ditches or landfills and returns them to productive use.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!