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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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) recently hosted the ‘Sri Trang Exclusive Night 2026’ at the Hard Rock Cafe Chidlom in Bangkok. The gathering served as a gesture of gratitude towards the company’s global customers and business partners while showcasing STA’s future vision centred on artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainable development within an atmosphere of international camaraderie.

The event featured senior leadership, including group Chief Executive Officer Veerasith Sinchareonkul, executive directors Chaiyos Sincharoenkul and Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul, Sri Trang International CEO Lee Tristan Chee-Zen and Chief Marketing Officer Nattee Thiraputhbhokin. Together, they welcomed partners from numerous countries worldwide.

A central theme, ‘Empowering AI’, highlighted STA’s strategic direction to integrate AI and data analytics across supply chain management, market analysis and customer solution development. This approach aims to respond accurately and flexibly to shifting global markets. STA also reinforced its role as a collaborative business partner, working with customers to solve problems, enhance efficiency, reduce risks and build sustainability throughout the supply chain, thereby strengthening Thailand’s natural rubber industry globally.

Additionally, STA underscored its commitment to transparency, traceability and responsible supply chain practices for long-term stability. As the company approaches its 40th year, the event not only acknowledged loyal support but also demonstrated STA’s readiness to advance through technology, innovation, and global cooperation.

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Titan International has formally entered the rubber track market, a strategic expansion of its product lineup long requested by its customer base. The new Titan Rubber Tracks represent the brand’s first move beyond wheels and tyres, specifically engineered for compact track loaders and mini excavators. This launch introduces an entirely new category for the company, aiming to meet rising demand in tracked compact equipment applications.

The role of tracked machinery continues to grow across construction and rental sectors, where traction and uptime are paramount. Rather than follow industry norms, Titan developed a proprietary premium rubber compound for its tracks, prioritising durability through internal and field evaluations. Extensive testing across varied conditions and multiple regions gathered positive user feedback, with thousands of operational hours confirming reliable performance and longevity.

Both equipment dealers and end users stand to gain from the new line. Dealers receive a high-quality track solution suitable for recommendation, stocking and service support, while operators benefit from a design focused on minimising downtime. The launch encompasses nearly 60 SKUs spread across five tread patterns, fitting over 950 machine models and more than 1,500 specific fitments.

Tread options address mixed surfaces, soft ground, high-impact job sites and general-purpose use. Inventory will reside at Titan’s Des Moines facility to ensure prompt service for OEM and aftermarket needs. Following internal previews at Titan University 2026 and a public debut at the 2026 National Farm Machinery Show, Titan Rubber Tracks are now available for ordering.

Travis Little, General Manager, Ag, Construction and Industrial, said, “Our customers have been asking for Titan to enter this space, but we needed to make sure our tracks are as tough as our tyres. We’ve combined our rubber and engineering expertise to develop a rubber track option that meets our standards and works for our customers. We could have entered the rubber track market sooner, but we wanted to take the time to launch a product worthy of the Titan name. By working with our rubber compounding and engineering teams, we focused on providing a track designed for long-term performance, and we’re confident this is the product our customers have been looking for.”

Chris Smith, Product Engineer, Agriculture, Construction and Industrial, said, “Across all field tests, we have no reports of carcass delamination, guide separation or structural failure, even beyond the above-average expected hours in multiple cases. Testing was also conducted at blue-chip OEM manufacturers where Titan Rubber Tracks exceeded testing requirements on internal durability and high-stress conditions testing.”

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Ralson has reached a production volume of one million units for its truck and bus radial tyres. This accomplishment arrives only three years after the brand’s entry into the American market and roughly five years following construction work on its dedicated TBR facility, which began during the most severe period of the pandemic.

Demand from commercial fleets operating in over 70nations has fuelled the brand’s rise. Users have consistently rated the TBR product line as delivering high-end performance at a cost-effective price. To support this customer base, Ralson currently maintains two American warehouses in Savannah and Newark, enabling replenishment within two to three days for dealers and fleets across the country.

The tyre lineup meets United States fleet engineering standards and comes with a competitive seven-year, three-retread warranty. Products cover long-haul, regional and vocational uses. Following the one millionth tyre, Ralson plans a large capital investment to more than double its TBR output. The expansion will increase warehousing, partner programmes and dealer support across North America.

Brian Sheehey, President, Ralson Tire North America, said, “The first million was about conviction – in the product, the process and the people who built it. We started this plant when the world was standing still. We earned every mile since. The next million will be about acceleration: deeper dealer partnerships, broader SKU coverage and continuing to give fleets a reason to choose us on every spec sheet.”

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Giti Tire heads into the 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour race from 14 to 17 May with a clear engineering mission, placing its tyres at the very centre of a live high-performance trial. The company treats the gruelling event not merely as a competition but as a decade‑long research platform where extreme track demands directly inform the durability and safety of everyday road tyres. What Giti learns on the Green Hell’s asphalt directly shapes its ultra‑high‑performance road tyres, enhancing handling precision and driver confidence worldwide.

The notorious Nordschleife, a 25‑kilometre maze of blind crests, 170 corners and volatile weather, serves as Giti’s primary outdoor laboratory. Unlike controlled indoor simulations, this circuit forces tyres to endure rapid temperature swings, sudden rain and sustained high‑speed loads, generating performance data that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

During the 24 hours of nonstop racing, Giti’s engineers systematically track how their compounds behave under relentless stress. They measure grip falloff, structural fatigue, wet‑weather response and heat dissipation lap after lap, turning every hour of darkness and every sudden shower into a learning opportunity for future tyre families.

Beyond technology, Giti has built a visible partnership with WS Racing and its all‑female ‘Girls Only – Ready to Rock the Green Hell’ campaign. The 2026 entry fields Carrie Schreiner, Janina Schall and Fabienne Wohlwend in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, while a separate Toyota Supra in the VT2‑RWD class continues developing emerging talents through the Girls Only Talent Pool.

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