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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Sun Auto Network is strengthening its presence in North Carolina by consolidating several well-known local businesses under the Sun Auto Tire & Service banner. This integration includes Piedmont Tire, which finished rebranding in late 2025, and four Tire Max locations that made the switch this past March. The process continues with Jackson Auto Worx, while Liberty Tire & Auto is scheduled to follow later in 2026.

To celebrate these changes, Tire Max will host grand opening events over two weekends in April. The first takes place 9 to 11 April at the Madison and Stokesdale stores, followed by the second from 23 to 25 April at the High Point and Summerfield locations.

These community-focused gatherings will feature promotional giveaways such as tyres and a full year of free oil changes, along with other special offers. Through this investment, Sun Auto Network aims to benefit both local drivers and the wider North Carolina communities it now serves.

Michael Loa, Regional Vice President, said, "This is about creating a more unified and recognisable presence across the region. Aligning these stores under the Sun Auto Tire & Service name builds on the strength of our existing network while delivering a more consistent experience for drivers."

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB (publ) (Enviro) has been informed that Infiniteria Sweden AB and Infiniteria Europe Sàrl plan to ask the Gothenburg District Court to immediately end Enviro’s ongoing company reorganisation. Infiniteria also challenges the legality of Enviro’s recent contract cancellations regarding their joint venture and has indicated it will seek damages as a result.

The reorganisation was originally approved by the same court on 27 February 2026. Infiniteria now argues that the process should be halted at once because its intended purpose is unlikely to be achieved and because continuing would be unfair to Infiniteria. Furthermore, Infiniteria has made clear it will oppose any reorganisation plan that Enviro might put forward.

Infiniteria disputes the validity of Enviro’s termination of their joint venture agreements, which occurred on 20 March 2026 under the Swedish Company Reorganization Act. While no formal damages claim has been filed yet, Infiniteria preliminarily estimates potential claims from the terminations at roughly EUR 84 million. This estimate partially overlaps with an existing arbitration claim against Enviro that was disclosed on 6 February 2026.

Enviro firmly rejects Infiniteria’s stance, asserting that its conclusions rest on incomplete and incorrect information, making them unfounded. Together with its legal advisors and the court-appointed administrator, Enviro is reviewing the matter and will respond to Infiniteria’s claims as directed by the District Court.

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Flat tyre protection specialist Tyron Runflat has joined the UK Towing Safety Alliance (UKTSA), strengthening efforts to raise safety standards for drivers who tow caravans, trailers, horseboxes and commercial loads across Britain.

Formed in May 2025, the Alliance is a national coalition convened by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety. It was created after the disbandment of the Trailer and Towing Safety All Party Parliamentary Group, driven by findings from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Nearly half of non‑caravan trailers inspected were non‑compliant, with many prohibited from road use due to defective brakes, lights or tyres. Towing‑related incidents rose 16 percent between 2022 and 2024.

The Alliance’s TLC campaign urges drivers to perform three pre‑towing checks. Tyres: pressure, tread depth and damage. Load: even distribution, legal limits and securing. Connectivity: lights, electrics and breakaway cables. Member organisations like TyreSafe, the National Caravan Council, the British Horse Society, National Highways, the Camping and Caravanning Club, the National Trailer and Towing Association and NFU Mutual tailor messaging to their audiences.

Tyron specialises in blowout protection. Its patented MultiBand fills the wheel well, preventing the tyre bead from dropping during rapid deflation. This helps drivers maintain steering control to reach safety. The system can also fit alongside Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems using a dedicated bracket.

The Alliance focuses on education over enforcement, helping drivers take simple steps for safer towing. By combining members’ expertise, it delivers practical guidance from leisure caravanners to agricultural and commercial operators.

Peter Simson, Director, Tyron Runflat, said, “Towing safety depends on multiple factors, but tyres remain one of the most critical elements in maintaining control of both the vehicle and the trailer. We’re pleased to join the UK Towing Safety Alliance and support the TLC campaign, which provides clear and practical guidance for drivers. Collaboration across industry is essential if we are to reduce incidents and improve awareness of the risks associated with towing. By working alongside organisations that share the same commitment to road safety, we can help ensure drivers are better informed and better prepared before they set off.”

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Goodyear kicks off its third year as the exclusive tyre supplier for the LMGT3 class in the FIA World Endurance Championship at the 6 Hours of Imola. All 18 cars competing this weekend will be fitted with Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres, continuing a partnership that began in 2024. The chosen compound for Imola is the Medium variant, recognisable by its yellow sidewall lettering, which is valued for its steady performance and reliability across multiple driving stints. This same tyre will be used at every WEC track throughout the current season.

Imola presents a unique test compared to more abrasive circuits thanks to its smooth asphalt and flowing layout that puts less stress on tyres. Lower degradation shifts the emphasis towards strategic planning over the six-hour race, rather than pure tyre preservation. This backdrop is where Richard Lietz and Riccardo Pera previously claimed their first victory together, eventually becoming 2025 LMGT3 champions alongside Ryan Hardwick. They now return with The Bend Manthey Porsche, joined by Yasser Shahin.

New regulations this season have increased tyre allocations, giving teams more strategic freedom. While the Medium’s proven durability still allows double stinting, the extra sets let crews fit fresh rubber at every pit stop, avoiding the need to overextend a stint and risk fading pace. For wet conditions, teams also have access to a Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyre, whose tread pattern is engineered to clear standing water and maintain grip.

Beyond the on-track action, the Goodyear Blimp will soar above Imola for its first appearance of the season. The Goodyear Wingfoot Award, decided by fan votes from both the grandstands and home viewers in a driver of the day format, also makes its return. Meanwhile, Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are competing this weekend at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, as well as at Donington Park for the British Touring Car Championship opener.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Program Manager, Said, “Imola is less aggressive on tyres than many of the tracks we visit. It doesn’t generate high lateral loads and the surface is relatively smooth, so it’s naturally one of the kinder tracks on tyres. That opens up a range of strategic options for teams. You can double stint and gain time in the pit lane, or with the increased allocations, teams may choose to run new tyres more often. Our Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium tyre gives them the flexibility to consider both options. The circuit also has a clear left-hand bias, which places more load on the right side of the car. Teams may look at single stinting only the loaded side, while carrying the unloaded side for longer and doing more stints on that side. These differing strategies are what we expect will define the race for many teams this weekend.”

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