The Tire Society unveiled its speaker lineup for the 43rd Annual Conference, which will be held from 11 to 13 September 2024 at the University of Akron in Ohio.
This premier technical event for advancements in tyre science and technology boasts a keynote address, a plenary lecture, and an awards banquet featuring a tyre-related speaker. Over 25 original technical presentations by international tyre scientists will also be featured.
The Tire Society, the world's leading technical organisation for tyre science, engineering, and technology advancement, is a non-profit dedicated to disseminating knowledge and stimulating scientific and engineering developments in tyres.

Expanded Conference Format
Building on its success, the conference extends two to a half days, allowing for increased attendee interaction. Registration includes annual Tire Society membership, granting full access to the vast archive of the Journal of Tire Science and Technology (over 50 years of articles). Additional benefits encompass on-demand replays of technical presentations and discounted registration for the University of Akron's Tire Mechanics Short Course.
Global Representation in Research Presentations
A global audience can expect high-calibre research presentations from Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. Tyre-related topics include rolling resistance, durability, noise, molecular and constitutive modelling, traction, handling, vehicle dynamics/simulation, manufacturing, intelligent tyre systems, active suspension, and machine learning. An interactive student poster session fosters connections between attendees and the next generation of tyre specialists.
Keynote and Plenary Speakers
The conference welcomes Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire America, as this year's keynote speaker. His address, "Adapting to Change: Leveraging Technology as a Catalyst for Innovation," reflects his extensive experience of over 33 years in the automotive and tyre industries. Before Hankook, Williams held leadership positions at AAA Carolinas (Automotive Car Care Centres Vice President), Michelin (Commercial Sales & Operations Regional Director and Commercial Operations Vice President), and Goodyear Tire & Rubber (District Manager).
Tom Ebbott, Vice President of Endurica, LLC, will deliver the plenary lecture. Dr Ebbott, recognised for his leadership in tyre modelling, simulation, and workflows, holds a PhD in fracture and crack growth in polymers from the University of Wisconsin. He joined Endurica in 2022 after 35 years at Goodyear, where he held various technical and leadership roles in product and technology development, modelling and simulation, and material characterisation. Dr. Ebbott also played a key role in multiple technical partnerships and spent two years as Manager of Computational Mechanics at Goodyear's Luxembourg Technical Center. His contributions include numerous publications and awards.
Banquet Speaker
The banquet speaker will be Anand Jagota, professor and founding chair of the bioengineering programme at Lehigh University. Dr. Jagota, with over 115 refereed journal articles and three book chapters, focuses his research on biomaterials, biomechanics, and nanobiotechnology. His group explores the properties, processing, and modelling of DNA interactions with nanomaterials, particularly DNA-carbon nanotube hybrids. Additional research areas include nanomechanics, biomechanics, adhesion, and friction. Dr Jagota's lab currently investigates biomimetic fibrillar interfaces for enhanced adhesion, friction, and compliance through near-surface architecture design. The ongoing research projects include solution-based processing of carbon nanotubes, the biomimetics of fibrillar adhesion, and adhesion/mechanical properties.

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”