By Sharad Matade

As part of its sustainability efforts, Continental aims at using at least ten percent of natural rubber derived from Russian dandelion roots in its tyre and industrial rubber goods production in future.

“We have undertaken a huge research task to meet ten percent of our requirement of natural rubber from dandelion roots. It is a long-term process,” Dr Carla Recker, Head of Expertfield Materials Chemistry & Taraxagum, told Tyre Trends in an interview. “It will take decades to complement natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis with natural rubber from dandelion plants at an industrialised level. However, the company does not intend to replace NR from Hevea brasiliensis trees.”

According to Dr Carsten Venz, Site Manager at Taraxagum Lab Anklam, “Dandelion will be an additional source of natural rubber, not a replacement to rubber trees, in the coming years.”

Continental has been consequent on the cultivation and processing of Russian dandelion as an alternative source of raw material to the rubber tree in the tropics. Last year, the company officially opened its research and test laboratory named Taraxagum Lab Anklam in Anklam, Germany, a base for its future research into the cultivation and processing of Russian dandelion, within a year after the ground-breaking ceremony held in November 2017.

“The Taraxagum Lab Anklam is the latest key milestone of our project,” said Dr Recker.

The Taraxagum project is crucial for the company. “The natural rubber from dandelion is important to develop a new alternative and sustainable supply of the raw material” Dr Venz said.

On bicycle tyres

Though the lab was opened last year, Continental started working on the dandelion rubber project in 2011, and the company has already used rubber from dandelion roots in its passenger car tyres, truck tyres and industrial rubber goods. “The latest development on production-side is that we have industrialised bicycle tyres with rubber derived from dandelions. So, you can now buy bicycle tyres of Continental made of dandelion rubber in the market,” Dr Recker said. Continental showcased its first bicycle tyre with dandelion rubber at the Tour de France this year.

Currently, the Taraxagum lab is working on dandelion research, and over the next five to ten years, it will focus on the industrialisation of dandelion rubber and increase the share for the dandelion rubber in its products.

“Continental sees the Russian dandelion as one element of our commitment for sustainable natural rubber as detailed in our Sustainable Natural Rubber Sourcing Policy published in October 2018. At least for us, the Russian dandelion is the most promising alternative source for natural rubber. There might be different sources (to get natural rubber), but that does not fit for us. The Russian dandelion can be grown in different climate zones unlike natural rubber from heave brasiliensis trees which need tropical climates to grow. Rubber trees and the Russian dandelion have the same characteristics, the same chemical structure and the same properties. It is just two plants producing the same material,” says Dr Recker. The advantage of dandelion rubber over rubber from trees is that the former has a generation succession of just three months as compared to seven years for the latter.

Since the dandelion plants can be cultivated in Northern and Western Europe, which makes transportation routes to the European production sites much shorter and contributes to the sustainable use of existing resources, thinks Continental.

However, the major challenge will be the 100 percent replacement of rubber made from trees with dandelion rubber. Dr Recker thinks, yes, technically, dandelion can replace tree rubber by 100 percent, but the more significant challenge will be the industrialisation of dandelion rubber to the level of rubber trees. “We are at a research stage. The amount of dandelion available globally is not enough to replace natural rubber commercially. To create that biological system to industrialise the natural rubber from the dandelion will take some time and we will have to be more patient,” says Dr Recker.

Research is a time and capital consuming task. Synthetic rubber is also coming into tyre production in a more significant way, but the crude oil derived commodity has historically been volatile, and even oil-producing nations are diversifying their businesses citing falling productions and growing focus on cleaner options.

Dandelion rubber is not new to the tyre industry; however, the industry does not seem much keen on dandelion plants as an alternative source for natural rubber. “Not everybody (tyre company) is willing to invest in the early research of dandelion rubber and setting up the entire bio-economy. You have to establish a full value chain from breeding to the production of natural rubber from dandelion plants, which is does not exist yet and not every market player is willing to invest in such a long-term process,” explains Dr Recker.

Since Continental sees dandelion a sustaining resource for natural rubber in the future, it has made a substantial investment for the project. It has already poured in 35 million euros for the project. “Though many of our peers are investing in other resources to get natural rubber, I think we are quite unique investing like the way we are to explore alternative resources for natural rubber,” says Dr Venz.

Over 90 percent of natural rubber derives from South East Asia, a tropical region suitable for natural rubber trees. However, erratic climate behaviour is hitting production of natural rubber in this region. Natural rubber producers are also exploring other areas to grow natural rubber trees. According to Dr Recker, the research project has yet to ascertain the survival scope of the Russian dandelion in changing climates. “I believe that Dandelion will grow in all climate zones,” says Dr Recker.

Yield ratio

As of now, Continental also does not have comparable yield ratios between natural rubber from dandelion and hevea brasiliensis. “We are working on determining the output of natural rubber per acre from both resources,” says Dr Venz. “Usually, between 1 and 1.8 ton per hectare per year is produced from rubber trees, and around the same amount of production per hectare we are expecting from dandelion plants,” estimates Dr Recker.

As part of the value chain creation, the company is focusing on breeding for seed production and harvesting, root production and harvesting, and the extraction process. According to the company, growers also need some time to understand and get hands-on to harvest dandelion plants. Every year climate conditions will determine a different impact on the plants. “We will need to see how the crops will react in different climate and harvesting seasons. We are building a network of farmers in North East Germany from whom we learn and whom we can teach what we have learned,” added Dr Recker.

Fundamental design and development of tires for the mobility of the future will be unchanged; however, tires will be expected to be high performance and eco-friendly. According to Continental executives, for the mobility of the future, natural rubber will remain the core ingredient and dandelion will be one of the sustainable options to provide natural rubber. “Rubber be will be used in future to make high-performance tires, and we are exploring the option to have a sustainable source for natural rubber,” adds Dr Recker.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Citira has expanded its service network in western Sweden by acquiring TH Pettersson, a renowned tyre service company with two shops in the Gothenburg area. This acquisition adds two key service points positioned close to the region's major traffic and logistics hubs, significantly advancing Citira's coverage in this strategic area.

TH Pettersson holds a distinguished place in Swedish commercial history as one of the oldest tyre shops in the country, having been founded in 1923. From modest origins, the business grew to achieve a strong national reputation under the guidance of three generations of entrepreneurs who maintained a long-term value creation and service-driven philosophy. The two well-situated shops will now form crucial new service points within the Citira network.

The business will continue operating with the same team in the same premises, ensuring continuity for customers and staff alike. David Heidenfors, the long-term manager, together with the broader TH Pettersson team, will continue managing daily operations while benefiting from Citira's resources for continued development. As part of this new chapter, both Max Petersfeldt and Mikael Petersfelt will become co-owners of Citira.

David Boman, CEO, Citira, said, “We are very excited that TH Pettersson will join Citira, as we have regarded them as a key player in the Gothenburg area for a long time. The team delivers great service to their customers, which will now come to the benefit of our customers as well. In TH Pettersson, we have a great partner on Sweden’s west coast, which we look forward to further developing and growing together with David, the TH team and Max as a senior advisor.”

Max Petersfeldt of TH Pettersson said, “Joining Citira and a group of like-minded colleagues marks an important milestone in our journey while also allowing us to be part of and contribute to this exciting development in our industry. I am confident that under the continued leadership of David Heidenfors, Citira and TH Pettersson will realise our full potential in the region while allowing us to stay true to our customers, who will find us in the same place with the same team which they have always trusted.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone has renewed its collaboration with game developer Milestone for the launch of RIDE 6, the latest title in the popular motorcycle racing franchise. This edition represents the most comprehensive instalment in the series to date, introducing new motorcycles, diverse terrains and authentic tracks. Continuing its role as the official tyre supplier, Bridgestone brings its real-world high-performance motorcycle tyres into the virtual environment. Players around the world can now experience the same grip and endurance that define the brand’s real-life products across roads, circuits and trails, thanks to the game’s updated dual-physics engine.

A major feature in this edition is the new RIDE Fest career mode, which immerses players in the journey of a professional rider competing against motorsport icons such as Casey Stoner and Troy Bayliss. Within this mode, a dedicated Bridgestone Challenge chapter allows users to test the brand’s tyres across various racing disciplines and surfaces, from endurance events to circuit racing. Bridgestone also sponsors the redesigned Riding School, a training module offering structured tutorials to help players refine their skills. The company’s motorsport expertise, particularly its success in the FIM Endurance World Championship, directly informs the tyre behaviour modelled in the game. Virtual riders must consider tyre degradation, respond to changing track conditions and make tactical choices, mirroring the strategic depth found in real-world racing.

The presence of Bridgestone has been expanded throughout RIDE 6, with enhanced branding featured across menus, tracks and gameplay elements. The tyre lineup itself has grown to include recent additions to the BATTLAX family, such as the RACING BATTLAX V03 slick, engineered for maximum circuit performance and faster lap times, alongside the road-legal RACING STREET RS12, which offers superior dry grip. For the first time in the series, off-road segments are included, enabling players to equip adventure-focused tyres like the BATTLAX ADVENTURECROSS AX41. Other available options include the ADVENTURE TRAIL AT41, the RACING BATTLAX W01 and the HYPERSPORT S23.

With more than 340 motorcycles from 21 manufacturers, all fitted with Bridgestone’s virtual tyre models, the game boasts the most varied selection in the franchise’s history. Built using Unreal Engine 5, RIDE 6 is now accessible on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.

Nico Thuy, Director Motorcycle at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “RIDE 6 is the most realistic and wide-ranging entry in the series so far, and that makes it the ideal platform to showcase our large premium motorcycle tyre portfolio and its performance. With expanded modes, new features and a stronger Bridgestone presence throughout the experience than ever before, the game takes our longstanding partnership with Milestone to the next level. Through the RIDE series, we’re both strengthening our leadership in motorcycle tyres and showcasing our racing legacy in a fun, engaging way to riders and gamers worldwide.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Porsche Carrera Cup North America is entering a new chapter defined by a significant technical partnership and the introduction of an updated race car. A multi-year agreement has been established making Pirelli the official tyre supplier for the championship, marking the first time in the series' six-year history that it will compete on Pirelli rubber. This collaboration reinforces the connection between motorsport engineering and road car performance, a link demonstrated by the bespoke Pirelli P Zero R and P Zero Trofeo RS tyres developed for the road-going Porsche 911 GT3.

The 2026 season will debut the new Type 992.2 Porsche 911 Cup car, an evolution of the brand's successful single-make racer with refinements focused on raceability and handling. It will compete in only four global championships, including the North American series. These cars will be fitted with the Pirelli P Zero DHG tyre, a control tyre already introduced across Pirelli’s global GT championships in 2025. For wet conditions, teams will use the Pirelli Cinturato WHB, the standard wet weather tyre for GT classes since last year.

The P Zero tyres used in the series will carry the Forest Stewardship Council logo, signifying a commitment to sustainable sourcing. This certification ensures the natural rubber originates from forests managed to preserve biodiversity and support local communities, with a supply chain that rigorously separates certified materials from non-certified sources.

The new partnership and the new car will make their on-track debut together during a series-wide test at Sebring International Raceway in mid-February. The 2026 championship season will officially commence at the same venue from 18th to 20th March, running in support of the IMSA WeatherTech Championship’s Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Volker Holzmeyer, President and CEO, PMNA, said, “Porsche and Pirelli share a deep motorsport heritage and a commitment to innovation that carries from the track to the road. We’re excited to welcome Pirelli to our premier Porsche One-Make series as we usher in a new era with the 911 Cup and new Pirelli tyres beginning in 2026.”

Claudio Zanardo, President and CEO, Pirelli North America, said, “Pirelli is thrilled to partner with Porsche Motorsport North America as the tyre supplier for the Porsche Carrera Cup North America, adding to our extensive portfolio of top-level championships supported worldwide. This collaboration demonstrates Pirelli’s dedication to performance and innovation, bringing race-proven technology from the track to the road. Just as Porsche vehicles set the standard for driving excellence, our P Zero tyres define precision, handling and performance in both competition and everyday driving. With motorsport rapidly expanding across North America, attracting more fans and creating new opportunities to showcase high-performance engineering, we are excited to strengthen our presence and support this momentum. Taking on this challenge alongside Porsche, its teams, drivers and the iconic 911 Cup cars is an opportunity for continuous innovation, collaboration and growth throughout the season.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nova Motorsport has solidified its position within historic motorsport by agreeing a significant long-term contract extension with Peter Auto, a leading organiser in the field. This renewed agreement reinforces the British brand’s status as a principal technical collaborator, now with an expanded scope of official supply duties.

Under the terms of the multi-year deal, Nova Motorsport will continue as the exclusive tyre provider for several of Peter Auto’s premier series, including Group C Racing, both Classic Endurance Racing categories (CER1 and CER2) and the 2.0L Cup. The partnership has been formally broadened to now also encompass the Sixties’ Endurance series, a key addition to its portfolio. This season for Sixties’ Endurance is set to run from the Espíritu De Montjuïc event in late March through to the HSR Daytona Classic 24 Hour in November.

The arrangement is a cornerstone of Nova’s historic racing programme, underlining its dedication to supplying proven Avon Motorsport tyre products across Europe’s most esteemed historic platforms. This capability is underpinned by the intellectual property and experienced technical team that transferred to Nova following its 2024 acquisition of Avon Motorsport’s assets from Cooper Tire. Logistical and trackside support for competitors will once again be managed by Peter Auto’s exclusive service partner Sodipneu.

By extending and deepening this relationship, Nova Motorsport strengthens its commitment to the historic endurance racing community. The partnership is poised to support the continued growth and international prestige of Peter Auto’s renowned series, placing Nova at the very heart of the discipline.

Daniel Stanton, Head – Sales and Marketing, Nova Motorsport, said, “We are proud to extend our longstanding partnership with Peter Auto, one of the most respected names in the historic and classic automotive racing community, through a new long-term agreement. This relationship marks the successful transformation of Avon Motorsport into Nova Motorsport, as Peter Auto enters the ASO/ACO era under the leadership of Marc Ouayoun. Historic motorsport sits at the heart of the Nova Motorsport business, and partnering with Europe’s premier historic race championships is the perfect expression of that focus. Adding the Sixties’ Endurance series, which concludes with the HSR Daytona Classic 24 Hour at Daytona Speedway in November, to the Nova Motorsport portfolio accelerates our core strategy and further aligns with our growth targets for the Nova Motorsport brand and Avon and Nova tyre products in North America.”

Marc Ouayoun, Managing Director, Peter Auto, said, “We are delighted to continue and expand our partnership with Nova Motorsport. This collaboration reflects a shared vision based on technical excellence and reliability to ensure authentic and competitive racing across all our series. This partnership also highlights our commitment to historic motorsport and its development, both in Europe and internationally.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!