Trelleborg Tires has extended its TM800 ProgressiveTraction tractor tyre range with the launch of two new sizes (540/65R28 and 650/65R38) for mid- to high-horsepower tractors. Four more sizes will be gradually rolled out in the coming weeks.

From light to hard soils, the TM800 ProgressiveTraction is made to produce exceptional results in a variety of agricultural terrains. By increasing operational efficiency, farming operations become more productive and economical by lowering working time per hectare, increasing tread life and improving fuel economy. Its cutting-edge ProgressiveTraction tread design greatly improves traction, which boosts field performance. Its capacity to perform well in a variety of circumstances was confirmed by testing against rival tyres, which showed up to 17 percent traction improvement on soft soil and a 10 percent boost on hard terrain.

Its optimised lug angles and shapes further improve driving comfort and stability, making the work experience smoother, safer and more pleasurable. A three percent gain over rival tyres was found in comfort testing, guaranteeing improved driving conditions throughout extended workdays. Furthermore, the TM800 ProgressiveTraction has a unique tread pattern and quality materials, which improve wear resistance by up to 18 percent when compared to competitors. Longer working hours and lower operating expenses are made possible by this improvement, which results in fewer tyre changes. Even at high speeds, the strengthened carcass guarantees excellent tyre performance and vehicle handling.

Alessio Bucci, Global Product Marketing Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “The TM800 ProgressiveTraction exemplifies our commitment to innovation and customer-driven solutions. By integrating our award-winning ProgressiveTraction technology into one of our most iconic tyre lines, we are providing farmers with a tyre that not only redefines efficiency, comfort and durability in the field, but also meets the evolving demands of modern agriculture. Currently available in two sizes tailored for mid- to high-horsepower tractors, with four more being introduced progressively in the coming weeks, this tyre offers superior handling, enhanced fuel economy and reduced downtime, all contributing to the overall boost in productivity.”

Leading tyre-retreading machinery maker Marangoni has unveiled a new strategic sustainability strategy for 2025–2027 that reaffirms its social and environmental pledges.

In order to direct and oversee its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives during the ensuing three years, the tyre retreading expert has voluntarily created a targeted action framework. The framework is in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN's 2030 Agenda. Marangoni claims that the plan was implemented in accordance with globally accepted standards, such as AccountAbility 1000 and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, and that it is meant to function as a monitoring tool to periodically assess the company's progress as well as a guide for action.

The company has identified 17 specific initiatives as part of this strategy. These were established after a materiality study that took into account input from external stakeholders as well as internal input. Each of the 17 initiatives is built around three core pillars, namely supporting the ecological transition, integrating ESG principles into corporate governance and ensuring a safe, stimulating and inclusive work environment. The result is a ‘balanced approach’ reflecting management’s priorities and stakeholder expectations, said the company.

Trelleborg Group has finalised the purchase of National Gummi AB from the Swedish industrial group National through its Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business unit.

Extruded rubber profiles and gaskets for specialised industrial, automotive and construction applications make up the company offering. Mostly in Northern Europe, sales in 2024 were little over SEK 150 million. The production facility is situated in Halmstad, Sweden. The acquisition is in line with Trelleborg's plan to establish dominant positions in desirable markets. This deal excludes National's activities outside of extruded rubber profiles and gaskets, which will continue to be a part of the National group.

Jean-Paul Mindermann, Business Area President, Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, said, “This is an exciting addition to our portfolio. National has specialist capabilities and knowhow which will allow us to broaden our value-adding offering to customers across Europe.”

BKT has expanded its AGRIMAX range of agricultural tyres with the launch of AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, a new steel-belted version. The new tyre is aimed at row crop, vineyard and orchard operations to meet the specific challenges of farming environments where steep terrain, narrow row spacing and muddy conditions require precision and reliability.

The new tyre, which builds on the AGRIMAX SPARGO row crop tyre, has VF (Very High Flexion) technology, which enables it to bear the same load at lower inflation pressure. This helps to improve handling and comfort while reducing soil compaction. Steel belts improve the tyre's resilience to punctures, lessening the possibility of downtime and damage from sharp objects. At faster speeds, it also enhances riding accuracy. The polyester casing and steel belts work together to distribute stress evenly throughout the tyre, preventing uneven wear and extending tread life. By reducing vibration, a revised sidewall enhances riding comfort even further, which is especially useful for precise spraying operations.

The tread pattern of the AGRIMAX SPARGO SB is more open and higher than that of its predecessor since it has a deeper tread and smaller lugs. With a D-class speed rating that permits travel at up to 65 kmph, this design seeks to enhance road handling. Smoother transitions between field and road are made possible by the tyre's dual-layer mud ejection mechanism, which rapidly removes debris from the tread.

Dilip Vaidya, Senior President & Director Technology, BKT, said, "In the case of the AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, we have paid special attention to the casing design by using a strong polyester structure that offers greater strength, flexibility and durability than traditional materials. This choice enables the tyre to handle heavy loads while keeping deformation under control, improving the footprint and thus traction, stability and handling."

TBC Corporation, a joint venture between Michelin and Sumitomo Corporation, has entered into an agreement to divest its Midas franchise portfolio to Mavis Tire Express Service Corp., which operates a tyre retail chain across the United States.

The deal is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025, subject to the approval of the competent authorities. This deal is a component of TBC's ongoing reorganisation, which intends to concentrate management resources on its core operations.

According to a statement issued by Michelin, “TBC distributes tyres and provides automotive repair and maintenance services in the US, Mexico and Canada. TBC identifies wholesale, distribution and Big O Tires, tyre retail focused franchise portfolio under TBC, as core businesses, leveraging an industry-leading network and scale, whereas Midas activity mostly relies on retail automotive services. The operation will enable TBC to focus on driving accelerated growth and value in its core businesses. It is also an opportunity for Michelin and Mavis to support and reinforce their commercial agreement.”