Tyre testing is not a new concept. In fact, is there any industry that can do without tests? However, what tyre testing does bring into consideration is an umpteen number of factors – everything from the road wear to the certification, the testing spots and, of course, the different types of testing and the very tyres themselves. Discussing these very aspects with Tyre Trends, Ismo Halén, Vice President at BD Testing Inc, spoke about Black Donuts, the subjective and objective views of tyre testing, the convenience of BD Testing having its own indoor testing facility and more. Read on…

The name Black Donut is self-explanatory, making it rather individualistic. A tyre resembles a donut and is black in colour – simplicity at its best. Black Donuts offers a range of solutions for tyre product development and testing, tyre factory construction, plant process design and process development. Therefore, Black Donuts has many business areas, and one of them is service in product development. When it comes to testing, Black Donuts owns 90 percent of another company, BD Testing Inc, which is into tyre testing and high-end customer service. Plus, Black Donuts also happens to be one of BD Testing’s customers.

BD Testing’s customers
When we caught up with Ismo Halén, Vice President at BD Testing Inc, he told us, “Black Donuts designs new tyres and new tyre models or improves existing tyres. That’s why they need testing in order to support the product development. Black Donuts Engineering was founded in 2011, and we were a test team within the company in the beginning. However, we separated in 2012 into an individual company, and now we have separate management and everything else that’s individually ours. We don’t have anyone from Black Donuts working at BD Testing. They are only one of our customers.”

And as customers, they can always decide who tests their tyres. “For instance, Black Donuts can use BD Testing for product development testing because we understand each other. However, the customer can  reach out to other companies to test their tyres as well. For example, when a product is finished, customers usually make homlogation tests somewhere else,” Halén explained.

When it comes to customers/clients, Halén mentioned that it’s not exactly easy to acquire new clients. However, he added, “I’m happy because we already have so many customers that even if somebody doesn’t order anything that others do, we are still in a very good situation.” When turning to his plans on approaching any Asian manufacturers, he responded that while they don’t have any plans for Asia, they would consider going there if there are proving grounds that can be used or rented.

BD Testing’s various focus areas
BD Testing goes beyond this and also issues certification. It has a quality system and is accredited for some R117 tests. “This includes rolling resistance, wet grip, noise measurement and snow performance,” Halén mentioned and continued, “Earlier, we would do wet grips, noise measurements etc. But just one year ago, we started focusing more on winter testing. We now conduct snow and ice tests for the label, which comes under the R117 tests. Additionally, we provide technical service to The Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW). RDW will issue many types of approvals for many tyre manufacturers, and we can conduct snow tests for them.”

“Furthermore, in Nordic countries, we use studs in the tyre, which has to be approved. Besides, we make road wear testing for studded tyres, which needs mandatory approval from the Finnish Transport Safety Agency, TRAFI,” Halén further explained.

Making it work
As far as testing and tyres go, BD Testing does both indoor and outdoor testing and is currently focusing on winter testing, winter tyres and studded tyres (conducting only product development tests for summer tyres). However, because the business is open all year, the winter tests are held in ice halls during the summer, Halén shared. As for snow testing, the indoor tests are conducted in Ivalo and Sweden.

However, most big tyre manufacturers conduct the majority of their tests themselves. Yet, that doesn’t stop a company like BD Testing. There are certain factors in testing that tyre manufacturers can’t carry out themselves and thus have to turn to the likes of BD Testing.

“For example, with road wear testing, it isn’t something they can do by themselves,” Halén asserted and added, “There are only five laboratories that can do that, and we are one of them. Similarly, indoor testing and snow testing is something they may not want to do – it’s a long way to travel and they don’t have the capacity to do so, which is where we come in.”

Indoor testing and outdoor testing
Speaking of indoor testing, it is the easier one to conduct over outdoor testing, Halén claimed. But since handling driveway in itself involves the car being built outdoors, there’s no choice over there, he informed.

What’s more, Halén asserted that usually they don’t test the same things indoors and outdoors – the two aren’t competing and are individual. “Their requirements too are different. But as for product development, some indoor testing is needed, like footprint or contact presser, which gives the designers a lot of information,” he enlightened.

BD Testing would, however, like to have its own indoor testing facility where tests can be conducted whenever needed. “Although, as of now, we have to rent for indoor testing, which can sometimes be fully booked,” Halén cited and added, “In fact, we want our own indoor testing facility that we can rent to other customers as well. However, it’s a huge investment and is too big for us at the moment.”

Objective and subjective testing
Another challenge that Halén spoke to us about, besides having an indoor testing facility, was in terms of manpower, where getting testing drivers is a challenge right now. When asked about the thought process behind selecting a testing driver (since the testing can be very subjective, from driver to driver), Halén highlighted that it’s the experience that plays a role. “And then, the drivers drive together and decide what works and what doesn’t. While these drivers do subjective tests, they, of course, also conduct objective tests. However, objective testing is easier, because you only have to know how to make the test,” he added.

Halén further said that with robots and automation, it’s possible that subjective testing will eventually get reduced in the future. “But in my opinion, with subjective driving, if a driver drives with a set of tyres, then we have a huge amount of information,” he pointed out. “Therefore, it’s a very fast way to have lots of information. If you try to have the same information with the help of machines, you’ll need several machines and it takes a long time. And if you need to analyse data, it takes a long time to develop a new methodology.”

A happy customer equals a successful company
While Halén gave us his clear visions in terms of BD Testing and the tyre testing industry as a whole, he also threw light on the company’s preparation for new regulations. “Additionally, we are focusing on what we are currently doing, targeting for higher quality and making our customers happy,” he expounded and added,
“Our strategy for that is based on the quality system we have. We have very close contact with our customers, so we try to understand what they need. Hence, I’m not trying to sell something to somebody if they don’t need it. Thus, I think our customers come to us themselves when they need something. So, ultimately, customer happiness has been our key to success.”

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an educational initiative at Gergeti School for students in grades 8 through 10. The session was designed to foster awareness about sustainable development among the younger generation.

The programme, titled ‘A Sustainable Future: Environment, Transport and Energy’, centred on the impact of daily human activities on the planet. Discussions emphasised the critical need for proper waste segregation, resource conservation and the adoption of renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental degradation.

A significant portion of the event focused on the hazardous nature of waste tyres, used oils and batteries. Students were informed about the severe consequences of improper disposal, including contamination of natural resources, and were shown how recycling can recover valuable materials. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility was also introduced, highlighting the legal and ethical duties of manufacturers and importers to manage their products' lifecycle. Tegeta Green Planet’s role in assisting companies with these obligations was a key point of the presentation.

The interactive session encouraged active participation through group discussions and practical exercises. Students collaborated to solve environmental challenges, reinforcing their learning through real-world applications. All attendees received certificates and gifts at the conclusion of the event. This visit is part of a broader, ongoing effort by both organisations to promote responsible consumption and environmental stewardship in educational settings, aiming to empower students to make informed, sustainable choices in their everyday lives.

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA), the world's largest fully integrated natural rubber enterprise and a leading Thai rubber glove manufacturer, has announced a significant strategic diversification through its subsidiary, Sri Trang Rubber and Plantation Company Limited. The new initiative, named the ‘Sri Trang Palm Growing a Sustainable Future’ project, represents a major step in bolstering the group's long-term business resilience and expanding its operational portfolio.

The project entails a substantial investment exceeding THB 60 million (approximately USD 1.80 million) to pilot oil palm cultivation across a total of 1,461 rai of land, which will accommodate approximately 28,072 trees. These planting areas are strategically located across five key provinces, including Chonburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Surat Thani and Songkhla. The group is implementing its Asset Optimisation strategy, integrating modern agricultural technologies and adhering to its core ESG principles to guide the project's development, with the first harvest anticipated to commence by 2029.

This foray into the palm oil sector is designed to strengthen the Sri Trang Group’s overall business capabilities and enhance portfolio resilience, laying a robust foundation for sustainable long-term expansion. The initiative seeks to maximise the use of existing resources and operational networks while capitalising on new business opportunities, all while maintaining a strong commitment to community, social and environmental responsibility.

A formal kick-off event was held on 19 June 2026, in Sadao District, Songkhla Province, to mark the project's official commencement. The ceremony saw the active participation of company executives and employees, who together planted the first palm tree, symbolising the group's dedication to building a sustainable new venture and generating lasting value for both society and the environment.

Veerasith Sinchareonkul, Chief Executive Officer, Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited, said, “The ‘Sri Trang Palm Growing a Sustainable Future’ project reflects the Group’s commitment to leveraging organisational potential and optimising the use of the Group’s resources, based on the Asset Optimisation concept. This involves developing the Group’s land to create long-term added value while growing responsibly alongside our communities and creating lasting value for society and the environment. For Sri Trang, this project is not just about expanding into a new cash crop but a significant step in creating shared value for all sectors. It promotes employment, creates jobs, supports the local economy and lays the foundation for stable and sustainable growth in the future. The palm trees planted through this initiative symbolise the Group’s intention to grow alongside the community and pass on a sustainable future to society in the long term.”

Udom Pruksanusak, Chief Executive Officer (Plantation), Sri Trang Rubber & Plantation Company Limited, said, “Sri Trang prioritises a systematic approach to developing its palm oil business, from site selection and the use of quality seedlings to plantation planning and modern agricultural management. In the first phase of planting, the largest proportion of the initial investment has been allocated to Songkhla Province, accounting for 43 percent of the total planting area, as it is suitable in terms of climate conditions, rainfall patterns, infrastructure readiness and connection to the Group's operational and logistics network, which will help maximise the efficiency of plantation management.

“In addition, the project operates under the ESG principles, focusing on sustainable land management, soil and water conservation and the application of technology and innovation, such as geographic information system (GIS), drone technology for agricultural operations, digital field monitoring systems and data-driven decision-making, to maximise operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and support the sustainable development of surrounding communities. The Group expects to begin commercial harvesting within approximately three years, or around 2029, and will closely monitor the growth trends of the palm trees, the productivity of the selected palm varieties and the overall performance in order to consider development guidelines and opportunities for further expansion of planting areas.”

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Maxion Wheels has graduated the first Indian cohort of its Formare vocational education programme and launched a second intake, marking the expansion of the initiative into Asia.

The programme, introduced in India in 2024 through a partnership between the Iochpe Foundation of Brazil and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), combines classroom education with practical manufacturing training for students from underprivileged communities.

Twenty-six students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, with 23 completing the programme and receiving a diploma in Manufacturing Technology. Those who continue for a third year at SPPU will be eligible for a university graduation certificate.

According to Maxion Wheels, 87 percent of the graduates will begin their professional careers at the company's Pune operations.

"The graduation of our first Formare class in India is a proud and meaningful achievement, both for our students and for Maxion Wheels," said Sutheep Ratnabhas, President of Maxion Wheels' Asia Business Unit. "This programme reflects our belief that investing in education and skills development can transform lives while strengthening our communities and our business. We are especially encouraged and fortunate to see these young professionals beginning their careers with us."

The company also inaugurated the programme's second cohort, comprising 27 students, including six women, who account for 22 percent of the intake.

The ceremony at SPPU was attended by Mark Sinar, Vice President, Global Human Resources and Safety & Sustainability at Maxion Wheels, Rahul Vaidya, Managing Director of Kalyani Maxion Wheels, university representatives and the families of graduating and incoming students.

Graduates described the programme's impact on their personal and professional development.

"Formare has given me the confidence, skills, and opportunity to build a better future for myself and my family," said Aman Mulla. "I am proud to start my career with Maxion Wheels and excited for what lies ahead."

Abha Kamble said: "This programme opened doors I never thought possible. The combination of learning and hands-on experience has prepared us for real-world challenges."

Originally established by Brazil's Iochpe Foundation, the Formare programme has operated for more than three decades and has trained more than 28,000 young people. Maxion Wheels said it plans to introduce the programme in Türkiye later this year.

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Continental has transformed its European Roadshow into a long-term customer engagement platform, scheduled to traverse the continent through 2027. The initiative delivers the company’s newest commercial vehicle tyre technologies, trailer solutions and digital services directly to fleet operators. Following successful kick-off events in the Czech Republic and Denmark, the mobile tour is set to visit Norway and Finland, with further destinations to be announced.

This expanded programme underscores Continental’s strategic commitment to deepening customer ties through direct interaction. The initiative directly addresses critical fleet management concerns, including total cost of ownership, operational efficiency and the ongoing digitalisation of transport logistics. The company aims to position itself as a partner in solving real-world operational challenges.

Central to the roadshow is the Showtruck, a mobile consultation and demonstration hub that allows fleets to experience Continental’s portfolio within their local markets. Attendees navigate themed stations that link product innovations to practical fleet applications and everyday operational hurdles. A primary focus is the Generation 5 tyre portfolio, engineered for enhanced mileage, reduced rolling resistance and superior durability, alongside trailer tyre options and a preview of the upcoming Conti Efficient Pro HT 5.

The roadshow also highlights ContiConnect, a digital tyre monitoring system that supplies real-time data and actionable intelligence to support predictive maintenance and increase operational transparency. Traveling thousands of kilometres across Europe through 2027, the platform engages fleet operators, logistics firms, dealers and industry partners. By merging products, digital services and technical expertise, Continental reinforces its dedication to efficient, digitally connected transport solutions, with additional tour dates to be revealed.

Ivonne Bierwirth, Head of Marketing Communications – EMEA, Continental, said, "Fleet operators are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, control operating costs and meet evolving industry requirements. The Roadshow allows us to engage directly with customers and demonstrate how our tyre technologies, digital solutions and expertise can help them address these challenges in their daily operations."

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