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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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS marked the 46th Disability Day by organising a sports day and donation event on 16 April 2026 at Yeongnak Aenea’s House, a residential care facility for children with severe disabilities in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Employees paired one on one with the children, who have limited chances for outdoor activities, and together they took part in various sports and recreational programmes, creating meaningful experiences.

The donation will be used to replace wheelchair inner seats, purchase specialised rehabilitation equipment and upgrade the facility’s environment. This partnership began in 2012, and this year marks its 15th anniversary. Through regular in person volunteering such as assisting with walks and supporting sports events, the company has consistently worked to improve quality of life and promote independence for people with severe disabilities.

This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to the social contribution slogan Value Together, emphasised by Vice Chairman H.S. CHO, who states that providing practical support to marginalised neighbours is a corporate responsibility. In recognition of its efforts, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has been selected for seven consecutive years under the Community Contribution Recognition Program, received a Minister of Health and Welfare Commendation and achieved the highest S Grade rating.

Since its establishment, the HS HYOSUNG Group has carried out various social contribution activities, including cultural programmes for people with disabilities and initiatives for national veterans. Moving forward, the group plans to further expand its efforts to create social value based on its management philosophy of mutual growth with local communities.

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Tyrecycle, led by CEO Jim Fairweather, has responded to a recent federal inquiry into end-of-life tyres, conducted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science, by stressing that the industry’s successes should not hide its failures. While the inquiry focused on commercial and economic aspects of tyre recycling, Fairweather argued that any regulatory changes must target specific market gaps rather than burdening parts of the sector that already work well. Tyrecycle supports mandatory market-based regulation and increased government procurement, and Fairweather described illegal tyre dumping as completely unacceptable.

The recovery rate for passenger and truck tyres in Australia stands at 96 percent, yet off the road tyres, or OTRs, tell a different story. Only two percent of OTRs are recovered, despite these large tyres from mining and agriculture accounting for about 29 percent of Australia’s tyre market. Fairweather highlighted regional disparities, noting Western Australia produces 60,000 of OTRs out of a national total of 155,000 tonnes, while Queensland and New South Wales together contribute another 75,000 tonnes. He warned that a complete system overhaul could raise consumer prices with little benefit.

Fairweather explained that passenger and truck tyres benefit from established state-based regulations and infrastructure, but OTRs require targeted intervention. Policy must differentiate between working markets and those needing genuine help. Fairweather reiterated that Tyrecycle is prepared to process every tyre in Australia, provided the correct supporting system is in place.

A critical shortage of domestic end markets for recycled tyre materials is a central problem. Tyrecycle collects around ninety thousand tyres daily, yet viable markets remain limited. Fairweather cautioned against over reliance on extended producer responsibility schemes, arguing they do not inherently create market demand. Australia needs market-based solutions that enable recyclers to find commercially viable applications. Tyre derived fuel provides an outlet, but more recycled products should be used domestically rather than exported. Other applications face limited demand, and collection alone does not close the waste loop.

On illegal dumping, Fairweather argued that schemes funnelling money through a central authority risk inflation and reduced competition. Better alternatives include rigorous enforcement of accreditation and monitoring systems that maintain direct customer relationships. He supported a mandatory scheme requiring manufacturers to contribute to waste management costs, though he prefers a market-based approach over a strict extended producer responsibility framework.

Fairweather stated that existing state-based regulations are sufficient; no new laws are needed, only proper enforcement. Where enforcement is weak, non-compliant operators undercut legitimate recyclers, reducing investment confidence. High quality enforcement supports market integrity, competition, lower prices and greater consumer choice. He placed tyre issues in the context of end-of-life vehicles, noting Australia processes 850,000 vehicles annually, generating 1.36 million tonnes of waste.

Fairweather concluded that only a combination of effective regulation, infrastructure investment and genuine end market development can achieve a circular economy for tyres. Without these measures, even well-intentioned schemes cannot deliver sustainable outcomes. Tyrecycle supports stronger compliance, expanded domestic consumption of recycled products and targeted fixes for off the road tyres, with Fairweather simply wanting the right regulation properly enforced.

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe has renewed its role as an Official Partner of the FIM Endurance World Championship for the upcoming season, which kicks off this weekend with the demanding 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans. Their continued presence underscores a long-term commitment to the series and its unique challenges.

Since 2022, Dunlop has served as the exclusive tyre supplier for the Superstock class, and from 2025, also for the Production Trophy category, meaning two thirds of the entire grid races on their rubber. The premier Formula EWC class remains open to multiple tyre brands, yet Dunlop is the preferred choice of seven leading privateer outfits aiming to challenge factory teams for podium finishes. Among them is the number six ERC Endurance squad, which hopes to build on its successful podium result from the previous year. Dunlop supplies a full range of slick and wet tyres from its KR racing line, blending standard products with development compounds.

Endurance racing is a crucial part of Dunlop’s tyre development program, serving as a real-world test bed for future racing and track day tyres. A new medium specification front tyre, codenamed G2_01 VAL3, will debut at Le Mans. Formula EWC teams will use it, while Superstock and Production entrants can choose between it and one other option. This tyre is easily identified by a yellow Dunlop sidewall decal.

David Auerbacher, International Motorcycle Race Event Leader, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said, “The start of a new season is always an exciting time, especially when we begin with the most prestigious endurance race on the calendar. We’re ready for another season of endurance racing, where we’ll continue introducing new tyre specs to keep pushing performance across three classes with very different philosophies and goals. The Le Mans Bugatti circuit has low grip levels compared to other tracks, and coming here in April can often throw up unpredictable weather. Managing tyre performance day and night in a range of conditions is key to winning.”

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Maxxis has expanded its mountain bike lineup with two major innovations, one addressing the demands of modern cross-country racing and the other exploring entirely new terrain in wheel design. The brand introduces the Aspen AT, a tyre built for rougher and more variable XC courses, alongside a pioneering family of 32-inch mountain bike tyres.

The Aspen AT draws from the trusted Aspen family’s speed but adds a revised tread profile that boosts control and confidence on uneven ground. It sits between pure racing tyres and aggressive trail models, giving riders a single option for the varied demands of today’s XC and down-country riding. While the Aspen AT addresses the present, Maxxis looks further ahead with its new 32-inch platform. Larger wheel diameter improves rollover capability, traction and high speed stability on rough trails, offering a fresh choice for those who want to keep momentum and smooth out feedback without replacing current wheel sizes.

The initial lineup includes Aspen ST, Aspen and Aspen AT tread patterns, with Forekaster and Dissector versions following in the third quarter. Key features of the Aspen AT include a fast-rolling XC tyre with broader all-terrain capability, a revised tread for better grip in rough sections and construction suited to modern racing disciplines. The tyres deliver increased rollover for a smoother ride over obstacles, improved efficiency on rough surfaces and a larger contact patch that translates into greater stability and grip.

By adding the Aspen AT and introducing the 32-inch tyre family, Maxxis continues to lead the evolution of mountain biking, supporting riders from competitive starts to the very edge of what is possible on two wheels.

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