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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Hankook Tire has earned a notable honour in the 2026 Auto Express Product Awards, with its Ventus evo model receiving a commendation within the Summer Tyre classification. The recognition places the company’s flagship ultra-high-performance tyre among the year’s most impressive automotive products as determined by the influential British publication.

This accolade traces back to an extensive comparative analysis conducted by Auto Express, the findings of which first appeared in the magazine’s August 2025 edition. The testing regimen focused on the widely used 225/40 R18 size and featured nine competing brands. The subsequent awards announcement, which included this commendation, was made public in the periodical's April 2026 issue.

Evaluation protocols were notably exhaustive, encompassing both wet and dry surface assessments alongside metrics such as rolling resistance and acoustic comfort. Wet-track drills scrutinised braking distances, cornering stability and aquaplaning resistance, while dry-track sessions measured steering precision, grip levels and chassis balance. Judges additionally conducted subjective road tests to gauge steering feedback and ride quality across diverse pavement types.

The Ventus evo ultimately claimed third position overall, distinguishing itself particularly through superior wet-weather capabilities, including braking performance that rivalled the category leader. Designed as the newest iteration of Hankook’s premier summer tyre line, the product incorporates sophisticated tread architecture aimed at premium sports sedans and coupes. This commendation bolsters Hankook’s reputation for engineering tyres that adeptly harmonise dynamic handling, safety margins and cost-effectiveness for discerning motorists.

Ho Seok Chea, Managing Director, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “Independent third-party testing is a valuable endorsement of our engineering standards, confirming that our products provide the quality, performance and long-term reliability expected in real-world conditions.”

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Mitas has confirmed its role as the Main Sponsor for the 71st World Ploughing Championship, scheduled to take place from 3 to 6 September 2026 in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia. This engagement follows the brand’s notable participation in the 2025 edition held in the Czech Republic, reinforcing its dedication to premier agricultural events that honour farming heritage.

Organised under the World Ploughing Organisation, the competition will draw participants and agricultural professionals from over 30 nations. The event serves as a global stage for ploughing proficiency, embodying precision and land stewardship – principles that resonate with Mitas’ ongoing mission to support the farming community worldwide. The company will leverage its sponsorship to secure a visible event presence, facilitating direct interaction with farmers, dealers and industry partners at its dedicated stand.

Attendees can explore the company’s latest agricultural tyre innovations, including the GRANTERRA series for high-horsepower tractors and the AGRITERRA ULTRA for transport applications. Additionally, Mitas will back the Croatian national ploughing team, aiding local competitors in their home-country challenge against elite international ploughmen and women.

Roberta D'Agnano, Global Brand Director Mitas at Yokohama TWS, said "Ploughing is one of the oldest agricultural skills, yet it remains a powerful symbol of everything that makes farming extraordinary: precision, experience and dedication to the land. That is why the World Ploughing Championship feels so close to the Mitas spirit. It brings together people who share a genuine passion for agriculture and a constant drive to do things better. We are proud to return as Main Sponsor, supporting these passionate teams and showcasing solutions that help farmers tackle today's challenges with confidence."

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has forged a new alliance with Sheffield City Council aimed at elevating tyre safety awareness among the city's motorists. This initiative specifically targets Sheffield’s substantial student demographic and its numerous newly qualified drivers, recognising their particular vulnerability on the roads.

Sheffield's urban transport network accommodates over 1.7 billion vehicle miles annually, predominantly through short, daily commutes that exert significant stress on tyres. The city's diverse vehicle fleet includes a notable proportion of older or shared cars, which underscores the critical necessity for regular tyre maintenance. The collaboration will promote straightforward, preventative checks focusing on air pressure, tread depth and overall tyre health.

This partnership will weave tyre safety education into various local road safety campaigns, aiding the Council's broader objectives to diminish casualties on city roads. By instilling good vehicle maintenance habits early, especially among learners and students, the programme aims to foster lifelong safety practices. This concerted effort supports the Council's ongoing mission to reduce the number of individuals killed or seriously injured on Sheffield's thoroughfares.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “In a city like Sheffield, where traffic density is high and journeys are frequent, making sure tyres are properly maintained is essential. By partnering with Sheffield City Council, we can reinforce these vital safety messages and encourage road users to make tyre checks part of their regular routine.”

Cllr Alexi Dimond, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said, “Tyre safety is a fundamental part of road safety, but it’s something many road users – particularly those newer to driving and riding – don’t always remember to check. I’m pleased to announce this new partnership with TyreSafe, which will help ensure that practical tyre safety advice reaches road users at all stages. This scheme will give them the knowledge and confidence to keep vehicles safe and roadworthy in all weather conditions. Tyre safety can help reduce collisions and contribute to Vision Zero: our ambition to have no fatalities on Sheffield’s roads.”

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Atturo Tires has entered into a multiyear agreement to serve as the exclusive tyre brand for Mecum Auctions, the host of the World’s Largest Collector Car Auction. This strategic alliance positions Atturo at the heart of a dedicated automotive community that includes collectors, builders and daily drivers who value performance, style, durability and affordability – principles that have guided the tire manufacturer since its inception in 2009.

As the category-exclusive tyre sponsor for Mecum’s 2026-27 auction calendar, Atturo will benefit from extensive branding and promotional integration. This includes visibility across live events, television broadcasts, digital platforms, print media and social channels, all aimed at increasing brand recognition among consumers who actively seek Atturo products through dealerships.

The auction’s diverse lineup of muscle cars, luxury vehicles and off-road models aligns perfectly with Atturo’s target audience, showcasing Trail Blade and AZ tyres alongside enthusiast favourites. To support its dealer network, Atturo will provide co-brandable materials, event photography and sponsorship talking points via the dealer portal, reinforcing the brand’s national presence and its message of accessible performance.

Michael Mathis, President, Atturo Tires, said, “Mecum's audience is our audience. The people who show up to watch a Challenger cross the block or a built Bronco roll through the lot are the same drivers who trust Atturo on their daily vehicle, their weekend build and everything in between. This partnership puts our Trail Blade and AZ lines directly in front of them – and gives our dealer network another example of how Atturo is becoming the best-known private brand in the country.”

Breeann Poland, Director – Marketing and Communications, Mecum, said, “Mecum Auctions is excited to join forces with Atturo Tires by bringing them on as our official and exclusive tyre partner. Atturo has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality tyres for automotive enthusiasts of every kind, from racers and off-road enthusiasts to the everyday driver and weekend cruiser. That diverse range of customers they serve makes Atturo an excellent choice for our equally wide-ranging Mecum community.”

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