The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has welcomed the US Senate confirmation of Jonathan Morrison as Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a role within the Department of Transportation.

The association issued a statement applauding the confirmation, stressing that Morrison brings extensive leadership and expertise to the agency and the association looks forward to partnering with him to advance a modernised regulatory framework for current and future tyre technologies that enhance performance and road safety.

Congratulating Morrison on his confirmation, Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Congratulations, Jonathan Morrison, on your confirmation as NHTSA Administrator! The members of the U.S. tyre manufacturing community look forward to working together to advance our mutual goals of highway and motorist safety.”

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The German Agricultural Society (DLG) has conferred a prestigious Agritechnica Innovation Silver Medal upon Nokian Tyres for its Intuitu 2.0 Smart Pressure Assistant. This next-generation smart tyre technology, designed for the Nokian Soil King VF tractor tyres, was recognised as a significant advancement for the agricultural sector by the award's independent jury of experts.

The Intuitu 2.0 system addresses a core operational challenge for farmers by introducing intelligent load-sensing capabilities. Through specialised sensors embedded within the tyre, the technology continuously monitors the axle load of the tractor during normal driving conditions. It then processes this real-time data to provide the operator with a precise recommendation for the correct tyre pressure. This guidance is crucial for adapting to different tasks, ensuring optimal pressure for both efficient road travel and effective fieldwork, thereby improving overall productivity and reducing soil compaction.

This award-winning innovation is an evolution of Nokian's initial Intuitu concept, which was first introduced in 2020. The system's functionality is accessed via a user-friendly mobile application, making advanced tyre management accessible directly to the farmer. The Agritechnica Innovation Award is a highly respected honour in the global agricultural machinery industry, with winners selected based on their potential to advance farming practices, enhance efficiency and promote sustainability. This year, the jury assessed 251 entries, awarding only two Gold and 22 Silver Medals. The Silver Medal specifically acknowledges innovations that constitute a clear improvement on existing products, demonstrate practical relevance and enhanced reliability and have a positive environmental impact.

The official launch for the Intuitu 2.0 Smart Pressure Assistant is scheduled for October. Following this, the technology will be presented to the international agricultural community at the Agritechnica 2025 fair in Hannover, which runs from 9 to 15 November. The development process for this project received partial financial support from Business Finland.

Paolo Pompei, President & CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “Intuitu 2.0 provides farmers with a unique way to make the most out of their machines while maximising productivity, lowering fuel consumption, protecting soil and extending tyre life. We are very excited to launch the new technology in October, and very proud that its exceptional value and impact has also been recognised by DLG.”

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ZC Rubber seized the prominent platform of Mining Indonesia 2025 to present its comprehensive portfolio of off-the-road tyres, underscoring its global leadership and strategic growth. The company’s exhibit was built around its two flagship brands, WESTLAKE and TIANLI, which were represented by a robust selection of nine distinct mining tyre models. This lineup, featuring sizes such as 27.00R49 and 24.00R35, was engineered to serve a wide spectrum of mining vehicles, including rigid and articulated dump trucks, across both open-pit and underground environments.

A key product on display was the WESTLAKE CB771, a tyre designed for rigid and wide-body dump trucks. Its construction prioritises durability and operational efficiency, featuring a large block tread for superior traction on challenging terrain. The tyre’s reinforced carcass is built to withstand multiple retreading cycles, while thicker sidewalls offer enhanced protection against cuts, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership. For the larger equipment, the TIANLI 27.00R49 TUE402 was presented as a market-leading solution for giant rigid dump trucks. This model incorporates a high TKPH drive pattern for effective heat dissipation and reduced slippage, alongside specialised compounds that improve wear and cut resistance, ensuring a long service life under extreme loads.

Further highlighting its international manufacturing footprint, ZC Rubber featured a 12.00R24 radial tyre produced by its Indonesian subsidiary, PT. Matahari Tyre Indonesia. This localised production exemplifies the company’s commitment to its globalisation strategy and its ability to serve regional markets effectively. The exhibition at Mining Indonesia 2025 solidifies ZC Rubber’s ongoing mission to expand its global production capacity and refine its product offerings. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive tyre solutions that support the demanding requirements of the mining, construction and transportation industries worldwide.

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Hankook Tire has launched a strategic brand film that forges a direct link between the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). This narrative leverages Hankook’s exclusive status as the tyre supplier for both premier FIA series to demonstrate its technological breadth. The film’s core concept is an immersive driver exchange, featuring Maximilian Günther of the DS Penske Formula E Team and Adrien Fourmaux of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team. The two drivers swap their respective machines – the all-electric GEN3 Evo race car and the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 rally car – to gain a firsthand understanding of each other's discipline.

The production highlights this contrast by featuring dynamic, side-by-side footage of the specific tyres engineered for each challenge: the GEN3 Evo iON Race electric racing tyre and the extreme all-weather Dynapro R213 rally tyre. This visual comparison serves to underscore Hankook’s claim of race-proven performance and versatility across fundamentally different motorsport environments. The experience of the drivers in unfamiliar cars provides an authentic testament to the tyre technology, a point reinforced by positive feedback from representatives of both championships regarding Hankook’s cross-discipline capabilities.

The film, which includes a surprise cameo from Hankook’s Motorsport Director Manfred Sandbichler to signal the start of the action, is part of a broader content rollout. It will be supported by behind-the-scenes footage and short-form content, released in stages across Hankook’s global website and social media channels. This initiative is a showcase of Hankook’s extensive global motorsport involvement, which includes supplying tyres for over 70 FIA-sanctioned competitions. The data and insights harvested from these extreme conditions are channelled into the company’s advanced R&D infrastructure, including the Technoplex headquarters and the Hankook Technoring proving ground, to accelerate technological innovation and solidify its leadership in the tyre market.

Günther said, “I had full confidence in delivering a strong run thanks to Hankook’s exceptional grip and stability.”

Fourmaux said, “The tyres delivered consistent grip and sharp responsiveness at high speed, enabling me to approach the race with complete composure.”

Arne Dirks, Chief Marketing Officer of WRC Promoter GmbH, said, “WRC embraces innovation, and from the outset, that is exactly what this project has been about. It was fantastic for us to be able to join Formula E, to get insights into their world and share with them the thrill of WRC. This, of course, would not have been possible without Hankook, with whom we are continuing to grow and evolve in the first year of our fruitful relationship.”

“It is a rare and exciting opportunity to see cars from two of the FIA's World Championships taking to the same track at the same time. This video really demonstrates the impressive variety in terms of format and technologies that are offered in top-level FIA competitions, with innovation tailored specifically to the unique challenges of racing and rallying environments. It goes to show that there is not one single solution when it comes to either racing or the wider mobility landscape, and that the core DNA of motor sport is consistent regardless of the category. Thanks to our colleagues at Hankook, Formula E, WRC Promoter and Hyundai for making it happen," said an FIA spokesperson.

Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said, “As the world’s most progressive and competitive motorsport, Formula E has always been bold and ambitious in its approach to success. What has been central in our DNA, however, is pushing the boundaries of performance. What this film demonstrates is that not only are we here to disrupt and innovate but develop world-leading expertise and new technologies.”

Manfred Sandbichler, Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Hankook's technology and quality, trusted by leading motorsports entities such as Formula E and WRC, continue to deliver outstanding performance. Like our motorsports slogan, 'Race Beyond Limits', we remain committed to innovation and the ultimate driving experience.”

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Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd (SRI) has entered a significant virtual partnership, becoming the official tyre partner for ‘Gran Turismo 7’ driving simulator for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 and the ‘Gran Turismo World Series’. This new alliance was formally announced at a September 2025 event held in Berlin, Germany.

This strategic move is a key component of the company’s brand strategy focused on the Dunlop name, which falls under its broader ‘R.I.S.E. 2035’ corporate vision. The partnership follows SRI's January 2025 acquisition of the global Dunlop trademark rights for four-wheel tyres in key regions, allowing for a unified global brand presence.

The collaboration will see Dunlop integrated into the game in several immersive ways. Following a future update, the brand will be featured within the ‘Brand Central’ museum, presenting its 130-year heritage and motorsport history. The Dunlop logo will also appear as trackside advertising on in-game circuits. Furthermore, players will be able to equip their vehicles with Dunlop tyres through the ‘Tuning Shop’ to enhance performance. An exclusive Dunlop-themed time trial event is also planned to celebrate the partnership.

By aligning with the critically acclaimed Gran Turismo franchise, a leader in racing simulators since 1997, Sumitomo Rubber aims to connect with a global audience of passionate gamers and automotive enthusiasts, strengthening the Dunlop brand's perception for innovation and performance in the digital realm.

Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo Series Producer, said, “We are very excited to welcome Dunlop to the Gran Turismo family. As a company with a significant legacy in automotive and motorsport history, Dunlop continues to demonstrate innovation and competitiveness in the industry. We look forward to a productive collaboration to engage a new generation of enthusiasts with racing and Dunlop tyres through the Gran Turismo World Series and franchise.”

Hiroshi Hamada, Senior Executive Officer, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., said, “We at Dunlop are truly honoured to be part of Gran Turismo, a title that continues to captivate motorsports fans around the world. Gran Turismo is pioneering new possibilities in motorsports by bridging the real and virtual worlds. Its outstanding technological capabilities, passion and meticulous attention to detail deeply resonate with our own manufacturing philosophy, and we see great value in this partnership. For over a century, Dunlop has been actively involved in motorsports, building a strong track record across racing scenes worldwide. By combining our accumulated experience with cutting-edge simulation technologies, we are driving the development of high-performance and sustainable tyres. Through this partnership, we aim to further enhance the value of the Dunlop brand and contribute to the future of motorsports.”

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