The Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies (IMPACT) Act, H.R. 1534, and its companion, IMPACT Act 2.0, H.R.2122, are welcomed by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and its member companies. Both the bills encourage the development and application of cutting-edge pavement technology, such as rubber modified asphalt (RMA), which has been shown to have positive effects on performance, the economy and the environment.

When compared to conventional asphalt, RMA, a blend of recycled ground tyre rubber and asphalt, significantly lowers maintenance costs while extending pavement service life. By improving skid resistance and decreasing tyre wear, road noise and road spray, it improves performance and safety. It may also cut CO2 emissions by 32 percent, which would save energy during the pavement's lifespan.

In order to promote research focused at enhancing production processes and investigating novel, low-emission manufacturing procedures for pavement materials, the IMPACT Act encourages industry and the Department of Energy (DOE) to collaborate. The measure supports national initiatives to update America's transportation infrastructure by offering technical assistance to encourage the commercial use of low-emission concrete, asphalt and cement. Furthermore, the IMPACT ACT 2.0 creates USD 15 million in performance-based, low-emissions transportation materials grants through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to encourage states to enhance state-level standards and specifications and to make it easier to purchase low-emissions concrete and asphalt products. 

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA said, “Rubber modified asphalt fits the IMPACT Act goals of increasing performance metrics and protecting the environment by encouraging reuse and recycling. Supporting this bill put us a step closer to ensuring America remains competitive in infrastructure design and resilience, through American leadership in advanced asphalt solutions like RMA. Federal funding through the IMPACT Act 2.0 will reduce financial barriers for states seeking to adopt new and innovative paving methods and scale the use of rubber modified asphalt (RMA) across the United States. By supporting IMPACT Act 2.0, Congress can ensure America leads in the adoption of advanced asphalt solutions like RMA and remains competitive in infrastructure design and resilience.” 

Nokian Tyres has started delivering tyres from its new factory in Oradea, Romania. Winter and all-season tyres are the first to be delivered to clients and consumers in Central Europe via Nokian Tyres distribution centres.

Strategically located close to Central and South European consumers and customers, the factory will focus on passenger car tyres for these markets. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2023 and the first tyre was manufactured in July 2024. The plant uses the most up-to-date technology to manufacture tyres and is the first full-scale, carbon-free tyre factory in the world. All of its energy is produced without the use of fossil fuels. The factory has already received three prestigious awards, namely the 2025 Award for Environmental Achievement of the Year – Industry Contribution at the Tyre Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, Business Review’s Award for The Most Impactful Investment of the Year 2025 in Romania and the Sustainable Manufacturing Award 2025 in Romania – Industry Tomorrow.

The first passenger car tyre line made at the Romanian facility, the Nokian Tyres Seasonproof 2, was just introduced by the firm. By the fall of 2025, customers in Central and South Europe will be able to purchase the all-season tyre line in sizes suitable for contemporary passenger cars, SUVs, and CUVs. In addition to offering outstanding performance and a comfortable driving experience in the summer, the tyre offers outstanding grip on snow and slush. Up to 38 percent of the materials used in Nokian Tyres Seasonproof 2 are recycled, renewable, and ISCC PLUS certified. It is the first tyre produced commercially by the firm that has such a large percentage of recycled and renewable materials. The firm plans to provide additional Romanian-made products for drivers throughout Central and South Europe in the upcoming months and years.

Along with plants in Dayton, US, and Nokia, Finland, the Romanian plant is the company's third production facility. To draw in competent workers, the company is actively recruiting in Romania, particularly in Bihor County. The factory currently employs around 300 workers and expects the workforce to be over 500 when the factory is at full capacity.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “This week marks the start of the tyre deliveries from our factory in Oradea, Romania. The first truck loaded with Oradea made tyres left from the factory taking the tyres to our distribution centres and later to our customer and consumers in Central and South Europe. The factory, which is the world’s first full-scale zero CO2 emission tyre factory, will strengthen our ability to serve our consumers and customers in Central and South Europe and beyond and support our growth. Reaching this milestone in less than two years from the Groundbreaking of the factory is a significant achievement for us and I am very proud of the Nokian Tyres team who has worked hard to make this possible. I also want to thank all partners and Romanian officials who have helped us along the way.”

Linglong Tire, one of the world's leading tyre manufacturers, will make its debut with a stand at Autopromotec in Bologna, Italy, from 21 to 24 May 2025. The company will exhibit its main brand, Linglong, together with the two Group brands, Crosswind and Leao Tire, which are also sold in Europe, in Hall 20 (booth no. C 68).

The company will display the most significant Linglong passenger vehicle profiles, including the Sport Master and the Linglong Sport Master e, which has been tuned for NEVs. Along with new original equipment tyres that Linglong will provide straight to the OEM manufacturing line, the stand's main attraction will be the new Linglong van tyre Dura Master Van e, which will mark its global debut in Bologna. Also on display will be the primary Linglong truck tyres, all of which are produced in the recently constructed European tyre factory in Serbia, together with a variety of special tyres (OTR). The most significant car and truck tyres from the Leao Tire brand will also be on display, along with the newest Crosswind brand profiles, which are made solely in Europe.

Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire has launched its first overseas training centre in the Asia-Pacific region, marking a significant expansion of its global service infrastructure.

The nearly 2,000 square-metre facility, located in the southern Thai province of Chumphon, was officially opened by Yongchao Xu, Vice President of Linglong Tire, and Prasert Tanpibulsak, Chairman of local partner Sanguan Yangyont Chumphon Co., Ltd. (SYY).

The centre is designed to provide comprehensive training for dealers and workshop staff. It features fully equipped workshops, conference rooms, and a service area with an integrated brand shop. Training programmes will cover practical skills such as tyre-fitting, balancing, wheel alignment, and maintenance of automotive accessories such as batteries, brake pads, engine oil, shock absorbers, and rims.

Yongchao Xu, Vice President of Linglong Tire, and Prasert Tanpibulsak, Chairman of SYY, together with numerous dealers from all over the Asia-Pacific region, opened the almost 2000 m² training center, which is in the Thai province of Chumphon, in the southern part of the country.  It has a training area, several conference rooms, fully equipped workshops and a service area with an integrated Linglong brand shop to provide dealers and workshop staff with comprehensive and professional information and training in theory and practice. In the service area, everyday workshop life is simulated, and training courses are possible, for example, in the areas of tyre fitting, balancing and wheel alignment, but training is also provided in the sale and maintenance of accessories such as batteries, brake pads, engine oil, shock absorbers and rims.

In his speech, Xu Yongchao, Vice President of Linglong Tire, said, “The training center developed jointly with SYY is a critical building block for Linglong’s strategic expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Our goal is to use this platform to establish service standards and standardised training for service providers and dealers to improve their service and competitiveness in the market. In addition, we look forward to introducing our premium Linglong brand and Linglong’s latest and greatest products to many consumers.”

SYY Chairman  Prasert Tanpibulsak: “As a globally renowned tire brand, Linglong Tire has long been known for its product quality and outstanding service. We are pleased to partner with Linglong to set up this premium training centre. We are confident that this platform will enable our channel partners to serve consumers even more professionally and better and drive Linglong’s sustainable growth in the Thai market together.”

This expansion follows Linglong Tire’s commitment to strengthening its international presence and providing localised support to its growing global customer base.

Yokohama-ATG's Alliance Agri Star II tyre has achieved one-million-unit sales milestone globally within five years of its launch in 2020. The milestone coincides with Alliance’s 70th anniversary in 2025.

The Agri Star II was created with a particular emphasis on practical farming issues and has received praise for its overall performance, traction and durability. Even after 40 percent tread wear, the tyre's dual-angle lug design and unique Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) provide excellent grip. The lower tread layer takes over when the top layer deteriorates, guaranteeing steady grip for the course of the tyre's life. For farmers and agricultural professionals, the Agri Star II offers a plethora of advantages, including improved on-road comfort and stability thanks to overlapping central lugs, wear-resistant compound and stubble guard, superior traction with multi-angled lugs for optimal field grip and crop protection through a smooth lug design that minimises plant damage.

With a D speed rating that permits operation at up to 65 kmph, the Agri Star II is a powerful all-arounder for both field and road use. It comes in a broad range of sizes, including the more recent 65 Series. Alliance has stated that it intends to expand into more agricultural industries this spring due to the Agri Star II's exceptional performance. The goal of the extension is to increase the present tyre's popularity and offer even more fittings for the changing demands of farming today.

Angelo Noronha, President & CEO of Yokohama-ATG, said, “This milestone is a testament to the trust and confidence that farmers and agricultural professionals have placed in Agri Star II. Reaching 1 million tyres sold is not just a number – it’s a reflection of the tyre’s ability to meet the real-world challenges of modern farming. This milestone is not just about the Agri Star II - it’s about Alliance’s commitment to innovation, quality and customer satisfaction. As we celebrate 70 years of Alliance, we remain dedicated to supporting farmers with cutting-edge tyre solutions.”