Vipal Rubber Marks 20 Years Of European Operations With Commemorative Stamp
- By TT News
- June 17, 2025
Brazilian tyre retreading products manufacturer Vipal Rubber is celebrating 20 years of operations in Europe, marking a key milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy.
To commemorate the anniversary, Vipal has launched a special stamp marking the start of its European operations in 2005. The company’s European subsidiary, based in Valencia, Spain, was initially established to serve the local market but quickly expanded to neighbouring countries.
Vipal now operates in over 50 countries through five European companies and three distribution centres located in Spain, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. The EMEA team comprises 13 professionals working across technical, commercial, administrative and customer service areas.
“Twenty years ago, even with the internet still in its infancy, we had the foresight to adapt our portfolio to the demands of each region. In other words, we were strategic not only in maintaining the sales of specific products but also in investing in innovation,” said Frederico Schmidt, general manager of Vipal in EMEA.
Spain was chosen as the headquarters due to the company’s strong commercial ties with both Spain and Portugal. In the early days, commercial activity focused on products for tyre retreading and repairing, with just three employees managing the entire operation.
Several tread designs have gained recognition over the years, including the DV-RL, VRT3, VT110 and DV-UM3. More recently, the DV-UMe—a design developed specifically for electric vehicles—has brought Vipal further recognition in Europe.
The company has expanded its commercial presence across various markets, including Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom. The European branch now supplies retreaders and distributors in more than 50 countries.
“The level of recognition and efficiency we’ve achieved internationally is the result of two decades of consistent, strategic work,” said Fabricio Nedeff, Vipal’s commercial manager in EMEA.
Vipal recently participated in Autopromotec 2025 in Bologna, Italy, where it received two Recircle Awards: Employee of the Year for Leonardo Oliveira, the company’s regional sales manager in the United States, and the Tyre Industry Education Award for Univipal.
“Taking part in events of this calibre is essential to strengthening our presence in international markets and fostering relationships with strategic partners,” said Gilson Dugno, international business manager at Vipal Rubber.
ZC Rubber Organises 2026 Partner Match Day At Emirates Stadium
- By TT News
- June 03, 2026
ZC Rubber recently orchestrated a unique brand activation at Emirates Stadium, hosting its Partner Match Day: Emirates Stadium Experience on 24 May. The gathering occurred shortly after Arsenal’s coronation as 2025/26 Premier League champions, amplifying the electric atmosphere for attending partners, industry media and Arsenal collaborators.
Instead of a passive viewing experience, guests from the ZC Rubber family – including WESTLAKE, GOODRIDE and TIANLI – along with representatives from Stapletons Tyre Service, International Tyres, City 1st Tyres and ADR UK Tyremart, stepped onto the pitch for a competitive 90-minute tournament. Following two mini leagues and a climactic final showdown, City 1st Tyres secured the champion’s trophy before enjoying post-match hospitality inside the stadium.
As the Official Global Tyre Partner of Arsenal FC, ZC Rubber designed the event to deepen ties within its international partner network. The day demonstrated a clear strategy of merging sport with relationship-building, creating memorable connections for global audiences.
Andrew Reitzner, UK National Manager, ZC Rubber, said, “Partner Match Day was a fantastic opportunity to bring some of our partners and media friends together in a truly unique environment. Playing at Emirates Stadium is something many football fans dream of, and it was great to share that experience with the people who continue to support and grow with ZC Rubber. For us, that is what this event is about – teamwork, shared experience and the spirit of partnership behind ZC Rubber’s brands.”
Giti Advances Electric Mobility Strategy With GitiControl P10, GitiSynergy H2+ and GitiSport S2+
- By TT News
- June 03, 2026
Giti Tire has strengthened its response to electric mobility by securing original equipment deals with major automakers while overhauling product design for the unique strains of battery-powered cars. Engineers have focused on solving challenges such as increased curb weight, immediate power delivery and the need for exceptionally quiet cabins, which set EVs apart from traditional vehicles.
Several leading brands, including Volkswagen, BYD and BMW, now fit Giti rubber on next-generation models across European and Asian markets. The technical focus has centred on lowering rolling resistance, controlling tread wear and managing acoustics, all of which are critical for factory-approved EV tyres. A case in point is the GitiControl P10, chosen for the BYD Sealion 7, iCar 03 and Deepal S07. By reworking the tread pattern and compound, the P10 manages higher loads and torque while preserving range, grip and durability while reducing interior noise.
Meanwhile, the GitiSynergy family has proven itself through the H2 variant on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Europe, including during a Guinness World Record attempt that tested long-distance reliability. The upgraded H2+ version further refines energy efficiency and ride comfort to meet BMW’s standards for consistency and low noise. On the performance front, the GitiSport S2+ earned an ‘Exemplary’ rating from Auto Bild in its 2026 Summer Tyre Test, ranking near the top for braking, handling and grip under high torque and heavy vehicle loads.
Together, the P10, H2+ and S2+ cover touring, daily driving and high-performance EV segments. Through ongoing collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and continuous engineering advances, Giti Tire is building a reputation as a dependable supplier for the electric mobility era.
Bridgestone Launches UltraWeather Tyre As Successor To WeatherPeak Line
- By TT News
- June 03, 2026
Bridgestone Americas has unveiled the new UltraWeather all-weather grand touring tyre aimed at drivers needing consistent grip on sedans, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks. The product replaces the outgoing WeatherPeak model and carries the three-peak mountain snowflake designation, confirming its ability to handle severe winter conditions. Through the application of ENLITEN technology, the tyre promises longer wear, lower fuel consumption due to reduced rolling resistance and dependable performance across every season.
Engineered for modern driving demands, the UltraWeather shows superior wet braking in internal evaluations, stopping four feet shorter than its predecessor and reducing hydroplaning risk via specialised grooves and shoulder slots. On snow, the tyre demonstrates a 14 percent shorter stopping distance compared to the Goodyear WeatherReady 2 while also outperforming both the Pirelli WeatherActive and the prior Bridgestone WeatherPeak by 10 percent. A proprietary PeakLife polymer and closed centre rib slots support the rubber’s longevity, backed by a 60,000-mile (approximately 96,560 km) limited warranty.
Additional ENLITEN benefits include noise-reducing structural design, rolling resistance improvements for better fuel economy and the use of renewable soybean oil in manufacturing. The tread pattern is precision-tuned to limit vibrations and road noise, contributing to a quieter, more comfortable ride for daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.
The UltraWeather is available in the market from 1 June 2026, initially in select sizes before expanding to a total of 61 options for 16- to 22-inch rims. Popular vehicle fitments include the Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Taos.
Dale Harrigle, Chief Engineer, Consumer Replacement Tire Development, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Our all-new UltraWeather grand touring tyre helps give drivers a new level of confidence, regardless of the day’s forecast. By integrating our ENLITEN technology, we’ve developed a tyre that delivers a remarkable balance of year-round reliable performance and sustainability elements, surpassing its predecessor.”
Birla Carbon Overhauls Organisational Structure Amid Shifting Global Demand
- By TT News
- June 03, 2026
Birla Carbon has announced a series of organisational changes aimed at aligning with market trends, enhancing customer value and strengthening execution. The company is restructuring into three business units covering Asia, Americas and EMEA, and Specialty Materials.
Amit Kumar has been named President for the Asia rubber business, while John Davidson assumes the role of President for the Americas and EMEA rubber segment. Shashank Awasthi becomes President of Specialty Materials, overseeing global operations including speciality carbon blacks and Nanocyl for non-rubber markets. Zachary Combs takes on the role of Head of Global Technology, focusing on process and product development.
In parallel, Birla Carbon will continue evaluating its asset base in response to shifting demand, leveraging major expansions in Asia amid weaker demand in the Americas and Europe.
John Loudermilk, President & Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “The rapid pace of change today requires a nimble organisation, empowered to make quick decisions and act. These changes will enable Birla Carbon to further strengthen partnerships, drive innovation and create value for our customers.”
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