The all-new Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2, an ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tyre scheduled for launch this summer, will come armed with a next-generation tread compound technology and a highly innovative structure to deliver an unrivalled combination of year-round safety, performance and efficiency across dry, wet and winter conditions. This model represents a major advancement for the Vredestein brand, which has been a pioneer in the all-season sector since the early 1990s.

Developed from a clean sheet by Apollo Tyres at its Global R&D Centre in the Netherlands, the Quatrac Pro 2 was not an evolution of an existing design. Instead, engineers completely reimagined the tread, materials and structure to overcome the typical performance compromises found in this category. The tyre will be manufactured at Apollo’s advanced facility in Hungary.

The core of its capability is a new directional tread pattern. Longitudinal grooves work with a V-shaped design to maximise resistance to aquaplaning by efficiently evacuating water. Lateral grooves are sculpted to harmonise wet-road performance with winter traction, while a stable centre rib ensures precise dry handling and braking stability on both wet and dry surfaces. For snow-covered roads, advanced 3D interlocking sipes in the shoulder blocks provide grip without compromising tread stability in other conditions. A multi-pitch tread block sequence also refines the acoustic signature, which is particularly advantageous for electric and hybrid vehicles. The entire Quatrac Pro 2 range achieves an A-rated exterior noise label.

A revolutionary next-generation traction compound is central to the tyre’s versatile performance. This advanced material combines a unique mixture of resins and polymers with complex multi-filler technology. The result is a tyre that maintains a broad operational range across varying temperatures, with a strong emphasis on wet braking. It balances low-temperature flexibility for reliable grip on cold, wet and snowy surfaces with high-temperature stability for consistent handling and abrasion resistance on hot, dry roads, enhancing durability year-round. The tyre bears the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, confirming its winter capability.

This new compound and tread design are also optimised for electric and hybrid vehicles, managing the challenges of high battery mass and instant electric motor torque by ensuring consistent grip and tread stability. The engineering goal was to provide high levels of cornering stability and precision without sacrificing ride comfort, a balance that sets the tyre apart.

Complementing the compound, the tyre's structure has been entirely re-engineered. A stiffer bead area with a double taper design ensures secure bead seating even at high speeds while distributing forces more evenly for improved comfort and stability. A dedicated belt design optimises the tyre's footprint for enhanced mileage. In mixed fitments, this improves steering precision at the front axle and stability at the rear.

The Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 will be available in an extensive range of sizes for 17- to 24-inch rims, including section widths up to 355 for high-performance vehicles. With speed ratings up to Y (300 kmph), it firmly positions itself at the pinnacle of the UHP all-season category, with high load rating options on select sizes.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Quatrac Pro 2 has exceeded the very demanding performance target we set during development while delivering superior wet grip, great snow handling, low rolling resistance and high mileage. By focusing on the fundamentals of tyre behaviour and rethinking tread design, materials and structure, we have created a performance-focused all-season tyre that delivers stability, mileage, all-season grip with best wet performance in category.”

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Bridgestone Americas has secured a spot on the Forbes 2026 Best Brands for Social Impact list for the third year running, claiming the number 20 position. This represents a dramatic ascent of 71 places compared to the previous year’s ranking. The company’s standing is particularly notable as it surpassed all other tyre manufacturers as well as businesses in the auto repair and maintenance sectors, underscoring a strong and favourable public perception.

The company’s longstanding approach to community engagement has been driven by key alliances with organisations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Nature Conservancy and United Way. Since 2015, these efforts have translated into the donation of nearly 100 passenger vans to Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide, the planting of over eighty-five thousand trees and total contributions exceeding USD 45 million. Additionally, Bridgestone team members contribute more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service each year to support vital local programmes.

Beyond these efforts, the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund, established in 1952 by Harvey Firestone, Jr., operates as the largest corporate foundation within the United States tyre industry. It provides annual grants to national and local nonprofits whose missions align closely with the company’s operational footprint and its strategic direction as a sustainable mobility provider. Funding priorities also include employee matching gifts for causes related to diversity, education, mobility and employment access, with many grant recipients selected through a teammate-driven process designed to broaden participation in the company’s philanthropic impact.

Now in its fourth year, the Forbes list identifies the top 300 brands nationwide based on consumer perception. Developed in collaboration with HundredX, the ranking evaluated nearly 5,500 unique brands through surveys of more than 200,000 individuals. The assessment measures how the public views a brand’s trustworthiness, social stances, sustainability efforts and commitment to community support, reinforcing Bridgestone’s elevated standing in this year’s results.

Sara Correa, Chief Marketing Officer, Bridgestone West and Bridgestone Americas; Head of Bridgestone Americas Business Services, said “This recognition is a testament to every Bridgestone employee, customer and partner who is committed to driving meaningful impact in the communities where we move, live, work and play. The mission of our company has always been serving society with superior quality and a core belief that what’s good for society is good for business.”

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Giti Tire has kicked off an exciting new chapter in motorsport by securing the role of Official Race Tyre for the Lotus Cup China, with the season commencing at the Sepang International Circuit. The races will see competitors utilising the GitiCompete GTR1 in the 240/650R18 and 300/650R18 sizes, setting the stage for a season defined by precision and endurance.

Spanning five rounds from April through December 2026, the championship has drawn significant participation, with 17 teams, 58 drivers and 44 cars registered. This year’s calendar represents a major milestone for the series, as it unfolds across one of Asia’s most technically challenging venues where the demands on performance, reliability and safety reach their peak.

At the core of this competitive effort is the GitiCompete GTR1, a high-performance slick purpose-built for racing environments. Engineered to deliver unwavering confidence on track, it combines advanced tread compounds and an optimised contact patch for superior grip and stability during high-speed cornering and heavy braking. Its ability to maintain consistent handling under extreme temperatures, coupled with efficient heat management for sustained performance over long stints, gives drivers the precise steering response needed to push to the limit.

Motorsport serves as a vital proving ground for Giti’s broader innovation efforts. Every lap at Sepang generates critical data on wear patterns, heat cycles and grip under stress – insights that are directly channelled into the company’s research and development. This real-world feedback allows Giti to refine compounds and structural designs, elevate safety and performance benchmarks and accelerate the creation of next-generation products.

Race Schedule

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Oak Group Holdings has secured the acquisition of Exhaust, Tyres and Batteries (ETB), a UK automotive service provider formerly owned by Bridgestone. This purchase introduces a significant new distribution channel for the expanding company while marking a strategic shift in its operational reach.

With ETB now fully integrated into the portfolio, Oak gains four warehouses spanning Wales, the Midlands and the Southwest of England. These additions bolster the firm’s existing wholesale network and extend its geographical presence across key regions. The deal also grants Oak direct access to consumers through ETB’s established fast-fit network – a first in the company’s 45-year history – allowing its technology-driven and brand-focused service model to enter the fast-fit sector.

The two companies' brand portfolios are well matched, allowing for a smooth transition to the current tyre brands presently under the Oak Group banner, which include Davanti, Envoy, Landsail, Linglong, Delinte and Aptany, ensuring continuity and strengthening the combined offering, said the company.

Peter Cross, Commercial Director, Oak Group Holdings, said, “2026 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Oak. This milestone acquisition demonstrates the strength of our business, our continued investment and our long-term commitment as a wholesaler operating in what has been a turbulent and challenging market in recent years. We are very excited to welcome ETB colleagues to the Oak Group. We know the ETB team has vast experience and our values are closely aligned in terms of the importance of customer service in every aspect of what we do.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, is highlighting the significant safety risks posed by under-inflated or degraded motorcycle tyres when bikes are brought back into use after winter storage. With motorcyclists across Great Britain preparing for the return to the road, the organisation stresses that thorough tyre inspections are essential. This urgency is underscored by troubling casualty data: in 2024, a total of 340 motorcyclists lost their lives on British roads, while over 5,400 suffered serious injuries and more than 10,000 sustained slight injuries. Fatalities rose by eight percent between 2023 and 2024, even though traffic increased by only four percent.

The core of TyreSafe’s warning lies in the hidden effects of prolonged inactivity. Even if tread depth appears sufficient, tyres can lose air pressure and structural integrity while a bike remains stationary. Unlike cars, motorcycles depend entirely on two small contact patches for grip, braking and stability, leaving almost no room for error. This makes the consequences of neglect particularly severe, especially in critical moments such as braking into a bend or riding on wet roads.

The impact of under-inflated or degraded tyres manifests in several noticeable ways. Riders may encounter a wallowing sensation during cornering, vague or heavy steering, reduced handlebar feedback and increased stopping distances. Irregular wear patterns and diminished fuel efficiency can also emerge. As pressure drops, excessive tyre flex generates internal heat, accelerating structural damage and raising the risk of sudden failure. Tread distortion further compromises grip, particularly in wet conditions where aquaplaning becomes a greater danger.

Visible sidewall cracking indicates that rubber compounds have hardened and lost flexibility, diminishing the tyre’s ability to maintain grip and absorb road forces. For a motorcycle, where balance and control hinge entirely on tyre integrity, such cracking can signal an imminent risk of grip loss or failure. Deep or widespread cracks warrant immediate replacement. Even occasional use during storage helps preserve flexibility and pressure stability, making meticulous inspection especially critical for seasonally ridden motorcycles.

TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “After months off the road, many riders are eager to get back out and enjoy their bikes – but tyres may not be in the same condition they were at the end of last season. Under-inflation can make a bike feel heavy, vague or unstable in corners, while degraded rubber reduces grip – especially in the wet. With casualty numbers rising, riders can’t afford to overlook something as fundamental as tyre safety. A simple check before the first ride could prevent a serious incident.”

Craig Carey-Clinch, Director of the National Motorcycle Council, said, “Motorcyclists depend completely on their tyres for grip, braking and stability. When tyres are under-inflated or deteriorated, the changes in handling can be subtle at first – but in an emergency situation, those differences can be decisive. Carrying out thorough tyre checks before the first ride of the season is one of the simplest and most effective ways riders can reduce avoidable risk.”

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