Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co has announced it has become an OE tyre supplier for two new vehicles the Honda N-VAN e: and the Mazda CX-80.

The company will supply its BluEarth-Van RY55 tyres as original equipment (OE) to Honda Motor Co for its new commercial-use mini-EV (electric vehicle), which will be launched in Japan in October 2024. The N-VAN e: is being equipped with 145/80R13 82/80N LT size tyres.

The tyre maker states that the BluEarth-Van RY55 is the first of Yokohama’s fuel-efficient BluEarth brand tyres that is dedicated to vans. It provides both enhanced wear resistance and high wet performance. For the BluEarth-Van RY55 tyres being supplied, in order to match the characteristics of the N-VAN e: EV, the tread rubber has been selected for excellent fuel efficiency and wear resistance and the tyre profile and structure have been optimised to ensure wet grip performance and handling stability.

Yokohama Rubber says it is aggressively developing tyres employing BluEarth tyre technology, and many of these tyres are now coming factory-equipped on petrol-powered vehicles, hybrid cars and EVs such as a wide variety of new car models, including the latest-model sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and compact cars.

On the other hand, it is also supplying the Advan V61 tyres as original equipment (OE) to Mazda Motor Corporation for use on its new crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-80. The SUV which will be launched in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other countries in October 2024 will sport the 235/60R18 103V and 235/60R18 107V tyres.

The Advan V61 tyre is part of Yokohama’s global flagship Advan brand and will contribute towards Mazda CX-80’s superior handling performance while also contributing to a comfortable and quiet ride for everyone in the cabin. In addition, the Advan V61 is highly wear-resistant and displays exceptional hydroplaning resistance that provides superior wet grip performance. The tyre also achieves low rolling resistance, a feature usually considered incompatible with these other characteristics.

It (Advan V61) has been developed utilising specialised tuning to match their tread pattern, profile, and tyre structure to the Mazda CS-80’s characteristics, while also using Yokohama Rubber’s proprietary HAICoLab, an AI-based development framework that aims to foster new discoveries and digital innovation by merging human inspiration and creativity with AI’s enormous data processing capability.

To achieve the highly quiet ride, an optimal pitch sequence was obtained using evolutionary computation (genetic algorithms), one of the technologies incorporated in HAICoLab. The innovative technologies applied in development of the tyres are based on new knowledge obtained by collecting actual data and virtual data generated by simulations and then using AI’s predict, analyse and search functions.

The Mazda CX-80, the three-row mid-size crossover SUV, has an imposing presence and offers powerful driving performance, the environmental and safety performance, and the functionality that allows all passengers to enjoy driving.

The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) celebrated the achievements of the UK tyre industry at its 95th Annual Dinner and 11th Tyre Industry Awards (TIAs) ceremony.

The event, sponsored by Maritime Cargo Services, attracted over 600 attendees from across the industry, including manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, retreaders, and automotive aftermarket suppliers.

The evening’s entertainment featured renowned ventriloquist Paul Zerdin, who captivated the audience with his exceptional talent.

The 2024 winners of the TIAs were announced as follows:

Installation of Honorary Life Members: Martin O’Brien O’Brien and Gavin White

National Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution: Gary Oliver

Chief Executive’s Round and Black Award: Richard Goddard and Derek Firminger

National Tyre Technician Apprentice of the Year: Jakub Zaremba, STS Tyre Pros

Tyre Industry Environmental & Sustainable Solution of the Year: Continental Tyre Group

TRA (RRS) Member of the Year: Murfitts Industries Ltd

REACT Commercial Tyre Technician of the Year: Charlie Howard, Universal Commercial Fleet Services

Commercial Tyre Service Provider of the Year: Kerr’sKerr’s Tyres Group

Truck and Agricultural Tyre Supplier of the Year: Kirkby Tyres Ltd

Aftermarket Equipment Supplier of the Year: Rema Tip Top Automotive UK Ltd

Industry Marketing Campaign of the Year: Hankook Tyre UK Ltd

Product Innovation of the Year: DASOS MICHAELIDES, DM Training Solutions (NI) Ltd

Staff Training and Development Initiative of the Year: Lodge Tyre Company Ltd

Tyre Wholesaler of the Year: Kirkby Tyres Ltd

Tyre Manufacturer of the Year: Pirelli Tyres Ltd

Small Tyre Retailer of the Year Award: Tyre-Smart (Essex) Ltd

Medium Tyre Retailer of the Year Award: Merityre Specialists Ltd

Large Tyre Retailer of the Year Award: Lodge Tyre Company Ltd

Overall Tyre Retailer of the Year Award: Lodge Tyre Company Ltd

Reise Moto, a leading manufacturer of premium tyres and a leading name in premium motorcycle accessories and apparel, has unveiled TraceRad, its new range of premium steel radial tyres targeted for motorcycle segment.

The company states that TraceRad steel radial tyres come with a zero-degree steel belt technology that offers higher precision, better handling and durability, setting new benchmarks for ride quality and handling.

The TraceRad tyres promise unmatched performance at a competitive introductory price of INR 6,199 for the rear tyre and INR 5,199 for the front tyre. Additionally, the tyres also come with a 6-year manufacturing warranty. These tyres have been engineered for some of the most popular motorcycle models in the Indian market, including the KTM Duke (200, 250, 390), KTM RC (200, 390), Suzuki Gixxer 250, TVS Apache RR310, Bajaj Dominar 400, Triumph Speed 400 and the Aprilia RS 457.  

Yogesh Mahansaria, Founder & MD, Reise Moto said, “The TraceRad marks a ground-breaking advancement in radial tyre technology, redefining expectations for precision, handling and durability. With innovative features like the 'Dual Radii' cavity profile and 'Zero Degree' steel belt, along with optimised stiffness for the casing, the TraceRad ensures superior performance and control. We’ve used a special grade synthetic rubber combined with natural rubber for enhanced durability. Rigorous testing on tracks like NATRAX in India and Oulton Park in the UK has proven its ability to deliver excellent handling, comfort and high-speed performance—even in extreme weather conditions. Our commitment is to deliver a product that empowers fast-paced enthusiasts to push boundaries while ensuring maximum safety and long-term performance.”

With this launch, Reise Moto aims to become a leader in performance motorcycling products, particularly in the niche segment of radial tyres. The company states that radial tyres are a small, but growing, niche in India, and the Reise Moto Team plans to build a comprehensive portfolio that serves motorcyclists riding anything from 150cc to 2000cc motorcycles.

With the recent launch of Reise Moto’s exclusive brick-and-mortar store in Mumbai, the brand aims to significantly deepen its market penetration.

“Although our journey is still in its early stages, the overwhelming support from the motorcycling community have been incredibly inspiring. This response fuels our relentless drive to bring world-class products tailored specifically for Indian motorcyclists. Our ambition is not just to meet the expectations of fast-paced enthusiast but to exceed them—by consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation, performance and safety,” concluded Mahansaria.

Steelastic, a leading supplier for tyre component production equipment, and a part of Heico Group company, has appointed Patrick Morocco as its new President.

He comes with more than two decades and has worked in various roles across the manufacturing space. Morocco was till recently the president of Bartell Machinery Systems, a Heico Group company.

Steelastic provides a complete line of belt, body ply, cap strip and automated apex systems for passenger car, truck and bus, off-the-road and aircraft tyre manufacturing. It claims to have more than 900 calenderless systems operating in more than 55 countries around the world, and is a leading partner for tyre makers for nimble, cost-effective production.

Morocco has more than 11 years in the tyre capital equipment industry, and has been appointed to lead Steelastic to new heights as a global leader in the industry by offering customers the quality systems and services they need for success.

Mexico has imposed anti-dumping duties on imported passenger cars and light truck tyres from China, effective 1 October 2024. The highest tax rate is 32.24 percent.

The duties apply to new radial pneumatic tyres with a nominal inner diameter of 13 to 22 inches. The investigation into Chinese tyre dumping began in November 2022, following a complaint filed by the Brazilian subsidiary of a leading tyre company and the Brazilian National Rubber Industry Association.

The Mexican government determined that Chinese tyre manufacturers were selling their products in Mexico at below-market prices, harming domestic producers. Most Chinese tyre manufacturers face an anti-dumping duty rate of 14.82 percent, but individual rates vary. Zhengdao Tire has the lowest rate at 5.18 percent, while Zhaoqing Junhong, Hankook Tire Chongqing Factory, and other manufacturers face the highest rate of 32.24 percent.