Giti Tire has launched its new ultra-high-performance GitiSportS2+ tyre, following an outstanding result in the AutoBild 2026 Summer Tyre Test, where it received one of the most prestigious independent endorsements in Europe. Rated as exemplary by the leading German publication, the tyre secured fourth place overall out of an initial field of 50 competitors. The evaluation praised its exceptional value for money, impressive driving dynamics and substantial safety margins.

Tested on a BMW 5 Series using the 245/45R19 size, the tyre initially shared fourth position based on wet and dry braking performance, recording a total stopping distance of 42.5 metres. It maintained this high standard across 12 additional assessments, ultimately ranking among the top five alongside several premium manufacturers. The new model is scheduled to be available from spring 2026, launching in 19 sizes covering rim diameters from 17 to 20 inches, widths between 225 and 255 and aspect ratios from 35 to 55.

Designed for sporty cars and powerful SUVs, the GitiSportS2+ features a newly engineered compound that reduces wet braking distances by eight percent and dry braking by two percent compared to its predecessor. It also achieves the highest possible EU Wet Grip label rating of ‘A’. In line with the manufacturer’s broader strategy, the tyre bears the AdvanZtech EV Ready sidewall marking, indicating its compatibility with internal combustion engines, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles.

During the initial rollout, many existing sizes of the original GitiSportS2 will remain on the market, ensuring continued coverage across the sport vehicle segment. Development took place at Giti’s European R&D Centre in Hannover, with testing and fine-tuning conducted at tracks in UK and Spain. The project leveraged the company’s AdvanZtech technology, a globally integrated research and development system.

Fabio Pecci-Boriani, Deputy General Manager – Product Planning PCR and LTR, Giti Tire R&D Centre (Europe), said, “The new GitiSportS2+ is testimony of the achievements that our engineers, testers and manufacturing facilities have been able to deliver in the area of performance while retaining the sustainability, endurance and mileage criteria that are important to the daily driver. To launch a tyre off the back of an ‘exemplary’ rating in AutoBild is nothing short of sensational; we are thrilled that one of the leading automobile titles in Europe has been able to validate and confirm our latest development and we are excited to share this news with our trusted customers.

“The target criteria for the GitiSportS2+ was to deliver further improvements in dynamic driving, enhanced control on wet roads with precise and exciting control on dry roads, all while maintaining the mileage and energy efficiency of the previous generation. Sportiveness is at the heart of the tyre with a particularly stiff design that contributes to stability at high speeds as well as in cornering. The increased grip performance goes is more precise, firm, predictable and constant.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has announced the appointment of Bill Schafer as Chief Revenue Officer for TBC Wholesale. This leadership change follows the planned retirement of Rodger Smith, who will remain with the organisation until December 2026 to support a seamless handover.

Since joining TBC in March 2024, Schafer has concentrated on expanding the company’s wholesale operations. He brings three decades of experience from Michelin, where he directed business to business sales, distribution and logistics across North America while managing a team of over 600 people. His background positions him well to drive revenue growth in his new role.

Smith, a 45-year veteran sales executive with diverse industry expertise, has been instrumental at TBC since his arrival in 2020. He led strategic efforts such as strengthening the national sales organisation and launching Supply Chain as a Service. His continued presence through late 2026 ensures that his knowledge and initiatives will carry forward under Schafer’s leadership.

Don Byrd, President and Chief Executive Officer, TBC Corporation, said, “Bill and Rodger previously partnered to lead TBC’s wholesale strategy and reinforce TBC’s mission of being the distributor of choice in the markets we serve. Our focus is clear: TBC will continue to drive value-creating solutions for our customers in the mobility and automotive industry through exceptional service, a diverse product portfolio and innovative solutions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Dow Inc. said its chief executive Jim Fitterling will become executive chair of the board from 1 July , 2026, with chief operating officer Karen S Carter appointed as chief executive.

Carter will also join the board on the same date, while Richard Davis will continue as independent lead director.

The company said the changes follow a multi-year succession planning process and are intended to ensure continuity as it advances its strategy as a materials science group.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jim for his exceptional leadership and continued contributions to Dow,” Davis said. “Jim has led the company through a period of significant transformation while strengthening Dow's strategy, culture and long-term positioning. We are equally pleased to congratulate Karen on her appointment as CEO. She is a disciplined, highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Dow's businesses and customers. This appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to lead Dow forward into its next chapter of growth and value creation for customers, employees and shareholders.”

Fitterling, who has been chief executive since 2018 and chair since 2020, oversaw the company’s separation from DowDuPont and led its repositioning towards higher-growth, consumer-led markets. He also guided the group through broader macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, while advancing its sustainability ambitions and corporate culture.

“Serving as CEO of Dow has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Fitterling said. “Together with our employees and leadership team, we have transformed Dow into a stronger, more focused company with the right strategy, capabilities and culture for the future. I look forward to continuing to support Dow as Executive Chair and working closely with Karen to help ensure continuity and strong execution.”

As executive chair, Fitterling will continue to lead the board, focusing on long-term strategy, governance and external relationships.

Carter, who has spent more than three decades at Dow, currently oversees business and operational performance across the company as chief operating officer. She previously led the packaging and specialty plastics division, the group’s largest operating segment, where she focused on capacity expansion, asset upgrades and operational reliability, alongside efforts linked to circular economy initiatives.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO and lead Dow into our next chapter,” Carter said. “Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets and leading positions in the markets we serve. Our focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance. I look forward to continuing my partnership with Jim in his new role as Executive Chair, and to working with the Board and all of Team Dow to advance our strategy and deliver on our priorities.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nokian Tyres plc is expanding its partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to strengthen IT operations and support ongoing transformation.

The companies will focus their expanded partnership on maintaining and developing IT applications to meet Nokian Tyres’ future needs and to increase the efficiency of its IT operations.

TCS has already handled Nokian Tyres’ service desk support, end-user services like device deliveries, and network and data centre operations. Starting June 1, 2026, TCS will also take over maintenance and development of IT applications, as well as on-site support for internal processes.

This change is part of a larger restructuring of Nokian Tyres’ IT organisation to keep up with changing business needs.

“A more extensive partnership with TCS will enable Nokian Tyres to have a globally unified, agile, and efficient operating model that supports business needs. In addition, it creates a sustainable foundation for the increasing adoption of next-generation technologies such as automation, data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence,” said Timmy McLellan, vice-president, IT and processes, and chief information officer at Nokian Tyres.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

JK Tyre & Industries, one of the leading tyre manufacturers in the country, has appointed Mandar V Deo as President – India, effective immediately.

Based in Delhi, Deo will report to the Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Raghupati Singhania, and the Managing Director, Anshuman Singhania. He joins the tyre manufacturer with more than two decades of experience in senior leadership positions, having previously served at Exide Energy Solutions, Cummins India and Cummins Inc.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Pune University, alongside a Master’s degree and a PhD from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds an MBA from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.

Deo’s appointment comes as JK Tyre continues to expand its global footprint, which currently spans 105 countries and includes 11 manufacturing facilities in India and Mexico with an annual production capacity of 35 million tyres.

The company maintains a focus on technical innovation through its Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence in Mysore and was the first in India to introduce 'Smart Tyre' technology featuring integrated Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). Additionally, JK Tyre has committed to the global RE100 initiative, aiming to transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2050.

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre, said, “I am confident that Mr. Deo will provide strong and adept leadership and steer JK Tyre on a new growth trajectory.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!