The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and its member companies have thrown their full support behind H.R.3401, a bill aimed at strengthening the American tyre retreading industry. The legislation, reintroduced by U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH), proposes tax credits for fleet purchasers of American-made retreaded commercial tyres, with the goal of bolstering domestic manufacturing, creating jobs and promoting sustainable tyre solutions.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO of USTMA, said, "Approximately 15 million tyres are retreaded annually in the U.S., including nearly 44 percent of commercial truck tyres in the U.S. and Canada. By providing tax credits to fleet purchasers who buy American-made retreaded commercial tyres, we have a critical opportunity to support domestic manufacturing and strengthen our national economy. This legislation is about more than just tyres – it's about investing in American workers and promoting a sustainable and innovative manufacturing sector."

Tyre retreading is highlighted as a vital component of American remanufacturing, currently employing over 51,000 workers and supporting more than 268,000 jobs across the broader U.S. tyre industry. Retreaded tyres are characterised as a nearly 100 percent domestically produced product, primarily manufactured by small, independent businesses that typically employ between 10 and 60 individuals.

Despite its significance, the American tyre retreading sector has faced a substantial decline, with the number of facilities shrinking from over 3,000 in 1982 to just 500 at present. This decline is attributed, in part, to an increase in imports of foreign new tyres, about 65 percent of which are less likely to be retreaded due to their design and construction. This trend not only undermines efforts to build robust tyre recycling programs but also accelerates the decline of U.S. retreading facilities.

H.R.3401 seeks to revitalise the U.S. retreading industry by making fleet purchases of retreaded commercial tyres more financially appealing. This measure is expected to create high-quality manufacturing jobs, enhance supply chain resilience and bolster local economies.

Furthermore, retreading aligns seamlessly with the U.S. tyre manufacturing industry’s commitment to a circular tyre economy, aiming to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of commercial trucking. Compared to new tyres, retreaded tyres demand significantly fewer natural resources, contributing to lower carbon emissions and energy conservation. Specifically, retreaded tyres:

• Use 15 gallons less oil and 90 lbs. less material per tyre.
• Save 215 million gallons of oil annually in the U.S. and Canada.
• Reduce CO2 emissions by 24 percent.
• Reduce water consumption by 19 percent.
• Reduce air pollution by 21 percent.
• Keep 1.4 billion pounds of waste out of landfills each year.

"The retreading industry has long been a leader in sustainable manufacturing, but the sharp decline in domestic retreading facilities highlights the need for policy solutions that support this critical sector. We applaud Reps. LaHood and Sykes for their leadership in reintroducing this bill and ensuring that American-made retreaded tyres remain a key pillar of our economy and environment," concluded Luke.

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Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., which operates the Dunlop brand, will discontinue the supply of karting tyres by the end of 2027 as part of a strategic review of its business and allocation of management resources.

The company said it would continue supplying products to existing customers until December 31, 2027.

Dunlop has produced karting tyres since 1976, supplying products homologated by the Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA (CIK-FIA), under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, as well as tyres accredited by the Japan Automobile Federation.

The company said its products had supported a wide range of users, from recreational drivers to young drivers aiming to compete at higher levels, and had contributed to the development of karting participation.

It added that the decision followed a review of its medium- to long-term management strategy and changes in the business environment.

The group said it would continue to contribute to motorsport activities, while expressing appreciation to customers and organisations that had supported its karting tyre business.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd will launch three new long-haul tyres at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, completing its EnduMile range for truck and bus fleets and marking its first full portfolio for long-distance operations.

The new EnduMile LHA, LH Front and LHD tyres will be presented alongside the existing EnduMile LHT trailer tyre at the event, which runs from 15 to 20 September. The additions extend the company’s offering across steer, drive and trailer axle applications.

The products have been developed in Europe with a focus on balancing mileage and fuel efficiency, reflecting a key requirement for long-haul operators seeking to manage total operating costs. The range carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake marking, indicating suitability for winter conditions.

The EnduMile LHA and LH Front are designed primarily for steer-axle applications, while the LHD is intended for drive axles. The tyres incorporate tread designs and compounds aimed at supporting durability, traction and consistent wear. According to the company, controlled European field tests showed mileage improvements compared with a leading tier 1 competitor.

The LHT trailer tyre, introduced in 2023 with an additional size added in 2024, is available in 385/55 R22.5 and 385/65 R22.5 sizes. It is rated A for rolling resistance and external road noise, and is designed to reduce fuel consumption and support retreadability.

Daniele Lorenzetti, chief technology officer at Apollo Tyres Ltd, said: “Completing the EnduMile range represents an important milestone for Apollo Tyres and demonstrates our commitment to the European truck and bus market. Long-haul operators can be wary of low rolling resistance tyres if improved fuel efficiency comes at the expense of the high mileages they expect. With the EnduMile range, we have worked towards balancing fuel efficiency and mileage to help fleets reduce operating costs. Developed in Europe using world-class facilities and cutting-edge technology, the range has been rigorously tested and validated across multiple European markets and operating conditions to meet the highest standards in terms of performance, safety and reliability.”

The full EnduMile portfolio will be displayed together for the first time at the Hannover event, including on Apollo Tyres’ stand in Hall 12.

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Tana Oy has announced the appointment of Allan Bartholin Jacobsen as its new Territory Business Manager, effective 1 September 2026. He will be responsible for advancing the company’s international sales efforts, specifically concentrating on enhancing partnerships with dealers, identifying new avenues for growth and providing dedicated support to customers within designated regions.

Bringing over three decades of expertise in international sales and business development, Jacobsen joins the Finnish company from Eggersmann GmbH, where he managed sales strategies for recycling equipment across Europe and international markets. His previous roles involved cultivating dealer networks, expanding into new territories and driving sales performance in regions spanning Scandinavia, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

This strategic hire underscores Tana’s ongoing commitment to bolstering its commercial operations and global outreach. The company continues to rely on its international dealer network to ensure localised service, deep market understanding and sustained operational benefits for waste management and recycling clients worldwide.

Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, Tana Oy, said, “Allan’s extensive industry knowledge, international experience, and proven ability to develop strong dealer partnerships make him a valuable addition to Tana. His experience in building markets and supporting distributors fits well with our ambition to grow closer to customers and create long-term value through our global dealer network.”

Jacobsen said, “I am excited to join Tana and become part of a company with a strong reputation for robust, intelligent waste management solutions. I look forward to working with Tana’s customers and dealers to support their business and help turn waste into value.”

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Dunlop Tires North America (DTNA) has named Matt Futrelle as its new Associate Vice President for the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) division, effective 1 August 2026. The executive will assume leadership over the company’s TBR operations, directing strategic planning and growth initiatives while reinforcing the organisation’s dedication to high-quality products and service across the North American market.

Futrelle joins the role with over two decades of experience within the automotive aftermarket sector, recognised for his capabilities in leadership, operational efficiency and commercial expansion. His professional history includes building effective teams, cultivating strong client partnerships and implementing strategic frameworks that produce consistent, long-term performance outcomes for the businesses he has served.

Darren Thomas, CEO and President, DTNA, said, “Matt's leadership experience, industry expertise and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his vision and customer-focused approach will help accelerate our growth in the TBR business and strengthen our position in the marketplace.”

Futrelle said, "I couldn't be more excited to join the Dunlop Tires North America team. We see significant opportunities to increase our participation in the North American Commercial Truck Tyre market bringing even more value to our commercial tire dealer and fleet partners. I am also happy to be a part of expanding the iconic Dunlop brand across North America. The brand holds a special place for me because I have such great memories growing up racing on Dunlop motocross tyres."

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