Expanding its offering for the European market in the coming sales season of 2020, ZC Rubber will add 68 new sizes of its Z-series winter tyres, All Elite Season Z-401, Zupersnow Z-507, and ICEMASTER Spike Z-506.
The new size will cater to diverse demand for all weather and road conditions.
The Chinese tyre maker three Z-series winter tyre products in Europe last year, the four-season tyre Z-401, the winter tyre Z-507, and the studded winter tyre Z-506,
“So this year, to better serve European customers, we have upgraded the technology and improved the tyre performance in all aspects, and will introduce new sizes, which are already in production and are expected to be available in the second half of 2020," ZC rubber stated.
The product line now includes 142 sizes covering 13 to 19 inches in rim diameter, with much improved wet grip and lower rolling resistance. According to a test report conducted by Test World on March 9 this year, the series has improved by at least 20% in snow performance, with Z-506 making a great step forward in snow and ice performance.
“Our dealers around the world are experiencing great difficulties this year under the COVID-19 pandemic. We will increase support to our dealers in this special period, whether in product upgrading or marketing strategy.” ZC Rubber expects to meet the customer needs at different levels with continuous improvement in both products and service, eyeing for bigger market share in the future.
CarbonX Appoints Rohan Patel To Advisory Board
- By TT News
- January 16, 2026
CarbonX has appointed Rohan Patel to its Advisory Board, gaining a distinguished strategist at a crucial phase of the company’s growth in sustainable battery materials. His profound understanding of regulatory frameworks and supply-chain strategy will directly support CarbonX’s collaborations with major cell manufacturers and its expansion of local, scalable production.
Patel’s career spans top-tier leadership in industry and government. He previously served as Vice President of global public policy and business development at Tesla, where he was part of the executive leadership team. Prior to his work in the private sector, he was a special assistant to the President and a senior advisor for climate and energy during the Obama Administration, shaping pivotal transportation and power sector policies while coordinating with state and local officials. His earlier contributions include roles at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and staff positions for political campaigns and elected officials.
Currently residing in Kensington, Maryland, Patel consults for global companies and nonprofits dedicated to decarbonisation. His appointment equips CarbonX with essential guidance for navigating complex policy landscapes and strengthening value chains in both the United States and European markets.
Rutger van Raalten, CEO, CarbonX, said, “With Patel’s extensive experience in global policy and deep understanding of Electric Vehicle and US regulatory landscapes, his guidance will be invaluable as we establish ourselves as a supplier of quality materials into US Giga factories and navigate US policy, battery-manufacturing regulations and emerging tariff frameworks.”
Patel said, “The team is strong, the technology is proven, US capacity is established and Tier-1 cell manufacturers in the US are taking notice. CarbonX’s disruptive supply-chain solution arrives at exactly the right time. Strengthening domestic supply chains for critical battery materials is essential, and I am pleased to support CarbonX’s mission to deliver local, scalable and sustainable solutions.”
Goodyear Appoints David Cichocki For Key Americas Leadership Role
- By TT News
- January 16, 2026
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed David Cichocki to the dual role of Managing Director for the Americas and Chief Sales Officer for the Americas Consumer business, effective 19 January 2026. He will report directly to CEO and President Mark Stewart. In these positions, Cichocki is tasked with enhancing sales execution and driving profitable growth for the consumer division across the region. His broader regional leadership duties will focus on strategic governance, operational excellence and ensuring financial performance aligns with Goodyear's global objectives.
Cichocki joins Goodyear with over 30 years of commercial expertise from prominent consumer and industrial brands. He previously served as Senior Vice President of US Sales at Whirlpool Corporation, where he managed a multi-billion dollar North American consumer business spanning several key sales channels. Prior to that, he held numerous senior roles during a more than 20-year tenure with Kraft Foods and Nabisco.
Mark Stewart, CEO and President, said, "Throughout his career, David has built high-performing teams and delivered strong, sustainable results through customer-centric, brand-driven strategies. His experience leading large organisations through transformation – including simplifying portfolios, modernising go-to-market models and designing sales strategies for profitable growth – closely aligns with the changes we are making at Goodyear to drive long-term success for our company and our customers."
Marangoni Strengthens OTR Team With Two Key Appointments
- By TT News
- January 15, 2026
Marangoni has reinforced its OTR division as of January 2026 with the key hires of Eduard Mundt and Dominik Hörmann. Mundt will apply his extensive technical knowledge and industry experience to serve and build partnerships with OTR customers across Southern Germany. Hörmann, an expert in both OTR and TBR segments with specialised retreading knowledge, will oversee operations in Northern, Central and Western Germany, supporting the core OTR business and segments of the TBR market.
This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to deepening its local engagement with both dealers and end users. By enhancing direct customer relationships and fortifying its regional footprint, Marangoni aims to solidify and sustainably grow its standing in the market.
Nokian Tyres Appoints Timo Koponen As New CFO
- By TT News
- January 14, 2026
Nokian Tyres has named Timo Koponen as its incoming Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Management team. He is scheduled to assume the role by 15 April 2026 and will report directly to President and CEO Paolo Pompei. The company’s interim CFO, Jari Huuhtanen, who serves as VP of Group Business Control, will continue in that capacity until Koponen officially begins.
Koponen brings extensive financial and executive experience to Nokian Tyres, most recently serving as the CFO and a member of the Leadership Team at Normet, a prominent global provider of mining and tunnelling technology. His professional background includes a series of senior roles in finance and business leadership across several industrial corporations. Before his tenure at Normet, he held significant positions at Lamor Corporation, Wärtsilä, Hackman and Konecranes.
Koponen holds degrees in Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration. His appointment is part of Nokian Tyres' strategic leadership planning, ensuring a structured transition in its financial leadership.
Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am pleased to welcome Timo Koponen to Nokian Tyres. His extensive experience in finance and operations within publicly listed companies, combined with his leadership in international business and major transformations, will be a valuable asset as we move into the next stages of our development. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Jari Huuhtanen for his outstanding contribution as interim CFO and his role as a strong partner in our transformation. I look forward to continuing our journey together with Jari as a key leader within Timo’s team.”
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