President Biden Test drives Ford’s new electric truck

He said “my plan will spark more electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing in the United States, secure a domestic EV supply chain, ensure a nationwide network of charging stations, make EVs accessible to average consumers and do it with a unionised workforce.” Biden, in his nearly $2 TRILLION jobs-and-infrastructure spending plan, wants to spend $174 BILLION for EV infrastructure development. President Biden plans to fund the ambitious spending plan with tax increases, but as expected, it is opposed by the Republican lawmakers and many economists as inflationary and aggravating the national debt.

However, with this push for electrification, President Biden also appeases a large segment of his democrat supporters, such as the California Gov. Gavin Newsom, also a democrat, who has issued an executive order halting the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles beginning in 2035 in the state of California.

The ‘GREEN’ angle

The most up-to-date data shows that driving an EV produces almost three times LOWER CO2 compared to an IC-powered vehicle. However, perhaps 50% or more of the greenhouse emissions occur due to an EV even before the vehicle hits the road; As the popularity of EVs starts to grow exponentially, so will the demand for raw materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt. These materials are used in batteries to power EVs but are also associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions and linked to environmental damage. Growing need for electricity to charge batteries with also add to the greenhouse gases, unless renewable energy is fully capable to power electricity networks.

Additionally, industry analysts predict that by 2030 the world will generate 2 million metric tons of used Li-ion batteries per year. Developing innovative methods to recycle and extract raw material from spent batteries is critical to reduce the need to mine for ‘fresh’ materials and to alleviate future pressure on supply chains. Therefore, there is an urgent need for further investment for researching and developing new practical methods for recycling the spent batteries and to avoid further environmental damage. While it is full-speed-ahead for EVs, a full life-cycle analysis of the production and use of EVs is needed.

Tyre industry seeks to benefit

The US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is hoping to influence eventual infrastructure spending and boost the industry in the process. Its 13 member companies produce 85 percent of the tyres sold in the United States, and directly support more than a quarter million jobs across the country.

The association, in its May 24 letter to Congress and the Biden administration, is urging them to take several steps to strengthen the US tyre manufacturing industry while also delivering on important environmental objectives.

The association is urging law makers to promote the recycling of scrap tyres, to invest in research and use of rubber modified asphalt in new and existing infrastructure work. The group also wants more research into the use of tyre derived aggregate in stormwater infiltration galleries.

USTMA also suggests incentivising the growth of US manufacturing of retreaded tyres for commercial vehicles and the use of low rolling-resistance tyres to increase fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Strengthened federal mandates that divert used tyres from landfills would help the country with sustainability and environmental goals, USTMA said, especially when coupled with the greater use of retreads. According to USTMA, there are several ways in which government and the tyre industry can collaborate to meet nation’s shared objectives.

Antidumping duty on tyre imports

President Biden plans to spend trillions of dollars for many social and infrastructure projects, and his administration will use every trick to raise money through imposition of higher taxes and tariffs. To wit, the US Commerce Department affirmed on 20 May 20 imposition of elevated antidumping duties on passenger vehicle and light truck tyres from South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. This step will be followed by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) which will make its final injury determinations on or about 28 June, 2021. If the ITC finding is affirmative, then Commerce Dept. will issue antidumping orders. The 2019 imports of passenger tyres from the countries under investigation were approximately valued as follows:

• $1.17 billion from South Korea;
• $373.0 million from Taiwan;
• $1.96 billion from Thailand; and
• $469.6 million from Vietnam.

No doubt, USA will use vigorous enforcement of import duties to augment its budgetary needs. (TT)

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Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport EVO has earned two independent test accolades, strengthening the tyre maker’s standing in the ultra-high-performance segment. The double success spans a victory in What Car?’s summer tyre test and a Recommended award from evo.

In What Car?’s evaluation of 11 summer tyres, the Potenza Sport EVO ranked first. Fitted to a Volvo XC60, it drew praise for predictable handling and secure performance in wet and dry conditions, along with communicative steering suited to a premium performance tyre.

The What Car? results also underscored tyre choice’s safety implications. In wet braking, the Bridgestone stopped 7.3 metres shorter than the Goodride competitor. The publication concluded that the Potenza Sport EVO justified its higher price, highlighting the value of investing in quality tyres.

The evo test delivered further recognition. The Potenza Sport EVO finished second overall but secured the Recommended award and was arguably the standout performer across individual disciplines, taking five first-place finishes. It earned top subjective ratings for polished, effortless behaviour, excelled in wet grip, traction and stability and set the fastest handling-course time, becoming the only tyre to break 51 seconds.

Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director, Bridgestone UK, said, "To achieve such outstanding results in two highly respected independent tyre tests is a fantastic endorsement of the Potenza Sport EVO and the engineering that has gone into its development. Winning the What Car? test against 10 other competitors, while also securing evo's Recommended Award and five individual test victories, demonstrates the tyre's exceptional breadth of capability. These results reflect exactly what we set out to achieve with the Potenza Sport EVO; delivering outstanding performance, control and confidence in a wide range of driving conditions. It's hugely rewarding to see that recognised by independent experts."

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Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has expanded its UK commercial service network by acquiring G & S Tyres Ltd, a move that also brings a modern retreading facility in the London metropolitan area into the group. The deal advances Citira's push towards a national UK footprint, building on its recent purchase of Redpath Tyres in Scotland and its entry into UK market earlier this year via Tyrefix Group.

G&S's local knowledge, solid reputation and retreading strengths align closely with Citira's circular tyre management model, which covers retreading, rim refurbishment and fleet logistics and is already well established across the Nordics and Poland. The East London site is strategically positioned and employs around 45 people.

A two-generation family firm with more than four decades of service to UK customers, G&S will keep trading under its own name with its existing team. Gary, James and Billy Short will stay involved in the business and take shareholdings in the Citira Group.

Oliver Johnson, Head of UK at Citira, said, “G&S Tyres has earned a strong reputation across the UK through its reliability, service quality and close relationships with the fleets and customers it supports. That reputation provides an excellent foundation for the next stage of growth. Following our acquisition of Redpath Tyres in Scotland, G&S is a further step in our ambition to build a national commercial tyre service network with the best people and businesses in the UK.”

Gary Short, speaking on behalf of the Short family, said, “We are very happy to join a group whose ambitions for the UK align so well with our own. Citira is a great home for G&S and gives us the right platform to support the next generation, spearheaded by James and Billy, as they continue to grow and improve the business.”

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Hankook Tyre UK will exhibit on Stand B40 at RTX Scotland, which returns to Glasgow's SEC on 18–19 November 2026 after a successful 2025 debut. The two-day event brings the road transport industry together for innovation, expertise and networking, and Hankook will showcase its extensive portfolio of Hankook and Laufenn commercial vehicle tyres, designed to meet the evolving demands of today's transport operators.

Bigger than last year, the Glasgow show completes a three-market line-up alongside RTX's flagship Stoneleigh event and its Irish show, bringing the same truck-focused approach to audiences across the UK and Ireland. More than 80 exhibitors, from major truck manufacturers and trailer producers to tyre specialists and workshop suppliers, will take part, with over 7,000 visitors expected to explore developments, attend expert-led seminars, workshops and tech talks, and connect with key professionals.

At the heart of the stand, the SmartFlex range addresses regional and long-distance transport. The AL51 for steering and all-position duties and the DL51 for drive axles deliver up to 20 percent lower rolling resistance on long-haul routes than their predecessors, with consistent performance throughout service life, while the AH51 and DH51 offer dependable grip and braking for regional haulage. All can be regrooved and retreaded to maximise tyre life and cost efficiency. Hankook will also present the 315/80R22.5 Smart Work AM11+ for on- and off-road front-steer operations, the AM15+ all-position tyre, the TH31 all-season trailer tyre, the TH51 with Hidden Groove technology and the Vantra ST AS2 van tyre.

Laufenn, Hankook's associated brand, will display its growing commercial vehicle portfolio, including the Laufenn365 initiative, the LR01 and LR02 for on- and off-road applications, the LR53 drive tyre and the X Fit Van 4S. Drawing on Hankook's development expertise, Laufenn combines value, performance and full retreadability to help cost-conscious fleets manage operating costs and environmental impact. With solutions spanning heavy-duty regional haulage, long-distance transport, mixed-service operations and light commercial vehicles, Hankook's presence lets visitors explore products tailored to their needs and connect directly with the team.

James Misselbrook, UK Truck & Bus National Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “RTX Scotland provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fleets, operators and industry partners, and we're excited to be returning for a second year. The event comes at a significant time for Hankook, as we showcase some of the first 385/65R22.5 trailer tyres produced at our new European TBR manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary. This major investment underlines our long-term commitment to the European market and reinforces our ability to deliver innovative, high-performance tyre solutions that help fleets maximise efficiency and profitability."

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Pirelli is all set for the winter season with its winter tyre range that is renewed over the past two years. The newly launched Scorpion Winter 3 joins the P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and the Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers. The range is available with Pirelli Elect technology for electric vehicles. Independent tests by European organisations have placed Pirelli winter tyres at the front in safety-related areas, while the Cinturato All Season SF3 has recorded four victories and six additional podium finishes.

Winter tyres or suitable equipment are required from 15 November to 15 April. Most winter driving occurs on dry and wet roads. Below 7°C, winter compounds offer more grip than summer compounds, and the tread pattern helps counter aquaplaning and generate traction on snow. Sidewall markings indicate capability: M+S identifies a product for challenging surfaces, while 3PMSF certifies testing in harsh conditions. An appropriate winter driving style includes increased safety distance, avoiding sudden acceleration and reducing brake use in favour of engine braking.

The Cinturato Winter 3 took first place in the 2026 ADAC winter tyre test in size 225/50 R17 against 16 models, earning a highly recommended rating with the best wet score and the highest assessment for driving safety. It won the AvD test in size 225/45 R17 against 15 tyres with a very good rating. It also finished first in the Auto Bild comparison in size 205/55 R16 on a Volkswagen Golf against 14 tyres with an exemplary rating. Podium finishes followed in tests by Auto Express, Auto Bild Allrad and Tyre Reviews, giving six podium finishes in seven tests, including three victories.

The Scorpion Winter 3 debuted with a victory in the alVolante comparison in size 235/60 R18 on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, ranking first among six winter tyres. Its wet performance, shortest braking distance, fastest lap time and progressive reactions set it apart. It was judged consistent and predictable on snow and balanced on dry roads.

In the annual Auto Bild super comparative test, the P Zero Winter 2 finished on the podium with an exemplary rating, thanks to precise driving behaviour in wet and dry conditions and braking performance on both surfaces. The Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2 are available with Pirelli Elect technology on dedicated fitments for Europe's electric vehicle fleet. Elect addresses low rolling resistance for range, acoustic comfort, longer tyre life, grip for immediate torque and a reinforced structure for battery weight.

All-season tyres suit drivers mainly in urban areas covering up to 20,000 km per year without frequent heavy snowfall. Higher mileage, regular mountain travel or high-performance cars generally call for winter tyres. The Cinturato All Season SF3 carries the 3PMSF marking and has four victories in comparisons by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir, plus six additional podium finishes. The new Scorpion All Season SF3 extends the approach to SUVs.

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