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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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has initiated a pilot study in collaboration with the Greater Paris Sanitation Authority (SIAAP) and the sustainability consultancy ERM to assess the potential of wastewater treatment plants to remove tyre and road wear particles. The research is being conducted at the Valenton wastewater treatment facility near Paris, which ranks as Europe’s second-largest plant and features advanced treatment technologies representative of modern municipal systems. This investigation is scheduled to continue through 2026.

In numerous urban centres globally, stormwater and road runoff are channelled into wastewater systems prior to being discharged into natural waterways. A clearer understanding of how effectively these treatment processes capture TRWP could guide the broader adoption of optimised wastewater management practices. Currently, systematic data quantifying the removal of these particles within treatment plants remains scarce, and this project aims to generate comprehensive, end-to-end evidence to bridge that knowledge deficit.

The study represents TIP’s first real-world application of a priority mitigation strategy identified in its white paper on addressing tire and road wear particles. Over the coming months, researchers will collect and analyse samples from key stages of the Valenton plant’s treatment cycle using advanced pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The findings are expected to estimate the total removal efficiency across the entire process and will be submitted to a scientific journal, with publication anticipated in early 2027.

The scientific understanding of TRWP is complicated by a lack of standardised methodologies, the variable nature of the particles and their transformation products, and the diverse environmental pathways they traverse. In response, TIP and its member companies have committed to advancing research on quantification, characterisation, environmental migration and potential impacts while collaborating with value-chain stakeholders to support science-based interventions. A 2024 TIP publication reviewed over 50 mitigation measures and prioritised nine based on upstream and downstream potential, employing a prevention, containment and removal framework.

That review also concluded that no single measure has been proven effective specifically for TRWP and that on-ground validation is essential. Moreover, the paper stressed that no universal solution exists, requiring coordinated, large-scale implementation across multiple actors, including the tyre, road construction and automotive sectors, as well as municipal authorities, academia and other public and private entities. The Valenton pilot thus marks TIP’s inaugural effort to test wastewater management’s real-world efficacy, uniting diverse stakeholders from both the public and private sectors in this critical research.

Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director, TIP, said, “This pilot is an important step in going beyond understanding the subject in the laboratory to field-based evidence. We expect to identify best practices that can be applied far beyond this project, supporting TIP’s ambition to support science-based mitigation.”

Sabrina Guérin, Head of Innovation Department, SIAAP, said, “As the public authority responsible for wastewater treatment in the Paris region, SIAAP is committed to emerging science that protects waterways. By taking part in this TIP study, we will gain an early, science-based view of TRWP movement in solid waste. The findings can help inform and accompany future treatment planning and readiness for upcoming regulatory requirements.”

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Falken has been named the recipient of the prestigious BRV Service Award, as announced by the German Tyre Retail and Vulcanisation Trade Association during its General Meeting on 8 June 2026. As a brand operating under Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, Falken emerged victorious from a competitive online survey where over 250 tyre trade members cast their votes to determine the industry’s most outstanding partner.

This accolade specifically recognises Falken’s superior service standards and its commitment to fostering a reliable and cooperative relationship with its retail partners. The overwhelming vote of confidence from the trade serves as a significant form of recognition for the company, while simultaneously acting as a powerful incentive for the entire Falken workforce to maintain their high-performance levels.

Thomas Langer, Sales Director Germany, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, said, “The news of a top ranking in the BRV Service Award was already a special honour, as it comes directly from the specialist tyre trade. We are now even more delighted to celebrate the overall victory. We would like to express our sincere thanks for this recognition. First place confirms our commitment to offering Falken partners not only reliable and safe products, but above all, dependable service, personalised support and a truly partnership-based collaboration. The fact that the trade has voted the entire team’s efforts into first place motivates us to continue pursuing our goals with determination.”

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) has concluded its participation at The Tire Cologne 2026 with a positive assessment, operating through a network of 19 affiliated organisations across Europe. Their shared exhibition space in Hall 7.1 emerged as a central meeting point during the industry's premier global gathering. Key episodes included a governmental visit, a strategic industry forum and recognition for emerging enterprises.

An immersive installation greeted visitors to the AZuR area, with the entire floor surface consisting of resilient tiles produced from recycled tyre rubber supplied by network affiliate MRH Mülsen. This practical display offered a compelling illustration of how discarded materials can be transformed into functional products. The collaborative exhibition model proved highly favourable among attendees and participating companies alike.

The initiative broadened its collaborative base during the fair, securing commitments from new entities in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands to advance shared sustainability objectives. North Rhine-Westphalia's environment minister, Oliver Krischer, toured the exhibition as part of a broader initiative to spotlight regional excellence in circular practices, observing demonstrations spanning digital monitoring, alternative materials and recovery processes.

A dedicated assembly on tyre retreading drew roughly 40 specialists from manufacturing, materials supply and trade associations. Conversations revolved around the technology's track record and adaptation to market conditions, referencing recent environmental performance data. Survey feedback indicated robust confidence in retreading's financial and environmental merits, though participants identified competition from lower-cost imports as a primary obstacle.

The programme concluded with the LOOP THE TYRE competition awards. The top honour went to Machine-Vision.io from Reutlingen for its optical evaluation system streamlining used tyre assessment. Sustainable Rubber Solutions from the Netherlands received second prize for its chemical innovation enabling rubber reintegration into new compounds, while Austria's ReTyre project claimed third for developing a scalable devulcanisation method for tyre-to-tyre recycling.

Anna-Maria Guth, AZuR Network Coordinator, said, “TTC impressively demonstrated the high level of interest in a functioning tyre circular economy. We were particularly pleased with the exceptionally positive atmosphere at our joint stand. Our partners see themselves as equal contributors to a common goal and as partners in a strong alliance for the future.”

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Prinx Chengshan marked a significant milestone at The Tire Cologne 2026 in Germany on 9 June, where it officially introduced its Prinx-brand commercial vehicle tyres to the European market. The launch event, held during the prestigious trade fair, served as a commemorative highlight for the 50th anniversary of the Chengshan Group. While the company showcased its full portfolio of brands, including Chengshan, Austone and Fortune, the European debut of the Prinx commercial tyre line commanded the primary focus of industry attendees.

Senior company representatives provided comprehensive insights into the strategic initiative during the event. Officials from the Europe and Americas Sales Center, the R&D Center and the European Technical Center outlined the company's developmental trajectory, manufacturing scale and proprietary technological advancements. The presentations emphasised the integration of intelligent manufacturing systems and global research capabilities, with particular attention given to how the Prinx brand is developing future-oriented commercial solutions tailored specifically for European fleet operators.

The Prinx brand, positioned as a premium offering, leverages three intelligent manufacturing facilities located in China, Thailand and Malaysia, combined with the localised expertise of its European Technical Center. The company has concentrated its research efforts on six core technologies, including low rolling resistance and high wear resistance features, complemented by an intelligent tyre monitoring system. A strategic partnership with Marangoni, a prominent European retreading material manufacturer, further strengthens the brand's comprehensive service capabilities.

For its market entry, Prinx launched three initial product series covering nine tread patterns suitable for long-haul and regional mixed road conditions. Future product expansion plans include tyres for mixed-use applications, city buses, long-distance coaches and winter conditions. Since announcing its European passenger car tyre initiative in Milan in 2023, the brand has rapidly enhanced its product matrix and reinforced its market presence through branding initiatives and sponsorship of major racing championships.

With five decades of industry experience, Prinx Chengshan is accelerating its global strategy through a product-plus-service philosophy. The company aims to deliver customized solutions addressing the complete tyre lifecycle by combining Chinese manufacturing heritage with international research and development networks. This approach positions the company to precisely meet localised European market demands while inviting global partners to contribute to a sustainable transportation future.

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