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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Hankook has confirmed its partnership for the 2026 Convoy Truck Shows, stepping in as an infield partner for the series, which runs in tandem with the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC). These events offer a distinctive fusion of high-octane track action and the immersive atmosphere of a large-scale truck gathering. This renewed involvement deepens Hankook’s footprint at some of the most eagerly awaited dates on the UK motorsport and haulage calendar.

The season’s schedule commences with Convoy on the Plain on 16–17 May, followed by Convoy Cymru on 20–21 June. The flagship gathering, Convoy in the Park, will round off the summer season on 8–9 August. Attendees can look forward to a full agenda of British truck racing, breathtaking stunt performances, live entertainment and attractions for all ages, alongside a remarkable display of working vehicles, custom rigs and pristine show trucks. Mirroring its sponsorship of the Devon Truck Show, Hankook’s partnership with the Convoy series supports its wider mission to generate substantial donations for local charitable causes and community groups, positioning it as an event with purpose beyond spectacle.

At each of these shows, Hankook will spotlight its cutting-edge range of commercial and consumer tyres. Key exhibits will feature the SmartFlex AH51 for steer axles and the SmartFlex DH51 for drives, both engineered for long-haul and regional use and prized for superior traction and extended durability. Also on show will be the SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre, the Vantra Transit summer tyre for commercial vans and several models from the Laufenn portfolio, such as the LZ22 all-weather drive tyre, the LF21 all-position tyre and the robust LF95 trailer tyre.

Rounding out the display are the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre and the iON evo SUV, a cutting-edge summer tyre purpose-built for electric vehicles, underlining Hankook’s forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility. Through its involvement in the Convoy Truck Shows, Hankook reinforces its dedication to the haulage industry by engaging directly with drivers, fleet operators and enthusiasts, showcasing tyre innovations focused on safety, efficiency and peak performance, all while actively contributing to valuable community initiatives.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "We’re thrilled to have Hankook Tyre UK return as an official sponsor of the Convoy Truck Shows. After the success of last year’s collaboration, continuing the partnership was an easy decision for us. Hankook’s commitment to the industry and to our events adds real value across the board – from contributing to the scale and quality of the events to elevating the atmosphere and experience for our audience. We’re proud to be building on this relationship as the Convoy series continues to grow.”

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The tyre industry gathered to honour outstanding innovation and individual accomplishment over the past year during the Tire Technology Expo 2026 held in Hannover. The Tire Technology International Awards, spanning 13 categories, recognised both technological progress and the commitment to a more sustainable future within the tyre sector. Organised by the Tire Technology International magazine, the winners were selected by an independent panel of journalists and technical experts.

Sustainability was a dominant theme, highlighted by three distinct environmental awards. Bridgestone received the award for tyre design innovation, celebrated for developing a truck tyre composed of 70 percent recycled and renewable materials, a notable industry milestone. In manufacturing, Continental was acknowledged for its significant strides in reducing freshwater consumption during production with the Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing award. The Environmental Achievement – Industry Contribution award went to the BioButterfly project, a collaborative effort involving Michelin, IFP Energies Nouvelles and Axens. This initiative was praised for creating bio-based butadiene from bioethanol, presenting a credible substitute for fossil fuel-derived materials and demonstrating strong potential for immediate industrial application.

Further technical achievements were recognised across several categories. Flexsys earned the Chemicals and Compounding Innovation of the Year award for developing the first practical alternative to the antioxidant 6PPD after extensive research. Teijin Aramid was honoured with the Materials Innovation of the Year award for industrialisation of its high-performance Twaron Next para-aramid fibre. A collaborative R&D breakthrough by Goodyear and TNO, which integrates tyre intelligence directly into a vehicle's automatic emergency braking systems to enhance safety, won the R&D Breakthrough of the Year award. In manufacturing equipment, Comerio Ercole’s advanced modular calendering line, Zeus, won the Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year award. Uzer Makina, a long-time finalist, was finally named Tyre Industry Supplier of the Year.

The event also celebrated conceptual and product excellence. Michelin had a particularly successful evening, first winning the Tire Concept of the Year award for its Lunar Airless Wheel, designed to withstand the extreme conditions on the moon. The company then claimed the highly anticipated Tire of the Year award for its Primacy 5 Energy, a tyre noted by the jury for achieving top EU label ratings in most sizes while offering improved longevity and reduced emissions compared to its predecessor. In the final major category, Continental was named Tire Manufacturer of the Year for the second consecutive year and the fifth time overall, following a review of the top manufacturers' yearly contributions.

The awards also highlighted personal achievements within the field. The Young Scientist Prize for 2026 was presented to Max Dixey, a PhD student at Queen Mary University of London, for his compelling presentation on the effects of carbon black activators. Finally, a Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Michelin’s Pascal Prost. A veteran engineer, researcher and long-time contributor to both the conference and the awards jury, Prost was celebrated by peers and colleagues for his enduring and significant impact on the tyre industry.

Matt Ross, Chairman of the awards and Editor-in-Chief of Tire Technology International, said, “As is now becoming the norm, this year’s awards were incredibly close. Continental and Michelin have picked up multiple awards and should be highly commended, but I’m also happy to see such an array of winners across the whole range of categories. The level of innovation on display across the tyre sector is staggering, and I hope that this year’s awards have captured even a hint of the groundbreaking work taking place to move this industry forward.”

On Frost’s achievement, Ross said, “For as long as I have worked on Tire Technology International and these awards, Pascal has been a valued contributor, a hugely appreciated advisor – and a wonderful sounding board. I would like to join with his peers and friends from across the industry in celebrating his phenomenal contribution to the tyre business.”

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MRF has announced a significant move to expand its manufacturing footprint in southern India. The company revealed that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tamil Nadu Government, facilitated through the state’s nodal investment promotion agency, Guidance. This preliminary agreement outlines the company’s intent to establish a greenfield manufacturing unit dedicated to the production of automotive tyres and related ancillary products. The proposed facility is planned for location within the SIPCOT Industrial Park situated in the Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu.

As the agreement is currently non-binding, its progression to a final commitment is contingent upon several conditions. These include the Tamil Nadu government’s sanction of a bespoke incentive package, the provision of necessary infrastructure, the allotment of land and the securing of all requisite statutory approvals in accordance with applicable state laws.

According to the official statement released by MRF, the project, upon receiving all clearances and moving forward, envisions a substantial capital outlay. The estimated investment for this venture is projected to be approximately INR 53 billion, with the capital expenditure to be phased over a 12-year period. Beyond the financial injection into the region’s economy, the initiative is also anticipated to be a major source of employment, with expectations of creating direct job opportunities for around 1,000 individuals.

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The second Sustainable Development (ESG) Industrial Ecosystem Innovation Competition for Chinese and Foreign Enterprises in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area recently concluded, with Sailun Group emerging as a distinguished honouree. Recognised for its collaborative ESG efforts with Vale, a global leader in metal and mining, Sailun received the prestigious ‘Innovative Model’ award, standing out as the sole tire company to achieve this recognition.

Organised jointly by the Shanghai Pudong Foreign-Invested Enterprises Association and the Shanghai Pudong Domestic-Funded Enterprises Association, the competition welcomed participation from companies registered and operating in the area, along with their partners. Invited by Vale Metals (Shanghai), Sailun took an active role by meticulously organising and presenting its innovative achievements in sustainable development. Through a structured application process highlighting solid practices and creative excellence, the company successfully secured the award.

Vale, one of the world’s foremost iron ore producers, maintains a longstanding strategic partnership with Sailun. Driven by a mutual dedication to sustainable supply chains, the two organisations have intensified collaboration, particularly in mining tyre supply. By integrating Sailun’s low-carbon tyre technologies, they inject environmental vitality into operations while enabling Vale to achieve refined efficiency through cutting-edge solutions. Their partnership exemplifies a synergistic model that harmonises efficiency, safety and low-carbon practices, serving as a standout case of ESG-driven empowerment across the industrial chain.

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