In a comprehensive 2025 winter tyre evaluation conducted by the German publication AUTO BILD sportscars, the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 emerged as the definitive test winner with an overall rating of ‘exemplary’ (grade 1.3). Assessed against 10 competitors on an Audi Q3 Sportback, the tyre secured the highest overall rating of exemplary.

The Blizzak 6 proved to be a specialist in snow disciplines, earning top scores for both braking and traction. Test editors highlighted its exemplary lateral grip on wintry roads, cementing its reputation as a snow expert. Beyond its snow prowess, the tyre delivered a balanced and high-quality performance in wet and dry conditions, demonstrating its capability across diverse winter driving scenarios.

As the successor to the highly-awarded Blizzak LM005, this model launched in 2024 is engineered for all winter road conditions and is EV-ready. Independent testing from TÜV SÜD confirms its leading status, identifying it as a top-rated tyre for snow braking and traction while also offering the shortest stopping distances on wet roads. A significant additional benefit is a 32 percent improvement in mileage compared to its predecessor.

This advanced performance is underpinned by Bridgestone's ENLITEN Technology. This next-generation engineering approach revolutionises tyre design by focusing on customised and uncompromised performance. Driven by a deep understanding of customer needs, ENLITEN also enhances sustainability and advances electric vehicle readiness across the company's product portfolio.

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Mutares SE & Co. KGaA (Mutares) has successfully concluded its acquisition of the drum brake production and research facility in Cairo Montenotte, Italy, from technology company AUMOVIO, formerly the Automotive group sector of Continental. The share deal, finalised on 18 June 2025, results in Mutares assuming control of all business operations and the entire workforce.

This strategic move establishes a new platform investment named Zendra Systems, significantly strengthening Mutares' presence in the Automotive & Mobility sector. The Italian site is a dedicated centre for hydraulic drum brake technology, manufacturing key products such as Parking Brake for Simplex Brakes (EPB-Si) and the Drum Brake (Si). With a team of approximately 400 employees, the operation is projected to achieve revenues around EUR 100 million for the 2025 financial year, marking a substantial addition to Mutares' portfolio.

Philipp von Hirschheydt, CEO, AUMOVIO, said, “We have signed and closed the deal in a very short period of time. This transaction proves that we are delivering and executing our strategy. It is an important step in strengthening our core business by focusing R&D resources and investments on future technologies, and it also demonstrates our progress in consolidating our European manufacturing footprint. At the same time, the new ownership ensures continuity for employees, partners and customers.”

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K 2025, the world’s foremost trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, is scheduled for 8–15 October 2025 in Düsseldorf. The event is supported by the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), which has long championed the rubber and elastomers segment.

A central feature of the fair is the special exhibition, RUBBER STREET, located in Hall 6. For the first time since 1983, Messe Düsseldorf is directly managing this showcase, which is already a complete success with all spaces fully booked. The exhibit will present the entire spectrum of elastomer products. Visually, the 500-square-meter area will be defined by a strikingly illuminated ceiling in the event's bright blue-green corporate design, proudly displaying the wdk logo as the patron. The wdk will also be present with a joint booth featuring the AZuR (Alliance Future Tires) network.

The commitment to sustainability will be a tangible experience for visitors on RUBBER STREET. The flooring itself is an innovative demonstration of the circular economy, consisting of comfortable, reusable mats produced from recycled tyre rubber. Provided by wdk member MRH Mülsen GmbH, this solution contrasts with typical disposable fair flooring, as the durable mats are designed for multiple uses and are fully recyclable afterward. Alongside nearly 50 other wdk member companies and countless international exhibitors, the fair in its entirety will display the latest advancements in raw materials, machinery and components across every hall.

Boris Engelhardt, Managing Director, wdk, said, "Especially in challenging times like these, it is important to show our colours and strengthen networks. The K trade fair offers us as the rubber industry an excellent platform. We demonstrate our exceptional innovative strength and unique solution expertise to the world. With elastomers, we design sustainable, safe and comfortable products for all areas of life – from mobility to medical technology. And we not only supply the materials but also practical solutions to bring the products into a functioning circular economy at the end of their life cycle."

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Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the development, production and marketing of tyres for the commercial, agricultural and OTR sectors, has launched its first Prometeon-branded Serie 02 tyres in Europe and Turkey, marking the product brand's debut in these regions. This continues the global expansion that began with the Serie 02 line in Egypt. The transition will be gradual, with the new R02 line for regional applications available from October.

The launch introduces the R02 Proway and R02 Proway M1 lines. The M1 variant is specifically engineered for challenging markets like Turkey, where severe temperatures and demanding conditions require tyres with enhanced compounds and reinforced structures. Conversely, the European line is calibrated to deliver an optimal balance of mileage, durability and sustainability for cost-conscious fleets.

Available in sizes 315/70, 315/80 and 295/80, the R02 line benefits from an advanced technological package. This technology was honed through an intensive development programme involving over 6,000 tyres tested across 200 million kilometres in all conditions, refined further by continuous partner feedback.

The new Prometeon Serie 02 tyres show a marked improvement over the previous generation, boasting a 15 percent increase in both mileage and durability, plus a 20 percent gain in sustainability and retreadability. This makes the line an ideal partner for fleets aiming to lower operating costs and prioritise environmental responsibility.

Production will be based at the Group’s modernised Izmit factory in Turkey, a strategic site that also houses a key Research and Development Centre. This facility, the largest of its kind in Turkey, has a massive annual production capacity and a strong export focus. Prometeon has invested over EUR 185 million in the plant, which upholds strong sustainability credentials, holding both ISO 50001 energy certification and ISCC Plus certification for its use of bio-based and circular materials.

Roberto Righi, CEO, Prometeon Tyre Group, said, “The launching of the Prometeon-branded Serie 02 line marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of our company, and this event represents a crucial milestone on the way to launching our brand. In the coming years, the Group will undertake significant investments in both the industrial and commercial areas, with a clear objective: to offer products and services that are increasingly effective in responding to customer needs, according to a full-fledged ‘business partnership’ approach based on mutual trust and respect.”

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is strategically repositioning its consumer tyre brands across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, establishing Cooper Tires as its dedicated value brand. This portfolio evolution is designed to provide a comprehensive and competitive range of options for every type of driver, from premium to budget-conscious segments.

With a heritage dating back to 1914, Cooper Tires brings over a century of proven reliability and a strong reputation for durable performance in diverse driving conditions. This established trust makes Cooper ideally suited for its expanded role. The strategic shift allows Goodyear to better align each of its brands with their core strengths, ensuring customers receive performance-driven solutions without compromise.

This move is a key part of Goodyear’s long-term growth plan, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and leveraging the power of its trusted brands for its distributor and retailer network.

Jan-Piet van Kesteren, Managing Director EMEA & Chief Sales Officer EMEA Consumer, said, "Cooper Tires has long been known for its strength in the 4x4 and off-road segments in EMEA, and we’re excited to build on that foundation. We are amplifying that success by offering Cooper customers a distinctive value proposition in EMEA, combining heritage, durability, and a renewed focus on market-specific needs. Our portfolio is built on proven performance. With Goodyear prominent in the premium space and Cooper Tires continuing to demonstrate consistent quality and durability, we are confident in our ability to deliver the right products, at the right time, to the right markets across our region.”

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