Bridgestone Retail Operations is commemorating a decade of partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America through a series of donations, engagement activities, and fundraising campaigns. Since 2015, the Driving Great Futures programme has generated nearly USD 30 million to expand after-school opportunities for more than 300,000 young people nationwide.

The anniversary celebration launched with a special event at the Andrew Jackson Clubhouse in Nashville, where Bridgestone surprised attendees with a new passenger van and a USD 100,000 operational grant. Former NFL star Cam Newton joined company leaders and Boys & Girls Clubs executives to motivate youth, distribute treats and participate in games.

Throughout the year, Bridgestone will continue its support by donating 10 vans to Clubs across the U.S., hosting Car Care Academy workshops to teach vehicle maintenance and promoting BGCA’s new ‘America Needs Club Kids’ campaign in its retail locations.

Since its inception, the initiative has provided over 450 grants to address transportation and technology gaps, funding vehicle purchases, repairs and digital resources to enhance Club programming. With more than 2,200 stores contributing, Bridgestone remains committed to empowering youth through accessible education and enrichment opportunities.

Marko Ibrahim, President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, said, “When we began our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America 10 years ago, we could have never imagined the generosity it would inspire, or the number of lives it would impact. Boys & Girls Clubs provide enrichment opportunities and environments that can shape bright futures, and we are grateful for the contributions of our customers and the commitment of our teammates over the past decade to help ensure countless kids and teens have a reliable way to get there.”

Jim Clark, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said, “We’re proud to celebrate 10 years of partnership with Bridgestone. Thanks to their support, more kids have safe, reliable access to the life-enhancing opportunities our Clubs provide.”

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Hankook Tire has launched the Smart Work AM11+, a premium commercial tyre designed for the UK’s demanding regional distribution and waste management sectors. Engineered for vehicles with frequent stop-start cycles, it features a reinforced sidewall with proprietary abrasion-resistant compounds to withstand repeated kerb impacts. The innovative triple-wear indicator system simplifies maintenance by providing clear, at-a-glance tread depth checks, helping fleets optimise replacement schedules and reduce operational costs.

Available in size 315/80 R22.5 from September, the AM11+ utilises Hankook’s advanced casing technology to deliver extended mileage and puncture resistance. Its optimised tread pattern enhances wet grip and braking performance, critical for urban safety compliance. Developed after extensive fleet trials, this tyre addresses the specific needs of refuse trucks, delivery vehicles and municipal operators facing harsh daily conditions.

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Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire Co Ltd has defended the quality of its products after facing criticism over Volkswagen's decision to equip the new Tiguan model with its tyres as standard equipment.

The Shandong-based company, which operates Europe's first Chinese-owned tyre factory in Serbia, issued a statement emphasising its commitment to meeting automotive industry standards and highlighting its partnerships with leading car manufacturers.

"Linglong is fully committed to the quality, reliability and safety of its tyre products. Our highest priority is to guarantee drivers and manufacturers the highest standards in tyre technology," the company said in a statement from its German subsidiary.

The new Volkswagen Tiguan comes equipped from the factory with a Linglong Original Equipment tyre in size 255/45 R19 100V, marking a significant win for the Chinese manufacturer in the premium European market. The Ultra High-Performance tyre was specifically developed according to Volkswagen's requirements and carries a "+" marking on the sidewall, which "stands for a noticeable plus in quality, comfort, performance, and efficiency."

Linglong emphasised that development work took place "in close coordination with Volkswagen, with a focus on criteria such as driving dynamics, safety, comfort, mileage, and emission reduction." The company said it adheres to the same specifications as all other premium original equipment tyres regardless of their origin.

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Building on their successful 2024 collaboration, Goodyear and streetwear brand Anti Social Social Club (ASSC) have reunited through IMG Licensing to launch a bold new capsule collection celebrating racing culture. The limited-edition line blends ASSC's rebellious aesthetic with Goodyear's rich motorsport heritage, paying tribute to the iconic Goodyear Blimp and the brand's century of track innovation.

The collection features adrenaline-charged designs across apparel and accessories. Standout pieces include racing-inspired ‘Catch the Feeling’ tops with driver's seat graphics and international race flags, ‘High Performance’ hoodies showcasing the Goodyear Blimp, and ‘Wet Tyre’ tees with tread-pattern branding. Motorsport enthusiasts can also find spark-generating race car graphics on ‘Sparks’ collection pieces, while the ‘Eagle’ line incorporates blimp imagery across button-ups and swim trunks.

Complementing the apparel are podium-worthy accessories like a dual-branded Zippo lighter, flag-adorned keychain and racing gloves. The crown jewel is the Podium Cap, featuring wreath detailing that channels vintage motorsport victory celebrations. Each piece fuses ASSC's signature irreverence with Goodyear's legacy of high-performance racing technology.

This marks the second collaboration between the tire giant and streetwear disruptor, following their October 2024 drop that similarly celebrated automotive culture through fashion. The new collection continues to bridge the worlds of competitive racing and contemporary street style.

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Maxxis continues its successful partnership with the Nissan Acceleration Team (NAT) for the 2025 racing season, supplying high-performance tyres including the Victra VR-1, Victra VR2, RAZR AT (for Altima) and Bravo HP-M3 (for Versa) models. These tyres will equip NAT's diverse fleet featuring Sentra, Z, Z NISMO and CS23 vehicles across 39 AutoX and RallyX events.

The volunteer-driven team of Nissan engineers and technicians, Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA), founded in 2019, has grown to include Arizona Testing Center (ATC) members while maintaining its winning tradition. NAT enters the season with strong momentum following a dominant 1-2 finish at Detroit's Milan March Madness rallycross event. The team will also showcase its capabilities at September's ZCON convention in Nashville, the premier gathering for Z car enthusiasts.

Mark Lin, OE Account Manager, Maxxis – Canada, said, “We’re proud to partner with Nissan and help this team live their passion for motorsports. Everyone at Maxxis is cheering them on, and we’re delighted that our tyres help them to roar across the finish line in first place.”

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