Automaker BYD has chosen Continental’s high-performance SportContact 7 tyres as the factory-fitted choice for its Seal electric sedan, available in 19-inch specifications for the Chinese market. The SportContact 7, tailored for potent, sporty vehicles, has garnered acclaim in independent tyre assessments for its excellent handling and swift braking capabilities. 

Continental’s engineers prioritised achieving peak performance across all criteria, aiming to blend a highly enjoyable driving experience with top-tier safety and sustainability. Notably, the SportContact 7 outperforms its predecessor by reducing wet braking distances by eight percent and dry braking distances by six percent, while extending its lifespan by 17 percent. Additionally, the tyre exhibits improved handling and grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

Furthermore, the SportContact 7 incorporates ContiSilent technology, a boon for BYD’s all-electric Seal, significantly reducing rolling noise by up to nine decibels - a feature particularly appreciated within the cabin. An inner tyre tread layer with specialised foam further enhances vibration absorption during travel.

For the Seal’s international export, BYD has opted for the EcoContact 6 Q tyres as standard factory fitment. These 19-inch tyres are engineered to deliver energy-efficient and noise-optimised driving experiences, especially beneficial for electric vehicles. The EcoContact 6 Q features a bespoke rubber compound designed to minimise energy absorption, consequently reducing friction and rolling resistance while in motion. Additionally, Continental’s engineers have refined the tyre tread to lower rolling noise. Beyond these advantages, the premium tyre offers impressive grip on both wet and dry surfaces, along with exceptional cornering stability even at high speeds.

These tire lines and sizes are approved for the BYD Seal in numerous countries: 

SportContact 7, 235/45 R19 95Y (China only)

SportContact 7 Silent, 235/45 R19 95Y (China only)

EcoContact 6 Q, 235/45 R19 99V XL (worldwide)

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Hankook Tire is gearing up to electrify the 2024/2025 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the series returns to Jakarta on 21 June for Round 12 of Season 11.

After a one-year absence, the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit (JIEC) will once again host the high-speed spectacle, set against the vibrant backdrop of Ancol’s shoreline. The 2.37-km track, celebrated since its debut in Season 8, blends high-speed straights, sweeping turns and a technical final section – inspired by the rhythmic flow of Java’s traditional Kuda Lumping dance. The challenging layout, combined with Jakarta’s intense tropical heat, will test drivers’ skill, endurance and tyre strategy to the limit. Powering every team will be Hankook’s GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre, purpose-built for Formula E’s cutting-edge electric race cars. Its advanced tread design and specialised rubber compound ensure superior grip, stability and heat resistance – key to handling Jakarta’s demanding conditions.

Sustainability remains a core focus, with the tyre incorporating 35 percent eco-friendly materials, including natural rubber and recycled fibres. Designed for extended durability, each tyre is fully recovered post-race and processed through Hankook’s recycling programme, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to reducing motorsport’s environmental footprint while pushing the boundaries of electric racing performance.

Maximilian Günther, the DS Penske driver and winner of 2023 Gulavit Jakarta E-Prix (Race 10), and most recently, the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix (Race 3) and 2025 Hankook Shanghai E-Prix (Race 10), said, “Jakarta delivers a unique blend of technical complexity and extreme climate. It’s a true proving ground for drivers and tire management. The enhanced grip of the GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre allows us to push harder through technical sectors without sacrificing traction. We’ve already observed gains during simulator sessions, and we’re optimistic about translating that into on-track performance.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has signed a Mizuho Eco Finance (Mizuho Environmentally Conscious Finance) loan agreement with Mizuho Bank, Ltd. on 17 June, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainable growth and decarbonisation.

This environmentally conscious financing programme supports companies transitioning to a decarbonised society by evaluating their climate-related initiatives and disclosures. Yokohama Rubber qualified for the loan after achieving high scores in Mizuho Bank’s environmental assessment, which examines corporate efforts in emissions transparency, greenhouse gas reduction and long-term sustainability goals.

The company has committed to reducing CO₂ emissions by 40 percent by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. These targets, along with Yokohama Rubber’s focus on emissions reduction across its supply chain, contributed to its strong evaluation. Under its sustainability slogan, ‘Caring for the Future’, the company integrates social responsibility into its business strategy, aiming to create shared value by addressing global environmental challenges.

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The Court of King’s Bench of Alberta has ordered NOVA Chemicals Corporation to pay Dow Inc. an additional USD 1.2 billion in damages related to losses from the companies’ jointly owned ethylene assets in Joffre, Alberta.

The judgment, signed on 10 June, relates to losses Dow incurred from the asset. The award includes interest to 7 April  2025 but excludes subsequent interest or legal costs. Payment is anticipated to occur in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The latest ruling adds to a prior payment by NOVA to Dow of approximately USD 1.08 billion in damages in 2019 following a June 2018 court decision.

That decision found NOVA had failed to operate the jointly owned ethylene asset at full capacity and had breached contractual obligations since 2001, resulting in reduced ethylene supplies to Dow.

On appeal, the court directed that Dow’s damages be recalculated for the period from 2001 through 2012, as well as for the period from 2013 through June 2018, which had not yet been quantified.

The judgment is subject to appeal, the companies said.

The dispute centres on the operation of the ethylene facility, with Dow claiming it suffered losses due to NOVA’s failure to meet production capacity and contractual commitments over nearly two decades.

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French tyre manufacturer Michelin will become the exclusive supplier for the FIM Superbike World Championship from 2027 through 2031, marking its return to the series after more than two decades.

The deal represents a significant expansion of Michelin’s motorsport portfolio, adding to its existing partnerships in MotoGP and MotoE racing series. The company plans to leverage technology developed in premier motorcycle racing categories for the WorldSBK competition.

“We are very pleased to be able to commit so quickly to a world-class motorcycle racing championship starting in 2027,” said Matthieu Bonardel, Director of Michelin Motorsport. “The WorldSBK offers an ideal environment to bring our technologies even closer to those used by all riders, whether on the track or the road.”

The championship features motorcycles derived from production models, allowing for faster technology transfer from racing to consumer tyres compared to prototype-based series. Michelin highlighted this as a key advantage for developing products aimed at sport motorcycle enthusiasts.

WorldSBK’s audience consists primarily of riders who own supersport motorcycles, making it an attractive platform for Michelin to showcase performance technology that can translate to road use.

Michelin previously competed in WorldSBK during the early 2000s, securing 12 titles in an open-competition environment before withdrawing from the series. The French manufacturer has maintained a strong presence in motorcycle racing through its MotoGP involvement.

The Clermont-Ferrand-based company, which operates in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people, has positioned itself as a leader in high-performance tyre technology whilst emphasising sustainability initiatives across its motorsport programmes.

Financial terms of the exclusive supply agreement were not disclosed.

The deal comes as motorcycle racing continues to grow globally, with manufacturers increasingly viewing championship participation as crucial for technology development and brand positioning in the performance motorcycle segment.

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