Christina Zamarro Becomes Goodyear Tire CFO

Christina Zamarro Becomes Goodyear Tire CFO

Christina Zamarro has been appointed as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Goodyear Tire & Rubber.

The new CFO will report to Richard J Kramer, CEO of the company. In her new role, Zamarro will lead Goodyear’s global finance organisation and oversee all aspects of the company’s corporate finances, including treasury, investor relations, accounting, audit and financial planning & analysis, as well as its business unit finance teams in the Americas; Asia Pacific; and Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Zamarro will succeed Darren R Wells, who will become Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Both appointments are effective on 1st  January 2023.

“I have worked closely with Christina for many years and have seen her develop into a seasoned senior finance leader and high-performing corporate treasurer. She has long been an integral member of our finance leadership team, bringing a deep knowledge of our company and demonstrating the ability to navigate our industry in a complex business environment. I look forward to her increased role and contributions on Goodyear’s leadership team,” said Kramer.

“With our financial operations in Christina’s capable hands, Darren Wells will devote his full focus to leading Goodyear’s business strategy and growth agenda. This is a pivotal time in Goodyear’s history, and I look forward to continuing to partner with Darren, leveraging his deep knowledge of all aspects of our business as we chart a course to deliver Goodyear’s near-term and long-term strategic objectives,” said Kramer.

Zamarro joined Goodyear in 2007 after several years working for Ford Motor Company. In her 15 years with Goodyear Tire, she has played key roles in strengthening the company’s financial strategy, treasury and investor relations functions, culminating in her current role as vice president, Finance and Treasurer. 

Wells joined Goodyear in 2002 as vice president and treasurer, progressing through a series of finance leadership roles to become Chief Financial Officer. He later served as president of Goodyear’s Europe, Middle East and Africa business for two years before leaving Goodyear for a stint as executive in residence at the University of South Florida. He rejoined Goodyear as executive vice president and CFO in 2018.

Jordan Coughlin, previously Assistant Treasurer, Capital Markets, will become vice president and treasurer, also on 1st January Goodyear’s Investor Relations function will continue to be led by Christian Gadzinski, senior director, Investor Relations. Both Coughlin and Gadzinski will report to Zamarro.

TIA Releases 2025 Policy Agenda To Advocate For Tyre Industry In Congress

TIA Releases 2025 Policy Agenda To Advocate For Tyre Industry In Congress

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has published its updated 2025 Legislative Position Papers, reinforcing its dedication to shaping federal policies that benefit the tyre sector.

Prepared by TIA’s Government Affairs Committee and ratified by the Board of Directors, these documents outline the association’s priorities on key legislative and regulatory matters, including proposed bill language where applicable. The papers provide critical context on industry challenges, present TIA’s policy recommendations and mobilise stakeholders to take action. By advocating for favourable legislation and opposing harmful regulations, TIA ensures the tyre industry’s perspective is heard in Washington.

The 2025 positions have already been shared with lawmakers, manufacturers, TIA members and the press, serving as a foundation for the association’s advocacy efforts this year. As new legislative developments arise, TIA will revise the documents to address emerging industry needs. This initiative underscores TIA’s proactive role in influencing policy to support tyre businesses nationwide.

Roy Littlefield IV, TIA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, said, “These documents are more than just policy statements – they’re advocacy tools. They help educate lawmakers, federal agencies and other stakeholders about how federal actions directly impact tyre dealers, manufacturers and service providers across the country.”

Michelin Launches CrossClimate 3 Sport Performance Tyre

Michelin Launches CrossClimate 3 Sport Performance Tyre

A decade after pioneering the first winter-approved summer tyre, Michelin pushes boundaries again with its groundbreaking MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport. Designed specifically for high-performance sports cars, this innovative tyre merges the dynamic handling of summer sport tyres with certified winter capability – a first for the market.

Engineered for powerful gas and electric vehicles, the CrossClimate 3 Sport delivers year-round confidence with exceptional wet grip (rated ‘A’ on the EU label) and durability. Its advanced materials and motorsport-derived technologies achieve what was once deemed impossible: combining summer tyre responsiveness with Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) winter certification.

Available since 1 July in 29 sizes (205/40R18 to 315/35R20), with 30 additional variants coming in 2026, the tyre has already secured its first OEM partnership. The new Alpine A390 will feature a custom A39-marked version, optimised for the model’s sporty agility in 245/45 R20 sizing. Alpine selected the CrossClimate 3 Sport from three contenders, valuing its all-season precision and winter-ready 3PMSF performance.

Industry recognition followed swiftly, with Michelin winning the 2025 ‘Ze Award for Technological Innovation’ on 3 July. Judged by automotive experts and journalists, the accolade underscores Michelin’s leadership in the booming all-season segment, now representing 37 percent of the market. By redefining performance boundaries, the CrossClimate 3 Sport reaffirms Michelin’s commitment to innovation that meets evolving driver needs.

Serge Lafon Director of the Original Equipment Business Line, said, “When designing this tyre for Alpine, we paid close attention to the vehicle’s specific characteristics. Developed for the largest and most powerful Alpine ever built, this tyre combines winter performance, energy efficiency, optimal grip and sporty responsiveness. It delivers consistent performance, so drivers can count on the tyre throughout its lifespan. Alpine is the first auto manufacturer to select the brand-new MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport.  We are confident that this tyre meets the vehicle's demands and the expectations of consumers seeking long-term safety, simplicity and sportiness. We’re very proud of Alpine’s trust in us.”

Dominique Stempfel President of the French Tyre Manufacturers Association (Syndicat du Pneu), said, “The jury chose to honour the MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport for pioneering a new segment: an all-season tyre designed specifically for sports car drivers seeking the year-round advantages of an all-season tyre without compromising on performance or safety.”

Continental Wins KS Energy And Environment Award 2025 For UltraContact NXT Tyre

Continental Wins KS Energy And Environment Award 2025 For UltraContact NXT Tyre

Continental has received the 43rd KS Energy and Environment Award in the vehicle technology category from Germany's Automobilclub KS e.V., recognising its leadership in sustainable mobility. The honour highlights Continental's UltraContact NXT, its most eco-friendly series tyre to date, which contains up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and ISCC PLUS-certified materials.

As part of the award, Automobilclub KS e.V. is donating EUR 10,000 to Kleine Herzen Hanover, a charity supporting paediatric heart care at Hanover Medical School since 2006. The funds will aid therapies and facility improvements for young patients.

The UltraContact NXT combines sustainability with performance: up to 32 percent renewable content, five percent recycled materials and 28 percent ISCC PLUS-certified bio-based and circular-sourced components. All available sizes achieve the EU tyre label's top 'A' rating for efficiency, wet grip and noise reduction.

Established in 1981, the KS Energy and Environment Award has long promoted emissions-reducing innovations in transport. Under the patronage of Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection since 2022, the award underscores Continental's alignment with national sustainability goals through cutting-edge tyre technology.

Kristina Kumme, Continental Tires' Strategic Program Manager, EMEA, said, "With the UltraContact NXT, we have taken a significant step forward by combining maximum sustainability with excellent performance. We are pleased that the KS Energy and Environment Award jury recognised this innovative development, and we are honoured to support a significant charitable organisation with a EUR-10,000 donation through this award.”

Prof Dr-Ing. Dieter Anselm, a member of the expert jury, said, "For us, this volume tire is clear proof that Continental is working hard to promote innovative technologies and sustainable solutions throughout the entire value chain. Given that every car, regardless of its drive type, needs tyres today and will continue to need them in the future, this innovation has a significant impact.”

Bridgestone Announces Strategic Sale Of Carbon Black Business To Strengthen Core Operations

Bridgestone Announces Strategic Sale Of Carbon Black Business To Strengthen Core Operations

Bridgestone Corporation has reached an agreement to sell its subsidiary, Bridgestone Carbon Black (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (BSCB), to Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. and Thai Tokai Carbon Product Co., Ltd. This divestment aligns with Bridgestone’s strategy to enhance its global business resilience by adapting to market changes and focusing on high-value segments.

As part of its Mid-Term Business Plan (2024–2026), Bridgestone is optimising its operations to strengthen growth and competitiveness. The company is prioritising its premium tyre business, aiming to boost productivity and innovation across the entire value chain – from materials development to logistics and sales – with a focus on its Dan-Totsu (best-in-class) products. The sale of BSCB supports this strategy by allowing Bridgestone to collaborate with specialised partners like Tokai Carbon, which possesses deep expertise in carbon black production and supply chain management.

Beyond securing a stable carbon black supply, Bridgestone and Tokai Carbon are jointly exploring sustainable solutions, including producing carbon black from recycled tyres. This partnership will enhance Bridgestone’s long-term competitiveness while advancing its sustainability goals. However, the company will retain in-house carbon black production for strategic applications, such as premium and motorsport tyres, through its Japanese subsidiary, Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd. This ensures control over critical technologies that align with its core business and sustainability initiatives.

The transaction, part of Bridgestone’s second-stage business restructuring, is expected to have minimal impact on its current fiscal year financial performance. The company remains committed to sustainable growth, balancing strategic in-house capabilities with collaborative ventures to maintain its leadership in the tyre industry.