Continental Expands MTB Tyre Lineup With Three New Models

Continental Expands MTB Tyre Lineup With Three New Models

Continental has launched three all-new MTB tyres in order to give riders better performance, longevity and maximum grip on any terrain. Every rider, from XC racers to trail fans, will find the ideal tyre for their preferred terrain thanks to the addition of the new Dubnital, Trinotal and Magnotal tyres to the well-known Gravity line.

Dubnital is designed for dry to moist environments and is best suited for rocky, hardpack and medium-loose soils. It is designed to fulfil the demands of XC and downhill riders seeking maximum speed. Dubnital, a direct successor to the 'Race King', offers unrivalled efficiency, grip and control at high speeds thanks to its cutting-edge tread and innovative rubber compositions. Trinotal, which replaces the popular 'Cross King', is meant to be versatile and perform well in both dry and wet circumstances. The tyre is designed for XC and downhill riders and provides excellent grip and stability, helping them to easily tackle a range of terrains. The all-rounder Magnotal, which replaces the 'Mountain King', is designed for aggressive all-mountain and trail riders and strikes the ideal mix of performance and control. It thrives. Magnotal provides excellent grip for riders in dry to wet situations, tackling hard, loose and muddy soils with ease.

Alexander Haenke, Product Manager – MTB & Gravel, Continental Tires, said: “With the introduction of Dubnital, Trinotal and Magnotal, we are proud to complete the overhaul of our MTB lineup, finally replacing our iconic 'Kings’. The new models now seamlessly fit into the nomenclature and logic of our Gravity range tyres, and give riders the freedom to use our portfolio as a playground to create their perfect setup. We’ve tested these tyres with gold-medal-winning athletes to ensure they perform at the highest level – now it’s your turn to push their limits. While our technology has already been proven in the world of gravity, we’re excited to see how riders take them to new heights across other disciplines”.

MRF Signs MoU With Tamil Nadu For Greenfield Plant At Sivaganga

MRF Signs MoU With Tamil Nadu For Greenfield Plant At Sivaganga

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.

Sailun Group Honoured With ‘Innovative Model’ Award At Shanghai ESG Competition

Sailun Group Honoured With ‘Innovative Model’ Award At Shanghai ESG Competition

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.

Hankook Tire Celebrates Employee Innovation Achievements With 2025 Proactive Awards

Hankook Tire Celebrates Employee Innovation Achievements With 2025 Proactive Awards

Hankook Tire convened its annual Proactive Awards ceremony on 3 March 2026 at the Hankook Technodome, the company’s advanced research and development centre in Daejeon’s Yuseong District. This marks the 19th iteration of a programme that began in 2007, designed to acknowledge teams and personnel across its global operations for exceptional performance driven by innovative thinking and a willingness to take bold steps. The initiative stands as a key vehicle for embedding the Proactive Culture, a management philosophy championed by Hyunbum Cho, Chairman of Hankook & Company Group, throughout the organisation.

Around 100 people attended the gathering, including awardees from overseas and their families, alongside executives from the headquarters. The programme distributed accolades in four distinct classifications: Leadership, Performance, Challenge and Innovation. Ten groups and individuals, judged to have demonstrated the highest distinction in their respective fields, received trophies and monetary prizes reaching as much as KRW 20 million (approximately USD 13,568).

Within the Leadership category, honour was bestowed upon those who guided meaningful organisational transformation through adept communication and decisive action. Recognised here were Bonbae Koo, who heads the Gyeonggi Central PC/LT Team within the domestic sales division; Deokhee Ryu, leading the Material Machinery Team under Safety & Production Technology; Jiyoung Kim, who manages a manufacturing sub-team at the Keumsan Plant and Yue Peng, a line leader at the Chongqing Plant in China.

The Performance category, celebrating entities that have bolstered commercial competitiveness through remarkable achievements, saw awards presented to Manufacturing Team 2 at the Indonesian facility and the Romanian subsidiary representing European operations. Changmo Kang, a senior manager engaged in a real estate development project, received the Challenge honour for demonstrating significant results through an enterprising and bold approach.

Finally, the Innovation category recognised efforts producing substantial outcomes through transformative initiatives, particularly those involving digital advancements and practical, site-driven enhancements. Honourees included Nayoung Jeon, a manager within the Quality Digital Innovation Task Project; the Qingfeng Quality Control Circle from Manufacturing Team 3 at the Jiaxing Plant in China and the Oil Quality Control Circle, part of the DP PCR1 Sub-Team at the Daejeon Plant.

Through the consistent application of its foundational Proactive Culture, Hankook Tire continues to foster an environment where all employees are encouraged to evolve into proactive leaders capable of shaping the future of mobility. The company actively promotes open, horizontal communication to unlock individual creativity while simultaneously using the Proactive Awards to stimulate a healthy competitive spirit, thereby motivating both personal advancement and wider organisational progress.

Maxxis Receives 2025 Racing Spirit Award From Honda

Maxxis Receives 2025 Racing Spirit Award From Honda

American Honda Motor Company has honoured Maxxis with its 2025 Racing Spirit Award, recognising the tyre manufacturer's exceptional performance as a supplier. This accolade acknowledges Maxxis’ consistent ability to meet Honda’s stringent requirements regarding product quality, punctual delivery and cost efficiency.

The two companies have maintained a strong partnership since 2005, when Maxxis first began supplying original equipment tyres for Honda’s powersports division. Today, Maxxis tyres are fitted to popular Honda models such as the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 and the Pioneer SxS. Expressing his gratitude, Andy Lee, President of Maxxis International – USA, conveyed that the entire organisation feels deeply honoured by the recognition. He attributed the achievement to the dedicated efforts of Maxxis employees, whose daily commitment ensures excellent products and service for their long-standing partner. Lee also reaffirmed the company’s dedication to upholding Honda’s expectations in the years ahead.

Lee said, “I know I speak for everyone at Maxxis when I say that we are truly honoured and delighted to receive this award. I’m also proud of the Maxxis employees who work hard every day to deliver excellent equipment and service to our OE partner of more than 20 years. We thank Honda and look forward to continuing to meet their expectations in 2026 and beyond.”