Continental, one of the leading tyre and automotive technology suppliers, has launched its new fuel-efficient, long haul drive tyre – Conti HDL 3 EP - for the United States Market.

The company stated that the new tyre combines high-structure carbon black and silica technology to deliver a well-balanced mix of rolling resistance and durability. It features a polymer matrix-bound silica compound, which enables up to 10 percent better rolling resistance compared to its predecessor and is SmartWay verified for Class 8 long haul tractor trailers.

Shaun Uys, Head of Continental’s Truck Tyre Replacement Business in the US, said, “The Conti HDL 3 EP was purposefully designed with a fleet’s needs in mind – from being built on 3G Casing for maximum retreadability, to its improved rolling resistance and even wear. This premium long-haul tire was designed to help fleets achieve their lowest overall driving cost.”

The Conti HDL 3 EP comes with groove geometry reduces stone retention, and the tyre offers up to 15 percent improved cut and chip resistance, further extending its lifespan.

It is built on Continental 3G Casing that has a 240-245 mm retread width, and features a state-of-the-art belt package that reduces heat, increases durability, and maximises retreadability. It can also be paired with Continental’s ContiConnect Live digital tyre monitoring system.

The tyre will be available for the replacement market in size 295/75R22.5 in load range G, and additional sizes to be introduced by Q1 2025. 

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Maxion Wheels, a division of Iochpe-Maxion and a global leader in wheel manufacturing, has taken a significant step forward in its environmental strategy by activating a new on-site solar energy system at its facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This installation, developed in partnership with Iberdrola México, is part of a broader commitment to reducing the company's carbon footprint through the adoption of renewable energy sources. It marks the ninth solar project completed by Maxion Wheels worldwide.

The newly commissioned photovoltaic system boasts a capacity of 499 kilowatts, enabled by the installation of 1,073 solar modules. It is projected to generate around 919 megawatt-hours of clean electricity on an annual basis. This initiative is expected to eliminate approximately 617 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, an environmental benefit comparable to the carbon sequestered by more than 10,200 trees over a decade. The clean energy produced will directly support the decarbonisation of the plant’s manufacturing processes.

This project in San Luis Potosí is one element of a three-part solar collaboration between Iochpe-Maxion and Iberdrola within Mexico. It follows the activation of a similar system at the company’s Chihuahua plant in 2024 and precedes another photovoltaic project at the Castaños, Coahuila facility, which is anticipated to come online soon. These investments are integral to Maxion’s global sustainability framework, known as Roadmap Zero, which sets the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions across all company operations by 2040.

The Maxion Wheels plant, which began operations in 1996, is situated in the capital city of San Luis Potosí state. The expansive facility covers roughly 70,000 square metres and specialises in producing steel wheels for both light and commercial vehicles, supplying a diverse portfolio of leading international automotive manufacturers. The recent inauguration of the solar project was marked by the presence of company leaders Alexandre Becker and Alfonso Campos, alongside local dignitaries including Sonia Mendoza Díaz, the Secretary of Ecology and Environmental Management for the state, and César Lara from the CROM labour confederation, as well as the plant’s manager, Hugo Soriano.

Alfonso Campos, Commercial Director, Iberdrola México, said, “Through this partnership, we are supporting Maxion Wheels in its transition towards cleaner and more environmentally responsible processes. On-site photovoltaic energy enables lower emissions, greater cost stability and direct positive impact across the entire value chain. It is a tangible benefit for both industry and the planet, and it motivates us to continue growing together.”

Alexandre Becker, Business Unit President Americas, Maxion Wheels, said, “The inauguration of the photovoltaic solar panel system at our San Luis Potosí plant marks a decisive step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation and environmental responsibility. This project is the result of a collective effort across multiple teams, united by a shared purpose and a common vision.”

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Yokohama Rubber reported record sales and profit for fiscal 2025, marking a fifth consecutive year of growth, as higher tyre volumes and a stronger product mix offset one-off costs linked to an acquisition.

Sales revenue rose 12.8 percent year on year to USD 8.2 billion. Business profit increased 24.0 percent to USD 1.11 billion, while operating profit advanced 28.3 percent to USD 1.02 billion. Profit attributable to owners of parent climbed 40.7 percent to USD 0.70 billion. The business profit margin reached a record 13.5 percent.

The company said the increase in consolidated business profit reflected strong performance in existing operations, which absorbed one-time costs related to the acquisition and consolidation of Goodyear’s OTR business. In tyres, profit rose on higher unit sales of consumer tyres and continued growth in high-value-added ADVAN, GEOLANDAR and winter tyres, alongside larger-diameter products. In the MB segment, cost reductions and structural reforms supported profitability.

For fiscal 2026, management targets sales revenue of USD 8.7 billion, business profit of USD 1.25 billion, operating profit of USD 1.15 billion and profit attributable to owners of parent of USD 0.60 billion, aiming for a sixth consecutive year of sales and profit growth.

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Hankook Tire played its role as the exclusive tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to perfection at the series’ recent visit to Saudi Arabia for a double-header event under the floodlights at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The company’s Hankook iON Race tyre was put to the test across two nights of intense racing, where driver precision and tyre durability were critical factors. In the first of the two rounds, Pascal Wehrlein of the Porsche Formula E Team claimed victory by combining consistent speed with clever positioning on the fast and challenging street circuit. The following evening, António Félix Da Costa of Jaguar TCS Racing took the win in a race that demanded careful attention to both energy consumption and tyre preservation until the very end.

The Jeddah circuit, measuring just over three kilometres and featuring 19 turns, is designed to complement Formula E’s unique braking and energy recovery systems. It offers a mix of long straights and demanding technical sections that place significant stress on tyres. Throughout both races, the Hankook iON Race tyre demonstrated its ability to maintain strong grip under heavy loads while managing heat effectively and supporting low rolling resistance. These characteristics are vital in a championship where tyre behaviour directly influences energy strategy and overall race outcomes.

In the days following the races, Formula E hosted its EVO Sessions 2 programme, inviting a group of international digital creators to experience the GEN3 Evo race car on the same circuit. The initiative, which first launched after last year’s Miami E-Prix, has generated substantial online engagement and provided additional visibility for Hankook’s tyre technology. Participants including Khaby Lame and Behzinga took part in driving sessions, while others assumed team principal roles for the event. The Hankook iON Race once again proved its capability by delivering strong traction and stability during these high-speed demonstrations.

Looking ahead, the championship will resume in Madrid on 21 March 2026 with a race at the Circuito de Madrid Jarama. This more compact and technically demanding permanent track will present a fresh challenge, with Hankook’s iON Race tyre continuing to serve as the foundation for competitive and sustainable racing.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director, Hankook Motorsport, said, “Jeddah under the lights produced two demanding races with their own strategic patterns. Across both rounds, the iON Race demonstrated stable and consistent performance in conditions where track behaviour and tyre temperatures evolved through each session. Such tyre predictability is essential in helping teams execute their strategies on such a fast and technically complex circuit, and the data gathered here will feed directly into our ongoing iON development programme.”

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Two tyre service businesses with strong regional recognition in central Sweden and the Stockholm area, Västerås Däck and Arlandastad Däck, have been acquired by Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management. These additions represent a significant step in Citira’s strategy to broaden its service network within the country.

Established in 2008 by Jalle Eriksson, Västerås Däck built a solid reputation for servicing both passenger cars and heavy vehicles, cultivating a dedicated customer base. This success led to the creation of Arlandastad Däck in 2020. The strategic placement of both facilities along the E4 and E18 corridors, combined with dedicated leadership and strong operational standards, positioned them for integration as vital service hubs within the expanding Citira network.

Daily operations at both locations will remain unchanged, with the existing staff continuing in their roles. The current management will stay on to run the businesses, now with access to Citira’s broader resources to foster future growth. As part of the agreement, Eriksson will transition into a co-ownership role within Citira, ensuring continuity and a shared vision for the businesses moving forward.

David Boman, CEO, Citira, said, “It is our privilege to welcome Jalle, Fredrik and Sofie to Citira, we look forward to working with them. The Eriksson family has made great achievements with both tyre shops and we are confident that adding these two service points will improve Citira’s service offering in both regions. We see great value in the experience that the Eriksson family brings and in the potential to operate these tyre shops alongside our current tyre shops in Västerås and Märsta.”

Eriksson said, “We are very impressed with what Citira has achieved so far. Their extensive network of tyre shops, broad service offering and industry experience will ensure that our service standards remain high going forward while enabling us to focus fully on serving our customers and exploring growth opportunities. We look forward to this partnership.”

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