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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Bridgestone Americas has unveiled the new UltraWeather all-weather grand touring tyre aimed at drivers needing consistent grip on sedans, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks. The product replaces the outgoing WeatherPeak model and carries the three-peak mountain snowflake designation, confirming its ability to handle severe winter conditions. Through the application of ENLITEN technology, the tyre promises longer wear, lower fuel consumption due to reduced rolling resistance and dependable performance across every season.

Engineered for modern driving demands, the UltraWeather shows superior wet braking in internal evaluations, stopping four feet shorter than its predecessor and reducing hydroplaning risk via specialised grooves and shoulder slots. On snow, the tyre demonstrates a 14 percent shorter stopping distance compared to the Goodyear WeatherReady 2 while also outperforming both the Pirelli WeatherActive and the prior Bridgestone WeatherPeak by 10 percent. A proprietary PeakLife polymer and closed centre rib slots support the rubber’s longevity, backed by a 60,000-mile (approximately 96,560 km) limited warranty.

Additional ENLITEN benefits include noise-reducing structural design, rolling resistance improvements for better fuel economy and the use of renewable soybean oil in manufacturing. The tread pattern is precision-tuned to limit vibrations and road noise, contributing to a quieter, more comfortable ride for daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.

The UltraWeather is available in the market from 1 June 2026, initially in select sizes before expanding to a total of 61 options for 16- to 22-inch rims. Popular vehicle fitments include the Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Taos.

Dale Harrigle, Chief Engineer, Consumer Replacement Tire Development, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Our all-new UltraWeather grand touring tyre helps give drivers a new level of confidence, regardless of the day’s forecast. By integrating our ENLITEN technology, we’ve developed a tyre that delivers a remarkable balance of year-round reliable performance and sustainability elements, surpassing its predecessor.”

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Birla Carbon has announced a series of organisational changes aimed at aligning with market trends, enhancing customer value and strengthening execution. The company is restructuring into three business units covering Asia, Americas and EMEA, and Specialty Materials.

Amit Kumar has been named President for the Asia rubber business, while John Davidson assumes the role of President for the Americas and EMEA rubber segment. Shashank Awasthi becomes President of Specialty Materials, overseeing global operations including speciality carbon blacks and Nanocyl for non-rubber markets. Zachary Combs takes on the role of Head of Global Technology, focusing on process and product development.

In parallel, Birla Carbon will continue evaluating its asset base in response to shifting demand, leveraging major expansions in Asia amid weaker demand in the Americas and Europe.

John Loudermilk, President & Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “The rapid pace of change today requires a nimble organisation, empowered to make quick decisions and act. These changes will enable Birla Carbon to further strengthen partnerships, drive innovation and create value for our customers.”

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Hankook Tire has secured a new role as the Official Control Tyre Supplier for the 2026–2027 season of the Australian Production Car Endurance Series (APCES), following a partnership with the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC). The APCES is a newly launched endurance championship created by the ARDC and Motorsport Australia, designed to continue the country’s legacy of production car racing. The series will feature production-based vehicles competing across eight performance-based classes, labelled X, A1, A2, B1, B2, C, D and E.

Hankook will exclusively supply its Ventus TD (Z221) R-Spec tyres to all participating teams, working alongside official trackside supplier Gary’s Motorsport Tyres. The control tyre format, which equips every competing vehicle with identical tyre specifications and performance, is intended to provide consistent racing conditions throughout the championship. The semi-slick tyres feature an optimised tread pattern and advanced compound technologies, delivering strong dry grip, stable cornering, excellent braking and superior heat resistance even under prolonged high-speed driving.

The championship will begin its opening round at Sydney Motorsport Park on 30 and 31 May, with additional races scheduled at Sandown International Raceway in August and Queensland Raceway in September. The final round is set for March 2027 at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, as part of the iconic Bathurst 6 Hour endurance race. The overall series champion will be determined at that concluding event.

Hankook has already built a strong reputation in Australian endurance racing as the official tyre supplier for the Bathurst 6 Hour, and it continues to sponsor other local events including the First Focus Radical Cup Australia Series, the Precision National Sports Sedan Series and the Hyper Racer Hankook Australian Drivers’ Championship. Moving forward, the company plans to strengthen its global premium brand position by using racing data from extreme motorsports conditions, combined with its global innovation R&D infrastructure, to develop ultra-high-performance tyre technologies.

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Bridgestone Corporation has extended its legacy of excellence with General Motors by securing a 2025 Supplier of the Year award, marking the company’s 11th consecutive win and 24th overall. The honour was announced during GM’s 34th annual awards ceremony in Austin, Texas. Out of a vast network exceeding 20,000 suppliers, Bridgestone emerged as one of only 103 companies across 14 countries to receive this distinction.

A global cross-functional team at General Motors determines the winners based on performance across key categories such as safety, innovation and resilience. The evaluation process considered each organisation’s results throughout 2025 alongside their alignment with GM’s fundamental values and ambitious future objectives. This rigorous selection method highlights the importance of consistent execution and shared strategic vision.

The recognition directly supports Bridgestone’s internal E8 Commitment, an ethos built around eight values beginning with the letter E, including Ecology and Extension. By crafting innovative tire solutions for GM, the Japanese company effectively advances its pledges on both ecological responsibility and technological extension. This synergy between corporate values and customer recognition reinforces Bridgestone’s position as a reliable partner.

David Colletti, President of Consumer Original Equipment Tires, North America, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, said, “This recognition reflects the strong relationship between Bridgestone and GM. Together, our shared dedication to innovation, quality and performance continues to fuel long-term success.”

Shilpan Amin, Senior Vice President, Global Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer, General Motors, said, “Supplier of the Year is one of those key moments our whole team looks forward to every year because it highlights the partnerships behind every vehicle we build. The results our suppliers deliver throughout the entire product development cycle are central to our ability to deliver world-class vehicles to our customers. When our suppliers, such as Bridgestone, lean in with us on new technology and flawless execution, we can move faster, compete harder and unlock more value across the entire supply chain.”

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