Continental has launched the Grand Prix TR tubeless-ready bicycle tyre aimed at cyclists who want a dependable, all-round tyre for training, commuting and long-distance rides.

The Grand Prix TR, which is part of Continental's endurance sector and comes from the GP5000 family, uses innovations like as the company's well-known BlackChili compound to provide the best possible balance of rolling resistance and grip. For riders who are logging a lot of kilometres throughout the season, the all-new 4-ply design strikes the perfect mix between low weight and puncture protection. Continental is launching a new range of entry-level road tyres with the Grand Prix TR that integrates innovations and lessons learned from its premium portfolio. This launch demonstrates Continental's dedication to enabling a wider variety of cyclists to have access to cutting-edge tyre innovation. There will be a tube-type variant in a few sizes in addition to the tubeless-ready version.

Hannah Ferle, Product Manager – Road, Continental Tires, said: “We recognised that many riders wanted to experience some of the performance benefits of our top-tier race tyres in a more accessible package. With the Grand Prix TR, we’ve brought tubeless-ready technology, strong puncture protection and excellent rolling resistance to a wider audience. It delivers a smooth, confident ride across a variety of road surfaces – making it a tire for every ride.”

Premium tyre maker Hankook has announced its collaboration with the eagerly awaited 2025 Convoy Truck Shows. Convoy Cymru will take place on 17–18 May, Convoy Truxton on 5–6 July and Convoy in the Park on August 9–10, running alongside the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC).

The SmartFlex AH51 (steering axle) and SmartFlex DH51 (driving axle) for long and regional haul use, which are known for their outstanding grip and mileage performance from the first to the last millimetre of wear; the SmartFlex TH31, the newest generation trailer tyre; and Hankook's newest van tyre, the Vantra Transit, will all be on display at all shows. The company will be showcasing three tyres from its Laufenn brand in addition to the Hankook line: the LF21 all-position tyre, the LF95 trailer tyre and the LZ22 all-weather drive tire. The iON evo SUV EV summer tyre and the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre will also be on show. Along with its related events, the Devon Truck Show, Truck Show Cornwall and Best of the Best, the Convoy Truck Shows will raise money for charities and local community organizations. It will also include an amazing variety of trucks, live music, entertaining fair activities and must-see stunt acts.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "On behalf of Convoy Truck Events and the Devon Truck Show, I'm thrilled to welcome Hankook Tyre UK as sponsors for 2025 across all three Convoy events at Pembrey, Thruxton and Donington Park. Hankook has been a valued partner at the Devon Truck Show for many years, so extending our collaboration across our Convoy-partnered events was an easy decision. We truly appreciate their continued support and are confident they'll see great value in being part of these exciting shows."

Continental is running a promotional offer from 1 May to 31 May 2025 in which customers who purchase four Continental ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres will receive a USD 110 Continental Tire Prepaid Mastercard. Additionally, customers who pay for the four ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres using their Continental Tire Credit Card will earn an extra USD 90 Prepaid Mastercard, for a total refund of USD 200.

The ExtremeContact Sport02 is a ultra-high-performance tyre designed for passenger cars. With its SportPlus Technology, which offers quick handling, improved traction on wet roads and a prolonged tread life, this tyre is perfect for both the street and the racetrack. There are 77 sizes of the tyre available, with rim diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches. The industry-leading coverage offered by Continental Tire's Total Confidence Plan supports the ExtremeContact Sport02.

This is a complete package that includes road hazard coverage, emergency travel interruption coverage, a customer satisfaction trial, a limited warranty, flat tyre roadside assistance and a mileage warranty (if applicable). During a road trip, Continental will assist with qualified expenditures in the event of a mechanical breakdown (maximum benefit of USD 200.00 per day, with a maximum benefit of USD 500.00 per year). In order to qualify for the deal, tyres need to be bought all at once. Only valid between 1 May 2025 and 31 May 2025, or while supplies last, with a qualifying purchase made in the 50 United States, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Leading tyre manufacturer JK Tyre & Industries Ltd launched its ‘JK Tyre Steel Wheels’ in Farrukhnagar, Haryana, as part of its targeted expansion into rural India, focusing on places with a population of 100,000 or less.

The centre displays the whole line of JK Tyre products across all segments and is intended to serve as a one-stop shop for all tyre-related requirements. Best-in-market prices, industry-leading warranties and value-added services like wheel balance and tyre replacement are all available to customers. Notably, the business also provides non-truck tyres with a fast claim service. This retail growth is in line with JK Tyre's strategy goal of enhancing its last-mile presence and meeting the rapidly increasing demand in India's rural and semi-urban areas.

Over the following three months, the rural expansion initiative will be implemented in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana. Later this year, the programme will be expanded with a national rollout. Through strategic partnerships, JK Tyre is enabling local businesses to oversee and expand these centres in their areas as part of the rollout. These partnerships provide prospective entrepreneurs a chance to connect with JK Tyre's wide nationwide distribution network, encouraging independence, generating jobs locally and stimulating economic progress at the local level.

Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., said, "Our Rural expansion programme will help us to reach the interiors of the real Bharat that are economically vibrant but often under-served. We are not just building retail points; we are also enabling entrepreneurship and access. These centres will offer our full range of tyres and will act as vital touchpoints for our brand, delivering consistency, convenience and confidence to a fast-rising consumer base across India’s heartland.”

German tyre major Continental will shut down its tyre manufacturing plant in Alor Setar, Malaysia, by the end of 2025, affecting 950 workers.

The facility, which produces passenger cars, light truck tyres for the Asia Pacific market, and motorcycle tyres, has been operational since December 1979 and became a fully owned Continental subsidiary in May 2012.

Continental said the closure followed a comprehensive business review to safeguard its competitiveness in the Asia Pacific region. The company plans to optimise its product portfolio and manufacturing footprint in response to changing customer demand.

Despite the closure, the German tyre maker emphasised that Malaysia remains a key market in its Asia Pacific operations.

Continental will support affected employees, including career counselling, and help them find potential employment opportunities both within and outside the company, according to the statement.

The 133,000-square-metre manufacturing site is one of six Continental tyre plants in the Asia Pacific region. The company will continue to operate facilities in Hefei, China; Rayong, Thailand; Modipuram, India; Kalutara, Sri Lanka; and Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.