Continental, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, is celebrating 90 years of developing and producing winter tyres. The German company launched its first winter-specific tyre, the Gelände, in 1934, pioneering safety and performance in cold-weather driving conditions.

Today, Continental’s winter tyres, including the award-winning WinterContact TS 870, feature advanced tread patterns and specialised rubber compounds that deliver superior grip, braking and handling on snow, ice, and wet roads. The German automobile association ADAC recently recognised the TS 870 as a test winner for its precise and safe driving performance across various road conditions.

“For 90 years, our winter tyres have been synonymous with safety in winter weather conditions. Softer rubber compounds improve adhesion, while sipes provide grip on snow and ice. And wider grooves displace water particularly effectively,” explains Martin Welzhofer, Head of Global Tire Testing at Continental Tires. “We put our winter tyres through their paces during testing on snow and ice, in Germany and Sweden.”

Decades of Progress in Winter Safety

Continental’s winter tyres are specifically engineered to handle harsh weather. Compared to summer tyres, they provide significant safety advantages. In recent tests conducted by UK trade magazine Tyre Review, the WinterContact TS 870 P demonstrated remarkable braking performance. When braking hard from 40 km/h on snow, the winter tyre stopped in just 18.25 metres, while a summer tyre took 44.18 metres — a difference of nearly six car lengths.

Similar results were observed on ice. During emergency braking from 25 km/h, the WinterContact TS 870 P stopped in 11.13 metres, whereas the summer tyre required 32.19 metres — almost three times the distance.

This performance is attributed to Continental’s advanced tread design and rubber compounds. The softer, more flexible winter tyre compound enhances grip at low temperatures, while optimised tread grooves and sipes improve traction and water displacement.

Rigorous Testing for Maximum Safety

Ensuring safety remains Continental’s top priority. Each new winter tyre undergoes extensive testing, covering up to 500,000 kilometres across 20 disciplines before being brought to market. The tyres are assessed for traction, braking, cornering stability, and directional control on dry, wet, and snow-covered roads. Noise levels, fuel efficiency, and overall driving comfort are also evaluated.

Testing takes place under extreme conditions. At Continental’s test site in Arvidsjaur, Sweden, near the Arctic Circle, engineers measure performance on snow and ice, collecting over 60,000 individual data points each winter. Vehicles complete thousands of manoeuvres, including starts, cornering and braking on icy surfaces.

Closer to home, the company’s Contidrom test site near Hanover features an indoor ice track that operates year-round. Here, tyres are tested under varying temperatures to assess rubber compound behaviour in freezing conditions. Continental’s automated braking test facility further ensures precision by evaluating tyre performance on wet and dry surfaces without a driver.

A Legacy of Innovation

Continental’s journey in winter tyre development began in 1934 with the Gelände, one of the world’s first tyres designed for snow, ice, and slush. By 1953, the company’s M+S winter tyres had proven their capability by enabling vehicles to cross the snow-covered Gotthard Pass in the Alps safely.

Today, Continental continues to push boundaries, refining its tyre technologies and materials to ensure optimal safety and performance. Models such as the WinterContact TS 870 undergo relentless testing in Sweden’s icy landscapes and the Contidrom’s controlled environments.

With 90 years of experience, Continental remains at the forefront of winter tyre innovation, delivering safer driving experiences for motorists navigating treacherous winter roads.

THE TIRE COLOGNE (TTC) 2026 is adopting a new WALK OF SERVICES format that will focus not just on products but on solutions for the economic and organisational sustainability of the tyre industry. The event is scheduled to be held from 9 to 11 June 2026.

The WALK OF SERVICES addresses the dynamic change currently experienced by the tyre industry. Today, having the proper workshop equipment, specialised software architecture, good technical experience and long-term staff engagement and retention tactics are essential for surviving in a market that is becoming more and more complicated. By strategically connecting the pertinent partners, information and solutions in branded areas across the trade show, THE TIRE COLOGNE will provide visitors additional value through the WALK OF SERVICES.

Clear visitor instructions, exhibitor booths with a theme, live demonstrations and a diverse programme on the Service Stage all contribute to the WALK OF SERVICES' content-driven narrative. Employees, system and process solutions, workshop technology and tyre service, vehicle services and disposal and sustainability are the five topics covered by the WALK OF SERVICES. Additionally, the model gives exhibitors access to new prospects. They gain from more visibility, a tailored strategy for their target audiences and a pertinent content foundation for excellent conversations. This new format's emphasis on services shows a strong commitment to the trade show's continued growth.

Michelin, the world's foremost pioneer in tyre technology, has opened its first Michelin Tyres & Services shop in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with Tyre On Wheels, a top auto tyre dealer. Michelin India's emphasis on solid local connections is reflected in the new shop.

Tyre On Wheels offers a wide selection of Michelin tyres for high-end automobiles together with top-notch tools for tyre fitting, alignment and balancing. This alliance is well-positioned to meet changing consumer expectations given the continuous increase in private car ownership and the need for dependable after-sales servicing in Lucknow. Additionally, it backs Michelin India's continuous initiatives to grow its network of upscale stores and offer clients professional advice, high-quality goods and an exceptional level of customer service.

Tyre On Wheels has established itself as a reliable presence in Lucknow's automobile servicing industry by leveraging its 65 years of experience and three-generational heritage. In the city, Tyre On Wheels has two locations: one in Ashiyana Chauraha and one in Gomtinagar. The dealership, which is well-known for its knowledgeable advice, affordable prices and trustworthy after-sales support, provides a variety of services, such as alloy wheels, wheel alignment, balancing, nitrogen filling and tyre sales.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are pleased to expand Michelin’s presence to Lucknow, a city that blends cultural heritage with rapid infrastructural growth. Our partnership with Tyre On Wheels reflects a shared commitment to quality, customer care and trust, values deeply embedded in both their legacy and Michelin’s brand ethos. As we continue to grow our footprint across India, this launch reinforces our commitment to bringing innovative tyre solutions and superior service experiences to emerging cities with growing mobility needs.”

Eighty-two percent of drivers in Canada want to take a day or overnight trip this summer, according to a recent Probe Research survey for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC). However, a majority of drivers are opting to remain in Canada rather than travel to the United States, highlights the survey.

The results of the study, which measures interest in road trips across borders and within provinces, show that only eight percent of Canadians currently have plans to cross the border, and 88 percent of them would prefer to travel inside Canada rather than travel to the United States. This year, 51 percent of drivers cancelled their scheduled road excursions to the United States. In Canada, 28 percent of respondents will drive to another region of the nation, while 69 percent want to travel by car inside their province.

The poll also brought to light the discrepancy between drivers' behaviour and their understanding of the significance of tyre care. Given the present financial strains, the majority of Canadian drivers (89 percent) concur that appropriate tyre inflation and maintenance are more advantageous than ever since they boost tyre longevity and improve fuel efficiency.

Carol Hochu, CEO, TRAC, said, “Our findings reveal that Canadian drivers need more education about how to do tyre maintenance right. This is especially true among younger drivers, who may be taking a road trip for the first time this summer. Proper tyre inflation and maintenance aren’t just safety measures – they’re economic ones. Improper tyre inflation – both underinflation and overinflation – increases fuel consumption, shortens tyre lifespan, and even increases the risk of tyre failure on poorly maintained tyres during long road trips. So, while Canadians are staying on Canadian roads this summer, they should check their tyres before embarking on a road trip adventure. It’s simple, easy, and helps keep drivers safe.”

Pirelli has announced the development of specific P Zero tyres for the new hybrid Porsche 911 GTS. This marks the latest collaboration between the tyre manufacturer and the German automaker, extending the availability of P Zero tyres across the entire 911 range.

The tyre maker states that it has engineered a unique version of the P Zero R as the primary fitment for the sports car. This tyre aims to balance performance with daily usability. A new compound provides grip across varied surfaces and weather, with an emphasis on wet conditions. The tread pattern reduces noise and low rolling resistance supports efficiency.

A dedicated P Zero Winter 2 tyre was also created for Porsche 911 owners seeking winter performance. This tyre features a directional tread pattern to improve wet and snow grip, while enhancing braking and handling on dry surfaces.

The tyre development process utilised Pirelli’s Virtual Development Center (VDC) in Breuberg, Germany. This facility employs virtual design and testing, leading to increased precision, a 30 percent reduction in development time and a 30 percent decrease in physical prototypes. The VDC facilitated the optimisation of tyre characteristics for the Porsche 911.

This joint effort represents the latest in a long-standing partnership between Pirelli and Porsche. Pirelli has achieved 338 homologations for all Porsche models, including SUVs, sedans and sports cars with internal combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains. Previous collaborations include the P Zero Trofeo RS for the 911 GT3 RS and the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus for the 911 Dakar. The P Zero R will be the main tyre for the Porsche 911 GTS.