Continental will showcase three new tyres for the bus and truck segment at IAA Transportation 2024, 17-22 September, in Hanover. The premium tyre manufacturer is focusing on efficient and sustainable solutions optimised for electric vehicles.

Visitors to the Continental booth will experience the new Conti EfficientPro 5 truck tyre, which boasts a 10 percent improvement in rolling resistance compared to its predecessor. It offers excellent energy efficiency, is rated with the EU tyre label Class A, and has outstanding braking performance.

Continental will also showcase its most sustainable tyre for city traffic to date: the Conti Urban NXT, which recently entered pilot production. Composed of an extremely high proportion of renewable, recycled, and ISCC PLUS mass balance-certified materials, coming in at 59%, its low rolling resistance makes it a game changer for electrified commercial vehicles.

With the Conti EcoPlus HT3+, Continental will present the latest iteration of its innovative trailer tyre, specifically designed for trailers with an electrified drive axle.

“We are continually making our tyre solutions for commercial vehicles more sustainable and efficient both in terms of materials and on the road,” says Holger Lange, Head of Research and Development for Truck and Bus Tyres at Continental, adding: “The Conti EfficientPro 5 offers excellent energy efficiency, reducing consumption, lowering fleet costs and helping to protect the environment. The Conti Urban NXT is Continental’s most sustainable commercial-vehicle tyre to date.”

Conti EfficientPro 5: A New Benchmark in Efficiency

Continental has drastically cut the rolling resistance of the Conti EfficientPro 5 by 10 percent compared to its predecessor within Class A of the EU tyre label. This significant technological leap will help customers save fuel and further reduce CO2 emissions.

The tyre’s tread’s special rubber compound, combined with its rigid profile, helps reduce rolling resistance, extending mileage by around five percent compared to the predecessor model. The tyre’s profile provides a secure grip and superior tracking. Its especially low external rolling noise level (EU tyre label Class A) means that the Conti EfficientPro 5 is EU Taxonomy-eligible.

“We have improved the rolling resistance of the Conti EfficientPro 5 by a full 10 percent compared with its predecessor within Class A of the EU tyre label. This is a major technological leap that will help our customers save fuel and further reduce CO2 emissions,” says Leo Kolodziej, Head of the Original Equipment Business for Truck Tyres for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Continental. The experts at Continental have achieved this without making any sacrifices in terms of running and wet braking performance. “This is impressive because very low rolling resistance and very high braking performance are competing aims under the laws of physics,” explains Kolodziej.

The Conti EfficientPro 5 is designed for trucks with both combustion engines as well as hybrid or purely electric drives. It will be commercially available from the start of 2025, initially in the two sizes 315/70 R 22.5 and 385/55 R 22.5. Additional sizes will be added in due course.

Ford, Iveco, Scania, and Volvo, manufacturers of long-haul trucks, will be exhibiting the tyres on their display vehicles at this year’s IAA.

Conti Urban NXT: Boosting Sustainability in City Traffic

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), one in six new buses exceeding 3.5 tons that were registered in 2023 were partially or fully electrified. Continental is responding to this trend with the Conti Urban NXT – a new original equipment tyre designed for city transport. It combines a high proportion of sustainable materials with exceptional energy efficiency, making it ideal for electrified city buses and delivery vehicles. The pre-production version of the all-season tyre will be on display at IAA Transportation, with a market launch planned for 2025. It will initially be available in the size 275/70 R 22.5.

With up to 59 percent renewable, recycled, and ISCC PLUS mass balance-certified materials, the Conti Urban NXT has a very high share of sustainable materials. Up to 25 percentage points more than the average share of renewable and recycled materials used in Continental’s commercial-vehicle tyres. For the Conti Urban NXT, Continental has allocated up to 24 percent ISCC PLUS mass balance-certified materials, i.e., sustainable synthetic rubber and carbon black from bio-based, bio-circular, and/or circular raw materials. The proportion of recycled materials is three percent. This includes recycled rubber originating from mechanically processed end-of-life tyres as well as recycled steel. The Conti Urban NXT has a sustainable raw materials content of 32 percent, consisting mainly of natural rubber.

The Conti Urban NXT’s rolling resistance has been reduced by 25% versus the comparable Conti Urban HA3 model. This translates into lower CO2 emissions for combustion-engine vehicles and an increased battery range of up to 15 percent for electric vehicles. High-density interlocking sipes ensure a secure grip, superior tracking, and excellent braking performance, both in wet conditions and throughout the tyre's service life. The specially developed rubber compound reduces tyre abrasion and enhances resistance against cuts, cracks, chips, and breakage. The mileage of the Conti Urban NXT is also around 15 percent higher than the predecessor model. Boasting very low external rolling noise, the Conti Urban NXT is an EU Taxonomy-eligible tyre and thus perfectly tailored to the requirements of electric vehicle fleets.

Conti EcoPlus HT3+: Designed for Electric Drive Axles

Another development Continental is set to showcase at this year’s IAA Transportation: the Conti EcoPlus HT3+. This tyre – which is specifically designed for trailers with electrified drive axles – offers exceptionally balanced performance in terms of traction and rolling resistance and an especially high load capacity. The tyre’s features are specifically geared to new-generation trailers featuring fully electric drive axles. Accordingly, the tyre’s load capacity has been increased by 500 kilograms per axle to enable a constant payload despite the higher net weight resulting from the battery. The company had unveiled the prototype back in 2022. Continental is the exclusive development partner for this innovative trailer concept from the company Trailer Dynamics. The aim is to hybridise tractor trucks with battery-powered electric trailers, reducing their fuel consumption and thus their CO2 emissions.

The siping tyre tread profile of the Conti EcoPlus HT3+ has been designed specifically with traction in mind, while an innovative rubber compound provides a balanced combination of grip and mileage. As a result, the tyre ensures maximum safety in all weather conditions. The tyre, which can not only be used on electrified trailer axles but also fitted as an all-round tyre, will initially be available in the sizes 355/50 R 22.5, 385/65 R 22.5, and 385/55 R 22.5. Market launch is scheduled for early 2026.

Continental's new tyre developments presented at IAA Transportation are in keeping with its “Lowest Overall Driving Costs” (LODC) advisory approach. The goal is to provide the transport industry with an effective lever to withstand increasing cost pressure and make its fleets more sustainable.

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Titan International Inc. is embarking on an official partnership with NASCAR competitor Ross Chastain, who is also an eighth-generation watermelon farmer. This alliance extends far beyond traditional sponsorship, focusing instead on direct agricultural support. Titan is integrating its expertise into the daily operations of the Chastain family farm, where company specialists are collaborating alongside Melon 1 to address the distinct challenges of watermelon cultivation.

The farm’s diverse fleet, which includes everything from primary tractors to specialised sprayers and utility vehicles, requires a wide array of tyre specifications. Titan is supplying a comprehensive portfolio of products and tailored support for this entire equipment lineup, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and minimise potential downtime.

Chastain’s national profile uniquely bridges the worlds of high-speed racing and foundational farming. Leveraging his platform as NASCAR’s prominent ‘agriculture guy’, this partnership is designed to generate meaningful awareness for the broader farming community. The initiative underscores a shared mission to recognise the critical innovations and relentless effort of agricultural professionals who support global supply chains. Ultimately, it represents a functional fusion of motorsport visibility and tangible, on-farm problem-solving.

Chastain said, “I grew up farming watermelons with my family, and that will always be a part of who I am. What excites me about working with Titan is that they’re actually on the farm, looking at our equipment and helping us find real solutions. I trust Goodyear tyres on the track, and now I trust Titan and Goodyear Farm Tires on our farm. That’s what 'Ag to Asphalt' means to me.”

Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager, Titan, said, “Watermelon farming has unique demands across a wide range of equipment. Our goal is to make each machine perform at its best. If Ross trusts Titan on his farm, that tells other farmers they can trust us too.”

Kim Boccardi, VP – Marketing, Titan, said, “For Titan, this partnership represents exactly what we stand for. We’re here to listen, to learn and to provide the service, support and expertise farmers want and need. Ross and his family welcomed us onto their farm, and together we’re showing the industry that if a machine needs tyres, whether it's tractors, trailers, ATVs or UTVs, we’ve got it handled.”

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Radar Tyres has entered a strategic global partnership with celebrated Australian cricketer Michael Clarke, appointing him as the company's new brand ambassador. This alliance represents a significant step in the brand's ongoing development, aimed at bolstering support for its international network of distributors and retailers. Clarke’s worldwide recognition and respected legacy are intended to elevate Radar’s visibility and deepen its connection with consumers across key markets.

The brand emphasises that Clarke's professional attributes – encompassing peak performance, resilience and leadership – perfectly mirror its own core mission of delivering high-quality, premium performance tyres to everyday drivers globally. His celebrated career, which includes captaining Australia to a 2015 Cricket World Cup victory and achieving an iconic Test score of 329 not out, has cemented his status as a sporting legend. Beyond the field, his influence extends through media engagements, business ventures, and a substantial digital footprint, allowing him to connect authentically with diverse, worldwide audiences.

This collaboration is a cornerstone of Radar Tyres' long-term strategy to invest in meaningful brand elevation. By partnering with influential figures like Clarke, the company seeks to authentically amplify its message and mission. The initiative will be supported by a comprehensive series of online and on-ground activities, all designed to actively engage consumers and drive the brand’s presence into households worldwide, thereby providing substantive support to its retail partners.

Clarke said, “I’m thrilled to join the Radar Tyres family. Radar Tyres is a dynamic, fast-growing brand whose mission to make high-quality, high-performance tyres accessible to everyday drivers around the world, truly resonates with me. They deliver premium products at an affordable price, and I’m excited to be part of their journey in bringing this mission to even more drivers globally.”

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Michael Clarke to the Radar family. Michael is a household name whose passion, accomplishments and global appeal make him an ideal ambassador to elevate our brand. His association will help us connect more meaningfully with everyday drivers who seek reliable, premium performance but at an accessible price. This partnership will expand our reach, strengthen our presence in key markets and further reinforce Radar Tyres as a trusted and fast-growing global brand.”

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Bridgestone Americas is voluntarily recalling 1,742 Firestone Destination LE3 all-season tyres produced for the US market. The affected tyres, size 265/70R17, were manufactured at the company's Wilson, North Carolina, facility between 26 October 2025 and 8 November 2025. An internal review identified a production error that could lead to an increased risk of belt separation over the tyre's life, reducing its expected durability. As a result, these tyres may not meet the endurance specifications of the relevant U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. The recall is being undertaken as a precautionary measure, and Bridgestone confirms it is not aware of any related accidents or injuries.

The company is contacting all known customers, distributors and dealers. Owners can bring their vehicles to any authorised Bridgestone or Firestone retail outlet for a complimentary inspection. If a tyre is confirmed to be part of the recall, it will be replaced at no cost with a comparable Bridgestone or Firestone tyre, or another suitable alternative. Bridgestone has formally notified the appropriate US regulatory agency in compliance with legal requirements. The recall pertains exclusively to replacement tyres used on light trucks, crossovers and SUVs.

The details are given below:

• Firestone Destination LE3 tyres in size 265/70R17 
• Plant ID: 1W2
• Size Code: 1Y 
• Optional Code: LE31 
• Beginning Date Code: 4325
• Ending Date Code: 4425

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Anyline, a prominent provider of AI-driven mobile tyre inspection technology, achieved a significant landmark in 2025 by completing over 100 million digital tyre inspections globally in a single year. This milestone underscores the widespread integration of its software within automotive service environments, where dealerships, tyre retailers and repair shops rely on its precise and rapid performance under real workshop conditions.

The practical benefits of this technology are substantial for service technicians. It enhances operational consistency on the shop floor, leading to greater overall efficiency and increased customer satisfaction while also creating avenues for additional revenue. Its proven effectiveness at an enterprise level is demonstrated through its adoption by major aftermarket players like Discount Tire and partners such as Tire Storage Solutions.

On a practical level, digital tyre inspection standardises procedures and record-keeping in the service bay. This contributes directly to safety by facilitating the early detection of worn treads and potential hazards. It also improves regulatory compliance through the consistent digital capture of tyre details, including identification numbers. Furthermore, the technology provides valuable performance insights by tracking wear patterns over time, builds customer trust with clear visual documentation and drastically cuts down on manual labour. Cumulatively, these millions of inspections represent immense time savings, helping businesses address ongoing workforce challenges and operational demands.

To further broaden its reach, Anyline has expanded its offerings beyond the ready-made TireBuddy App that it released earlier this year. The company now provides the TireBuddy ToolKit, a highly customisable software development kit. This toolkit allows enterprise and platform partners to embed sophisticated tyre inspection functionalities – including tread depth measurement, tyre identification and condition assessment – directly into their own existing mobile applications on both iOS and Android. Designed for seamless integration and real-world use, it features intuitive guidance to help technicians achieve reliable, uniform results across various locations.

Lukas Kinigadner, Co-CEO, Anyline, said, “Surpassing 100 million tyre inspections in a single year is a defining moment for Anyline and the industry. Tyre inspection isn’t a nice to have; it’s a safety-critical process that depends on consistency and accuracy at scale. We’re on a mission to transform that process with fast, accurate and dependable digital assessments that make technicians’ work easier and keep the customer experience at the centre. This milestone is a strong signal that we’re on the right track.”

Simon Brooks, Vice President – Product, Anyline, said, “With our TireBuddy ToolKit, our goal is to make advanced tyre inspection as easy as adding an SDK into an existing app. We’re excited to see how our customers customise it for their workflows, and we look forward to TireBuddy powering even more safe, consistent tyre inspections in 2026.”

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