Goodyear Tire & Rubber will fly its iconic blimp over more than 100 cities across North America and Europe this year to celebrate the airship’s centennial, expanding beyond its traditional sports coverage to music festivals and cultural events.

The tyre maker announced the tour at the Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California, where the blimp first provided aerial coverage 70 years ago. The company will also offer rare passenger flights through a consumer sweepstakes running through 10 April.

“Only 0.0006 percent of Americans have flown in the Goodyear Blimp,” the Akron, Ohio-based company said in a statement. Three winners will receive flights for two people at their choice of bases in Carson, California, Pompano Beach, Florida, or Akron, along with USD 3,000 travel vouchers.

“The Goodyear Blimp” is an enduring symbol of nostalgia and innovation for fans worldwide. With its century-long history and unique ability to instil a sense of wonder in those who experience it – whether from on the ground or in the air, the blimp gives Goodyear a way to connect with the public in a way no other tyre company can match,” said Mark Stewart, CEO and President of Goodyear.

The first Goodyear Blimp, named Pilgrim, took flight in 1925. Since then, the airships have become fixtures at major sporting events, including the Olympics and the first Super Bowl. During World War II, the company’s blimps aided US military efforts.

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has forged a new alliance with Sheffield City Council aimed at elevating tyre safety awareness among the city's motorists. This initiative specifically targets Sheffield’s substantial student demographic and its numerous newly qualified drivers, recognising their particular vulnerability on the roads.

Sheffield's urban transport network accommodates over 1.7 billion vehicle miles annually, predominantly through short, daily commutes that exert significant stress on tyres. The city's diverse vehicle fleet includes a notable proportion of older or shared cars, which underscores the critical necessity for regular tyre maintenance. The collaboration will promote straightforward, preventative checks focusing on air pressure, tread depth and overall tyre health.

This partnership will weave tyre safety education into various local road safety campaigns, aiding the Council's broader objectives to diminish casualties on city roads. By instilling good vehicle maintenance habits early, especially among learners and students, the programme aims to foster lifelong safety practices. This concerted effort supports the Council's ongoing mission to reduce the number of individuals killed or seriously injured on Sheffield's thoroughfares.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “In a city like Sheffield, where traffic density is high and journeys are frequent, making sure tyres are properly maintained is essential. By partnering with Sheffield City Council, we can reinforce these vital safety messages and encourage road users to make tyre checks part of their regular routine.”

Cllr Alexi Dimond, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said, “Tyre safety is a fundamental part of road safety, but it’s something many road users – particularly those newer to driving and riding – don’t always remember to check. I’m pleased to announce this new partnership with TyreSafe, which will help ensure that practical tyre safety advice reaches road users at all stages. This scheme will give them the knowledge and confidence to keep vehicles safe and roadworthy in all weather conditions. Tyre safety can help reduce collisions and contribute to Vision Zero: our ambition to have no fatalities on Sheffield’s roads.”

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Atturo Tires has entered into a multiyear agreement to serve as the exclusive tyre brand for Mecum Auctions, the host of the World’s Largest Collector Car Auction. This strategic alliance positions Atturo at the heart of a dedicated automotive community that includes collectors, builders and daily drivers who value performance, style, durability and affordability – principles that have guided the tire manufacturer since its inception in 2009.

As the category-exclusive tyre sponsor for Mecum’s 2026-27 auction calendar, Atturo will benefit from extensive branding and promotional integration. This includes visibility across live events, television broadcasts, digital platforms, print media and social channels, all aimed at increasing brand recognition among consumers who actively seek Atturo products through dealerships.

The auction’s diverse lineup of muscle cars, luxury vehicles and off-road models aligns perfectly with Atturo’s target audience, showcasing Trail Blade and AZ tyres alongside enthusiast favourites. To support its dealer network, Atturo will provide co-brandable materials, event photography and sponsorship talking points via the dealer portal, reinforcing the brand’s national presence and its message of accessible performance.

Michael Mathis, President, Atturo Tires, said, “Mecum's audience is our audience. The people who show up to watch a Challenger cross the block or a built Bronco roll through the lot are the same drivers who trust Atturo on their daily vehicle, their weekend build and everything in between. This partnership puts our Trail Blade and AZ lines directly in front of them – and gives our dealer network another example of how Atturo is becoming the best-known private brand in the country.”

Breeann Poland, Director – Marketing and Communications, Mecum, said, “Mecum Auctions is excited to join forces with Atturo Tires by bringing them on as our official and exclusive tyre partner. Atturo has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality tyres for automotive enthusiasts of every kind, from racers and off-road enthusiasts to the everyday driver and weekend cruiser. That diverse range of customers they serve makes Atturo an excellent choice for our equally wide-ranging Mecum community.”

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Avon Tyres has expanded its motorcycle tyre portfolio with the introduction of 11 new specifications across its Cobra Chrome, Spirit ST and 3D Supersport product lines. The release comprises seven completely new sizes and four established dimensions that have been technically refined to broaden vehicle compatibility. This strategic enlargement is designed to align the company’s offerings more closely with contemporary market demands.

The most substantial growth occurs within the Cobra Chrome family, which accounts for seven of the new entries. Four pre-existing sizes have received upgrades, including enhanced load and speed ratings or a construction shift to bias belted technology, aimed at delivering superior stability and wet-weather braking for cruiser riders. Additionally, three entirely new sizes have been introduced, extending fitment to popular models such as the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, Sport Glide, Low Rider S and ST, alongside the current Honda GL1800 Gold Wing series.

To address the needs of younger commuters who often depend on their motorcycles as primary transport, Avon has launched Spirit ST sizes in 110/70ZR17 and 150/60ZR17. These dimensions are tailored for a variety of small to medium-displacement machines released over the past decade, with the tyre’s advanced tread compound and extended mileage characteristics making it a suitable option for daily use.

Finally, the 3D Supersport range gains two new fitments: a 120/60ZR17 front and a 190/50ZR17 rear. These additions are aimed at owners of older sports bikes and roadsters, as well as riders of contemporary Japanese sport-touring motorcycles, allowing them to benefit from the tyre’s refined handling dynamics and superior grip characteristics.

Don Argento, Manager Motorcycle Sales & Marketing North America, Avon Tyres, said, “These latest additions are designed not only to enhance the riding experience for our loyal customers but also to reach the next generation of riders by expanding fitment across the models they ride most. Avon Tyres remains committed to delivering unparalleled quality and ability, and it is exciting to extend the availability of three of our most popular road tyre ranges to an even broader selection of motorcycles. With its distinctive design and proven performance, Cobra Chrome continues to complement cruisers and tourers in both curb appeal and riding experience, and these new size additions represent a significant step forward for the range.”

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Goodyear Racing has retained its three-star rating within the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation Programme for 2026, securing the highest possible distinction for environmental management in motorsport. The renewal affirms that the company’s racing division operates at best-practice standards, as defined by the governing body of world motor sport and mobility organisations.

The renewed status follows an accelerated push by Goodyear to embed sustainability throughout its racing operations, spanning manufacturing, product development, logistical support and on-track activities. Auditors confirmed top-level commitment to environmental goals, supported by an integrated management system ensuring consistent implementation and ongoing refinement.

Goodyear Racing EMEA’s portfolio, including its role as official tyre supplier for the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the European Le Mans Series and the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship, falls under the accreditation. Initiatives include renewable electricity at Hanau and Colmar-Berg facilities, ISO certifications, single-specification tyre strategies, increased virtual simulation, retreading practices and a take-back system diverting tyres from landfill.

These measures support long-term targets of 100 percent renewable energy in manufacturing by 2040 and net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050. Recent innovations include the 2027-generation EAGLE racing tyres with 66 percent sustainable materials for LMGT3 and a truck racing specification featuring up to 60 percent sustainable content.

Originally awarded the three-star FIA accreditation in 2024, Goodyear continues using motorsport as a testing ground for sustainable technologies. The latest developments demonstrate a strategic vision where racing accelerates innovations that transition to road applications, showing measurable progress and enduring commitment.

Xavier Fraipont, Vice-President, Goodyear Racing, said, “Renewing the FIA’s highest level of environmental accreditation is a strong validation of the progress we have made in embedding sustainability across our racing operations. Over the past years, we have focused our efforts at every level – from how we design and manufacture our tyres to how we operate at the track. Crucially, we are proving that there is no trade-off between performance and a more responsible approach: the two go hand in hand. Motorsport has always been a driver of innovation, and today it also plays a key role in advancing more sustainable mobility. We remain fully committed to building on this progress together with our partners, continuing to push the boundaries of both performance and sustainability.”

Marek Nawarecki, Senior Circuit Sport Director, FIA, said, "Goodyear's renewed Three-Star Accreditation reflects exactly the kind of sustained, credible commitment the FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme is designed to recognise. By embedding sustainability from manufacturing through to trackside operations, Goodyear has demonstrated measurable, lasting progress. It's encouraging to see this level of commitment from a key partner in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship.”

Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said, “We would like to warmly congratulate Goodyear on the renewal of its FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation, the highest level of recognition within the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation Programme. This achievement reflects the commitment of a major partner of endurance racing, demonstrating that performance and a more responsible approach can progress together. Alongside the ACO, Goodyear plays an important role in developing innovative solutions for motorsport. Endurance racing has always been a laboratory for progress. It must continue to be so, not only in terms of performance but also in supporting the transformation of mobility. This is the spirit of our collaboration with Goodyear.”

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