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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Lassa Tyres, the flagship international brand of Brisa, Türkiye's sector leader and tyre industry export champion, recently convened its international distributors for an exclusive event aimed at celebrating enduring partnerships and articulating its strategic growth trajectory. The gathering, which coincided with The Tire Cologne, brought together representatives from over 20 companies within the brand’s global network to reinforce synergy and mutual dedication.

Central to the brand’s vision is the ongoing enrichment of its product portfolio and technological transformation, designed to bolster competitiveness in key export markets. In response to shifting consumer demands abroad, Lassa Tyres is significantly expanding its winter and all-season offerings, complementing its established summer lineup.

The company has introduced four new winter tyres and one all-season tyre, marking a comprehensive overhaul of its winter range across all segments. These new products incorporate ‘EV ready’ and ‘NextGen’ technologies, aligning with the global industry shift towards larger rim diameters and the proliferation of electric vehicles. The updated winter portfolio is projected to satisfy approximately 85 percent of European market demand, with a particular emphasis on increasing availability in sizes 18 inches and above.

Brisa Chief Executive Officer Vecih Yılmaz underscored that sustainable global expansion relies on robust partnerships, affirming that the company continues to advance in international markets through locally responsive business models. This strategic approach reinforces Lassa Tyres’ commitment to meeting diverse regional needs while solidifying its presence in critical winter tyre segments worldwide.

Yılmaz said, "Driven by our commitment to continuously investing in and expanding our product portfolio in line with customer expectations, we are establishing a closer and more powerful connection with our customers through our expanding and enriched channel structure while enhancing our brand appeal among target audiences. Today, reuniting physically with our distributors at such a large-scale event is not only a celebration of our collaboration but also the most significant indicator that we are entering the new season stronger than ever with our completely renewed winter product portfolio. In line with our shared growth vision, we will continue to deepen our strong global presence together with our partners."

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AZuR network partner Genan has undertaken a significant strategic shift by divesting its tyre recycling facility in Houston, Texas, to concentrate exclusively on expanding its European footprint. The decision reallocates management focus and capital toward bolstering existing operations and penetrating new markets across the continent, effectively making Europe the sole theatre for the company’s future growth.

This corporate recalibration follows closely on the heels of Genan’s recently announced acquisition of a recycling plant in Weiden, Bavaria. That investment not only deepens the firm’s manufacturing base in Germany but also strategically enhances its logistical access to consumer and industrial markets throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Collectively, these moves crystallise a long-term commitment to establishing a robust European supply chain for high-quality secondary raw materials derived from end-of-life tyres.

The development arrives amid surging continental demand for recycled materials, with shorter supply chains and the imperative for resilient resource security driving the need for efficient domestic recycling capacity. Genan’s advanced mechanical processing technologies are positioned to address this gap, producing rubber granules, powder, steel and textile fractions that feed multiple industrial applications. The company’s role within the AZuR competence network further amplifies its impact, fostering joint innovation across repair, retreading and mechanical recycling stages.

Industry observers view Genan’s move as a clear endorsement of Europe’s ascendant position in the circular economy, where technological investment directly bolsters value creation and industrial know-how. Through collaborative efforts with research bodies and sector stakeholders, AZuR and its partners aim to strengthen the entire lifecycle of tyre materials, reinforcing the principle that closed-loop systems thrive on integrated, cross-sector cooperation.

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Goodyear is significantly broadening its award-winning UltraGrip Performance 3 tyre line, expanding the range to 344 stock-keeping units across Europe. The addition of 66 new SKUs marks a major milestone, as the company now offers the most extensive winter tyre coverage available from a single tread pattern. This strategic move simplifies the selection process for customers while extending proven performance to a wider array of vehicles.

The European automotive landscape now encompasses everything from compact city cars to high-performance electric vehicles and large SUVs. With this expansion, Goodyear is establishing a new benchmark for how comprehensively a singular winter tyre design can address this evolving market. By achieving this broad coverage through one pattern, the brand differentiates itself from competitors who often require multiple designs.

The newly introduced SKUs represent entirely new fitment opportunities, allowing Goodyear to serve vehicle models previously beyond its winter portfolio. Over 90 percent of the new additions are in sizes of 19 inches and above, with the entire range now spanning from 14 to 23 inches to accommodate Europe's changing vehicle parc.

This growth reinforces Goodyear's presence in both replacement and original equipment markets, featuring 59 new replacement SKUs and 7 OE fitments. The replacement segment now includes options for models like the Volvo EX60 and BMW X3 M50, as well as electric vehicles such as the Škoda Elroq RS. New OE partnerships have been secured with major manufacturers, including the BMW iX3, Porsche Cayenne Electric and Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ.

The tyre's reputation is validated by securing first place in the ADAC Winter Tire Test for both 2024 and 2025, with ADAC predicting a lifespan of 76,500 kilometres. Strong braking and handling on snow, wet and dry roads are achieved through Snow Protect and Wet Grip technologies. Designed for both electric and traditional vehicles, the tyre also features reduced rolling resistance and lower interior noise for a refined driving experience.

Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director, Product Development Consumer EMEA Goodyear, said, “Today’s winter tyre market is more complex than ever, with more vehicle types, sizes and requirements than before. By offering 344 SKUs within a single winter tyre pattern, UltraGrip Performance 3 cuts through that complexity, making it easier to choose a tyre that delivers proven performance across a wide range of vehicles.”

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Bridgestone has extended its market leadership in Thailand’s automotive sector by securing the ‘Marketeer No.1 Brand Thailand 2026’ award in the car tyre category, marking its 15th consecutive year of top consumer preference. The accolade, determined through a nationwide opinion poll, underscores the brand’s enduring resonance with Thai motorists. Yusuke Kosami, Division Manager of Business Planning at Bridgestone Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., formally accepted the trophy from Marketeer Magazine’s Editor and Founder, Permpol Popermhem, during a ceremony held at the Chadra Ballroom of Siam Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok.

The annual recognition programme, organised by Marketeer magazine, derives its findings from extensive research conducted by Marketing Move Co., Ltd., a specialised research and consultancy firm. This year’s survey assessed consumer sentiment across 123 distinct product categories, drawing on responses from over 6,500 participants located throughout the country. The comprehensive methodology was designed to pinpoint the most favoured brands among Thai consumers for the calendar year 2026.

With this latest honour, Bridgestone reaffirms its dominant position in Thailand’s competitive tyre industry, demonstrating consistent brand strength and consumer trust over more than a decade. The award not only highlights the company’s product quality but also reflects its successful long-term engagement with local customers, as validated by independent market research.

Kosami said, "Winning the Marketeer No.1 Brand Thailand Award for the 15th consecutive year is a reflection of the trust that Thai consumers have placed in Bridgestone over many years. We sincerely thank our customers, business partners, employees and all stakeholders for their continued trust and support. For nearly six decades, Bridgestone has been proud to grow together with Thailand. Guided by our mission of 'Serving Society with Superior Quality’, we will continue to deliver high-quality products and trusted services that meet the evolving needs of Thai consumers.

“Recently, we introduced the new BRIDGESTONE POTENZA SPORT EVO, our latest premium sports tyre designed for both ultra-high-performance vehicles and electric vehicles (EV Ready). The launch reflects our commitment to providing advanced mobility solutions that combine safety, outstanding performance and driving confidence. Beyond our products, we will continue to enhance customer experiences through our nationwide COCKPIT service network, providing reliable and comprehensive automotive services across Thailand. This prestigious recognition inspires us to continue creating greater value for Thai consumers while contributing to a safer and more sustainable mobility society for future generations. Every journey begins with trust, and we look forward to continuing that journey together with Thai consumers for many years to come."

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