Hankook Tire has commenced the expansion of its European production plant in Rácalmás, Hungary. With an investment of around EUR 540 million, the expansion project is scheduled for completion in 2027 and expected to create 450 new jobs.

A new truck and bus tyre production line with a capacity of up to 800,000 units annually will be created as a consequence of the expansion. The new plant will manufacture tyres from the new e-SMART series, which is especially made for electric commercial vehicles, as well as Hankook's premium long-haul and mixed application products, SmartLine AL/DL 50 and SmartFlex AL/DL 51. Furthermore, the production line will allow Hankook to provide additional goods for every use, from construction sites and winter usage to long-distance and regional transportation, in order to satisfy the demands of clients in Europe.

A key component of Hankook's European growth, the Hungary plant has been operational since 2007. With its cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, the European factory can presently produce 17 million passenger car and light commercial vehicle tyres. The new plant will also use the newest technology in tyre manufacturing, including 3D additive manufacturing for tread moulds and sustainable, renewable and recyclable materials. The industrial site's overall sustainability is shown by the Hungarian plant's achievement of the coveted ISCC PLUS accreditation (International Sustainability & Carbon accreditation).

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “We are very happy with the progress so far. After getting necessary approvals, we were able to commence the building works as planned and preparatory soil construction is underway. Once the new production line is complete, we will be manufacturing truck and bus tyres for the European market in Europe, which will shorten our transport routes. With the investment, we are strengthening the European business location and creating more jobs.”

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El Hadj Larbi Industrie (SHLI) has announced significant progress on its state-of-the-art tyre manufacturing facility in Tafraoui's El Hamoul industrial zone, marking a transformative development for Algeria's industrial sector. This DZD-50-billion project represents one of the nation's most substantial private investments, strategically aligned with Algeria's economic diversification goals. The complex aims to dramatically reduce the country's tyre import dependency while supporting the burgeoning domestic automotive industry that has attracted global manufacturers.

Partnering with China's Doublestar Tires, SHLI is implementing cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies throughout the facility. The production process will feature full automation, advanced robotics and AI-powered quality control systems to ensure international-standard output. This technological edge positions the complex to compete in both domestic and export markets across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Initial operations will focus on producing seven million tyres annually, including one million truck tyres to serve Algeria's critical logistics sector. The long-term vision includes expanding to 22 million units through additional nationwide production facilities, potentially covering most domestic demand while generating export revenue.

Despite facing geological challenges from the site's clay-rich marshland, the project promises substantial socioeconomic benefits. It is expected to create over 2,000 direct jobs and thousands more in supporting industries. The facility's first phase is on track to begin operations within the coming years.

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The Dutch Grand Prix at the iconic TT Circuit Assen marks the return of Pirelli’s Moto2 tyre comparison between the standard SC0 soft rear compound and the development E0125, which was first introduced at Silverstone and later tested at Aragón. For this round, riders will have access to both rear options in soft compound – the conventional SC0 and the experimental E0125 – paired with either the soft SC1 or medium SC2 front tyres. Each rider will receive eight units of the rear tyres and eight of the front SC1, while the SC2 front will be limited to six. As per regulations, competitors may use a maximum of 17 tyres across the weekend, with a breakdown of eight front and nine rear.

The E0125 development tyre, which was universally adopted by riders at both Silverstone and Aragón, represents an evolution of the standard soft compound. While it retains the same tread compound, it incorporates a revised structure designed to enhance stability and deliver more consistent performance over full race distance. This adjustment aims to improve handling and endurance, particularly under the demanding conditions of Assen’s fast, flowing layout.

Meanwhile, Moto3 riders will continue with the established tyre allocations from previous rounds, receiving eight units each of the soft SC1 and medium SC2 compounds for both front and rear. The same 17-tyre limit applies, ensuring parity in usage across the field. Pirelli’s ongoing development in Moto2 highlights their commitment to refining performance, while Moto3 maintains a stable specification to suit the lightweight class’s unique demands. The Dutch GP will serve as another critical evaluation point for the E0125 as Pirelli gathers data for potential future adoption.

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Continental has introduced the Archetype, a new limited-edition road tyre developed in collaboration with UAE Team Emirates – XRG. This tyre will debut at the 112th Tour de France, starting in Lille next week.

The Archetype boasts a 30-mm width, weighing 35 grammes less than the Grand Prix 5000 S TR, and features an ultra-supple carcass for enhanced responsiveness and comfort. At its core lies Continental’s renowned BlackChili compound, which minimises rolling resistance while delivering exceptional grip. The tyre also incorporates LazerGrip, a micro-profile shoulder design for secure high-speed cornering, and Active Comfort Technology to dampen road vibrations for a smoother ride. Fully tubeless-ready and hookless-compatible, the Archetype is optimised for modern race setups, from Grand Tours to time trials.

As an official licensed product for the 2025 Tour de France, it combines cutting-edge engineering with elite performance. This limited-edition tyre reflects Continental’s commitment to innovation and speed, tailored for professional cyclists and high-performance enthusiasts alike.

Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager at Continental, said, “We were asked by UAE Team Emirates – XRG to build a tyre that could deliver even faster performance in a 30-mm width. That’s a bold challenge – so we went back to the fundamentals. The result is the Archetype: a tyre that distils our decades of racing expertise into a pure, purpose-built product. It’s minimal, fast and made for those who live to compete.”

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On 18 June, the prestigious 22nd ‘World Brand Conference and Release Ceremony of China's 500 Most Valuable Brands’ was held in Beijing, organised by the World Brand Lab. Demonstrating its industry leadership, Doublestar achieved an impressive brand valuation of CNY 116.208 billion (approximately USD 16.21 billion), securing the 93rd position overall and maintaining its position as the highest-ranked Chinese tyre brand for yet another year.

This recognition underscores Doublestar's strong market presence and consumer trust, built on decades of innovation and quality craftsmanship. Moving forward, the company has committed to strengthening its brand influence through continuous technological advancement and sustainable development. By focusing on research and production of safer, smarter and more environmentally friendly tyre solutions, Doublestar aims to not only meet evolving market demands but also drive the high-quality growth of China's tyre industry.

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