Hankook Tire’s manufacturing plant in Chongqing, China, has received the National Green Factory recognition from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China. Hankook Chongqing plant is leading the green transformation of industries with the commitment to sustainability at its core, the company said in a release. 

This award is given to leaders of green manufacturing in line with the industrial green development plan of China after a series of strict assessments including self-assessment, independent third-party audits and evaluations from experts and government departments. This year’s list includes 662 green factories, 989 green design products, 52 green industrial parks and 107 green supply chain management demonstration enterprises. 

The company said that being a responsible company with goals to minimise environmental impact and foster a healthy community, it has long been advocating green growth. By achieving the National Green Factory recognition with its Chongqing plant, Hankook demonstrated once again its pioneering role in the field of sustainability, the release said. 

Taking an environmentally-friendly design approach since the early construction stages, the Hankook Chongqing plant facilities were made with non-toxic, environmentally-friendly building materials, and orchestrated in a way to optimise the use of natural sunlight. Promoting low carbon footprint, all the equipment are of high-energy efficiency exceeding the national standards.  

Hankook Chongqing plant also established a committee dedicated to eco-friendly operation and management, and set its own green development plan. It includes the implementation of an energy conservation target responsibility system (ECTRS), which works by allocating a mandatory target to each workshop and job and effectively involving all employees to take part. These efforts were well received, with Hankook Chongqing plant having acquired the ISO 14001, a global certification that recognises excellent environmental management systems. 

Energy efficiency maximization is aided by the implementation of an energy management centre. It schedules the optimal usage and operational conditions of energy sources through timely and science-based decision-making processes. For the past three years, a total of 21 energy-saving technologies have been adopted. As a result, approximately 2,296 tce of energy, measured by the amount of energy released by burning one tonne of goal, is being saved every year. 

Throughout its entire manufacturing process, Hankook Tire strives to minimise energy wastes by utilising harmless materials, using renewable energy and recycling resources. This affects end-products as well. In compliance with the company's product design guideline "Hankook Tire Green Design Requirements", technologies for improving fuel economy were employed to tire structure design which led to reduced rolling resistance. 

Seunghyeon Kang, Vice President and Plant Managing Director of Chongqing Plant, said, “We are glad to receive the National Green Factory recognition from Chinese government. As we have been taking proactive environmental initiatives and take the topic of sustainability very seriously, green manufacturing is the ultimate choice for us. Continuing our journey to net-zero, Hankook Tire Chongqing will take on Energy Innovation Project and further accelerate the green transition.” (TT)

 South Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook Tire & Technology reported first-quarter consolidated sales of USD 3.42 billion, marking significant growth following the integration of Hanon Systems as a subsidiary.

The financial results show the combined performance of Hankook’s core tyre business and its newly acquired thermal management segment. For the quarter ending March, the company posted an operating profit of USD 244.1 million.

Hankook’s tyre business alone generated sales of USD 1.62 billion, representing a 10.3 percent year-over-year increase, while operating profit in this segment fell 16.3 percent to USD 229.7 million. The company attributed the profit decline to “rising costs—particularly the rise in raw material costs and ocean freight rates”.

The company’s pivot towards premium and speciality segments continues to gain momentum. 18-inch and larger tyres now comprise 47.1 percent of total passenger car and light truck tyre sales. This premium segment performed particularly well in China, accounting for 64.7 percent of sales.

Electric vehicle tyres have become an increasingly important growth driver for the manufacturer. EV-dedicated products represented 23 percent of original equipment sales for passenger cars and light trucks; a substantial six percentage point increase compared to the same period last year.

The company has expanded its portfolio of OE partnerships, recently beginning to supply its Ventus evo SUV tyres for the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan. Hankook now supplies approximately 50 global premium automotive brands across more than 280 models.

Hanon Systems, the thermal management solutions provider acquired by Hankook in January, contributed USD 1.80 billion in sales but only USD 14.3 million in operating profit for the quarter.

The results come as tyre manufacturers globally face pressure from rising raw material costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions affecting logistics expenses.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has finalised the sale of its Dunlop brand rights across Europe, North America and Oceania to Sumitomo Rubber Industries for USD 735 million, the American tyre manufacturer said.

The transaction, which became effective on May 7, includes consumer and commercial tyre rights, alongside certain intellectual property and inventory assets.

The deal forms part of Goodyear's ongoing transformation strategy, which executives have dubbed "Goodyear Forward", aimed at streamlining operations and reducing the company's debt burden.

"The sale of the Dunlop brand is another action that advances Goodyear Forward by optimizing our portfolio, reducing leverage and sharpening our focus on our core portfolio of brands," said Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart.

"Goodyear is making significant progress, transforming our operations and growing in our targeted segments, and I am confident in our ability to continue delivering on our objectives," he added.

The transaction's gross proceeds comprise USD 526 million for the Dunlop brand rights, USD 105 million for transition support and USD 104 million for inventory.

Goodyear said it intends to use the proceeds to reduce its debt as part of its broader transformation plan.

Goldman Sachs served as lead financial adviser on the deal, with Barclays Capital and law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton also advising Goodyear.

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.”