Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook Tire’s associate brand Laufenn is celebrating 10-year milestone of the brand’s presence in Europe.

The brand started with passenger car tyres since 2015 and added commercial vehicle treads to its portfolio five years later. Laufenn today boasts market presence in over 100 countries, offering passenger car tyres in 341 sizes along with a commercial vehicle portfolio of 18 sizes. Hankook intends to boost marketing expenditures in order to raise awareness of its Laufenn brand. In addition, a new generation of passenger car treads for the summer and winter will soon be introduced. Laufenn will increase its market share and supply original equipment tyres to a European automaker in 2025, in addition to its current offering in the passenger car replacement market. Laufenn has also been an official sponsor of the UEFA Europa Conference League since the 2021/22 season, further emphasising its position in strategically important sales markets.

Laufenn first made its foray into the market with performance and touring summer tyres for passenger automobiles. The X Fit Van summer tyre for SUVs and passenger vehicles, as well as the i Fit, the first winter tyre for SUVs and passenger cars in Western and Central Europe, came next. The i Fit ICE, a studded winter tyre for passenger automobiles and SUVs, marked Laufenn's entry into the Northern and Eastern European markets over the ensuing time frame. All-season tyres are now part of the range in addition to summer and winter tyres. Laufenn unveiled the improved summer tyres S FIT EQ+ and G FIT EQ+ in 2020. Laufenn's total market share in Europe has increased fourfold since its launch.

Laufenn is also commemorating a significant milestone in the commercial vehicle tyre industry: the company has been providing truck, bus, and trailer treads throughout Europe for five years. In 2025, the 18 sizes that are now available in the commercial vehicle portfolio will be expanded to include additional sizes, beginning with the trailer tyres LF95 and LR02, which are 265/70 R19.5.

In an effort to further innovate the truck market, Laufenn is this year launching ‘Laufenn365’, a new digital platform that will make it easier to resolve unintentional damage claims for the company's commercial vehicle tyres and provide clients with additional insurance against unforeseen expenses. Initially, this platform will be available in the United Kingdom. Laufenn intends to reach further European markets with its smart product and tyre warranty. The launch of another affiliate brand, Optimo, is a recent illustration of Hankook's strategic brand growth. Optimo serves a market niche with increasing demand for passenger automobiles and enhances Hankook's sibling and premium brands.

Jongho Park, President and Chief Operating Officer, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With our associate brand Laufenn, we offer tyres that deliver excellent value for money without compromising on safety, reliability and quality. Customers benefit from the many years of experience of the Hankook brand and get a product that meets the highest standards. This allows us to create a win-win situation in every respect.”

Jang Hyuk Moon, Vice President – Marketing Department, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “Laufenn has established itself as a strong associate brand to Hankook with a steadily expanding portfolio and growing international presence. The brand will continue to focus on quality and customer relationships in order to further build on its success.”

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) and Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT) collectively secured six accolades at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2026, a recognition reflecting their strength in corporate management, financial stewardship and investor relations. The Investment Analysts Association (IAA) hosted the ceremony on 21 October 2026, at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai.

STA claimed all three honours in the Agro Industry category for a second straight year. Chief Executive Officer Veerasith Sinchareonkul was named Outstanding CEO, with Thitima Wongwairoj, Regional Finance and Controller Manager, accepting on his behalf. Chief Financial Officer Patrawut Panitkul received the Outstanding CFO award, also collected by Wongwairoj. Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul earned Outstanding IR recognition, with Pimpetch Sapkhoonthawee of Investor Relations accepting for him.

STGT, which won Outstanding CEO and Outstanding IR in 2024, took three awards in the Consumer Products category. Chief Executive Officer Jarinya Jirojkul was honoured as Outstanding CEO, while Chief Financial Officer Thanawan Sa-ngiamsak received Outstanding CFO. Chairman of the Executive Committee Vitanath Sincharoenkul was named Outstanding IR, with Sa-ngiamsak accepting on his behalf.

The six awards underscore the confidence of Thai securities analysts and fund managers in both companies' management teams amid global economic uncertainty. Sri Trang Group continues to uphold good corporate governance, rigorous financial discipline and transparent disclosure while integrating environmental, social and governance principles into its operations. These include STA's responsible raw material sourcing and EU Deforestation Regulation preparedness, alongside STGT's delivery of products meeting international quality standards. The IAA Awards, among Thailand's most prestigious capital market honours, are scored by analysts and fund managers on management expertise, disclosure quality and investor engagement.

Veerasith Sinchareonkul, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited, said, “Receiving awards in all three categories for the second consecutive year is a great honour and a source of pride for Sri Trang. This recognition inspires us to continue upholding the highest standards of excellence. It reflects the dedication of our executives and every member of our team, who work together to advance the business responsibly and with a firm commitment to good corporate governance. As economic and industry conditions evolve, we will continue to communicate accurately, transparently and promptly about both opportunities and challenges, enabling investors to understand our strategic direction and strengthening their confidence in our long-term growth.”

Jarinya Jirojkul, Chief Executive Officer of Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited, said, “At Sri Trang Gloves, trust begins with the quality of the rubber gloves we deliver to users around the world and the responsibility with which we manage our business. Receiving awards in all three categories this year is a source of pride for our entire team, whose collective efforts uphold product quality, sound financial management and effective investor communication. We remain committed to financial discipline, prudent resource management and open, transparent disclosure so that shareholders and investors understand our performance, opportunities and risks. We will continue to develop our business to create long-term value.”

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has named Joseph Stanekenas, a professional driver with General Transport, as the recipient of the 42nd Goodyear Highway Hero Award. The honour recognises his courageous response to a serious highway accident involving a semi-truck that had collided with another trailer and caught fire.

Upon witnessing the crash, Stanekenas immediately parked his vehicle and rushed to assist the driver trapped inside the burning truck. With the help of fellow commercial driver Charles Johnson, he led the rescue despite dangerous conditions, and the two men pulled the driver from the vehicle and moved him to safety. The driver survived thanks to Stanekenas' swift initial response and the pair's shared willingness to risk their own safety for a stranger.

Established in 1983, the Goodyear Highway Hero Award recognises professional truck drivers across the US and Canada who demonstrate exceptional courage and selflessness on the job. As the 42nd recipient, Stanekenas will receive a cash prize and a ride aboard the iconic Goodyear Blimp, with Johnson also invited to join the Blimp experience in recognition of the teamwork that made the rescue possible. The award reflects Goodyear's commitment to honouring the commercial trucking industry and the drivers who keep North America's roads, businesses and communities moving.

Karly Becker, Director of Safety, General Transport, said, “Joseph has been a driver for General Transport for four years and is always willing to go above and beyond in every aspect. It is a pleasure to have Joseph as part of our fleet but our honour to nominate his heroic actions through Goodyear’s Highway Hero Award to save a stranger’s life.”

Joe Stuglis, Vice President, Commercial Sales North America, Goodyear, said, "Professional truck drivers keep goods and services moving across North America every day, but their impact often extends far beyond the freight they haul. Joseph and Charles demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness when they stopped to help a fellow driver in a life-threatening situation. Their actions made a difference, and we are proud to recognise their bravery."

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Michelin has introduced its first tyre engineered specifically for the new generation of wide body trucks, bringing its established safety and performance standards to a segment traditionally served by Tier-3 products. The MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck is positioned as a premium offering for mining fleets, built to handle high loads and speeds while delivering robustness and puncture resistance in demanding mining environments.

Wide body trucks are gaining global traction in mining because they strike an appealing balance among payload capacity, safety and acquisition cost. Michelin developed and launched the new fitment in under two years by combining intensive field analysis with agility, responding to mining customers’ needs for safety and productivity. The tyre also supports fleets moving towards more efficient and increasingly electrified haulage solutions, addressing demands for safety, productivity and operating cost control.

Safety remains paramount in mining, where a tyre failure can seriously affect personnel, equipment and operational continuity. The new tyre therefore features an innovative casing fully reinforced with thick steel cords, enabling it to carry 12 tonnes (26,786 lbs) per tyre at a recommended pressure of 9-bar (130 PSI) – significantly lower than typical market recommendations, which helps reduce blowout risk.

The MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck sustains heavy loads at continuous speeds, supporting productivity during intensive duty cycles. It offers strong traction, particularly on soft or muddy ground, while its robust tread compound resists damage, provides excellent grip and extends service life, optimising total cost of ownership. These qualities help cut unplanned downtime and maintenance costs, improve equipment availability and maximise material haulage volumes. The tyre launches worldwide in its first size, 16.00 R25, on 1 November 2026, with additional sizes to follow.

Kevin Maleterre, Director – Michelin Beyond Road, said, “Wide body trucks are playing an increasingly important role in mining operations. With the MICHELIN XDR Wide Body Truck, we are applying our expertise in mining applications to this new generation of vehicles, with a clear aim: to help our customers combine safety, productivity and the development of their fleets.”

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Tegeta Green Planet recently participated in youth forums held across five Georgian cities – Mestia, Telavi, Gori, Kutaisi and Zugdidi – as part of the Eco Awards School Competition. The events gave young people a platform to exchange knowledge on environmental issues, explore new ideas and discuss green initiatives.

Alongside the discussions, display areas devoted to Tegeta Green Planet and Amboli introduced visitors to the two organisations' work, their approach to handling waste and their sense of environmental duty. Guests stopping by the Tegeta Green Planet section heard about the company's core operations, the thinking behind Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and why the circular economy matters.

A varied programme kept participants engaged, with educational games and hands-on exercises built to sharpen their grasp of environmental questions and push them to put what they learned into practice. International specialists and invited speakers also addressed the forums, drawing on their own experience to examine ecological difficulties and possible remedies.

Organised to deepen environmental consciousness among the young and advance sustainable development, the Eco Awards School Competition drew 280 pupils and 100 teachers from 24 public schools throughout Georgia. It operates with backing from the European Union and the United Nations through the Circular Economy Promotion Programme. For Tegeta Green Planet, reaching young audiences is central to building a lasting sense of responsibility, with sound waste practices, resource reuse and circular economy principles at the heart of its efforts to drive long-term change.

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