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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The all-new Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 premium ultra-high-performance all-season tyre has had its class-leading capabilities confirmed through independent testing in Spain and Finland. The tyre established new benchmarks for wet braking and recorded the fastest snow handling lap times against four leading all-season rivals.

Testing in Finland at the UTAC winter facility used a sensor-equipped BMW 5 Series to measure speed and lap times, with all tyres subjected to identical procedures. The Quatrac Pro 2 achieved the quickest snow handling lap, showing exceptional grip, balance and controllability, which testers praised for excellent response and stability in all circumstances. Its snow performance is aided by 3D interlocking sipes at the shoulder, whose zig-zagged inner faces in horizontal and vertical planes limit tread block movement.

In Spain, Applus+ IDIADA assessed dry and wet handling and braking on certified asphalt with defined water depth. The tyre outperformed key competitors in wet conditions, delivering a 7 percent wet-braking advantage over one long-established segment rival, and separate testing confirmed an A wet-grip rating across the entire size range, unique in the UHP all-season segment. Four longitudinal grooves in every size, also unique in the category, plus directional lateral grooves, support water evacuation and aquaplaning resistance.

Compared with its predecessor, abrasion resistance has improved by 8 percent to maximise tyre life, while rolling resistance is reduced by 10 percent to boost driving range, underlining suitability for electric vehicles. The Quatrac Pro 2 is available now for wheel diameters from 17 to 24 inches, with section widths up to 355 mm for powerful passenger vehicles.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Vredestein has long been recognised for its premium all-season tyres, and these independent tests reinforce that reputation. The Quatrac Pro 2 delivered exceptional grip and traction against other premium competitors while also improving efficiency and longevity compared with its predecessor.”

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Sri Trang Group secured dual honours at the SET Awards 2026, hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand, reinforcing its sustainability credentials. Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) took home the Highly Commended Supply Chain Management Award. Its affiliate, Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT), earned a Sustainability Recognition within the Sustainability Excellence category. Together, the accolades signal the Group's push to elevate business standards and generate lasting value across its entire value chain.

The awards were presented on 29 October 2026 at the Stock Exchange of Thailand building. STA Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul collected the supply chain honour from Professor Kitipong Urapeepatanapong, Chairperson of the Stock Exchange of Thailand. STGT Chairman of the Executive Committee Vitanath Sincharoenkul accepted the sustainability certificate from Dr. Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi, Chairman of the SET Panel of Experts.

STA's award recognises supply chain management that is efficient, transparent and traceable at every stage, from raw material sourcing and production through transportation to final customer delivery. The company also collaborates with farmers and business partners via the Sri Trang Friends platform, sharpening operational efficiency and bolstering local economies while meeting international environmental and responsible sourcing requirements. STGT operates under the Clean World Clean Gloves concept, weaving sustainability through its value chain by manufacturing to established quality standards, using resources wisely, safeguarding employee health and safety, respecting human rights and maintaining transparent risk management and governance, thereby building confidence among customers, partners, investors and staff.

The Group continues to embed environmental, social and governance principles in its strategies, deepening collaboration with value chain stakeholders to produce measurable sustainability results. Recognition at the SET Awards 2026 affirms this direction, spurs greater competitiveness and strengthens Sri Trang Group's role in steering the natural rubber and rubber gloves industries toward stable and sustainable growth.

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Toyo Tire Corporation has announced its sponsorship of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, scheduled for 15 May to 15 August 2027 in Serbia's capital. The company will also support the Japan Pavilion at the exposition, which will be the first event of its scale ever held in the Western Balkans.

With more than 140 international participants from countries and regions worldwide, the exposition is expected to foster international exchange and showcase initiatives for future generations. As a Gold Partner, Toyo Tire will provide 41 electric carts for on-site transport, including 4- and 14-seater models, wheelchair-accessible vehicles and emergency vehicles.

The carts will feature a wrap design blending Toyo Tire's signature corporate blue with the event's concept colours, enlivening the venue and creating a festive sense of unity. The company will also host TOYO TIRE WEEK at the Japan Pavilion, presenting an exhibit reflecting its interpretation of the Pavilion's theme, ‘Play and Connect, Together Playful Spirit of Japan’.

Toyo Tire established its first European tyre production base in Indjija, near Belgrade, in 2022, added a sales subsidiary there in 2025 and plans a new European R&D Centre at the Serbia Plant site in 2027. Positioning Serbia as a key strategic base for European expansion, the company aims to contribute to Serbia's development, promote exchanges between Serbia and Japan and other countries and help make the event a resounding success.

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Bridgestone Americas has unveiled a new Bandag Training Center on its Akron campus, backed by a USD 3 million investment. The facility is designed to instruct commercial tyre dealer and fleet personnel on the performance, sustainability and financial advantages of retreaded tyres, with plans to welcome hundreds of industry professionals annually through seminars and customised classes of varying sizes.

Occupying nearly 15,000 square feet within the company's tyre test lab, the centre sits adjacent to the Bridgestone Americas Advanced Tire Production Center. It houses a full retread operation featuring production-scale manufacturing equipment and stations covering all 10 retreading steps, complemented by a classroom and a Bandag history walk. The Akron site becomes the second designated Bandag Training Center in the Bridgestone network, alongside the existing Bandag Learning Center in Muscatine, Iowa.

Bandag's retread training is highly regarded by both fleets and dealers, and the paired locations bolster Bridgestone's capacity to satisfy rising demand by broadening access to training and technical resources. The two facilities will serve as foundational assets for teammates and customers, promoting education, innovation and industry expertise throughout the retreading segment. When classes are not in session, the Akron centre will support tyre-retreading innovation, with teams in Muscatine, Akron and Nashville testing new products and rolling out new manufacturing equipment and processes.

Bandag has delivered tyre-retreading solutions since 1957, championing sustainable mobility practices. The company runs three pre-cured tread rubber manufacturing facilities, a retread equipment manufacturing plant and a mould manufacturing plant across the United States to serve all of North America. Over its 65-year history, Bandag has kept more than 300 million tyres out of landfills by extending their service lives through retreading.

Brian Douglas, Vice President, Retread North America, said, "Bandag retreads have been a staple solution in the commercial tyre industry for more than half a century. With the addition of this second training centre, Bridgestone aims to strengthen its support for dealers and fleets, matching the value they get from retreads on the road."

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