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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Apollo Tyres Ltd has announced two significant achievements underscoring its dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices. The company secured an improved EcoVadis Gold Rating, reaching the 98th percentile in FY26. Additionally, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially validated Apollo Tyres’ near-term and net-zero emissions reduction targets, marking a major step in its environmental journey.

These accomplishments highlight how Apollo Tyres continues to embed sustainability throughout its value chain while advancing its environmental, social and governance performance. The recognitions are not isolated but reflect steady, organisation-wide progress in aligning with global standards for responsible growth and climate action.

In its latest EcoVadis assessment for 2026, Apollo Tyres raised its overall score from 76 in 2025 to 84 in 2026, firmly staying within the Gold category. This improvement reflects intensified efforts in environmental stewardship, ethical governance, human rights practices and responsible sourcing across global operations. The company’s consistent benchmarking against international peers reinforces its position among leading organisations committed to continuous improvement and climate responsibility.

On climate targets, the SBTi validation confirms that Apollo Tyres’ greenhouse gas emission goals align with climate science. The company commits to net-zero emissions across its value chain by FY2050. Near-term, it aims to cut absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 58.8 percent by FY2035 from a FY2025 baseline, while reducing scope 3 emissions from key categories by 37.5 percent. Long-term, Apollo Tyres targets a 90 percent reduction in both scope 1, 2 and specified scope 3 emissions by FY2050.

Rajeev Kumar Sinha, Chief Manufacturing and Sustainability Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Achieving an improved EcoVadis Gold Rating and securing SBTi validation for our climate targets are significant milestones in our sustainability journey. These recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to responsible growth and our determination to align with global climate goals. We remain focused on driving meaningful impact across our operations and value chain while collaborating with our partners and stakeholders to build a more sustainable and resilient future.”

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Magna Tyres is set to participate in two major industry events in May 2026: IFAT 2026 in Munich from 4 to 7 May and TOC Europe 2026 in Hamburg from 19 to 21 May. The company will present its specialised tyre solutions at both gatherings, which serve as key platforms for their respective sectors in Europe.

IFAT 2026, held in Munich, is the world’s leading trade fair for environmental technologies and recycling. Global visitors attend to explore innovations in waste management and sustainable solutions. At this event, Magna Tyres will highlight its tyre products designed specifically for recycling and waste management equipment, with the company stationed at Hall C5, Stand 146 to engage with current and prospective partners.

Later in the month, Magna Tyres will head to Hamburg for TOC Europe 2026, the premier European conference and exhibition for the port and shipping industry. The event gathers port operators, shipping lines, equipment suppliers and industry experts to discuss emerging trends and technologies shaping logistics and terminal operations.

At TOC Europe, Magna Tyres will showcase its tyre solutions for port handling and terminal equipment, aiming to connect with existing and potential collaborators. The company invites industry professionals to visit Stand C26 to explore partnership opportunities and discuss how its products support efficient and sustainable operations.

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has joined forces with Towing Solutions, the nation’s leading provider of towing industry training. This new collaboration aims to improve public understanding and education regarding secure towing methods across the country. By combining their expertise, both organisations intend to address common risks associated with towing caravans, trailers and horseboxes.

Towing Solutions, a trusted family-run business based in Macclesfield, offers professional training courses for both private individuals and companies throughout UK. This alliance expands upon TyreSafe’s existing efforts as a founding member of the UK Towing Safety Alliance. It also follows the recent introduction of the charity’s TLC campaign, which focuses on tyres, load and connectivity to help drivers tow with greater confidence and safety.

Through this partnership, TyreSafe and Towing Solutions will jointly highlight the importance of routine tyre inspections, correct weight distribution and proper electrical hookups. The collaboration guarantees that TyreSafe’s educational resources on towing tyre safety become part of Towing Solutions’ training curriculum, reaching more drivers with essential safety steps. This milestone furthers TyreSafe’s mission to work across the towing and transport sectors, reducing accidents caused by neglected or unsafe tyres.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Towing Solutions as an official TyreSafe partner. Their expertise and reputation in training and education make them the perfect ally in helping us reach more drivers who tow. The TLC campaign – Tyres, Load, Connectivity – is all about preventing avoidable incidents, protecting people and promoting confidence when towing. By joining forces with Towing Solutions, we’re ensuring these vital messages are built into practical training that saves lives and reduces risk on our roads.”

Raessa Lea, Managing Director, Towing Solutions, said, “At Towing Solutions, safety is at the heart of everything we do, and tyres play a huge part in that. We’re proud to be partnering with TyreSafe to reinforce key safety messages through our training programmes. Together, we can help ensure that everyone towing – whether for work, leisure or travel – understands the importance of tyre safety, proper loading and connectivity. It’s about giving people the knowledge and confidence to tow safely every time.”

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MAXAM Tire has further expanded its off‑the‑road tyre portfolio by adding a new 45/65R45 size to the MS406 E4/L4 series. This larger variant is specifically engineered for heavy loader applications, offering operators an additional high‑performance solution that prioritises strength, longevity and cost efficiency over the long term.

The tyre’s deep E4/L4 tread pattern is designed to deliver strong traction while resisting wear and cuts, even in severe working conditions. This aggressive yet durable design helps loader fleets boost productivity, as the tyre maintains grip and reduces downtime. Over its service life, users can expect a lower cost per operating hour.

To withstand harsh job sites, the MS406 incorporates a thick undertread that provides enhanced puncture protection. Its robust casing not only endures heavy use but also supports excellent retreadability, further extending the tyre’s usable life and improving overall return on investment. A wide, flat footprint contributes to superior stability, ensuring dependable performance and operator confidence when the vehicle is under substantial loads.

With this new size addition, MAXAM Tire continues to strengthen its off‑the‑road product line, giving customers another valuable option that balances durability, traction and long‑term operating efficiency in demanding loader environments.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “With the addition of the 45/54R45 size, we’re continuing to respond directly to market needs while expanding access to a proven loader tyre. Our focus is always on delivering market-leading value and tyres that perform in real-world conditions while helping customers control operating costs.”

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