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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Continental has expanded its ContiTread product line by introducing the HDL 5 EP, a new long-haul drive retread engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern fleet operations. This next-generation offering is designed to deliver consistent performance while simultaneously improving fuel economy and reducing the overall cost per kilometre for commercial carriers.

The retread incorporates a five-rib tread architecture that ensures reliable traction across extended highway routes. Its specially optimised contact patch, working in conjunction with V-shaped grooves, promotes uniform rubber wear, thereby prolonging the service life of the tread and enhancing the return on investment for each retreading cycle. The tyre is currently produced in sizes 220, 230 and 240, all featuring a uniform tread depth of 21/32.

By focusing on increased durability and operational uptime, Continental positions the HDL 5 EP as a sustainable and intelligent choice within its broader ContiTread portfolio. The tyre aims to provide a practical solution for fleets seeking to balance high performance with long-term efficiency in challenging over-the-road environments.

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Galaxy, a leading global brand of construction, earthmoving and material handling tyres, has announced its entry into the rapidly expanding UTV and ATV market. The company is launching two flagship product lines, the Hulk PSX and the Everest PSX, which build upon the firm’s century-long heritage in engineering high-performance tyre solutions.

The new tyres are specifically engineered for off-road and utility applications, promising superior durability, extended service life and enhanced traction on challenging surfaces. Both ranges also prioritise puncture resistance, stability and ride comfort, catering to a diverse array of recreational and operational needs.

The Hulk PSX is positioned for off-road enthusiasts, featuring a durable compound for longevity, tough sidewalls to resist cutting and a radial construction that supports high-speed performance. Its design includes shoulder blocks for improved cornering, a deep tread for traction, and a high tread-to-void ratio for stability, with various sizes available for 12- and 14-inch rims.

Conversely, the Everest PSX targets utility-focused users, offering resistance to cuts and abrasions, reduced vibration through pattern continuity and strong wet-surface grip. It includes rim protection and puncture-resistant features to ensure durability and is offered in multiple sizes for 12-, 14- and 15-inch rims to suit a wide range of UTV configurations.

Dyutiman Chattopadhyay, Chief Technology Officer, Yokohama-ATG, said, “Building on its 100+ years legacy, Galaxy’s entry into the UTV/ATV category is a strategic step in strengthening its presence globally. These tyres are designed to meet the evolving needs of customers seeking performance, reliability and durability in extreme conditions.”

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Bridgestone has issued a comprehensive advisory for motorists confronting the perils of summer heatwaves, which present significant challenges for both drivers and their vehicles. The combination of scorching tarmac, fully laden holiday luggage and extensive motorway travel can subject tyres to extraordinary strain. In response, the tyre manufacturer has outlined essential precautions to enhance road safety during elevated temperatures.

When temperatures climb beyond 30 degrees Celsius, the company emphasises the need for drivers to prioritise personal wellbeing. Adequate hydration and regular respite are paramount, as excessive heat can impair concentration and slow reaction times. Experts suggest scheduling a break at least every two hours, while seeking shaded parking areas is recommended to curb heat accumulation inside the vehicle.

Beyond passenger comfort, Bridgestone highlights critical technical considerations for hot weather. Tyres are particularly susceptible to added stress, prompting the company to urge pre-trip inspections. Prior to lengthy excursions, tyre pressure should be checked when cold, as heavier holiday loads require adjustment. Under-inflation can exacerbate heat generation, adversely affecting wear, stability and braking distances, with specific pressure guidelines often available for laden vehicles.

Driving behaviour requires modification under these conditions. High speeds on hot road surfaces generate significant additional heat within tyres, a risk that escalates with a full vehicle or trailer. Bridgestone counsels motorists to moderate speed and adopt a smooth driving style. A visual inspection for cracks, bulges or embedded debris is also imperative, as high temperatures intensify the effects of damage, with older tyres being especially vulnerable.

The advisory also addresses unpredictable summer weather, where heatwaves can abruptly give way to thunderstorms and heavy rain. The sudden shift from hot tarmac to a wet surface places tremendous demands on tyres and drivers. Maintaining sufficient tread depth and equipping the car with high-performance summer tyres is essential for effective water dispersal and control during these sudden changes.

Bridgestone points to its Turanza 6 tyre as a solution for these demands, offering excellent wet grip and short braking distances on wet roads. This premium touring tyre also provides enhanced driving comfort, improved mileage and optimised fuel efficiency. Motorists can therefore navigate changeable summer weather with heightened confidence and peace of mind.

Andy Mathias, Head of Marketing, North Europe, said, “The high temperatures we are currently experiencing in many parts of Europe pose particular challenges for drivers and vehicles. This makes it all the more important to pay special attention to road safety. With well-maintained tyres, regular checks and anticipatory driving, motorists can significantly improve their own safety and that of their passengers.”

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) is broadening its international footprint with a new European project group focused on tyre retreading. An inaugural online meeting for this initiative is scheduled for 22 July 2026, marking the first step in creating a pan-European network uniting companies, research bodies and sector specialists.

Retreading extends the lifespan of premium tyre casings, conserving raw materials and reducing CO₂ emissions while supporting Europe's circular economy. The sector faces regulatory shifts, including the ESPR Regulation, the Digital Product Passport and heightened traceability mandates.

The AZuR project group will serve as a permanent forum for retreaders, tyre makers, equipment suppliers, research institutes and associations. The agenda prioritises innovation, digitalisation, legislation, best practices and joint ventures, with the kick-off session defining the group's mission, thematic focus and structure.

The online meeting via Microsoft Teams on 22 July from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CEST invites existing AZuR partners and new European stakeholders. Retreaders, manufacturers, academic institutions and associations are encouraged to participate and shape the platform from its inception.

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