KENDA Europe has announced plans to expand its activities with the creation of a dedicated Powersports team, set to launch in January 2025. The initiative will be led by Shaun Jones, currently Segment Director for Trailer & Caravan, who will transition into his new role in the new year.

“I am honoured to take on this exciting challenge,” said Shaun Jones. “Expanding into the Powersports market presents incredible opportunities to serve our customers with an even broader product range. Motorcycles have been one of my passions for years, and I look forward to collaborating with our talented global teams to make a significant impact.”

Shaun will work closely with KENDA’s global Powersports teams based in Taiwan and the United States, alongside the European Specialty unit, to foster growth and innovation in this rapidly evolving market.

New leadership for trailer & caravan segment

In tandem with this development, KENDA Europe has named Peter van der Horn, the new leader of the Trailer and caravan segment. Peter, who will assume the role of Trailer and caravan OEM Regional Sales Manager, brings years of experience and a track record of dedication as Area Sales Manager for KENDA Europe’s Trailer and caravan operations.

“Taking on this new role is a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to serve KENDA’s trailer and caravan customers with the excellence they’ve come to expect,” said Peter van der Horn. “This is an exciting time for KENDA Europe, and I’m thrilled to take part in its growth.”

Strategic expansion

The formation of the Powersports team is part of KENDA’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Europe. KENDA offers innovative tyre and wheel solutions to meet diverse market needs.

KENDA Europe will provide further updates on its Powersports plans in early 2025.

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Hankook Tire has introduced the Laufenn S Fit 2, a new addition to its sporty tyre lineup that emphasises consistent performance, efficiency and durability while upholding the premium standards of the Hankook brand. This marks a significant milestone as the first Laufenn model to be selected as original equipment by European automobile manufacturers. The Laufenn S Fit 2 is now widely available in 94 sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches, with a dedicated SUV version offered in sizes from 16 to 20 inches.

Engineered specifically for the European market, the tyre underwent rigorous testing to ensure it performs reliably across diverse driving conditions. It delivers strong grip and stability for agile cornering on dry asphalt, confident control during heavy rain and a smooth, comfortable ride through city traffic. A key technical advancement is the high silica compound combined with convex tread blocks, which enables nearly 90 percent of sizes to achieve the top EU wet grip classification of A. This represents a 16 percent reduction in braking distance compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, four wide linear grooves enhance water evacuation, resulting in a 10 percent improvement in wet handling and increased directional and lateral stability at higher speeds.

The S Fit 2 also demonstrates notable gains in sustainability and cost efficiency. With a rolling resistance rating between B and C, the tyre supports exemplary fuel economy. The integration of a new generation of polymers contributes to a 15 percent increase in mileage over the previous model, thereby reducing long-term tyre costs. Additionally, the refined tread pattern minimises vibrations and noise, significantly enhancing acoustic comfort.

Beyond its performance credentials, the Laufenn S Fit 2 offers a high load capacity and low weight, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of vehicles. Looking ahead, Laufenn tyres designed for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles will feature a dedicated EV marking on the sidewall, a strategic characteristic of this second-generation product line that is already present on the S Fit 2.

Jang Hyuk Moon, Vice President – Marketing, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With the Laufenn S Fit 2, we are strengthening the profile of our brand in the summer segment. The fact that the tyre is also being used as original equipment for the first time is an important milestone and shows that Laufenn is continuing to gain substance in the European market.”

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The AZuR project group on chemical recycling has published a comprehensive glossary to establish clear and consistent terminology in the field of used tyre processing. This resource aims to support a common understanding among industry professionals, scientists, politicians and the media by defining key technical terms and explaining complex processes transparently.

The glossary was compiled by Claus Lamer and Robert Weibold (both of Robert Weibold GmbH), along with Dr Ann-Kathrin Andresen (ING.-UP). It covers essential concepts related to chemical tyre recycling, such as pyrolysis and devulcanization, while also including other relevant recycling methods for context.

Pyrolysis, a central process in chemical recycling, involves the thermochemical decomposition of shredded tyres at high temperatures without oxygen. This process yields valuable outputs like pyrolysis oil, gas and recovered carbon black. The generated gas can be used to power the plant, making the process highly energy efficient. Devulcanisation is another technique highlighted, as it allows vulcanised rubber to be reprocessed into a usable secondary raw material.

These advanced recycling methods are crucial for advancing a sustainable tyre circular economy. They provide a climate-friendly alternative to landfills or incineration for tyres that are no longer suitable for repair or retreading. By transforming end-of-life tyres into valuable secondary raw materials, chemical recycling keeps resources in circulation and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

With this glossary, the AZuR project group provides a foundational technical reference to guide future discussion and development. It encourages a balanced assessment of the opportunities and limitations of these technologies, promoting innovation that supports a fully functional circular economy.

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The DUNLOP BLUE RESPONSE TG summer tyre has earned the highest possible distinction, receiving an ‘Outstanding’ overall rating from Auto Motor und Sport, a premier German automotive publication with significant influence across the European market. This top-tier performance was secured during the magazine's latest comparative assessment, where eight competing summer tyres, all sized 195/55 R16, were subjected to rigorous evaluation. The newly launched DUNLOP model emerged as the definitive leader.

Having been formally introduced to the European press and consumers just this week in Seville, the DUNLOP BLUE RESPONSE TG represents a significant milestone as the first DUNLOP tyre manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Its debut in a major market test has already yielded remarkable results. The tyre's evaluation revealed superior performance across all measured categories. In wet condition assessments, it achieved scores approaching a perfect 10 in nearly every test. Its innovative tread design proved highly effective, excelling in critical areas such as braking distance, lateral grip and resistance to longitudinal aquaplaning.

This excellence was matched during dry handling trials, where the tyre demonstrated remarkably balanced and dynamic capabilities. It accumulated three flawless scores of 10 and an additional three scores of nine, underscoring its exceptional precision and the heightened safety it provides. Notably high marks were awarded for its braking performance, responsive handling characteristics and sustained consistency. Testers universally praised its superior grip on both wet and dry surfaces, its precise and agile steering feedback and its dependable behaviour during lane changes, highlighting a safe and forgiving performance envelope. As the sole tyre in the test to achieve the ‘Outstanding’ rating, the DUNLOP BLUE RESPONSE TG established a commanding lead in the final classification.

Markus Bögner, Managing Director and President, DUNLOP Tyre Europe GmbH, said, “We are proud that the first DUNLOP tyre of our own design leads the competition from the outset. This test victory clearly confirms our ambitions and shows that DUNLOP’s return to the premium segment was the right strategic decision. The DUNLOP BLUE RESPONSE TG sends a strong signal about where the brand is headed.”

Full scores for DUNLOP BLUE RESPONSE TG:

Wet braking distance:                                  10/10
Wet lateral grip:                                           10/10
Wet handling (measured):                            10/10
Wet handling (subjective):                            10/10
Wet longitudinal aquaplaning:                     10/10
Wet lateral aquaplaning:                                9/10
Dry braking distance:                                  10/10
Dry lane change safety (subjective):              9/10
Dry steering response (subjective):               9/10
Dry handling (measured):                           10/10
Dry handling (subjective):                           10/10
Dry rolling comfort (subjective):                   9/10
Rolling resistance:                                        6/10
Road noise:                                                10/10
Overall rating:                                          9.6/10

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Hankook Tire has confirmed the 2026 season of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series will commence with its opening round in Florida from 18 to 20 March 2026. As the exclusive tyre supplier for this international championship organised by Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Hankook will equip all competing Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 cars with its ultra-high-performance Ventus racing tyre. This partnership, established in 2023, continues to see the Ventus tyre support Lamborghini vehicles under extreme conditions, withstanding speeds approaching 300 kmph while delivering exceptional grip, handling and durability across varied global climates.

The opening event, part of the North American series, is set to take place at the challenging Sebring International Raceway. This 6.0-kilometre circuit, constructed on the grounds of Hendricks Field Airport, presents unique difficulties with its combination of dedicated racetrack sections, airport runways and taxiways. The track surface itself adds another layer of complexity; concrete sections in particular place immense stress on tyres and become notably slippery when wet. Furthermore, the intense Florida sun can dramatically elevate track temperatures, making strategic tyre management a critical factor that could very well decide the race's outcome.

Despite these demanding conditions, the Ventus tyre is expected to perform reliably, showcasing Hankook’s advanced motorsports technology. Its robust construction provides the necessary heat resistance and stability for high-speed racing, reinforcing the global premium status of the Hankook brand through this strong collaboration with Lamborghini.

The 2026 Lamborghini Super Trofeo season will feature three continental series spanning North America, Europe and Asia, encompassing 10 countries and six rounds each. A key highlight for local fans is Round 4 of the Asia series, scheduled for 17 to 19 July 2026 at Inje Speedium in Gangwon Province. Following the conclusion of the regional championships, the top competitors will gather in Italy for the Grand Final from 24 to 25 October, where the ultimate world champion will be crowned.

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