KraussMaffei has concluded its three-day TechCenter Days 2025 event, drawing approximately 350 international customers to its headquarters in Parsdorf.

The customer event, held from March 31 to April 2 under the motto “Innovation meets technology,” featured expert presentations, plant tours, and demonstrations of injection moulding technologies, automation systems, and additive manufacturing solutions.

Visitors experienced 15 technology exhibits showcasing innovations in sustainable manufacturing, including the company’s ColorForm, FiberForm, and SilcoSet technologies, alongside the newly introduced LRXplus robot and large-format PowerPoint 3D printer.

“We took a lot of positive ideas with us and are looking forward to collaborative projects. The event was perfectly organised, and the catering was fantastic; we will be happy to come back,” said Stefan Meßner, Head of Strategic Procurement at GIWA GmbH.

Fernando Moniz, Advanced Engineering Director at GLN Advanced Solutions S.A., added: “On behalf of GLN, I would like to thank you all for the wonderful TechCenter Days at your premises. The TechCenter Days exceeded my expectations, and my only regret is that the time flew by.”

Company officials reported particularly positive feedback from returning international customers, who noted significant improvements compared to previous editions of the event.

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Goodyear returns to the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps this weekend for the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship season. All 18 LMGT3 entries will compete on Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres at the demanding Belgian track, where the versatile Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound has been selected to handle the circuit’s famously unpredictable conditions.

Unlike the previous round at Imola, Spa’s high-speed layout, long straights and dramatic elevation changes place sustained loads on tyres, especially through the compression at Eau Rouge. This makes the Belgian track one of the most aggressive for tire degradation, with a steeper performance drop-off expected over a stint. While differing tire strategies shaped the race at Imola, Spa is expected to reward a more direct, single-stint approach as teams focus on extracting maximum performance from each set.

Given Spa’s location in the Ardennes, highly variable weather is always a possibility, so teams will also have access to the Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyre, designed to disperse surface water and provide grip in the rain. Elsewhere this weekend, Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres will be in action at Watkins Glen International for three NASCAR series and at Brands Hatch’s Indy layout for the British Touring Car Championship.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Program Manager, said, “We expect to see less variation in race strategies at Spa. The nature of the circuit means degradation is higher, so teams will focus on extracting maximum performance and are likely to equip new tyres at each stop. There is no left-right bias at Spa, and the load profile doesn’t lend itself to changing only front or rear tyres, so teams may still look to extend stints under safety car or full course yellow conditions, but we expect to see the baseline strategy being more consistent.

“The Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium tyre has proven it can perform at a range of tracks, support front, mid and rear-engined cars and deliver what both professional and amateur drivers in this pro-am class want. At Imola, tyre temperature management was never a concern for LMGT3 teams, even on such a demanding and unpredictable track. Should conditions turn wet at Spa, teams can rely on the Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tire as a proven and effective solution.”

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Apollo Tyres has unveiled the Apterra HT5, a new premium highway terrain tyre aimed squarely at the core SUV segment in India. The tyre is engineered for popular models such as the Fortuner, Endeavour and Scorpio, promising strong grip, long life, comfort and durability across both highway and demanding driving conditions. Designed and developed at the company’s Global R&D Centre in Chennai, the Apterra HT5 will be produced at manufacturing facilities in Andhra Pradesh and Chennai, featuring a beast-like stance that channels raw power and silent control.

The tyre incorporates several technical advancements to meet diverse driver needs. Long lasting durability comes from advanced Armour Technology and a Hybrid Fill Compound, offering cut resistance, improved mileage and extended tread life. Superior grip is achieved through a Dynamic Pattern design that adapts to varying road conditions for enhanced traction and confident braking at higher speeds. Enhanced comfort is delivered by precision-engineered tread sipes that balance block stiffness to absorb road harshness, resulting in a smoother driving experience.

India’s SUV market now follows two distinct usage patterns, with traditional rugged SUV users prioritising durability and mileage while new-generation SUV drivers focus on performance, grip and road presence. The Apterra HT5 bridges these two worlds with a single versatile solution, removing the need for trade-offs. Through this launch, Apollo Tyres reinforces its commitment to innovation and customer-centric engineering, adapting to the evolving expectations of SUV owners across the country.

Dahiya, Vice President, Commercial (India, SAARC and South-east Asia), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Apterra HT5 represents our deep understanding of how India’s SUV market is evolving. Today’s SUV owners expect a product that can keep up with demanding usage while also delivering performance and comfort. With Apterra HT5, we have engineered a tyre that brings together durability, mileage, grip and refinement in one offering, ensuring our customers no longer must choose between toughness and driving experience.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres, has introduced the Doral Powerline portfolio, which includes the Rugged Path RT tyre along with updates to highway terrain, all-terrain and passenger tyres.

The company distributes these tyres across North America and has added sizes to the collection.

To assist customers, TBC’s wholesale marketing team developed a toolkit, which contains showroom tools and digital assets, such as posts and web banners, to help retailers with the brand.

The Doral Rugged Path RT features tread blocks, grooves, and siping technology. It features a compound used for performance in winter, off-road, and cold weather. The Doral Powerline catalogue includes tyres for CUVs, SUVs, pickup trucks and passenger vehicles, with 200 SKUs ranging from 15-inch to 20-inch.

TBC Corporation states that several product lines within the portfolio have been redesigned. The Elite Edge A/S Passenger Touring features a centre rib and water channels for handling, while the tread design manages road noise. The Journey HT Highway Terrain uses channels and sipes to evacuate water and a contour to distribute pressure. The Road Ranger AT All-Terrain uses a profile for contact and pressure distribution, with tread and lugs to protect sidewalls.

Bill Schafer, Chief Revenue Officer, TBC Wholesale, said, "TBC Wholesale customers depend on us to listen to their feedback and improve our offerings so we can deliver more robust product portfolios that increase their speed and ease of doing business. This portfolio enables us to provide customers with a broader range of tyre sizes and improved tire technology, all while maintaining the trusted products they've relied on us for, for the past 70 years.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has entered a strategic partnership with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) to strengthen tyre safety standards within UK’s commercial vehicle industry. This collaboration unites TyreSafe’s educational expertise with the RHA’s membership of over 8,500 companies operating more than 250,000 commercial vehicles. The initiative also extends to coach and van operators, ensuring a broad range of professionals receives targeted maintenance guidance.

The joint effort tackles persistent tyre challenges among small and regional haulage firms by reinforcing compliance and efficiency across fleets and supply chains. Recent roadside checks at Lymm and Exeter revealed a clear divide: larger national fleets maintain high tyre standards, while smaller operators struggle with poor condition and practices. The partnership focuses on raising awareness of tyre safety, supporting legal obligations and promoting best practices in inspections.

Poor tyre maintenance can lead to roadside breakdowns, unsafe conditions, higher fuel costs, legal penalties up to GBP 20,000 and individual driver fines of GBP 200 per illegal tyre plus penalty points. Proper management reduces blowout risks, improves fuel economy and CO₂ emissions, lowers downtime and maintenance costs and ensures compliance. Tyres are essential for safe braking, handling, load stability and control.

TyreSafe and the RHA will collaborate on targeted communications and educational campaigns to elevate tyre safety standards across the commercial vehicle sector. The partnership supports all operation levels, from owner-drivers to major fleets, ensuring tyre safety is recognised as a fundamental pillar of safe and responsible fleet management across UK’s road transport network.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We’re delighted to welcome the Road Haulage Association as an official TyreSafe supporter. This partnership is about engaging with the haulage sector – from fleet operators to professional HGV, coach and van drivers. Heavy goods vehicles keep our economy moving, but they also operate in demanding conditions where tyre safety is essential. While many larger fleets are leading the way, we know there is more to be done to support smaller and regional operators with key information about tyre safety management. By working together with the RHA, we can bridge that gap – empowering operators, drivers and technicians with the knowledge they need to keep vehicles safe, compliant and efficient.”

Geraint Davies, UK Director of Partnerships at the Road Haulage Association, said, “We’re pleased to be joining TyreSafe as a supporter and to strengthen our focus on tyre safety across the sector. Our members operate in a highly regulated environment where safety, compliance and efficiency are paramount. Tyres play a critical role in all three. This partnership will help us provide practical guidance and support to operators of all sizes, ensuring they can meet their responsibilities while protecting their drivers, their businesses and other road users.”

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