Kumho Tire’s new ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre, the ECSTA Sport, has been rated ‘Very Good’ in the latest Die Reifentester summer tyre test.

The tyre size used for testing was 225/40R18. Eight tyre manufacturers participated in the test, including well-known names like Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin and Continental. Bridgestone and Continental shared the top rating with Kumho's ECSTA Sport. The wet braking results were one of the test's main features. With a stopping distance of only 23.07 metres at 80 kmph, the ECSTA Sport outperformed every other tyre in the test. It was one of just two tyres – the other being the Continental SportContact 7 – to receive the ‘Very Good’ rating in wet handling. In dry weather, the ECSTA Sport also performed admirably. Die Reifentester gave it a ‘Very Good’ grade for dry handling, comparing it to three competitors of premium brands.

Drivers seeking precision handling, robust safety features and high mileage performance are the target market for the ECSTA Sport. The tyre, which comes in sizes 16 to 22 inches, features a new compound blend that improves high-speed stability and reduces stopping distances.

Matthias Bode, Head of Research and Development Europe at Kumho Tire, said, “We are delighted with this result from Die Reifentester. Kumho ECSTA Sport is designed to offer excellent performance for all motorists, including the most demanding drivers, and this test result is an excellent indication that we are on the right course.”

Tony Gangseung Lee, Head of Europe, said, “This test result demonstrates the commitment of Kumho to developing and producing exceptional tyres which offer excellent value to the driving public. I am delighted to see the team’s hard work being so well rewarded in this independent tyre test as we set new performance benchmarks.”

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Bridgestone Aircraft Tire Europe, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, has received a Gold rating from EcoVadis, the sustainability assessment platform, placing the company among the top five per cent of the 130,000 companies evaluated worldwide across 220 industry sectors.

The result marks a sharp improvement from recent years. The company achieved a Bronze rating two years ago and ranked in the top 15 per cent last year.

“After receiving Bronze just two years ago, this EcoVadis Gold Medal recognises the rapid progress we’ve made on our sustainability journey,” said Jean-Philippe Minet, managing director of Bridgestone Aircraft Tire Europe. “Last year, we were in the top 15 per cent and advancing to the top five per cent this year reflects the collective effort and commitment of the BAE team. This achievement showcases our progress in building a more sustainable commercial aviation sector.”

The 2025 Gold rating follows a year in which the company completed a full carbon footprint assessment covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3, carried out an energy audit and developed a decarbonisation roadmap.

It also reported zero lost-time accidents for a fourth consecutive year and implemented projects aligned with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, including partnerships supporting sports, charitable activities, cancer-focused organisations and initiatives for underprivileged children.

EcoVadis assesses how organisations integrate sustainability into business and management systems across four pillars: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement.

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Nokian Tyres has earned a leadership-tier A- score from CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts for the sixth consecutive year. CDP, a global environmental disclosure non-profit, assesses thousands of companies on their transparency, risk management and tangible actions towards decarbonisation.

An A- rating places Nokian Tyres among the highest performers, reflecting robust ambition, target-setting and operational execution. A prime example of this commitment is the company’s pioneering tyre factory in Romania, which operates as the world’s first full-scale zero-CO₂-emissions production facility. It runs entirely on renewable energy, including wind, hydro, biomass and solar power, and even generates manufacturing steam without fossil fuels.

Supporting these operational milestones, Nokian Tyres has set a long-term goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Furthermore, the company’s near-term emission reduction targets have received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative for aligning with the 1.5°C warming limit, underscoring a strategy grounded in contemporary climate science.

Teppo Huovila, Vice President – Quality and Sustainability, Nokian Tyres, said, “Achieving a leadership-level score for the sixth year in a row shows that climate action is deeply embedded in how Nokian Tyres develops its operations and products. We want to deliver solutions that make a real difference, both for the environment and for the drivers who choose our tyres. Our actions for reducing emissions and improving sustainability translate into safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible mobility.”

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Hoosier Racing Tire has appointed a new authorised distributor, Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania, to support competitors throughout Western Pennsylvania and Northeastern Ohio. It will cover diverse racing disciplines from asphalt ovals to rally.

The operation is owned and managed by Ryan Hall, whose family business, Big Daddy’s Speed Center, brings over twenty years of racing parts expertise to the role. Meanwhile, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic continues to provide service to customers across Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

Paul Menting, Vice President – Sales, Hoosier Racing Tire, said, “We’re pleased to welcome Ryan Hall and the Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania team as the newest members of our distributor network. Ryan’s long history in the sport, his commitment to local racers, and the reputation Big Daddy’s Speed Center has earned over many years makes this a natural fit for Hoosier.”

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Michelin has expanded its mountain bike tyre portfolio with the introduction of the Wild Enduro and E-Wild Performance Line ranges. The products are now available across North America, following their development for enthusiasts seeking a balance of grip and durability.

The Wild Enduro Performance Line uses a double ply 33 TPI casing to manage rebound and ride feel. To improve reliability across terrains, Michelin has integrated a bead-to-bead shield for sidewall protection and Pinch Protection technology to reduce flats and tears.

The range utilises bi-compound technology, combining Magi-X and Gum-X compounds to manage rolling efficiency and cornering grip. The tyres are available for 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheels in Mixed-Soft (MS), Mixed-Hard (MH) and Rear-specific options.

Brandon Chapel, bicycle brand manager at Michelin North America, said, “Michelin’s history with cycling for more than 130 years is defined by innovations that continuously shape the future of the sport. The new Performance Line tires apply Michelin's expertise from our global racing DNA and relationships with professional teams to create well-balanced tires that meet the demands of everyday riding.”

Designed for the requirements of E-Mountain Bikes, the E-Wild Performance Line adapts technologies from Michelin's Racing Line for daily use.

Key features of the E-Wild range include:

• Gum-X and Magi-X compounds: Used to balance grip and tyre longevity.
• Protection: Anti-pinch and anti-puncture layers to ensure casing durability.
• Reinforcements: Low-pressure reinforcements that allow riders to adjust air pressure for traction.

The E-Wild Performance Line is available in 29-inch and 27.5-inch sizes for both front and rear applications.

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