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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Pirelli has achieved a historic electric vehicle lap record at the Nürburgring, courtesy of its P Zero Trofeo RS semi-slick tyres fitted to a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit. The car demolished the traditional seven-minute barrier by posting 6:55 minutes, outperforming all other production electric vehicles on the punishing circuit. A bespoke tyre version delivered decisive extra grip. This result marked a major improvement over the 2023 benchmark of 7:07.5 set by the Taycan Turbo GT Weissach. The rubber also features Pirelli Elect technology, designed to boost electrified vehicle dynamics.

The latest Nürburgring triumph cements the P Zero Trofeo RS as the definitive track tyre. Originally created as original equipment for hypercars and supercars, including custom variants for the Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 RS, it has now entered the replacement market. This move brings Pirelli’s expertise from premium fitments directly to customers. Intended for drivers who demand ultra-high performance, the tyre also carries road homologation despite its track-focused design.

Developed specifically for the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit, this tyre is the first production model made with over 50 percent certified bio-based and recycled materials to contribute to a Nürburgring record. A dedicated logo on the sidewall identifies this composition. The natural rubber used holds Forest Stewardship Council certification, ensuring responsible supply chain management.

The P Zero Trofeo RS has recently earned top recognition from Tyre Reviews as the finest among the fastest tyres globally, citing dry grip and consistency. Auto Bild Sportscars also gave an exemplary rating after comparing five road-legal semi-slick tyres. Since its debut, the tyre has accumulated multiple records on the German circuit, including three in 2025: the electric vehicle lap record, the first 7:30 time for compact cars and the fastest touring car record.

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DUNLOP (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.) will present a dedicated exhibit at the Automotive Testing Expo Europe 2026, scheduled from 23 to 25 June in Stuttgart, Germany. The showcase is organised by UKIP Media & Events Ltd.

At booth number 1474 in Hall 1 of Messe Stuttgart, the company will feature its proprietary SENSING CORE software. This technology detects tyre and road surface conditions without extra sensors by analysing wheel speed rotation data and Controller Area Network (CAN) vehicle transmissions. Key detections include tyre pressure, load, wear, road conditions and wheel detachment.

The display will highlight use cases for mobility challenges under five themes: autonomous driving, smart navigation, one-stop maintenance with insurance optimisation, smart infrastructure and digital twin. SENSING CORE supports software-defined vehicle advancement and autonomous driving, fostering partner collaboration for the evolving automotive industry.

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Radar Tyres, the flagship brand of Singapore headquartered Omni United, has announced that its Radar RED (Radar Elite Dealer) programme now includes more than 1,000 dealers across Europe. The initiative provides participating tyre retailers with exclusive incentives, brand visibility support, product training and a dedicated platform aimed at fostering long-term business growth.

The European dealer network expansion has been carried out in stages. The first phase launched in Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Portugal. An enhanced phase followed last year in UK, Spain, Italy, France and Germany, with the programme now also being introduced in Poland. Reaching the 1,000‑dealer mark represents a significant step in the programme’s regional development.

Radar Tyres’ European strategy emphasises close collaboration with local distributors and dealers rather than focusing solely on end consumers. The company recognises tyre professionals as key advisors who help drivers select products based on vehicle manufacturer guidelines, driving conditions and budget. Depending on the market and programme level, Radar RED offers point‑of‑sale materials, online visibility through a dealer locator, product training, staff tyre benefits, structured rewards and access to select Radar Protect Program benefits such as Road Hazard Protection and the 30‑day Satisfaction Promise.

To support the next phase, Radar Tyres has introduced dedicated Network Managers in selected markets and posted new dealer testimonial videos on the RED landing page. In those videos, participating dealers share how the programme supports daily business operations, customer confidence and long‑term relationships.

G S Sareen, CEO, Omni United, said, "Reaching more than 1,000 Radar RED dealers across Europe is a proud moment for us. While the number itself is an important milestone, what matters most is the trust and commitment we have built with our dealer partners over the years. The success of Radar RED is driven by dealers who believe in the brand, understand their customers' needs and see long-term value in growing their business with Radar Tyres.

“As the network continues to expand, our goal is to keep strengthening these relationships and create more opportunities for dealers to connect, share experiences and learn from one another. We look forward to bringing the RED community together through new initiatives, partnerships and events, not only across Europe but also with RED dealers in other markets around the world.

“Tyre dealers play a central role in the purchase decision. They know their customers, they understand local driving needs and they can explain product value in a practical and trusted way. Through the Radar RED programme, we are supporting the dealers in building the brand at a local level and building stronger relationships with their own customers.”

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Giti Tire has broken into the top tier of the global tyre industry, securing the eighth position on the Brand Finance Tyres 25 2026 ranking. The annual financial report also crowned the manufacturer as the world’s fastest-growing tyre brand, a distinction driven by a remarkable 37.7 percent surge in brand value. This financial lift brought the company’s valuation to USD 1.47 billion, pushing it one spot higher in the global order and signalling a sharp increase in its competitive clout.

Analysts at Brand Finance pointed to a trio of strategic priorities behind the company’s ascent: relentless innovation, advanced tyre engineering and deliberate worldwide expansion. Over the last 12 months, the tyre maker has solidified its hold on both original equipment and replacement markets while tailoring a new product family for the booming electric vehicle sector. A standout technical achievement came through a partnership with BYD’s luxury Yangwang division, where Giti’s Sport e.GTR2 Pro tyres helped the Yangwang U9 hit several high-speed performance milestones, directly challenging traditional premium brands in the EV and high-performance arenas.

The company’s physical footprint now includes five manufacturing plants and five R&D and testing hubs, distributing goods to more than 130 countries. Heavy investment continues in the AdvanZtech and T5 Smart Technology platforms, which are designed to produce next-generation tyres for passenger cars, commercial fleets and electric vehicles. That industrial reach is matched by a retail network of over 100,000 professional outlets worldwide, a logistical asset that Brand Finance cited as a key enabler of the brand’s rapid global service delivery and market penetration.

Giti’s new standing places it alongside industry titans such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Dunlop, Pirelli and Yokohama. Beyond the ranking itself, the fastest-growing tyre brand title reflects mounting recognition from carmakers, business partners and consumers alike. As the mobility sector undergoes electrification, digital shifts and sustainability demands, Giti continues to channel resources into modern tyre solutions, aiming to cement its status among the world’s tyre industry leaders.

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