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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German chemical group WACKER has announced a price increase of up to 15 percent for its resins, dispersions and dispersible polymer powders produced at its European and US facilities. The adjustment takes effect on 1 June 2026, or as existing customer contracts permit. The move is designed to allow the company’s Polymers division to maintain high product quality, deliver technological innovations and provide superior customer service and technical support. It will also support investments aimed at securing future growth in key markets.

Rising costs for raw materials and logistics have forced the pricing measure, with the Polymers division being particularly affected. The recent conflict in the Middle East has caused significant disruptions across global commodity markets. As a direct result, prices for energy, raw materials and transportation have climbed sharply.

Despite the increase, WACKER remains focused on sustaining its commitment to customer support and long-term capability. The company underscored that the adjustment is necessary to continue meeting market demands while ensuring operational stability and future-oriented development across its focus markets.

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Pirelli North America has launched its first closed-loop circular recycling initiative, marking a significant step in the company’s broader strategy to increase recycled and bio‑based content in its tyre production. The project has received the Tire Recycling Foundation’s Value Chain Collaboration Award.

The programme recovers scrap tyres generated during Pirelli’s own North American manufacturing process. These materials are sent to Bolder Industries, which applies ISCC PLUS‑certified pyrolysis technology to produce BolderBlack recovered carbon black. Pirelli then reintroduces this material into new tyre production at its North American facilities, partially replacing virgin carbon black. The effort is part of a wider Pirelli plan to expand such industrial ecosystems across the group’s production network, aiming to valorise waste by reintegrating recovered materials into tyre manufacturing.

Beyond the award, the initiative reflects Pirelli’s broader circularity approach, which includes ongoing work to boost recycled and bio‑based material usage. The company targets over 80 percent bio‑based and recycled content in its best‑performing products and forty percent in total production by 2030.

Claudio Zanardo, CEO, Pirelli North America, said, "The Rome plant is one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing facilities in Pirelli. This initiative reflects an approach focused on increasing the use of recovered materials within existing production processes. It is part of a broader effort to gradually integrate raw materials derived from recycled resources into our products while maintaining consistency in performance and quality."

Tony Wibbeler, CEO, Bolder Industries, said, "Our collaboration demonstrates that a traceable, mass-balance approach to tyre-to-tyre circularity is not only achievable, but it's ready to scale inside a premium manufacturing environment, meeting real performance and certification requirements at every step. This is the kind of progress the industry has been working toward for many years."

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Sun Auto Network has expanded its national footprint by acquiring Quality Tire & Auto in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The transaction officially closed on 11 May, adding the store to the company’s growing portfolio. This acquisition represents Sun Auto’s third location in the state, reinforcing its regional presence along key transportation arteries in Middle Tennessee.

The Murfreesboro acquisition is part of a broader expansion strategy that has added more than 40 new locations this year through both purchases and new builds. Joining the network provides the shop with enhanced operational support, connected technology and customer-focused service tools. These resources are designed to strengthen the in-store customer experience and support long-term market growth across the Southeast.

The Murfreesboro location delivers complete automotive repair and tyre services, featuring leading tyre brands with a price match guarantee. Additional services include alignments, brakes, oil changes, batteries, diagnostics and preventative maintenance. This addition further improves the network’s connectivity throughout the region.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President Operations, said, "Tennessee continues to be an important growth market for our network. Adding Quality Tire & Auto allows us to expand Sun Auto's reach while continuing to deliver the trusted service and customer experience drivers expect."

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Sailun Tyre Europe has confirmed a new partnership with the Minrath Gruppe, a major automotive retail and service provider operating in Germany’s Lower Rhine region. The agreement sees the tyre manufacturer supplying its full product range to support Minrath’s growing replacement tyre and complete wheel business.

Minrath operates 14 dealerships and service locations, representing brands including Audi, BYD, Cupra, MG, Seat, Škoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Under the partnership, Sailun will provide its Smart Performance tyre solutions for vehicles powered by electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel drivetrains, encompassing summer, winter and all-season tyres. Special attention has been given to the Sailun 4Seasons Ultra, which earned an ‘AutoBild Approved’ rating and a ‘Good’ result in AutoBild’s tyre test for size 225/40 R18.

The collaboration combines Minrath’s multi-brand expertise with Sailun’s tyre technology. Both companies have expressed anticipation for a successful working relationship, aiming to deliver reliable tyre solutions to more customers across the region.

Borusiak Thomas, Managing Director, Autohaus Minrath GmbH & Co. KG, said, “Sailun’s ‘Smart Performance’ concept and the demonstration of the tyres won us over straight away. The value for money, proven quality and wide range that we can pass on to our customers further strengthens our position in the region.”

Harry Wang, General Manager, Sailun Group Europe, said, “We are extremely proud that the quality of our tyres and our brand philosophy have convinced the professionals at Minrath Group.”

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