Kumho ECSTA Sport Secures ‘Very Good’ Rating In Independent Summer Tyre Test
- By TT News
- April 16, 2025
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.”
Discount Tire Offers Free Safety Checks Ahead Of National Tire Safety Week
- By TT News
- June 22, 2026
Discount Tire is launching complimentary tyre safety inspections across its network of more than 1,275 US locations in observance of National Tire Safety Week, scheduled from 29 June through 4 July 2026. The initiative comes just ahead of the busy Independence Day travel period, aiming to equip motorists with essential vehicle care before summer road trips.
Citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper inflation can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 11 cents per gallon and add nearly 5,000 miles to a tire’s usable life. To support safe driving, the company advises monthly pressure checks, particularly before extended journeys, since temperature fluctuations affect PSI levels and can compromise handling or cause irregular wear. A simple penny test – with Lincoln’s head fully visible indicating worn tread – along with rotations every 6,000 miles and verification of the tyre’s age via its DOT sidewall number, are among the key recommendations. Drivers seeking personalised options can utilise the Treadwell tool for tailored selections.
In partnership with the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, Discount Tire reinforces its year-round educational commitment, offering free tread, pressure and rotation services at both Discount Tire and America’s Tire stores. For those needing replacements, an instant savings promotion of up to USD 80 on select tyres and wheels runs from 30 June to 9 July. Appointments are available for all complimentary checks throughout the year.
Tom Williams, Chief Experience Officer, Discount Tire, said, "With household budgets under increasing pressure from rising costs, maintaining your tires is a practical way to save money while prioritizing safety,". "Whether families are traveling to a local event or embarking on a road trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, our technicians are committed to helping them prepare for safe, reliable journeys."
Tegeta Green Planet Honours Educators At ‘Education for a Green Future’ Closing Ceremony
- By TT News
- June 22, 2026
Tegeta Green Planet attended the closing ceremony and teachers' award presentation for the ‘Education for a Green Future’ project, hosted by the Environmental Information and Education Center under Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture as part of World Environment Day observances. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company conferred its own special awards upon three educators during the event.
The project aims to support preschool and primary school teachers who integrate environmental and agricultural educational resources into their teaching, making meaningful contributions to raising ecological awareness among children and young people. Nearly 150 educators participated in this year's competition, presenting diverse, creative and results-oriented environmental education projects.

Tegeta Green Planet has operated since 2022 as one of Georgia's first authorised Extended Producer Responsibility organisations, managing waste streams including used tyres, waste oils and batteries through collection, transportation and recycling in accordance with circular economy principles. The company recognised Ketevan Tskhvariashvili from Kakabeti Public Kindergarten No. 2, Darina Malatsidze from Mikeltskaro Public School and Sopio Gvelesiani from Kutaisi Public School No. 40.

Laptops were awarded to the winning educators as incentives. Supporting initiatives that strengthen environmental education and promote sustainable development values remains a key priority for the company. The long-running ‘Education for a Green Future’ project has consistently integrated environmental topics into schooling, uniting innovative teachers and proving that education serves as a fundamental foundation for environmental progress.

Birla Carbon To Showcase Regional Commitment And Sustainable Innovations At Expobor 2026
- By TT News
- June 22, 2026
Birla Carbon is reinforcing its dedication to South America’s evolving tyre and rubber sectors by merging worldwide innovation with localised production, technical proficiency and customer service. With a well-established history in Brazil and extensive experience across the continent, the company is strategically positioned to assist manufacturers in navigating present market challenges while simultaneously planning for future industry demands.
This fusion of regional insight and global research capabilities will be prominently featured at Expobor 2026. The event is scheduled from 23 to 25 June at São Paulo’s Expo Center Norte, where the corporation will occupy Booth 19004, offering attendees a direct look at its latest advancements.
As a dominant force in global carbon black production, Birla Carbon serves diverse sectors that depend on this critical material, ranging from tyres and rubber goods to specialty applications. Leveraging its regional production sites, a vast international research network and a comprehensive product lineup – which includes BC grades, Raven and Conductex blacks, Continua SCM and Nanocyl nanotubes – the firm ensures products are customised for local needs without compromising the consistency and excellence expected worldwide.
With rising customer emphasis on performance, dependable supply chains and ecological responsibility, Birla Carbon is advancing solutions like Continua SCM to facilitate the shift towards circular economies. This sustainable material can partially replace traditional carbon black in numerous industrial uses, aiding clients in meeting their environmental targets. By combining local roots with global reach and a strong sustainability ethos, the company remains a pillar for the long-term resilience and competitiveness of South America’s rubber industries, and its team at Expobor will be available to discuss these innovations further.
AZuR And Partners Drive Digital Product Passport Dialogue At NRW Forum
- By TT News
- June 22, 2026
AZuR participated as a cooperation partner for the tyre material flow at the conference ‘NRW can do DPP!’ held on 16 June 2026 at the Bottrop campus of Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences. Approximately 150 participants from industry, academia, associations and politics convened to exchange knowledge and discuss implementation strategies for the Digital Product Passport.
The strategic significance of the Digital Product Passport for North Rhine-Westphalia was underscored by Susanne Hagenkort-Rieger from the state's Ministry of Economic Affairs. She articulated that the circular economy has become a pivotal competitive factor for regional value creation and resource sovereignty, with digitalisation serving as the essential catalyst for unlocking efficiency potential.
European Commission Policy Officer Franziska Zibold detailed the DPP's role within the broader EU sustainability strategy and forthcoming regulatory obligations via live video. Thomas L Rödding of the CEN-CENELEC standardisation committee subsequently emphasised that standardised data structures and interoperable systems are fundamental to successful implementation.
Yorick Lowin of the German Federal Association of Tire Dealers presented the DPP's application in the tyre circular economy. Tyres were identified as an ideal use case due to their material complexity and diverse recycling streams. The digital passport can optimise used tyre sorting, streamline retreadable casing selection and support recycling by making manufacturer and production data accessible.
Lowin also raised concerns regarding data sovereignty and integration challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises, calling for neutral platforms accessible to all market players. For AZuR, the conference reaffirmed the DPP's importance for prolonging tyre lifecycles, enhancing recycling transparency and driving resource efficiency and climate protection across Europe.


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