Kumho ECSTA Sport Secures ‘Very Good’ Rating In Independent Summer Tyre Test

Kumho ECSTA Sport Secures ‘Very Good’ Rating In Independent Summer Tyre Test

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.”

STA Recognised As Southern Thailand's Revenue Leader, Driving Rubber Industry Transformation

STA Recognised As Southern Thailand's Revenue Leader, Driving Rubber Industry Transformation

Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) has been honoured with the ‘Highest Revenue Business – Southern Region’ award at the Prachachat Business Awards 2026. The recognition, presented during a ceremony at Paragon Hall in Bangkok on 28 May 2026, is based on performance metrics and tax contributions evaluated by Prachachat Business News, the Department of Business Development and Creden Asia Company.

This accolade underscores STA’s pivotal role in advancing Thailand’s natural rubber sector and its dedication to sustainable, stable growth. The company continues to enhance competitiveness and operational efficiency while generating value for stakeholders, including farmers, partners, employees and investors. Amid global industry shifts, STA is committed to raising domestic rubber standards and strengthening its international market position.

The organisation prioritises responsible supply chain management, transparency and strong corporate governance. By integrating digital platforms and artificial intelligence, STA is modernising data connectivity across its operations, facilitating the industry’s transformation into the digital age and ensuring long-term resilience.

Doublestar Showcases European-Specific Product Line At The Tire Cologne 2026

Doublestar Showcases European-Specific Product Line At The Tire Cologne 2026

Doublestar Tire showcased its European-market product portfolio at The Tire Cologne 2026, held in Germany from 9 to 11 June. The international exposition drew specialists from more than 100 countries and served as a venue for presenting sector-wide progress in sustainable manufacturing, intelligent production systems, and advanced material science. For Chinese tyre makers, the fair represents a strategic avenue into the European arena, and the company used this opportunity to reinforce its commercial momentum within the region.

Visitor interest at the manufacturer's stand remained high throughout the event, with many industry peers examining the aesthetic qualities and technical specifications of the displayed items. Product offerings fell into two principal categories, heavy-duty solutions and light-vehicle tyres, each engineered to satisfy distinct operational demands prevalent across European roads.

Among the commercial range, the DLD816 all-weather tyre emerged as a notable entry for extended haulage operations. Its construction incorporates cold-weather features and a reformulated rubber layer that extends operational lifespan, while closely spaced tread patterns furnish dependable grip under varied climatic circumstances. Stopping distance reductions on frozen surfaces received particular attention from logistics professionals.

The passenger side featured the DSU08 summer variant, which employs refined dynamic control architecture to harmonise acoustic comfort with responsive steering and durable construction. With a newly operational production facility in Cambodia complementing its European launch, the enterprise continues to cultivate its overseas standing through sustained client engagement and incremental market development.

Continental Displays Enhanced Tactical Tyre Portfolio At Eurosatory 2026

Continental Displays Enhanced Tactical Tyre Portfolio At Eurosatory 2026

Continental is showcasing an expanded military tyre portfolio at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, with exhibits on display in Hall 5B at Booth A197. The lineup addresses a broad spectrum of operational needs, ranging from lightweight off-road vehicles to heavy logistics trucks and tactical deployment units, with a focus on maintaining mobility across difficult terrain, extreme loads and high-speed conditions.

Trade visitors to the Continental stand can examine flagship products such as the SOT Traction for heavy tactical platforms, the HCS for medium tactical and logistics vehicles and the Grabber X3 for light off-road applications. Each tyre is engineered for dependable performance on soft ground and in rugged environments, while the company’s sales representatives remain on-site throughout the event for individualized consultations to match specific mission profiles with appropriate tyre solutions.

Tyres in this category are distinguished by specialised tread designs, reinforced load-bearing capacities and adjusted speed ratings, alongside rugged constructions that ensure reliability during off-road operations. Continental develops these products through close cooperation with global customers, including national armed forces and original equipment manufacturers, integrating real-world operational feedback into the design process.

The company is actively broadening its defence-oriented tyre range, with all models conforming to stringent international standards for durability, safety and performance under extreme conditions. Longstanding partnerships in the military sector inform continuous product refinement, incorporating direct input on performance requirements. Eurosatory, held biennially in Paris, serves as a premier global venue for defence and security technology, drawing manufacturers, suppliers, military leadership and international delegations.

Matthis Riekemann, Project Lead at Continental responsible for developing the company’s military tyre business, said, “Eurosatory provides the ideal platform to present our expanded tyre portfolio for military vehicles. With our extensive experience in the tyre industry, technological expertise and global presence, as well as our distribution and service network, we deliver advanced tyre solutions that are precisely tailored to our customers’ needs.”

Michelin Strengthens Rajasthan Footprint With New MTS Store In Bikaner

Michelin Strengthens Rajasthan Footprint With New MTS Store In Bikaner

Michelin has expanded its retail network in Rajasthan by opening a new Michelin Tyres & Services outlet in Bikaner. The facility results from a partnership with Bhagwati Tyres and is situated on Jaipur Road near the Khatu Shyam Temple. This location is intended to improve regional access to the company’s premium tyre products and advanced automotive care.

The 7,000-square-foot establishment functions as a contemporary mobility hub with customer-focused infrastructure. Shoppers can find high-end tyres for passenger cars and two-wheelers, while on-site technicians provide wheel alignment, balancing and nitrogen inflation. The official opening ceremony featured Annu Mehla, the North and East B2C regional sales head, alongside representatives from Bhagwati Tyres.

Bhagwati Motors Nokha Private Limited has operated in Rajasthan since 2006 and possesses more than 20 years of local market experience. The firm has made substantial investments in spacious retail spaces to elevate the tyre buying experience. Through its collaboration with Michelin, the enterprise seeks to offer tyre solutions that emphasise safety, longevity and strong performance, thereby aiding the region’s automotive sector.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “As mobility aspirations continue to evolve across India, we are seeing growing demand for premium products and high-quality automotive services beyond traditional metropolitan markets. Bikaner represents an important growth market for Michelin in Rajasthan, driven by increasing vehicle ownership and a rising appreciation for performance and safety. This expansion is aligned with our plans to introduce Made-in-India passenger car tyres, reinforcing our commitment to delivering globally benchmarked products tailored for Indian consumers.”