German specialty chemicals company Lanxess has reported its financial performance for Q1 CY2025, with EBITDA pre exceptionals climbing by 31.7 percent to EUR 133 million (from EUR 101 million in Q1 2024), which the company shared defied a weak global economic environment.

The positive performance was attributed to improved capacity utilisation and significant cost savings achieved through its ‘FORWARD!’ action plan.

While sales remained stable at EUR 1.601 billion, nearly matching the prior-year figure of EUR 1.607 billion, Lanxess noted increased sales volumes in most businesses, offset by lower sales prices.

Matthias Zachert, Chairman of the Board of Management, Lanxess, said, “We have made a solid start to the new fiscal year – despite all the adversities in the economic and geopolitical environment. Our more efficient positioning and improved cost situation are now paying off.”

He also acknowledged the escalating geopolitical and economic uncertainties, including the new U.S. government trade policy, which he believes further challenges businesses.

Net income for the first quarter of 2025 showed improvement, recording a loss of EUR 57 million compared to a loss of EUR 98 million in the same period last year.

Lanxess has reaffirmed its guidance for the full 2025 fiscal year, anticipating EBITDA pre exceptionals to be between EUR 600 and EUR 650 million. For the second quarter of 2025, the company expects an increase in earnings compared to Q1 2025, though a decline is projected when compared to Q2 2024, primarily due to the divestment of its Urethane Systems business.

The German company has also completed the sale of its Urethane Systems business to Japan’s UBE Corporation on 1 April 2025. This transaction marks the final step in the company’s strategic portfolio transformation, shifting its focus entirely to specialty chemicals and divesting its last remaining polymer business. Proceeds from the sale will be utilised to redeem a EUR 500 million benchmark bond due in May 2025 and further reduce company debt.

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Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian Tyres said it would cut 80 permanent positions and temporarily lay off about 650 workers as part of measures to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.

The company has begun personnel negotiations affecting roughly 1,700 permanent white-collar positions across its global operations, including group functions and all business units.

The temporary layoffs will affect blue-collar and white-collar staff at passenger car and heavy tyre production facilities in Nokia, Finland, for up to 90 days per person. These measures could be implemented by the end of 2026.

The permanent job cuts, targeting white-collar roles, may take effect by late 2025, the company said.

Nokian Tyres employed approximately 4,400 people worldwide at the end of September, with 2,045 staff based in Finland.

The negotiations will commence immediately in line with local labour legislation in each country where the company operates.

The announcement comes as tyre manufacturers face pressure from volatile raw material costs and shifting demand patterns in key markets.

Nokian Tyres, known for its winter tyres and premium products, has been restructuring its operations following geopolitical challenges that affected its Russian production and sales.

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Capitalising on a period of significant growth, Nexen Tire is strategically introducing two new passenger tyres, the N’Priz S and the N’Fera Sport, through a comprehensive two-stage launch. This initiative represents one of the company's most substantial product introductions, designed to engage key audiences from media to consumers through immersive, hands-on experiences.

The launch commenced earlier this fall with an exclusive Ride N’ Drive event at the Illinois Autobahn Country Club. There, participants had the opportunity to personally evaluate the new tyres across a variety of driving conditions, including autocross challenges and highway simulations. This direct testing allowed them to assess critical performance attributes such as handling and comfort while also facilitating valuable interaction with Nexen’s own engineering and product development teams.

The campaign now advances to a broader stage, moving to the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Nexen Tire America will host an extensive activation featuring a 240-foot booth where the N’Priz S and N’Fera Sport will be prominently displayed. The exhibit will include original equipment vehicles, motorsports trucks competing on Nexen tires and a dynamic schedule of live discussions with company leadership, technical experts and brand partners on the specially created Nexen Live stage. This platform will also serve to showcase the brand's latest progress in areas like tyre design simulation and electric vehicle development.

These two tyres are engineered to meet the distinct needs of different drivers, thereby broadening Nexen’s market reach. The N’Priz S is a grand-touring all-season tyre that is also EV-compatible, focusing on delivering a quiet, comfortable ride and reliable traction for daily commuting and long-distance travel. It incorporates advanced AI performance prediction and virtual simulation technology to optimise tread design and reduce cabin noise, alongside a specialised rubber compound aimed at enhancing tread longevity and overall efficiency.

In contrast, the N’Fera Sport is an ultra-high-performance summer tyre built for drivers seeking precision steering response and superior control in warm conditions. Its design prioritises direct feedback, confident wet-road braking and stability while still maintaining usability for spirited street driving. The N’Fera Sport is scheduled to arrive at dealers this fall, with the N’Priz S following in early 2026. Together, these launches underscore Nexen’s commitment to technological innovation and creating meaningful connections with the driving public.

Brian YoonSeok Han, CEO, Nexen Tire America, said, “Nexen Tire’s growth in the US is being fuelled by innovation and experience. We wanted people to feel what sets these new tyres apart, including how they handle, how they perform and how they represent our continued commitment to excellence. Ride N’ Drive gave us that direct connection with our partners, and now SEMA allows us to share that story on a global stage.”

Theresa Kapper, Director of Marketing for Nexen Tire America, said, “Launching the N’Priz S and N’Fera Sport through both Ride N' Drive and SEMA us to connect every piece of our story, from innovation and testing to excitement and scale. It’s about showing not only what these products can do, but what Nexen stands for as a brand. This rollout reflects the growth, energy and ambition driving Nexen Tire forward in the US market.”

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Pirelli has solidified its position as the premier all-season tyre manufacturer after being named the Best All Season Manufacturer of the Year by two authoritative German bodies: the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD) and the renowned publication, Auto Bild. This dual accolade is a direct result of the outstanding performance of the company's flagship SF3 range in rigorous 2025 comparative tests.

The Cinturato All Season SF3 for passenger cars and the Scorpion All Season SF3 for SUVs both achieved top honours in their respective categories in the AvD tests. Evaluations highlighted their exceptional balance, consistent safety across diverse conditions and overall driving comfort. The Cinturato model distinguished itself through superior braking on both dry and wet roads, responsive handling and strong resistance to aquaplaning. Its capabilities were further validated when AutoBild awarded it first place in a comprehensive test of 30 all-season tyres, praising its versatile and reliable nature. The magazine noted its exemplary, well-rounded performance, finding no weaknesses across wet, dry and snowy conditions. Similarly, the Scorpion All Season SF3, which shares its core technology with the Cinturato, set a new benchmark for SUVs by excelling in traction, safety on all surfaces and braking performance.

These recent victories build upon a legacy of technical achievement for Pirelli’s all-season range. The development of these tyres leverages advanced virtual modelling, next-generation compound materials, and innovative adaptive tread patterns featuring 3D sipes. This sophisticated engineering ensures consistent grip and safety throughout the tyre’s entire lifespan. The technological prowess of the Cinturato All Season SF3 is formally recognised with a European Label ‘A’ rating for wet braking and a TÜV SÜD Performance Mark certification. It has also been honoured by Dekra for its cumulative braking performance across different surfaces. Designed as an evolution for SUVs, the Scorpion All Season SF3 also boasts an ‘A’ wet grip rating and impressive Dekra test results.

Both the Cinturato and Scorpion All Season SF3 product lines are available in a wide array of sizes and include specific versions engineered for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. These specialised tyres incorporate Pirelli’s Elect and Noise Cancelling System technologies to meet the unique demands of silent-running cars. Furthermore, every tyre in the range carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, certifying its reliability and safety in winter conditions, thereby providing drivers with year-round confidence.

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Trinseo has won the prestigious ARN Award at the 2025 ARN Relatiedag in the Netherlands for its leadership in advancing sustainability within the end-of-life vehicle sector. Johan Koopmans, Sustainable Feedstock Sourcing Manager of SBS, accepted the award on the company's behalf.

This accolade was earned through several key collaborative initiatives with ARN, driven by Koopmans and Ben Porter, Sustainability Business Development Manager of SBS. Their work included supporting projects to dismantle automotive lighting, which enabled the recovery of valuable materials like polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate. The company also conducted advanced recycling trials to improve the separation and processing of complex plastic mixtures.

Further initiatives involved exploring potential recovery methods for scooter and motorcycle windshields, and actively contributing to policy discussions by sharing expertise on the proposed revisions to the European End-of-Life Vehicle directive. The ARN Award ultimately underscores Trinseo's dedicated role in fostering innovation and promoting a more circular future for materials used in mobility.

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