
Shandong Linglong Tire Company and Safe-Run Smart Manufacturing Company signed a strategic cooperation agreement on smart manufacturing. According to the agreement, both parties will work together on scientific and technological innovation, smart manufacturing and logistics automation.
Linglong Chairman Wang Feng and Safe-Run Chairman Zhang Yingzi attended this signing ceremony together with their management team. Deng Yali, President of China Rubber Industry Association, also attended the ceremony online.
Linglong Tire, leading China-based tyre manufacturer with global presence, has been over the years implementing smart technology to achieve higher excellence in product development.
Safe-Run, leading smart manufacturer of high-end equipment in China’s tyre Industry, is currently one of the top global suppliers of uni-stage tyre building machines, and one-stop service provider for smart logistics and smart factories.
“As the world's first-class high-end smart equipment manufacturer and integrated engineering solution provider, the products of Safe-Run can meet the most stringent requirements of Linglong R&D, manufacturing and other aspects,” said Wang Feng. Linglong Tire will work together with Safe-Run in aspects of standardisation, digitisation, automation, intelligence to achieve top-level smart manufacturing position in the industry.
Zhang Yingzi said: “As the future star of China's top manufacturer of high-end equipment, logistics automation, and smart factory, Safe-Run has become an important partner of Linglong Tire. It has been providing the high-end intelligent products with excellent technical and quality as well as quick after-sales service to Linglong Tire over the years. With excellent technology, product quality, innovation ability and delivery performance, Safe-Run fully meets the supply-demand of Linglong Tire.
Deng Yali said, "Linglong and Safe-Run make a powerful combination to develop deep integration in the field of smart logistics, smart equipment, engineering management, and market development. It certainly will become an important motive for new development in the new year.”
Smithers Earns ISO 17025 Accreditation For Texas Proving Ground
- By TT News
- July 13, 2025

Smithers, a renowned provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, has announced that its proving ground at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas, has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation.
Operated on behalf of Discount Tyre, the facility’s accredited scope currently covers wet grip testing and tyre buffing, with plans to expand accreditation to include rolling resistance and pass-by-noise testing. The site boasts diverse paved and off-road test surfaces for comprehensive tyre performance validation. Additionally, it complies with UNECE Regulation No. 117 for Wet Grip and Pass-by Noise standards. This accreditation underscores Smithers' commitment to delivering high-quality testing services in the tyre industry.
Sean Connolly, Director of Test Track Operations at Smithers Winter Test Centre/Pearsall Test Track, said, “The tyre industry is currently focused on a variety of sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the rate of tread wear to extend the life of the tyre. Understanding tyre performance at varying levels of tread wear is critical for tyre manufacturers looking to get the most out of their designs.”
Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division, North America, said, “We’re incredibly proud that our existing processes and procedures meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation. Accurate data, on time, is central of the Smithers promise on a global scale, and we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations with exceptional service as well.”
Michelin Launches Maiden Experience Store In Nashik, It’s Biggest Facility In India
- By TT News
- July 12, 2025

Michelin, a leading tyre technology company, has launched its first Michelin Experience Store in India, in partnership with Bharat Tyres. The facility spread across 25,000 sqft is located in Adgaon on the Mumbai-Agra highway, Nashik and is Michelin’s largest store in the country.
It is designed not only to provide a premium experience, but also showcases the company’s global legacy through the Michelin Wall. Customers will also be to experience the Heritage Wall that visualise the heritage of both Michelin and its local dealership partner.
The Michelin Experience Store also has a Display Zone that showcases Michelin’s innovations in electric mobility, materials science and environmental responsibility.
The dealership also includes service areas for cars and trucks, PPF coating, precision wheel alignment, advanced balancing services, innovative puncture repair solutions, professional car detailing and a wide array of car accessories.
Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are proud to unveil Michelin’s first Experience Centre in India. The sole purpose of this store is to go beyond traditional tyre retail and provide customers an immersive experience of the brand, of our dealer partners and of the technological prowess of our tyre solutions that are safe and sustainable. Nashik, a key hub with growing premium vehicle ownership, is the first of many such centres that will further strengthen our footprint in the western region while providing state-of-the-art experience and services to evolving customers.”
Finnish Olympic Champion Sami Jauhojärvi Is Radar Tyres’ Official Brand Ambassador
- By TT News
- July 12, 2025
Radar Tyres, the flagship brand of Omni United, has appointed Sami Jauhojärvi, Olympic gold medallist and one of Finland’s most celebrated cross-country skiers, as its official brand ambassador.
Jauhojärvi's sporting excellence – built on resilience, performance and a profound connection with nature – mirrors Radar Tyres' commitment to delivering premium-quality tyres across all seasons and terrains at accessible prices. The brand's comprehensive range includes Summer, All Season, Winter and specialist Ice tyres, designed to meet diverse driving needs with reliable performance.
This collaboration represents a strategic alignment as Radar Tyres expands its European and UK presence. Jauhojärvi will serve as brand ambassador, featuring in marketing campaigns, digital initiatives and local events while sharing his expertise to support Radar Tyres' mission of making high-performance tyres available to all drivers.
G S Sareen, Founder and CEO of Omni United, said, “We’re excited to welcome Sami to the Radar family. Sami’s authenticity, credibility and strong connection with his audience make him an ideal partner for us. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and performance – the same qualities we build into every Radar tyre. As we continue to grow our brand across Europe, partnerships like this play a key role in building deeper connections with consumers. We’re excited to build on this momentum with more such collaborations in the near future.”
Jauhojärvi said, “I am thrilled to represent Radar Tyres, a brand that has a remarkable mission to make premium quality and performance accessible to all and also has deep-rooted values of giving back to society via various initiatives it has undertaken over the years such as supporting breast cancer research. I’m sincerely surprised about the performance and silence of my Radar Tyres and happy to deliver this feedback to all the people.”
- Kenda Tires
- Dan ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Vanden Heuvel
- Dan Vanden Heuvel
- The Flying Dutchman
- Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame
Kenda Tires Celebrates Dan Vanden Heuvel's Hall Of Fame Nomination
- By TT News
- July 12, 2025

Kenda Tires is celebrating Dan ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Vanden Heuvel's nomination to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, recognising his legendary 49-year career as both a champion racer and community leader.
Since entering his first race at age 15 in 1977 at Crandon International Raceway, Vanden Heuvel has become one of off-road racing's most respected figures. His aggressive driving style earned him 20+ Pro-Class wins, five Crandon World Championships and a PRO-2 title. As owner of Flying Dutchman Racing, he mentored numerous drivers including his son Mikey, who secured Kenda Tires' historic first PRO-2 victory.
Beyond competition, Vanden Heuvel's greatest impact comes from his tireless community work. He co-founded the Midwest Off-Road Racing Association, created the Short Course Kart Series for young racers and established the MORR Injured Driver Fund with his wife Nancy. His hands-on approach – from building tracks to mentoring drivers – has shaped generations of off-road enthusiasts.
Now as Kenda Tires' Product Display Manager, Vanden Heuvel continues supporting the sport, assisting drivers across multiple series while representing Kenda at events nationwide. His dedication embodies the brand's values of community and passion for motorsports.
The formal induction ceremony will be held on 2 November 2025 in Las Vegas. This honour celebrates not just Vanden Heuvel's remarkable racing achievements but his enduring legacy as an ambassador who has profoundly influenced off-road culture.
Brandon Stotsenburg, VP of Automotive Division, Kenda Tires USA, said, “Dan is more than a legend – he is a mentor, a servant-leader and the beating heart of the off-road community. He helped deliver Kenda’s first PRO championship and still shows up for others every single weekend. We are honoured to have him represent Kenda and even more proud to call him family.”
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