Peugeot Sport Partners With Point S For Team Peugeot TotalEnergies In FIA WEC

Peugeot Sport Partners With Point S For Team Peugeot TotalEnergies In FIA WEC

Peugeot Sport has entered into a partnership with Point S, a global leader in independent tyre and car maintenance services, for the Team Peugeot TotalEnergies Hypercar programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar and its surroundings will have the Point S emblem for the 2025 FIA WEC season as part of this new collaboration. This partnership demonstrates Peugeot Sport and Point S's shared dedication to driving innovation and producing outstanding results on and off the track.

The Qatar 1,812-km race kicks off the 2025 WEC season on 28 February at the Lusail International Circuit. The PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar will participate in the 6 Hours of Imola and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, two of the most renowned endurance events. Paul Di Resta, Loïc Duval, Malthe Jakobsen, Mikkel Jensen, Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Éric Vergne are among the team's seasoned drivers, who will represent Peugeot Sport's quest for greatness on the international scene.

Jean-Marc Finot, Senior Vice President of Stellantis Motorsport, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Point S as a key partner for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies. This partnership reflects a shared dedication to innovation, performance, sustainability and customer care both in Stellantis and Point S DNA. By joining forces, we will not only meet the challenges of modern motorsport but also create a lasting impact for our fans and customers alike.”

Fabien Bouquet, CEO, Point S International, said, “Our partnership with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies marks an exciting new chapter for Point S. By stepping into the world of endurance racing, we aim to align our expertise in automotive excellence with Peugeot Sport’s legendary status in motorsport. Together, we will demonstrate shared values of precision, innovation and performance, and we are excited to support Peugeot Sport as they push the limits of what’s possible on the track.”

Giti Advances Electric Mobility Strategy With GitiControl P10, GitiSynergy H2+ and GitiSport S2+

Giti Advances Electric Mobility Strategy With GitiControl P10, GitiSynergy H2+ and GitiSport S2+

Giti Tire has strengthened its response to electric mobility by securing original equipment deals with major automakers while overhauling product design for the unique strains of battery-powered cars. Engineers have focused on solving challenges such as increased curb weight, immediate power delivery and the need for exceptionally quiet cabins, which set EVs apart from traditional vehicles.

Several leading brands, including Volkswagen, BYD and BMW, now fit Giti rubber on next-generation models across European and Asian markets. The technical focus has centred on lowering rolling resistance, controlling tread wear and managing acoustics, all of which are critical for factory-approved EV tyres. A case in point is the GitiControl P10, chosen for the BYD Sealion 7, iCar 03 and Deepal S07. By reworking the tread pattern and compound, the P10 manages higher loads and torque while preserving range, grip and durability while reducing interior noise.

Meanwhile, the GitiSynergy family has proven itself through the H2 variant on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Europe, including during a Guinness World Record attempt that tested long-distance reliability. The upgraded H2+ version further refines energy efficiency and ride comfort to meet BMW’s standards for consistency and low noise. On the performance front, the GitiSport S2+ earned an ‘Exemplary’ rating from Auto Bild in its 2026 Summer Tyre Test, ranking near the top for braking, handling and grip under high torque and heavy vehicle loads.

Together, the P10, H2+ and S2+ cover touring, daily driving and high-performance EV segments. Through ongoing collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and continuous engineering advances, Giti Tire is building a reputation as a dependable supplier for the electric mobility era.

Bridgestone Launches UltraWeather Tyre As Successor To WeatherPeak Line

Bridgestone Launches UltraWeather Tyre As Successor To WeatherPeak Line

Bridgestone Americas has unveiled the new UltraWeather all-weather grand touring tyre aimed at drivers needing consistent grip on sedans, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks. The product replaces the outgoing WeatherPeak model and carries the three-peak mountain snowflake designation, confirming its ability to handle severe winter conditions. Through the application of ENLITEN technology, the tyre promises longer wear, lower fuel consumption due to reduced rolling resistance and dependable performance across every season.

Engineered for modern driving demands, the UltraWeather shows superior wet braking in internal evaluations, stopping four feet shorter than its predecessor and reducing hydroplaning risk via specialised grooves and shoulder slots. On snow, the tyre demonstrates a 14 percent shorter stopping distance compared to the Goodyear WeatherReady 2 while also outperforming both the Pirelli WeatherActive and the prior Bridgestone WeatherPeak by 10 percent. A proprietary PeakLife polymer and closed centre rib slots support the rubber’s longevity, backed by a 60,000-mile (approximately 96,560 km) limited warranty.

Additional ENLITEN benefits include noise-reducing structural design, rolling resistance improvements for better fuel economy and the use of renewable soybean oil in manufacturing. The tread pattern is precision-tuned to limit vibrations and road noise, contributing to a quieter, more comfortable ride for daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.

The UltraWeather is available in the market from 1 June 2026, initially in select sizes before expanding to a total of 61 options for 16- to 22-inch rims. Popular vehicle fitments include the Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Taos.

Dale Harrigle, Chief Engineer, Consumer Replacement Tire Development, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Our all-new UltraWeather grand touring tyre helps give drivers a new level of confidence, regardless of the day’s forecast. By integrating our ENLITEN technology, we’ve developed a tyre that delivers a remarkable balance of year-round reliable performance and sustainability elements, surpassing its predecessor.”

Birla Carbon Overhauls Organisational Structure Amid Shifting Global Demand

Birla Carbon Overhauls Organisational Structure Amid Shifting Global Demand

Birla Carbon has announced a series of organisational changes aimed at aligning with market trends, enhancing customer value and strengthening execution. The company is restructuring into three business units covering Asia, Americas and EMEA, and Specialty Materials.

Amit Kumar has been named President for the Asia rubber business, while John Davidson assumes the role of President for the Americas and EMEA rubber segment. Shashank Awasthi becomes President of Specialty Materials, overseeing global operations including speciality carbon blacks and Nanocyl for non-rubber markets. Zachary Combs takes on the role of Head of Global Technology, focusing on process and product development.

In parallel, Birla Carbon will continue evaluating its asset base in response to shifting demand, leveraging major expansions in Asia amid weaker demand in the Americas and Europe.

John Loudermilk, President & Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “The rapid pace of change today requires a nimble organisation, empowered to make quick decisions and act. These changes will enable Birla Carbon to further strengthen partnerships, drive innovation and create value for our customers.”

Hankook Lands Control Tyre Deal For Australia’s ‘APCES’ Endurance Championship

Hankook Lands Control Tyre Deal For Australia’s ‘APCES’ Endurance Championship

Hankook Tire has secured a new role as the Official Control Tyre Supplier for the 2026–2027 season of the Australian Production Car Endurance Series (APCES), following a partnership with the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC). The APCES is a newly launched endurance championship created by the ARDC and Motorsport Australia, designed to continue the country’s legacy of production car racing. The series will feature production-based vehicles competing across eight performance-based classes, labelled X, A1, A2, B1, B2, C, D and E.

Hankook will exclusively supply its Ventus TD (Z221) R-Spec tyres to all participating teams, working alongside official trackside supplier Gary’s Motorsport Tyres. The control tyre format, which equips every competing vehicle with identical tyre specifications and performance, is intended to provide consistent racing conditions throughout the championship. The semi-slick tyres feature an optimised tread pattern and advanced compound technologies, delivering strong dry grip, stable cornering, excellent braking and superior heat resistance even under prolonged high-speed driving.

The championship will begin its opening round at Sydney Motorsport Park on 30 and 31 May, with additional races scheduled at Sandown International Raceway in August and Queensland Raceway in September. The final round is set for March 2027 at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, as part of the iconic Bathurst 6 Hour endurance race. The overall series champion will be determined at that concluding event.

Hankook has already built a strong reputation in Australian endurance racing as the official tyre supplier for the Bathurst 6 Hour, and it continues to sponsor other local events including the First Focus Radical Cup Australia Series, the Precision National Sports Sedan Series and the Hyper Racer Hankook Australian Drivers’ Championship. Moving forward, the company plans to strengthen its global premium brand position by using racing data from extreme motorsports conditions, combined with its global innovation R&D infrastructure, to develop ultra-high-performance tyre technologies.