Pirelli Declares Independence from Chinese Control

Pirelli Declares Independence from Chinese Control

Italian tyre maker Pirelli announced that Chinese state chemical giant Sinochem’s control over the company has ended.

The board majority approved the end of Sinochem's control, with 9 out of 15 directors voting in favour, citing international accounting standards. Chairman Jiao Jian and four other Chinese directors cast the five dissenting votes, while another director abstained.

“The decision regarding the absence of control of the shareholder Sinochem represents a first, but not decisive, step on the path to the necessary adjustment of company governance to regulatory constraints in the USA," the company said in a statement.

Pirelli, a key player in the high-value tyre segment, noted that the USA is crucial for developing and distributing its Cyber Tyre technology.

The company also declared its financial results for 2024. Pirelli's 2024 consolidated net profit rose 1% to €501.1 million, compared with €495.9 million in 2023. Revenue increased by 1.9% to €6,773.3 million.

The company's adjusted EBIT margin improved to 15.7 percent of sales from 15.1 percent in 2023, while the EBITDA adjusted margin rose to 22.4 percent from 21.7 percent.

Pirelli confirmed its 2025 targets despite a "high level of uncertainty surrounding US tariffs" and said it has defined a mitigation plan should the announced measures come into effect.

The company's net financial debt position decreased to €1,925.8 million at the end of 2024, down from €2,261.7 million a year earlier

Michelin Launches Anakee Adventure 2 Tyre For Trail Motorcycle Segment

Michelin Launches Anakee Adventure 2 Tyre For Trail Motorcycle Segment

Michelin has launched the new Anakee Adventure 2, a tyre aimed at the Trail motorcycle segment and engineered to deliver safety, pleasure and freedom for the modern rider. This product is a strategic pillar in the company's global vision for the Trail category, designed for those who navigate daily commutes but live for the spirit of exploration.

The MICHELIN Anakee Adventure 2 is developed for predominantly road-based use while retaining confident off-road capability. It meets the needs of discerning riders who demand safety in everyday conditions alongside the ability to spontaneously explore beyond paved surfaces. The tyre promises enhanced wet grip through advanced silica-based compounds and offers improved longevity, with significant increases in mileage over its predecessor. It also provides superior riding comfort through reduced noise perception, leading to less fatigue. Its versatility is confirmed by an M+S marking and a tread pattern optimised for effective traction on varied terrain.

These benefits are achieved through Michelin's latest technologies, including a dual-compound construction for durability and grip, reinforced casing architecture for stability and comfort, and a new tread design that balances on-road refinement with loose-surface traction. The tyre also features a premium sidewall design to complement the aesthetic of modern adventure motorcycles. It is available for a comprehensive range of flagship models from manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, Ducati, Triumph and KTM.

This launch completes Michelin's strategic Trail portfolio, which ranges from purely road-focused tyres to those with off-road bias. The introduction of the Anakee Adventure 2 is a key component of Michelin's broader ambition to become a leading force in the Trail segment by 2030. This strategy is built upon strengthening brand image through motorsport heritage, fostering a dedicated rider community via engagement initiatives, and expanding original equipment partnerships with major motorcycle manufacturers. The MICHELIN Anakee Adventure 2 is available globally through authorised dealers.

Michelin Returns To Elite Cycling With Team Picnic PostNL

Michelin Returns To Elite Cycling With Team Picnic PostNL

Michelin will join Team Picnic PostNL as an official technical partner from 2026 onwards, signalling the tyre manufacturer's high-profile return to elite road racing. This alliance is founded on a shared drive to expand performance boundaries through dedicated innovation. Rather than a mere supply agreement, the collaboration entails a deep technical union between the brand’s engineers and the team’s performance specialists. The primary goal is to validate Michelin tyre capabilities under the most demanding race conditions and to jointly pioneer next-generation technologies.

Team Picnic PostNL, a leading World Tour squad with men’s, women’s and development rosters, will exclusively race on state-of-the-art tyres co-developed with Michelin, set to debut in competition this coming February. This partnership embodies a modern and ambitious sporting vision, uniting both entities under core values of elite performance and innovation. Data and feedback gathered across all racing programmes will fuel a continuous cycle of optimisation, aimed at propelling the team to the podium while simultaneously accelerating the development of future consumer tyre products.

For Michelin, this venture integrates competition directly into its global innovation strategy, using the rigours of world-class cycling as a dynamic proving ground and beacon for technological advancement.

Vincent Ledieu, Director – Cycling Programme, Michelin, said, “By partnering with Team Picnic PostNL, Michelin is showing its support for the world of top-level road cycling. Working closely with the riders and the whole team allows us to better understand the demands of competing at the highest level. This partnership allows us to continue to develop innovative tire technologies while supporting Team Picnic PostNL's ambitions in World Tour competition.”

Piet Rooijakkers, Team Picnic PostNL's R&D expert, said, “Our partnership with Michelin allows us to have very high-quality equipment that is perfectly suited to the demands of the World Tour. By working closely with their engineers, we quickly turn user feedback and performance data into actionable improvements. This process of continuous learning and optimisation is essential for Team Picnic PostNL, and we see this collaboration as an important step in pushing performance to the next level.”

Toyo Tires Secures CDP ‘A List’ Recognition For Actions Against Climate Change

Toyo Tires Secures CDP ‘A List’ Recognition For Actions Against Climate Change

Toyo Tires has made its way to the annual A-List of CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts. This premier recognition, awarded for the first time to the company in the 2025 evaluation, reflects the company’s comprehensive decarbonisation efforts, which include validated science-based targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards renewable energy at its production sites. CDP’s annual assessment is a key benchmark for corporate sustainability across climate, water and forests.

The assessment also highlighted Toyo Tires' commitment to transparency, as verified by independent third-party data reviews. Viewing its business activities as intrinsically connected to society and the future, the Toyo Tires Group treats reducing environmental impact as a top operational priority.

Moving forward, the company is dedicated to advancing decarbonization across all its manufacturing processes and broader supply chain, aiming to support a sustainable global society.

Apollo Tyres Expands Vredestein Gravel Tyre Range With Aventura Core Series

Apollo Tyres Expands Vredestein Gravel Tyre Range With Aventura Core Series

Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new and more affordable range of gravel tyres under the Vredestein Aventura Core Series. This new-generation family consists of three distinct models: the Aventura Seta Core, Aventura Core and Aventura Grezzo Core. Engineered in Europe, these tyres are built for enhanced durability and dependable performance across diverse surfaces, offering riders a cost-effective upgrade for adventure biking.

The series is constructed around a streamlined Core platform, which incorporates a robust 60 TPI casing for increased puncture resistance and stable handling on uneven terrain. While utilising the proven tread patterns of existing Vredestein gravel tyres, this refined construction delivers high-end capability at a more accessible price point.

Each model is tailored for specific riding conditions. The Aventura Seta Core is designed for speed, with a race-optimised tread for fast rolling on asphalt and high-speed gravel, complemented by shoulder knobs for technical cornering. For versatile, everyday use, the Aventura Core offers a balanced blend of rolling efficiency and predictable grip across tarmac, hardpack and gravel roads. Finally, the Aventura Grezzo Core provides confidence on loose and rugged terrain, featuring an aggressive tread for enhanced traction in sand and soft surfaces, while its chained centre tread maintains efficiency on harder ground.

The Aventura Core Series will be available starting 1 February 2026. The Aventura Seta Core comes in 40, 45 and 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Core is offered in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Grezzo Core is available in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. Colour options include black/black and black/transparent sidewalls.

Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Aventura Core Series marks an important expansion of our gravel offering within the Vredestein range. By introducing three purpose-designed tyres built on a shared durable foundation, we can better support riders across the full spectrum of gravel terrain – from high-speed racing to off-road exploration and everyday mixed-surface riding.”