Pirelli has launched the fifth generation of its iconic P Zero ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre, the flagship model of the P Zero range.

Thanks to enhanced handling, as demonstrated by track tests on both dry and wet roads, and shorter stopping distances, the P Zero has two main advantages: superior performance and safety. The European wet grip label has given the new tyre an ‘A’ rating since its introduction. In order to improve cornering grip, the contact patch and grooves were updated as part of the development approach, which concentrated on the tread design and tyre structure. To guarantee constant performance over the course of the tyre's life cycle, a more balanced contact patch enhances both braking performance and wear rate. New designs with contrasting marks on the sidewall make the new P Zero visually stand out as well.

With more than 50 models now on the market, the fifth-generation P Zero tyre is available in sizes ranging from 18 to 23 inches. Together with the other P Zero family tyres, these offer comprehensive coverage for the premium and prestige market in all application types. The majority of the new lineup includes Pirelli's specialties, such as Elect, a technology package for electric and plug-in hybrid cars that uses solutions made especially to manage high torque and cut down on noise, increasing range by up to 10 percent because of decreased rolling resistance.

UHP products in the P Zero series are made for a variety of applications, such as track racing, electric vehicles and winter driving. Every driving demand is met by other members of the extended family in addition to this most recent P Zero. These include the P Zero R, which is made to optimise driving pleasure and sporting performance for high-performance cars and SUVs, and the P Zero E, which combines e-mobility and safety (as evidenced by the triple ‘A’ rating on the European tyre label) with a reduced environmental impact (thanks to the use of more than 55 percent natural or recycled materials). Pirelli's P Zero Trofeo RS, which is also approved for road usage, is designed for track driving. The range also includes the P Zero Winter 2 for wet or snowy surfaces.

Continental is running a promotional offer from 1 May to 31 May 2025 in which customers who purchase four Continental ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres will receive a USD 110 Continental Tire Prepaid Mastercard. Additionally, customers who pay for the four ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres using their Continental Tire Credit Card will earn an extra USD 90 Prepaid Mastercard, for a total refund of USD 200.

The ExtremeContact Sport02 is a ultra-high-performance tyre designed for passenger cars. With its SportPlus Technology, which offers quick handling, improved traction on wet roads and a prolonged tread life, this tyre is perfect for both the street and the racetrack. There are 77 sizes of the tyre available, with rim diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches. The industry-leading coverage offered by Continental Tire's Total Confidence Plan supports the ExtremeContact Sport02.

This is a complete package that includes road hazard coverage, emergency travel interruption coverage, a customer satisfaction trial, a limited warranty, flat tyre roadside assistance and a mileage warranty (if applicable). During a road trip, Continental will assist with qualified expenditures in the event of a mechanical breakdown (maximum benefit of USD 200.00 per day, with a maximum benefit of USD 500.00 per year). In order to qualify for the deal, tyres need to be bought all at once. Only valid between 1 May 2025 and 31 May 2025, or while supplies last, with a qualifying purchase made in the 50 United States, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Leading tyre manufacturer JK Tyre & Industries Ltd launched its ‘JK Tyre Steel Wheels’ in Farrukhnagar, Haryana, as part of its targeted expansion into rural India, focusing on places with a population of 100,000 or less.

The centre displays the whole line of JK Tyre products across all segments and is intended to serve as a one-stop shop for all tyre-related requirements. Best-in-market prices, industry-leading warranties and value-added services like wheel balance and tyre replacement are all available to customers. Notably, the business also provides non-truck tyres with a fast claim service. This retail growth is in line with JK Tyre's strategy goal of enhancing its last-mile presence and meeting the rapidly increasing demand in India's rural and semi-urban areas.

Over the following three months, the rural expansion initiative will be implemented in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana. Later this year, the programme will be expanded with a national rollout. Through strategic partnerships, JK Tyre is enabling local businesses to oversee and expand these centres in their areas as part of the rollout. These partnerships provide prospective entrepreneurs a chance to connect with JK Tyre's wide nationwide distribution network, encouraging independence, generating jobs locally and stimulating economic progress at the local level.

Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., said, "Our Rural expansion programme will help us to reach the interiors of the real Bharat that are economically vibrant but often under-served. We are not just building retail points; we are also enabling entrepreneurship and access. These centres will offer our full range of tyres and will act as vital touchpoints for our brand, delivering consistency, convenience and confidence to a fast-rising consumer base across India’s heartland.”

German tyre major Continental will shut down its tyre manufacturing plant in Alor Setar, Malaysia, by the end of 2025, affecting 950 workers.

The facility, which produces passenger cars, light truck tyres for the Asia Pacific market, and motorcycle tyres, has been operational since December 1979 and became a fully owned Continental subsidiary in May 2012.

Continental said the closure followed a comprehensive business review to safeguard its competitiveness in the Asia Pacific region. The company plans to optimise its product portfolio and manufacturing footprint in response to changing customer demand.

Despite the closure, the German tyre maker emphasised that Malaysia remains a key market in its Asia Pacific operations.

Continental will support affected employees, including career counselling, and help them find potential employment opportunities both within and outside the company, according to the statement.

The 133,000-square-metre manufacturing site is one of six Continental tyre plants in the Asia Pacific region. The company will continue to operate facilities in Hefei, China; Rayong, Thailand; Modipuram, India; Kalutara, Sri Lanka; and Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

NEXEN TIRE, the global tyre manufacturer, has reported exceptional financial performance for the first quarter of 2025, with revenues climbing to KRW 771.2 billion and operating profit reaching KRW 40.7 billion. The results represent a 13.7 percent year-on-year increase, setting a new quarterly record for the company and surpassing market expectations.

The South Korean tyre maker's strong showing comes despite ongoing industry challenges, with the company leveraging expanded production capacity and a focus on premium products to drive growth. The Czech plant's phase 2 expansion has significantly boosted output volumes, while increasing demand for larger 18-inch and above tyres has enhanced profit margins.

European operations emerged as the standout performer, generating KRW 316.5 billion in revenue—approximately 41 percent of NEXEN's global sales. The region has benefited from stable replacement tyre demand since late last year, with particular strength in seasonal products including winter and all-weather offerings.

"Despite continued exchange rate swings and uncertainties surrounding tariff policies, our long-term efforts in capacity expansion and brand building are now bearing fruit, allowing us to continue growing," said Travis Kang, Global CEO of NEXEN TIRE.

NEXEN's strategic supply of original equipment tyres to premium European automakers since 2016 has enhanced brand recognition, driving subsequent replacement tyre sales. Meanwhile, normalising freight rates have returned to comparable levels with the same quarter last year, helping reduce the company's freight-to-sales ratio despite persistently high raw material costs.

Looking ahead, the company plans to implement region-specific strategies to navigate economic volatility. In Europe, growth will centre around increased volume and expanded capacity, while the US operation will adopt flexible approaches to counter tariff measures. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly Japan and Australia, will see customer diversification efforts and enhanced local distribution.

NEXEN is also advancing a unified product strategy for both electric and conventional internal combustion vehicles, utilising artificial intelligence and virtual reality in its development processes. Recent in-house testing has validated the superior performance of its tyres across critical metrics including braking, noise reduction and ride comfort.

Kang added, "We will continue to strengthen our worldwide competitiveness by developing customer-focused product strategies and region-specific techniques."