Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. said Tuesday that it will sell a 22.5 percent stake in its Saudi Arabian joint venture, Petro Rabigh, to Saudi Aramco for about USD 702 million. The Japanese chemical maker will also waive a portion of its debt to Petro Rabigh, resulting in a non-recurring loss.

Subject to regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year ending 31 March 2026. After the sale, Sumitomo Chemical’s ownership in Petro Rabigh will drop to 15 percent from 37.5 percent, but it will maintain significant influence over the company.

To support Petro Rabigh’s financial position, Sumitomo Chemical and Saudi Aramco will contribute USD 702 million to the joint venture and waive a total of USD 1.5 billion in loans. Due to the debt waiver, Sumitomo Chemical expects to record a loss of about USD186 million in the second quarter of its fiscal year ending 31 March 2025.

The company said the transaction will not affect its financial forecast for the current fiscal year.

Petro Rabigh, a joint venture between Sumitomo Chemical and Saudi Aramco, is a major producer of refined petroleum products.

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Hankook has introduced its new Vantra Transit summer tyre, specifically engineered for transporters and small vans, reinforcing its light commercial vehicle (LCV) range. Designed to deliver high mileage, improved safety and reduced rolling resistance, the tyre is available in 32 sizes ranging from 13 to 17 inches, catering to a broad spectrum of delivery and utility vehicles.

Featuring an optimised tread design and wider footprint, the tyre improves wear resistance by up to 18 percent compared to its predecessor, ensuring extended service life. Its innovative tread compound reduces rolling resistance by 15 percent over conventional LCV tyres, lowering fuel consumption and operational costs for fleet operators. The reinforced carcass structure provides robust load-bearing capacity, making it ideal for fully laden vehicles.

Safety performance is elevated through Hankook's 3D GripControl sipes, which enhance wet-surface grip, reducing braking distances by nine percent and improving stability by 13 percent. These advancements make the Vantra Transit a reliable choice for commercial operators prioritising durability, cost efficiency and road safety in urban delivery environments.

The launch responds to the growing European demand for commercial vehicles under 7.5 tonnes, a segment that saw a 15 percent increase in 2024 due to the rapid expansion of last-mile delivery services. The Vantra Transit incorporates multiple technological advancements to meet the needs of this evolving market.

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With the Vantra Transit, we are expanding our range of light commercial vehicles and offering a high-performance solution for transport professionals. The tyre combines high mileage with safety and efficiency – crucial factors for commercial customers who rely on their vehicles on a daily basis and keep a close eye on operating costs.”

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Bandvulc has introduced a new size option for its fifth-generation Wastemaster tyre, now available in 315/70 dimensions with an enhanced load rating. Designed for urban waste collection vehicles and recycling centre operations, the Wastemaster 5 is engineered to withstand the demanding conditions of specialist waste-handling applications.

Developed, tested and manufactured at ContiLifeCycle's Ivybridge facility in Devon – a production hub for both Bandvulc and ContiRe retread tyres – the Wastemaster 5 addresses the unique challenges faced by waste management fleets. These tyres routinely encounter extreme wear factors, including sidewall abrasion from kerb contact, tread damage from embedded stones and chipping caused by rough terrain.

To enhance durability, the Wastemaster 5 incorporates Bandvulc's proprietary ARMORBAND technology, featuring a reinforced rubber layer along the mid-to-lower sidewall. This tapered protective band mitigates scrubbing damage and prolongs tyre life. The tread design further optimises performance with wide zig-zag grooves for efficient mud and water evacuation, stone-ejection features, stepped block patterns and deep siping to maintain reliable traction in wet or slippery conditions.

Tony Mailling, Head of Hot Retread Production EMEA and ContiLifeCycle Plant Manager, said, “The introduction of the 315/70 size with a high load rating further strengthens the Wastemaster 5’s position as the go-to tyre solution for operators in the urban waste collection sector. We know how tough the conditions are in this industry, and the Wastemaster 5 has been designed to withstand them. With innovative features tailored specifically to meet these unique demands, our customers can get the most out of their tyres while reducing downtime and maintenance costs.”

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DUFOURNIER TECHNOLOGIES has been officially recognised as a certified test centre for full tyre homologation. This milestone follows comprehensive training with RDW in the Netherlands, which has granted the company designation as a Technical Service. As a result, DUFOURNIER TECHNOLOGIES is now authorised to perform final tyre certification in accordance with R117 (E4) regulations.

The company offers compliance testing services for both R117 and R30 standards, ensuring all evaluations are conducted under strict adherence to regulatory requirements. This certification reinforces DUFOURNIER TECHNOLOGIES' dedication to upholding the highest standards of excellence, safety and compliance within the automotive industry.

By expanding its capabilities, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting manufacturers with reliable and regulatory-compliant tire testing solutions.

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Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) has launched the all-new Bridgestone Turanza EverDrive touring tyre with an 80,000-mile (128,747 km approx) limited warranty.

Designed for sedans, CUVs and minivans, the tyre delivers confident stopping power in wet, dry and light snow conditions thanks to Bridgestone’s ENLITEN Technology. The tyre features a next-generation compound that helps protect against irregular and premature wear. Its precision-tuned tread pattern ensures a smooth, vibration-free ride, while a multi-pitch design reduces road noise for a quieter driving experience. The Turanza EverDrive excels in wet and light snow conditions with full-depth 3D sipes and a high-edge density tread that effectively channels water and slush away.

In comparative testing, it outperformed the Michelin Defender and Continental ControlContact Tour A/S, achieving 24 percent better snow braking and two percent better wet braking than the Michelin Defender. Available in 36 fitments, the Turanza EverDrive accommodates wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches, with T, H and V speed ratings, making it a versatile choice for drivers seeking durability, safety, and comfort.

Dale Harrigle, Chief Engineer, Consumer Replacement Tyre Development, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Our new Turanza EverDrive touring tyre is all about long-lasting performance. We designed it to go the distance – and with an 80,000-mile limited warranty, drivers can count on a quiet, comfortable ride mile after mile.”

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