The 6th edition of Trelleborg Tires’ exclusive ‘Tractor Driver of the Year’ competition came to a successful conclusion on 22 February 2025 at the Cremona Circuit in Italy.

This year, 50 experienced tractor drivers came together to test their skills, showcasing their knowledge of operating agricultural machinery and assessing the performance of Trelleborg tyres in real-world conditions, both on the road and in the field. The Cremona Circuit, a professional track, served as the perfect venue for this elite competition. John Deere was the event's technical sponsor this year, providing all tractors used in the competition, including the John Deere 6R 150, fitted with TM800 ProgressiveTraction tyres in sizes 540/65R28 and 650/65R38 on the front and rear to ensure maximum efficiency and performance.

Following four demanding challenges – precision manoeuvring, lifting, reversing and trailer handling – and a final regularity test on the tractor course in the field, Patrick Zucchelli emerged victorious as the 2025 edition winner. Throughout the competition, competitors had the chance to experience the advantages of Trelleborg's cutting-edge tyre technologies, such as the TM800 ProgressiveTraction and other high-performance tyre solutions made to maximise grip, reduce slippage and improve overall efficiency in agricultural operations.

Daniela Gambatesa, Marketing Manager Italy, Yokohama TWS, said, "The 'Tractor Driver of the Year' event has once again proven to be a major success. It has firmly positioned itself as an essential meeting point for agricultural professionals, becoming a true reference for skill and innovation in the industry. The increasing number of participants and registrations is a testament to the growing importance of the event, reflecting the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. Our focus on maintaining close relationships with end users allows us to continuously refine our tyre solutions, ensuring that Trelleborg Tires remains at the forefront of customer-driven innovation. We are also pleased to have had John Deere as our technical partner for this event, a collaboration that highlights our shared dedication to excellence in the agricultural sector”.

Sergio Pizza, Marketing & Communication Manager, John Deere Italiana, said, "We are proud to have been part of such exciting event. The 'Tractor Driver of the Year' challenge not only highlighted the exceptional skills of today’s agricultural professionals but also provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate the advanced technologies and the outstanding comfort of John Deere machinery. Collaborating with Trelleborg Tires to fit our tractors with top-tier tyres aligns perfectly with our goal of providing farmers and contractors with the tools and technologies that drive more sustainable operations. Together with our dealers, our goal is simple: support our customers in achieving success. Lastly, I would like to thank our local dealer Agribertocchi for their great support and active involvement in making this event a success.”

Premium tyre maker Hankook has announced its collaboration with the eagerly awaited 2025 Convoy Truck Shows. Convoy Cymru will take place on 17–18 May, Convoy Truxton on 5–6 July and Convoy in the Park on August 9–10, running alongside the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC).

The SmartFlex AH51 (steering axle) and SmartFlex DH51 (driving axle) for long and regional haul use, which are known for their outstanding grip and mileage performance from the first to the last millimetre of wear; the SmartFlex TH31, the newest generation trailer tyre; and Hankook's newest van tyre, the Vantra Transit, will all be on display at all shows. The company will be showcasing three tyres from its Laufenn brand in addition to the Hankook line: the LF21 all-position tyre, the LF95 trailer tyre and the LZ22 all-weather drive tire. The iON evo SUV EV summer tyre and the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre will also be on show. Along with its related events, the Devon Truck Show, Truck Show Cornwall and Best of the Best, the Convoy Truck Shows will raise money for charities and local community organizations. It will also include an amazing variety of trucks, live music, entertaining fair activities and must-see stunt acts.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "On behalf of Convoy Truck Events and the Devon Truck Show, I'm thrilled to welcome Hankook Tyre UK as sponsors for 2025 across all three Convoy events at Pembrey, Thruxton and Donington Park. Hankook has been a valued partner at the Devon Truck Show for many years, so extending our collaboration across our Convoy-partnered events was an easy decision. We truly appreciate their continued support and are confident they'll see great value in being part of these exciting shows."

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.