Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC), one of the leading tyre manufacturers in the world, is shutting down its Hadera factory in Israel, effective 31 December, 2024.

The company says over the past several years, tyre makers have been setting up their manufacturing facilities in South Asia, which provided local raw materials sourcing as well as competitive labour costs. This has led to Israel loosing its competitive advantage, along with the high transport costs on busy routes for exporting tyres from Israel.

Then there is also the environmental and structural shift in the tyre manufacturing industry, wherein YRC is focussing on attaining “sustainable profitability to secure its future.”

The Hadera plant is one of the over 30 facilities in YRC's global network. It has been operations for more than 70 years. As of August 2024, the Hadera facility had around 474 employees.

The closure of the facility is part of YRC's consolidation plans to align its production footprint with market conditions. The tyre maker said that the closure of the Israel plant is a difficult but necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of YRC.

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Bandag has taken a significant step forward in its UK growth strategy by welcoming Scotland’s largest independent tyre retreader into its franchise network. The new partnership with Alba Tyre Management Ltd marks a pivotal moment for both companies and strengthens Bridgestone’s footprint in the region.

Based in Kilbirnie, near Glasgow, Alba was established in 2004 and has built a strong reputation as a leading supplier of premium retreaded truck tyres and new tyres across all vehicle classes. The company manages around 60,000 tyres currently in service on Scottish roads and delivers comprehensive local, national, and mobile fitting services. With 26 employees, the business now looks to expand further after becoming a Bandag Cornerstone Franchisee.

A central element of the agreement includes the installation of new retreading equipment, such as a Bandag builder machine, which is projected to boost annual production by at least 2,000 additional retread units initially. This growth in capacity is also expected to lead to job creation in the near future.

The decision to join Bandag was largely driven by the integrated offering from Bridgestone, which combines high-quality casing supply, established fleet partnerships, and advanced mounted wheel programmes. Few manufacturers can deliver such a complete package. Furthermore, Alba will implement BASys, Bridgestone’s digital tracking system, enabling full visibility of each casing throughout its lifecycle – from collection and retreading to final refitment. This end-to-end solution positions Alba for a new phase of operational growth and service excellence.

David Wilson, Operations Director, Alba, said, “This partnership gives us a full front-to-end provision of services. From premium Bridgestone casing supply to access to their new tyre range, data, fleet programmes and mounted wheel offering, it’s a complete solution. For us, we will never get into a war about price. We’re about premium quality and delivering a circular, joined-up approach for commercial fleets. With Bandag sharing our philosophy, the growth potential is huge.”

Mike Howling, Bandag Service Operations Business Partner, said, “We are overjoyed to attract Alba to Bandag, who will play a strategic role in the success of our brand for many years to come. The only limiting factor is our imagination. We wanted a footprint in Scotland, and could not wish for a better partner than ALBA. Alba has established the marketplace in Scotland, but in working together, we both believe the business can grow significantly. We can build a very strong partnership together. We have an entrepreneur in Alba and their enthusiasm and vision for the future is something that we are all extremely excited about.

“Our Bandag model is built on three pillars: premium Bridgestone casing supply, longstanding commercial fleet partnerships and a network of experienced, locally based dealers, which is where Alba comes into its own. We’re not about quantity but quality franchise partners who share our passion and ambition for the future. With Alba now firmly embedded within the network, we have a formidable presence north of the border – and our global expertise, digital traceability and premium product engineering can only provide additional strength in the months and years to come.”

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Continental has unveiled the Terra Competition, a significant new addition to its Terra tyre line and the brand's fastest gravel tyre to date. Designed to excel across mixed surfaces, this model aims to dissolve the traditional boundaries between pure road cycling and gravel exploration, catering to riders who prioritise speed and performance on diverse terrain.

The tyre features a meticulously engineered tread pattern suited for rough pavement, compacted dirt and light gravel, particularly in dry to moderately damp conditions. A nearly solid central strip ensures minimal rolling resistance for sustained speed on straights, while pronounced shoulder knobs provide reliable traction when cornering off-road. This design reflects a dual-purpose philosophy, balancing efficiency on tarmac with capability on loose surfaces.

Recognising the varied demands of gravel riding, Continental offers the Terra Competition in two distinct casing options. The Race version, paired with the Rapid compound, is tailored for those seeking maximum velocity and swift acceleration on both flats and climbs. In contrast, the Trail casing utilises the Grip compound and a sturdier single-ply construction, delivering enhanced durability, puncture resistance and ground compliance for more technical off-road sections. Both variants incorporate a textile breaker beneath the tread for added protection and feature the brand's proprietary BlackChilli rubber compound. Furthermore, both models are designed to be Tubeless Ready and compatible with hookless rims.

For the first time in the Terra series, aerodynamic efficiency was a primary development goal. The Terra Competition offers notable performance gains, including a weight reduction of up to 16 percent – with the 35-622 Race version tipping the scales at just 345 grammes – and a decrease in rolling resistance of up to 17 percent when compared to the 35-622 Terra Speed. The tyre is available in 35, 40 and 45-millimetre widths, each offered in both Race and Trail casings to suit a wide spectrum of riding styles and surfaces.

Alexander Haenke, Product Manager – MTB and Gravel, Continental Tyres, said, “We set out to create the Terra Competition for riders who don’t want to choose between road speed and off-road capability. As more riders mix surfaces and push performance, the demand for a fast, yet versatile tyre continues to grow. Terra Competition delivers that balance, combining efficiency on tarmac with the confidence needed when the route turns to gravel.”

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ZC Rubber has announced the extension and expansion of its successful partnership with the Red Bull Driftbrothers. Through this collaboration, the Chinese tyre manufacturer, under its Westlake Performance Tyres brand, serves as the official tyre and equipment partner for the renowned German motorsport team. The partnership primarily focuses on equipping the team’s fleet of BMW vehicles used in competitions, show drifts and exhibitions. This fleet now features a newly constructed BMW M2 built for the 2026 season, alongside two 1,000-horsepower BMW M4 models and a classic BMW E30 used as a show car.

Beyond vehicle supply, the partnership is deeply rooted in joint technological development. Engineers, drivers and team members from both ZC Rubber and the Red Bull Driftbrothers work closely to enhance tyre performance. Their collaborative efforts have led to the latest innovation, the improved Westlake Sport RS2. This next-generation high-performance competition tyre offers precise handling, maximum stability and consistently high-level performance across all temperatures and throughout the entire tread depth. Enthusiasts and end customers can also look forward to this product, as it will be available through ZC Rubber’s retail partners.

The 2026 season promises an extensive programme for the Red Bull Driftbrothers, featuring selected rounds of the Drift Masters European Championship and a spectacular show as part of the supporting programme at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring in May. Further joint appearances are planned at major industry events, including The Tire Cologne in June and the Essen Motor Show in late November, where both partners will showcase their ongoing collaboration and innovations.

Jeffrey Zhang, General Manager – International Business Department, Zhongce Rubber Group, said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with the Red Bull Driftbrothers. The experience of Elias and the constructive exchange with his team are extremely valuable for technology and the performance of our products. This is demonstrated very clearly in the development of the Westlake Sport RS2. The demanding drift sport is also an excellent platform for illustrating the performance of our tyres. We look forward to the joint events, where we intend to activate our partnership for the European market.”

Elias Hountondji, driver and engineer of the Red Bull Driftbrothers, said, “Having a reliable and high-performance tyre partner is enormously important in our sport. With ZC Rubber, we have had such a partner at our side since last year and are very pleased to continue the cooperation. Together, we have further optimised the rubber compound of the Westlake Sport RS2. The result is a high-performance tyre that we can rely on one hundred percent, even under extreme loads, to ensure that the level of grip does not drop. The fact that the tyre will soon also be available to customers makes us even more delighted.”

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Nynas is expanding its commitment to responsible business practices in 2026 through active engagement with two United Nations Global Compact development programmes. The company has joined the Business and Human Rights programme alongside the SDG Innovation for Young Professionals programme, reflecting a dual focus on ethical operations and sustainability-driven progress. Both programmes provide access to expert guidance, practical methodologies and cross-sector collaboration opportunities with peers across Sweden, enabling continuous refinement of practices throughout the value chain.

Within the Business and Human Rights programme, Nynas is working to establish a more systematic approach to human rights due diligence. This involves examining both internal operations and supplier relationships to ensure respect for human rights becomes an integrated aspect of everyday business processes. The framework is aligned with established international standards, particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and reinforces ongoing work in responsible sourcing and maintaining transparent commercial conduct.

The SDG Innovation programme offers a different but complementary dimension, bringing together young professionals from various industries to tackle sustainability challenges through collaborative problem-solving. Participants develop, test and refine concrete ideas that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals while simultaneously generating business value. For Nynas, the outcomes support broader innovation efforts and help identify practical pathways towards reducing environmental footprint and strengthening customer offerings.

These engagements form an integral component of Nynas’ overarching sustainability strategy. The knowledge and tools acquired will enhance risk management capabilities, embed responsible practices more deeply across operations and stimulate innovation aligned with global priorities. Working alongside the UN Global Compact Network Sweden, Nynas seeks to transform these insights into tangible actions, collaborating closely with customers, suppliers and partners to advance sustainability in meaningful and measurable ways.

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