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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Continental has officially transferred ownership of its French service and distribution arm, ContiTrade France, to the investment firm ASC Investment. The planned sale, first revealed by the company in December 2025, has now been completed. Under ASC’s management, the business is expected to gain flexibility and operate more nimbly, helping it retain existing clientele while attracting new customers with a specialised tyre and service lineup.

The deal encompasses over 130 corporate BestDrive outlets, two retreading centres and all associated administrative support for the tyre and repair business, employing approximately 1,200 people. Although sold, all service points will stay within Continental’s BestDrive France network through franchise arrangements. Both sides have chosen to keep the purchase price and other financial specifics confidential.

ASC Investment, with offices in Luxembourg and Munich, focuses on European corporate carve-outs and succession opportunities. Its leadership team brings decades of industry experience, aiming to boost performance in acquired companies through operational refinements rather than structural overhauls.

Véronique Giraud, head of Continental’s tyre business in France, said, “We are proud to support a franchise network of more than 200 BestDrive outlets throughout France. With our strong brand and longstanding expertise in the tyre and vehicle services business, we remain fully committed to supporting all our franchisees, helping them grow their businesses and realise their full market potential.”

Frederic Hierl, Managing Director, ASC, said, “We would like to thank Continental for its trust and excellent collaboration over the past few months, as well as for its confidence that we are the right partner for the long-term development of 130 BestDrive branches in France. Having signed a long-term franchise agreement, we look forward to being a reliable, agile partner for our customers and suppliers while continuing to be an important partner for Continental France in the years ahead.”

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Bridgestone has issued a fresh advisory for motorists feeling the strain of high petrol prices, emphasising that vehicle efficiency extends well beyond the fuel pump. The tyre manufacturer argues that tyres themselves play a measurable role in household fuel budgets and that drivers can achieve significant savings by shifting their focus from fuel costs alone to broader vehicle maintenance and driving habits.

To help consumers maximise every tank, Bridgestone has outlined several practical steps aimed at reducing fuel consumption, improving road safety and lowering emissions. The company stresses that minor adjustments in tyre choice, upkeep and driving behaviour can accumulate into meaningful financial and environmental benefits. A key message from Bridgestone’s Technical Manager Peter Moulding is that many drivers underestimate how greatly tyres and driving style influence fuel economy and safety.

Among Bridgestone’s recommendations, selecting fuel-efficient tyres with low rolling resistance, such as the Turanza 6 model, is highlighted as a primary measure. Regular tyre pressure checks are also critical, as incorrect inflation increases rolling resistance and degrades braking and handling. Additionally, maintaining proper tyre condition through simple tread tests prevents the engine from working harder than necessary, while smooth driving and avoidance of harsh acceleration are presented as major factors in reducing consumption.

Further advice includes anticipating road conditions to maintain steady speeds and using cruise control selectively on flat motorways but not on hilly or winding routes. Drivers are also urged to remove unnecessary weight and roof racks and to close windows at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag. These steps, when combined, help preserve tyre performance and enhance overall efficiency.

Modern tyre technology, exemplified by the Bridgestone Turanza 6 with ENLITEN technology, offers an optimised balance of reduced rolling resistance, safety and long wear life. This EV-ready, all-season tyre suits both combustion engine and electric vehicles, ensuring that efficiency improvements do not compromise everyday usability or road safety when paired with proper maintenance and driving discipline.

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MAXAM Tire has expanded its MS453 PRO line with the release of a new 24.00R35 size, designed specifically for rigid dump trucks operating in severe mining and aggregate environments. The premium tyre offers improved TMPH and TKPH capabilities alongside higher load capacity to boost productivity and extend service life under extreme conditions.

Engineered with a three-star casing to support heavy-haul rigid trucks, the new MS453 PRO model features an innovative self-cleaning two-stage tread void design that increases ground contact and grip for superior stability. Multiple tread compound options allow customisation to various site requirements, while a unique shoulder tie bar reduces lug deflection and stabilises the tread shoulder. Reinforced sidewalls, robust bead construction and enhanced steel belts deliver maximum puncture resistance.

With reduced void length to optimise the footprint and wear characteristics, the 24.00R35 addition strengthens MAXAM’s reputation as a reliable partner for global mining operations. The company continues to provide practical and advanced tire solutions that maximise performance where it matters most.

Jimmy McDonnell, VP – Sales & Marketing, MAXAM Tire, said, “At MAXAM, we know that mining & quarry operations demand more than just a tyre; they demand a solution that yields higher load capacity along with reliability that drives productivity. The new 3-star 24.00R35 MS453 PRO reflects our commitment to providing customers the confidence to take on tougher demands while lowering their total operating costs.”

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Goodyear is heading back to the lunar surface as part of a major new space initiative. Under NASA’s Artemis programme, the tyre manufacturer will equip Lunar Outpost’s Pegasus Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) with specialised tyres designed for astronaut missions scheduled to begin in 2028.

The Pegasus vehicle is built for the harsh conditions of the Moon’s South Pole, where extreme temperatures, rocky ground and low gravity pose constant challenges. Goodyear’s lunar tyres will help astronauts travel longer distances and conduct scientific work safely, relying on engineering developed from decades of Earth-based and space-based experience.

Lunar Outpost leads the vehicle’s development alongside General Motors, Goodyear and Leidos. This partnership combines expertise from multiple industries to support the next phase of human exploration, aligning with Goodyear’s broader goal of leading tyre innovation both on Earth and in space.

Chris Helsel, Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, said, "From breaking land speed records to traversing the Moon's surface to pushing the limits of the world's toughest race circuits, Goodyear innovations have been helping people travel safely on their own journeys for more than 125 years. Goodyear tyres first left tread marks on the Moon during the Apollo mission, and since then, Goodyear technology and the people behind it have kept making tyres worth bragging about."

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