BYD selects Bridgestone Turanza T005 for new flagship
Bridgestone reports that BYD has chosen its Turanza T005 as the original equipment tyre for its new flagship model, the all-electric BYD Han L. Debuting in China this month, the Han L wears the Bridgestone tyre in size 245/45 R19.
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3 more years for Continental’s sustainable rubber project
Together with Germany’s main development agency, Continental has extended its project to enhance natural rubber sustainability in Indonesia by a further three years. The tyre maker invites other companies in the sector to join the project, too.
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Jinyu opens 10 million tyre capacity Vietnam car tyre plant
Chinese tyre manufacturer Jinyu has hosted the official opening of its new passenger car tyre in Vietnam, which has recently been fully commissioned. Jinyu (Vietnam) Tire, locate in Tay Ninh Province, celebrated the first phase of its project as company executives, representatives from the local Vietnamese government, Phu Dong Industrial Park, partners, and employee representatives gathered to witness what it called “a significant milestone in the company’s globalisation journey.” Upon completion, due in the second half of 2026, the plant will have an annual capacity of 10 million passenger car and light truck tyres.
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New 3-in-1 LED inspection light kit from Osram
Lighting specialist, Osram, has introduced a brand-new inspection light that has three separate attachments, creating an innovative 3-in-1 solution for a variety of tasks. Coming in a handy and compact case, the LEDinspect 3-in-1 inspection light kit (LEDIL417) is the first of its kind in the Osram portfolio.
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Chris Young named CTO of TBC Corporation
North American replacement tyre wholesaler and franchiser TBC Corporation has appointed Chris Young to the role of Chief Technology Officer. Young will report directly to TBC President & CEO Don Byrd.
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Markets and analysts upbeat on Halfords 52-week trading statement
Financial markets have responded very positively to Halfords Group’s most recent 52-week trading statement, with the automotive retailer’s shares up between 12 and 13 per cent at the time of going to press. For a greater insight into what has pleased investors – especially as it pertains to Autocentres part of the business – we dived into analysis published by Peel Hunt and Zeus Capital and found that sales growth and Fusion town-driven autocentre results and strategy put a smile on their faces.
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Test result demonstrates commitment to exceptional tyres, says Kumho
Last month we shared the results of the 225/40 ZR18 tyre test performed by Die Reifentester, an experienced team of journalists and tyre developers from Germany. This evaluation of eight products delivered a winning result to three tyres, one of these being a newcomer from Kumho. The recently launched Ecsta Sport excelled across the board in its inaugural tyre test appearance, gaining a ‘very good’ rating from the Die Reifentester team.
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Henry Birch named CEO, Graham Stapleton leaves Halfords after seven years
Graham Stapleton is stepping down as a director of Halfords Group and Henry Birch has been named as his replacement as chief executive officer. Stapleton led Halfords for over seven years leading its strategic change from a cycling and motoring retailer to “a leading omnichannel retail and services business”. During Stapleton’s tenure, annual revenues grew from £1.1 billion to £1.7 billion with more than half of group sales now service-related (FY19: 24%).
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Halfords reports ‘strong finish’ to 2025, shares rally
Halfords has reported a “strong finish” to 2025 figures for the company’s financial year which runs broadly in parallel with the UK tax year. Sales grew at more than 2 per cent, after strong growth in previous year results. Highlights include outperformance of the group’s £30 million cost saving target, mitigating more than £30 million of inflation in the year. As a result, underlying group profit before tax is predicted to be “at the upper end of the £32 million to £37 million range…”. Financial markets responded positively to the news, with Halfords shares up @12 per cent in the first couple of hours of trading after the financial data was released.
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Russian tyre makers call for China anti-dumping measures
China has been a clear beneficiary of Western sanctions against Russia. A glance at the exhibitor list for Tires & Rubber 2025, which is currently taking place in Moscow, shows that 142 exhibitors – 58 per cent of exhibitors at this year’s show – are from the People’s Republic. The strong presence of Chinese tyre makers has raised some high-profile eyebrows.
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Supertracker demos – Straightset exhibiting at Automechanika Birmingham
Straightset has confirmed its exhibition presence at Automechanika Birmingham 2025, which takes place from 3-5 June at the NEC. The company plans to transform Stand X78 in Hall 18 into a hands-on wheel alignment demonstration area for its Supertracker branded equipment, additionally providing a Straightset display for the very latest innovations for improving efficiency, reliability and performance in modern garages.
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Vaculug becomes Transaid corporate partner
Vaculug has signed a three-year corporate partnership with international development organisation, Transaid. The new agreement builds upon Europe’s largest independent retreader’s sponsorship of Transaid ambassador Guy Heywood’s recent fundraising initiatives, as well as its donation of funds for Transaid’s access to healthcare programmes in Zambia.
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Auto Bild best brands: Hankook dethrones King Continental in Price/Performance category
Auto Bild – the German motoring publication we know and love for its giant tyre tests, has named its tyre brand of the year. It asked its readers to decide upon the best brands in all parts of the automotive sector, and for tyres they could vote for two categories: Quality and Price/Performance. In recent times, German tyre brand Continental has taken first place in both for seven consecutive years.
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Paul Cowland becomes Envoy Tyres brand ambassador
Paul Cowland has become a brand ambassador for Envoy Tyres. The professional car enthusiast has fronted several television shows on car culture and worked for popular car brands such as Subaru, Isuzu and Saab. Envoy Tyres is a new sister brand to Davanti Tyres, targeting high product quality at an accessible price range. As the first face of the brand, Cowland will help raise UK brand awareness for Envoy, while seeking to increase consumer knowledge about the importance of purchasing quality tyres. He commented, “I’m really looking forward to spreading the word about Envoy and also showing consumers why they should be putting tyres and tyre safety higher up their ‘to do’ list.”
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Bickers Powersports adds ASM for Northwest and Scotland
Bickers Powersports has named Paul Stokoe as the company’s Northwest & Scotland region area sales manager (ASM). Stokoe experience in the off-road market and is described as “well-known in the industry, spending many years involved with off-road and bicycle”.
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