Dunlop-equipped teams excelled at the 45th running of the 12 Hours of La Chinelle off-road endurance race in Franchimont, Belgium. Husqvarna Belgique secured its fourth victory, with KTM Wheeling Team finishing fourth.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the US Department of Transport’s National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a recall notice for 57 Sumitomo-made Dunlop-branded motorbike tyres.
The Dunlop TT93GP PRO MS tyres in question were produced at Sumitomo’s Izumiotsu, Japan factory (DOT code: 1VW) during production weeks 0125 to 2725 (7 January 2025 to 8 July 2025). A total of 57 units were shipped to U.S. tyre wholesalers, distributors, dealers or end users.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (SRI) has released its consolidated financial results for the six months ending 30 June 2025. The company reported year-on-year decreases in sales and profit, driven by multiple headwinds including declining tyre volumes, higher material costs, market stagnation and inflation.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has concluded its investigation into allegations that Dunlop Tire Corporation set minimum retail prices for its Dunlop Synchro Weather all-season car tyre, an activity prohibited under the country’s Antimonopoly Act. Although the investigation identified occurrences of retail price maintenance, the JFTC did not find the Sumitomo Rubber Industries subsidiary guilty. Instead, it resolved the matter through a commitment procedure, a framework that allows Dunlop to avoid formal penalties by implementing corrective measures.
Dunlop will supply its tyres to a diverse and competitive line-up at the only FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) race outside Europe this weekend at the Suzuka 8 Hours. The brand will equip nine teams in the Formula EWC category and all 18 entries in the Superstock Trophy with Dunlop tyres. Wim Van Achter, motorsport manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, calls the Suzuka 8 Hours “one of the most technically demanding circuits on the calendar” adding that the 2025 track resurfacing “adds an extra layer of complexity.”
Stark Future is fitting the Dunlop Geomax MX34 next-generation soft-mid motocross tyre as a standard original equipment (OE) fitment for the all-electric VARG MX. The tyre is supplied in sizes 80/100-21 (front) and 110/90-19 (rear). Dunlop is a trusted supplier to many of the world’s leading off-road motorcycle manufacturers. This is the first Dunlop motocross product selected as standard equipment on an all-electric off-road motorcycle.
At the 20th anniversary of BMW Motorrad Days (4-6 July), Dunlop and Avon will feature their wide range of motorcycle tyres for the Bavarian manufacturer’s models. The rider event, taking place at the south Germany skiing resort Garmisch-Partenkirchen, will give attendees the opportunity to test out the latest bikes alongside live music, performances and stunt shows. Goodyear will present key products from its two motorcycle tyre brands, continuing a promotional strategy since Avon was added to its brand roster in 2022. The brands have exhibited together at motorcycle shows such as EICMA, the MCN London Motorcycle Show, and the Salon du 2 Roues in Paris. Goodyear launched a new brand identity for Avon earlier in 2025 with the tagline, ‘Made to be different’.
Dunlop is set to return to this year’s Adventure Bike Rider (ABR) Festival, Europe’s largest adventure motorcycle festival, which will take place on the grounds of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire from 27-29 June. Tens of thousands of visitors to the festival can look forward to a dedicated Dunlop exhibition stand, title sponsorship of the Dunlop Test Ride Loop, and a fully equipped on-site tyre fitting service.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has commenced a public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5-year senior notes. According to Goodyear, the notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the company.
In January, Goodyear’s businesses in Australia and New Zealand notified subsidiaries of tyre importer and distributor NTAW Holdings Limited that it was terminating distribution agreements for Dunlop tyres in both countries. Following the signing of several agreements on 8 May 2025, NTAW continues as Dunlop distributor in New Zealand but will relinquish this role in Australia.
Honda has chosen Dunlop as an official event partner of Honda Adventure Roads 2025, the manufacturer’s guided, cross-border motorcycle adventure series. Dunlop will equip all 30 riders on the tour with sets of its acclaimed 50/50 on/off-road tyre, the Trailmax Raid. The 2025 tour begins on 8 June in Rome, Italy, with riders covering 2,500km on Honda Africa Twin motorcycles, visiting eight countries over nine days. The tour will navigate winding mountain roads, demanding off-road sections and dense forest routes before concluding in Istanbul, Turkey.
BMW has chosen tyres from the Dunlop hypersport and sports touring ranges as original equipment fitments on its new R1300R roadster and R1300RS sports tourer, which debuted earlier this month. Dunlop RoadSmart IV and SportSmart Mk3 are available on various versions of both bikes.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) reported a decline in performance for the first quarter of 2025, with sales revenue falling by 1.2% year-on-year to ¥287.78 billion (£1.48 billion / €1.75 billion). Business profit dropped 39.0% to ¥14.13 billion (£72.47 million / €86.08 million), while operating profit fell by 40.5% to ¥12.32 billion (£63.22 million / €75.02 million). Most notably, profit attributable to owners of the parent plummeted by 85.7% to ¥3.56 billion (£18.27 million / €21.67 million), primarily due to weaker market conditions and rising costs. Basic profit per share decreased to ¥13.54 (£0.069 / €0.082) from ¥94.45 (£0.485 / €0.575) a year earlier.
On 7 May 2025, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (SRI) finalised its acquisition of the trademark and other rights to the Dunlop brand for the four-wheel vehicle segment in Europe, North America, and Oceania. SRI paid The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company US$526 million for the Dunlop brand, $105 million for a transition support fee, including the transition of customers in Europe, and $104 million for inventory.
At the start of the year Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) confirmed its intention to acquire the Dunlop tyre brand from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and since that time we’ve awaited official approval from competition authorities. Earlier this month, the European Commission gave its blessing.
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