Market and product

Bridgestone launches new-generation winter truck tires

Bridgestone has expanded its winter truck tire portfolio with the Duravis Winter Drive range, designed for mild winter operating conditions in Europe. Compared with its predecessor, the RW-Drive 001, the manufacturer reports approximately a 15% improvement in tire lifespan and a 3% reduction in rolling resistance-two metrics directly linked to fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in commercial fleet operations.
In terms of technical design, the tire integrates Enliten technology-a suite of materials and design solutions deployed by Bridgestone for its EMEA product lines-along with revised sipe geometry, an expanded contact patch, increased tread depth, and variable groove angles. A central rib with an interlocking design, combined with a specialized rubber compound, contributes to reduced rolling resistance.

The Duravis Winter Drive supports multiple regrooving and retreading cycles and incorporates RFID chips for digital management. The product is expected to be available from May 2026 in size 315/80 R22.5, with additional sizes to follow from August 2026.

Continental supplies original equipment tires for the new Volkswagen T-Roc

Continental has been selected as the original equipment (OE) tire supplier for the compact SUV Volkswagen T-Roc. Accordingly, the EcoContact 7 and EcoContact 7 S models have been approved for factory fitment in sizes ranging from 16 to 19 inches. Volkswagen also recommends the WinterContact TS 870 P for winter conditions and the AllSeasonContact 2 for year-round use.

The EcoContact 7 features Smart Energy Casing technology, in which carcass materials, inner layers, and sidewalls are optimized to reduce internal friction. The sidewall design incorporates aerodynamic “aerodimple” structures-inspired by golf ball surfaces-to reduce air turbulence around the tire during motion. The tread uses a Silent Pattern design, with spacing and angles of tread blocks engineered to reduce noise at urban speeds.

The WinterContact TS 870 P maintains grip on snow and ice through a rubber compound that retains elasticity at low temperatures, supporting shorter braking distances in wet and cold conditions.

Yokohama applies AI and finite element methods in mold design

Yokohama Rubber has developed an in-house tire mold design support system that combines finite element method (FEM) simulations with the company’s proprietary AI platform, HAICoLab. The system automatically generates a large number of FEM models with different mold geometries, simulates tire performance in a virtual environment, and uses the results to train a surrogate model capable of instantly predicting relationships between mold parameters and tire characteristics.

The system applies explainable AI (XAI) techniques, including SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) and PDP (Partial Dependence Plots), enabling engineers to identify how much each mold parameter should be adjusted to achieve target tire performance. According to Yokohama, this application shortens development time, reduces costs, and minimizes the need for mold rework-while also helping less-experienced engineers navigate complex design processes.

Titan International introduces two outdoor equipment tire lines under the Goodyear brand

Titan International has launched two outdoor turf and garden equipment tire lines under the Goodyear Farm Tire brand: Softrac Pro (rear tires) and Softrac Smooth (front tires). Both lines are designed for coordinated use on commercial and residential mowers, including zero-turn mowers.

The Softrac Pro uses an ozone-resistant compound and multi-angle lug tread to protect turf surfaces while maintaining traction on slopes. Current size offerings range from 20×10.00-8NHS to 26×12.00-12NHS. The Softrac Smooth is designed for high-precision commercial mowing applications and is available in sizes 11×4.00-5, 13×5.00-6, and 13×6.50-6. According to Titan, both lines have undergone field testing with multiple OEMs.

Goodyear expands size range of Vector All Season 4 tire line

Goodyear has announced a new generation of its Vector All Season 4 tire line, expanding application coverage up to 23-inch rims, including premium and electric vehicle segments. By the end of 2026, the portfolio is expected to include 96 SKUs, with 66% in sizes 19 inches and above.

Technically, the tire integrates the WeatherReady platform, comprising three elements: Dry Contact Plus technology, a 3D Blade Sipe system, and a new rubber compound. The tire carries the European Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification and has been evaluated by TÜV Süd in independent testing commissioned by Goodyear. AutoBild magazine has also awarded the product an “Exemplary” rating. Versions from 19 inches upward feature laser-engraved sidewall designs.