Author: RubberWorld

Continental expects higher earnings in 2026 despite a continued volatile environment, driven by strong growth in the business for 18-inch-plus premium tires, an anticipated decline in the prices of raw materials and a projected recovery in industrial markets in the second half of the year. The company also expects positive effects from the measures taken to improve earnings, particularly in ContiTech. At the same time, the economic environment remains challenging due to ongoing trade barriers, among other factors. Overall, Continental expects consolidated sales of around €17.3 billion to €18.9 billion and an adjusted EBIT margin of around 11.0 to 12.5 percent. Adjusted free cash flow is expected to be around €0.8 billion to €1.2 billion.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. announced that it has begun supplying its BluEarth-XT AE61 tires as original equipment (OE) for GAC Trumpchi’s new M8 plug-in hybrid minivan model that was launched in China in November 2025. The tire size is 225/60R18 104V.

As of 1 January 2026, HB-Therm has appointed Arburg as a second distributor for its entire product range in Spain. With the headquarters of the Spanish subsidiary in Arganda del Rey, south-east of Madrid, and a further location in Montcada i Reixach (Barcelona), Arburg will further strengthen HB-Therm’s market presence in Spain.

BASF has expanded production capacity for dispersions at its site in Durban, South Africa, strengthening the company’s ability to supply customers with high-quality dispersions used in architectural coatings, construction materials and the paper industry. The significant capacity increase ensures supply reliability, enabling BASF to support customer growth plans more effectively.

Comerio Ercole S.p.A. has been awarded the Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year Award at the 2026 Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, held during the Tire Technology Expo in Hannover.

The prestigious honor recognizes significant technological advancements in calendering and mixing processes within the tire manufacturing industry. Comerio earned the award for its ZEUS® calendering line, a next-generation system engineered to enhance process stability, precision, productivity, and long-term industrial performance for tire producers worldwide.

Brenntag announced a new distribution agreement with Nanum, a company specializing in the industrial-scale production of nanomaterials, to offer nanotechnology-based solutions in the market. This partnership complements Brenntag’s portfolio of specialty products and reinforces its commitment to bringing innovation and new technologies to various sectors.

Cimcorp has released a new e-book to help tire manufacturers design safer, more efficient operations. “Treading Safely: How Automation Enhances Workplace Safety in Tire Manufacturing” examines key safety challenges in traditional production environments and offers practical guidance for operations leaders seeking resilient, high-performing tire plants.