Tires

Firestone, a major division of the Bridgestone Americas giant, just introduced the new Affinity AS tire for passenger vehicles

BFGoodrich, Michelin’s mid-range tire brand, just announced a brand-new passenger-vehicle tire: the Advantage Control HT

As we reported in the last issue of L’Automobile, Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian is launching its latest creation: the Surpass performance tire. Nokian has not often been recognized as a performance tire specialist, especially since it discontinued its only line in that segment, the Z-Line, just a few months ago. This time, however, the company is going all-in on the category with the Surpass, a product designed primarily for the North American market.

Like most tire manufacturers, Continental started as a rubber factory in 1871 in Germany. What sets Continental apart today is that its advancements in rubber technology go well beyond car tires. In fact, the company remains active in various fields, including footwear, where it supplies trail running shoes with anti-slip soles.

Founded in 1829 as a manufacturer of rubber balls, Michelin began its journey long before it became one of the world’s leading tire companies. It wasn’t until 1889 that the name Michelin et Cie was officially adopted. Just two years later, the company introduced its first detachable bicycle tire, a groundbreaking innovation that revolutionized manufacturing and repair efficiency.

Founded in Milan in 1872, Pirelli began producing car tires in 1901. Today, it is renowned for its high-end, high-performance products and holds a dominant position in the prestige tire segment, with a market share exceeding 50%. With manufacturing facilities in 12 countries, Pirelli’s reach extends far beyond a single product type. While its focus remains on consumer tires, the company also produces tires for bicycles, motorcycles, and of course, automobiles.

Nexen Tire announced the opening of a dedicated winter tire testing center at the UTAC site in Ivalo, Finland, 300 km north of the Arctic Circle.

Founded in 1898 as a Finnish rubber factory, it wasn’t until nearly a century later, in 1988, that Nokian Tyres Plc. was officially established. Renowned for its reliable and high-performing winter tires, the company showcased its forward-thinking spirit as early as 1934 with the invention of the Kelirengas, or "Weather Tire, the world’s first winter tire. This breakthrough paved the way for many successes, including the iconic Hakkapeliitta, which still travels our roads 89 years later. Now established in multiple countries, including the United States and Romania, this industry giant continues to aim higher.

Since the start of its operations in 1930, Japan’s first tire factory, named the Tabi Socks Tire Division, has stood out from its competitors by constantly striving for innovation. In 1931, the division adopted the name we know today: Bridgestone. Since establishing a presence in the United States in 1967, the company has continued to grow and expand its expertise internationally.