It seems like several years since the UK commercial vehicle tyre sector had an exhibition to call its own. For several years, the Road Transport Expo (RTX), which took place from 24-26 June at NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, has benefited from the gradual demise of the Commercial Vehicle Show, and the UK’s tyre manufacturers and wholesalers have gradually shifted their support. However, this year, it seemed that the switch in allegiances was finally complete, with almost all leading truck tyre manufacturers and distributors exhibiting at the show.
Significant Tyre Industry Presence at Stoneleigh Show
As journalists we found ourselves to be extremely busy for the two days that we were there, with multiple product launches taking place at the various stands located, for the most part, in the Green and Red Halls at the venue.
Over the coming days, Commercial Tyre Business will be publishing a series of video interviews and reports from the exhibition, so keep your eye out on our website, YouTube platform and across our social media platforms to make sure you tune into what will be a regular series of reports.
In the meantime, to whet your appetite, here is a summary of the main tyre-related exhibitors that were presenting at the RTX show:
Bridgestone
Focus was on the launch of the Bridgestone Fleet Data Analytics and Advisory Service, which is a new analytics and advisory solution, which aims to reduce total cost of ownership by improving fuel efficiency.
Also on show were several Webfleet innovations including the new PRO X Driver Terminal – a rugged, professional tablet built to enhance workflow management, driver communication and navigation – and Webfleet’s Secure Truck Parking solution, developed in partnership with Bosch, which connects operators to Europe’s largest network of secure parking locations to support safer, more efficient journeys.
Giti
Giti has expanded its EVO truck range with two new sizes offering lower RRC, these being the 385/55R22.5 and 385/65R22.5, which have been added to the recently launched Giti GSR237EVO truck pattern.
The EVO range was first unveiled at The Tire Cologne in 2024 and came to market earlier this year with the Giti GSR237EVO steer and Giti GDR675EVO drive tyres launched in 315/70R22.5. All products score an A-grade label in exterior noise.
The tyres are also among the first products to arrive into Europe carrying an RFID chip in the sidewall, which allows whole tyre life monitoring.
Goodyear
For the second consecutive year, Goodyear showcased its Goodyear Total Mobility offering, an all-encompassing solution designed to enhance fleet efficiency, boost competitiveness, and drive sustainability.
Key areas of focus included the new EQMAX and EQMAX Ultra tyres, along with the hassle-free Tyres-as-a-Service package for outsourced tyre management. It also includes the Goodyear DrivePoint, a yard-based drive-through tyre inspection system, and the enhanced Goodyear CheckPoint, designed for efficient tyre analysis at the depot.
Hankook
RTX offered the ideal opportunity for Hankook to showcase its tyre range and highlight the company’s established reputation for producing high-quality tyres that offer superb mileage, reliability and excellent return on investment. The company was also promoting the launch of Laufenn365, a new digital platform designed to streamline damage claims for Laufenn tyres.
In terms of new tyres, the newly launched 315/80R22.5 Smart Work AM11+ was on show. This tyre is designed for both on and off-road use, offering enhanced durability for front steer applications. Designed as a robust mixed-service solution, it offers exceptional stop-and-start resilience, further strengthened with reinforced sidewall protection.
International Tyres
Major wholesaler International Tyres was present with three of its key brands – Westlake, Fortune Tire and Black Lion.
For Westlake, the company was emphasising its new relationship with the Westlake brand, which sits at the top end of its “value proposition range.” On display was the recently introduced Westlake Gen II range of truck tyres
The key focus of the Fortune brand’s offering was the new regional tyre Regio 01S and 01D, which are being promoted as regional mileage tyres.
The company’s third brand, Black Lion, was being promoted as a clear budget line but one with a residual value in terms of its multi-life status, unlike single-use imports from other budget manufacturers.
Kumho
Kumho Tyre UK were exhibiting for the first time at RTX as part of their rebranding exercise for the Kumho brand.
Each tyre in the line-up reflected Kumho’s engineering focus on safety as the number one priority, supported by long-range mileage, robust casing construction and multi-life potential to help operators get the best return on investment.
Among the standout products on display were two of Kumho’s latest developments: The XD31 (Drive Position), engineered for dependability for demanding regional and highway service, and the XA31 (All Position) tyre, which offers a directional tread pattern and a unique Tread Wear Balanced Bridge that prevents abnormal wear and enhances grip as the tyre ages.
Michelin
Michelin was a guest on sister company Michelin Connected Fleet’s stand, and so the focus was naturally on how adopting Michelin’s ‘four lives’ policy can significantly reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and improve sustainability across fleets.
On the stand were the newly launched X Works Z2 and D2 in 315/80 R22.5 sizing. The new product is the first on-and-off-road fitment to obtain a B rating for rolling resistance on the steer axle.
Prometeon
At the heart of Prometeon’s significantly expanded presence at RTX was the Serie 02 range launched last year, which marks the company’s evolution into a fully independent innovator in commercial tyre technology.
Among the highlights on the company’s stand was the R02 Proway series, developed with versatility in mind and engineered to deliver top-tier performance across a variety of applications. Featuring advanced tread patterns for optimal grip in both wet and dry conditions, the Serie 02 range offers tangible benefits for commercial operators — including improved mileage, enhanced wet handling, and superior snow traction.
Sailun
Kirkby Tyres, who have been exclusively importing Sailun truck tyres into the UK and Ireland since 2011, were present at RTX to introduce the market to Sailun’s new Ecopoint range of commercial vehicle tyres, which incorporates new liquid phase mixing technology, which the company says has achieved improved results in all three main constituent parts of the current European truck tyre label, namely rolling resistance (fuel efficiency), wet grip, and noise generation. Sitting alongside this achievement is an improvement in wear resistance. This was previously near impossible to achieve, improving one value without sacrificing another. The new liquid-phase technology also significantly reduces energy consumption during the manufacturing process, resulting in a lower CO₂ footprint (alongside improved fuel economy).
Vaculug
Vaculug took the opportunity offered by the Road Transport Expo to launch a new truck tyre, the Zenises Zexy SA. The new tyre, manufactured by ZC Rubber exclusively for Vaculug’s parent company, Zenises, is a new multi-purpose tyre, which, according to Vaculug Managing Director Jorge Crespo, has been manufactured according to quality parameters in line with ZC Rubber’s Westlake brand, which until recently, was distributed by Vaculug.
