Automotive

To support the growing demand for "new energy tires," chemicals group Zhejiang Jiahua Energy Chemical Co. plans to build a new synthetic rubber plant in China.

Bridgestone subsidiary Firestone has debuted its newest touring tire, the Affinity AS, designed for most popular car models and boasting high performance in wet weather.

BASF is investing $68 million to establish a second plant in Shanghai for Cellasto-brand NVH components "to capitalize on China's booming electric vehicle market."

Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. will expand its production capacity for flame-retardant compounds based on polyolefins and thermoplastic elastomers.

General Motors Co. named Bridgestone Corp., Continental A.G. and Chen Shin Rubber/Maxxis among its Suppliers of the Year.

The German trade union IGBCE is critizing the planned divestment of ContiTech, claiming the unit is closely intertwined with Continental's tire division.

Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. has been recognized as one of General Motors' Suppliers of the Year for the eighth consecutive year, highlighting its excellence in business and operations.

BASF Group is betting on the American electric battery industry, even with questions swirling around the country's EV market in the wake of the Trump administration's tariff plan.