ZC Rubber Sets Out European Tyre Plans at The Tire Cologne

ZC Rubber has used The Tire Cologne 2026 to set out its next phase of European product development, with new WESTLAKE and GOODRIDE passenger, light truck and commercial vehicle tyres. The company presented 2026 launches alongside selected 2027 previews, reflecting stronger competition in all-season, fleet and long-haul tyre segments.

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European range takes shape

The company’s Cologne display focused on products intended for European road conditions and buying patterns. In passenger car and light truck tyres, ZC Rubber showed new summer and all-season lines scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026.

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The PCR line-up included the WESTLAKE ZuperFlex Z-137 and GOODRIDE RideMax G-147 in the ultra-high-performance segment. It also included the WESTLAKE TERRA LEGEND SL399 and GOODRIDE MUD LEGEND SL388 for all-terrain and off-road applications.

A central product was the WESTLAKE Zuper4S Z-411 all-season tyre. ZC Rubber says the tyre combines wet safety, snow traction and dry handling through V-shaped grooves, dense 3D siping and an all-season compound designed for wider temperature ranges.

The emphasis on all-season tyres is relevant for European dealers and wholesalers. Drivers increasingly expect one tyre to cover a wider mix of weather conditions, while retailers need products that can serve both value-conscious and performance-led customers.

Truck range targets fleet efficiency

ZC Rubber also used the event to reinforce its WESTLAKE Gen II commercial vehicle range. The company highlighted the WSL2 steer tyre and WDL2+ drive tyre for long-haul transport, with both already available in Europe.

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The WESTLAKE WSL2 is aimed at steer axle use, with a tread pattern designed to improve pressure distribution and wear performance. ZC Rubber says the tyre also uses a low-heat compound to support fuel efficiency and service life.

The WESTLAKE WDL2+ is positioned for drive axle applications. Its features include high-stiffness tread blocks, a widened contact area and 3D siping for wet and snowy grip. The company also points to belt-wrap construction for casing durability under heavy loads.

The fleet focus builds on earlier European activity. Tyre News previously reported that ZC Rubber used its 2025 Westlake TBR Dealer Conference in Madrid to underline fleet service development, after Westlake delivered more than 300,000 truck and bus radial tyres in Europe in 2024.

Motorsport adds brand visibility

ZC Rubber also displayed the upgraded WESTLAKE Sport RS2 with the Red Bull Driftbrothers’ drift car and driver Elias Hountondji. The tyre has been developed with the Driftbrothers and uses a competition-focused compound intended to provide consistent grip and control under drifting conditions.

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For now, the compound is supplied to the partner team, with wider retail availability still under consideration. The motorsport link gives the brand performance visibility, although its trade significance will depend on whether the technology moves into saleable products.

Further launches planned for 2027

Looking beyond the 2026 launch cycle, ZC Rubber previewed several 2027 developments. These included the WESTLAKE Z-301 commercial van tyre, GOODRIDE All Season G-721 and future TBR products including the WESTLAKE WTL2 and GOODRIDE M2.

Leo Liao, General Manager of ZC Rubber Europe, said The Tire Cologne gave the company an opportunity to show “not only a broader product portfolio, but a clearer direction for Europe”. He said ZC Rubber was focusing on products that respond to how European customers “drive, operate and make purchasing decisions”.

The Tire Cologne 2026 ran from 9 to 11 June at Koelnmesse, with Tyre News previously noting that circular production, recycling, automation and product innovation were central themes for this year’s event.  The company’s latest display also follows earlier ZC Rubber European product activity at Autopromotec 2025, where Tyre News reported new GOODRIDE and WESTLAKE products across all-season, commercial and winter segments.

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Tagged with: ZC Rubber, WESTLAKE tyres, GOODRIDE tyres, The Tire Cologne 2026, all-season tyres, TBR tyres, fleet tyres, PCR tyres, European tyre market, commercial vehicle tyres, van tyres, tyre distribution

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