Economy

Three summer tire models – the Lassa Revola, the Leao Nova-Force Acro, and the Linglong Sport Master – have received a “not recommended” rating from the German automobile club ADAC following its 2026 summer tire test, according to results published February 24, 2026.

The ADAC tested 16 tires in the 225/50 R17 size, common for mid-size vehicles like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and VW Sharan. While ten tires were deemed “satisfactory,” the three models listed above exhibited significant deficiencies, particularly in safety and environmental performance.

The Lassa Revola and Leao Nova-Force Acro both struggled with dry handling and tread wear, while the Leao also performed poorly in wet conditions. The Linglong Sport Master presented a more complex profile. According to ADAC testing, it achieved the best wet grip performance of any tire in the test, rivaling only the eventual test winner. However, this strength was offset by extremely poor dry handling, high tread wear, and a low overall lifespan.

“The Sport Master demonstrates the tightrope walk the industry must navigate,” said an ADAC representative, as reported by wa.de. “It has the best wet grip properties of the entire field – only the test winner can come close. The downside of the medal: on dry roads, no test candidate is weaker, the mileage is as low, and the abrasion as high as with no other model.”

The Continental PremiumContact 7, Pirelli Cinturato C3, and Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 were the three tires to receive a “good” rating from ADAC. The Continental model offered the highest overall safety on both wet and dry asphalt, while the Goodyear demonstrated superior durability, lasting an estimated 57,800 kilometers – more than double the lifespan of the Linglong Sport Master, which is projected to last only 26,000 kilometers.

The ADAC test also noted the relatively low price points of the “not recommended” tires, with the Leao Nova-Force Acro priced around 700 Krona, the Linglong Sport Master around 900 Krona, and the Lassa Revola around 1,600 Krona, according to Swedish publication elbilen.se. The Continental PremiumContact 7 also retails for approximately 1,600 Krona.

The ADAC has not yet announced any follow-up actions regarding the test results.

Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor has warned of a looming crisis in European antibiotic production, citing the recent decision by Roche to sell its antibiotic manufacturing facility in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, as a “warning sign.” Saynor’s comments, made during a presentation of the company’s financial results, highlighted the growing pressure on antibiotic manufacturers due to low prices and increasing competition from Asia.

Sandoz, with its penicillin production facility in Kundl, Austria, is one of the last companies in Europe still manufacturing the essential antibiotic from scratch. According to Saynor, maintaining this capability is a responsibility the company takes seriously, but long-term viability depends on a “honest debate about pricing” to ensure continued supply in Europe. The company reported a $100 million loss, representing 1 percent of its revenue, in the past year due to the impact of low-cost imports.

The pressure on the European market is being exacerbated by a surge of discounted antibiotics from China, a consequence of U.S. Tariffs on Chinese products. Chinese manufacturers are redirecting their exports to Europe, flooding the market with key antibiotic ingredients, including penicillin, at significantly lower prices. This shift in trade flows directly impacts Sandoz, which also sells these base ingredients to other pharmaceutical companies.

While Europe grapples with these challenges, the U.S. Government is reportedly recognizing the urgency of the situation. A significant portion of antibiotics used by the U.S. Military are sourced from Asia, creating a vulnerability should supply lines be disrupted by geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Is exploring alternative suppliers, including those in Europe.

Sandoz is actively engaging with the U.S. Government, offering to supply penicillin ingredients from its Austrian facility to reduce the U.S. Military’s reliance on China and India. “We are having good conversations,” Saynor stated, without providing further details.

Beyond the challenges surrounding penicillin, Sandoz reported a strong financial performance for the year, with revenues of $11.08 billion, a 5 percent increase on a currency-adjusted basis. Generics accounted for the majority of revenue, while biosimilars – copies of biotechnologically manufactured drugs – experienced a 13 percent sales growth. Sandoz’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) reached $2.4 billion, a 13 percent increase. The company anticipates continued revenue growth in the mid-to-high single-digit percentage range for the current year, along with a further one-percentage-point improvement in EBITDA margin.

In November 2025, Sandoz signed a global license agreement to commercialize a biosimilar version of pertuzumab, a drug marketed by Roche as Perjeta, according to a company statement.

Telefónica will proceed with its planned exit from Venezuela despite recent political shifts in the South American nation, the company’s executive chairman, Marc Murtra, confirmed Tuesday.

Speaking during a presentation of Telefónica’s 2025 financial results, Murtra stated the company’s “roadmap” for leaving Venezuela remains unchanged, even as the country experiences a “novel geopolitical context.” “It is true that the situation in Venezuela has varied, but our roadmap has not. That does not affect what we do, our objectives, or the process we have set for ourselves,” Murtra said, according to a statement released by the company.

The decision comes as Telefónica continues a broader strategy of divesting from Latin American markets. The company has already completed exits from Colombia and Chile in 2026, following sales of its operations in Argentina, Peru, Uruguay and Ecuador in 2025. Mexico remains another key market where Telefónica is planning to reduce its presence, though Murtra declined to comment on specifics regarding the ongoing process there, citing the require for discretion during negotiations.

Telefónica reported losses of approximately 4.3 billion euros in 2025, partially attributed to restructuring costs and divestitures in Latin America. The company’s annual results were presented to media on February 24th.

While acknowledging the change in Venezuela’s political landscape following the recent shift in administration, Murtra indicated that Telefónica’s strategic direction will not be altered. This contrasts with a recent decision by BBVA to reassess its position in Venezuela following the change in leadership, according to reports.

Murtra also highlighted Telefónica’s focus on potential consolidation within the European telecommunications sector, noting “advances” toward facilitating such a process. He refrained from commenting on specific merger and acquisition activities, stating the company adheres to a strict policy of not discussing ongoing negotiations until they are finalized.