Hankook Supports Formula E as Tokyo Hosts its First-Ever Night Races

• Formula E will stage its first night races in Japan as Tokyo hosts the Season 12 (2025/26) double-header on 25–26 July
• The shift from afternoon running to evening racing introduces a new technical challenge, with teams preparing in one set of conditions and racing in another
• As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook returns to Tokyo for a third consecutive year, supporting an event powered entirely by sustainable energy

TOKYO, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Formula E will stage its first night races in Japan at the 2026 TDK Tokyo E-Prix, with both races scheduled to begin at 20:00 local time on 25 and 26 July. Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter Hankook), the exclusive tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, will equip all teams for Rounds 14 and 15 of Season 12 (2025/26).

Tokyo joined the Formula E calendar in 2024, when it hosted the first FIA World Championship race held in the city, before returning as a double-header in 2025. The Tokyo E-Prix's 2.575-kilometer temporary circuit runs through the Ariake waterfront district around Tokyo Big Sight and features 18 corners and three straights, technical low-speed sections, and high-speed corner combinations that place varied demands on tyre performance throughout the lap. The entire event, including the circuit floodlighting, will be powered by sustainable energy from advanced biofuels, reflecting Formula E's partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to promote zero-emission mobility.

This year's evening schedule will require teams to work across two different sets of conditions. Practice and qualifying will take place during the warmer afternoon, while the races will begin after sunset on a cooler track. The challenge will therefore be not only to gather useful data during the day, but also to anticipate how tyre behavior, grip levels and track temperatures will evolve as conditions cool toward race time.

Tokyo's late-July heat and humidity are expected to remain a factor after dark. For the Hankook iON Race, this places emphasis on predictable warm-up, stable grip, and consistent performance as the circuit cools over the course of each race.

Hankook will also operate its booth in the Formula E Fan Village throughout the weekend, where visitors can explore the company's iON tyre technology and EV tyre lineup.

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Hankook Supports Formula E as Tokyo Hosts its First-Ever Night Races

GUANGZHOU, China, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group) celebrated the production of its 30 millionth vehicle at a ceremony in Guangzhou, marking one of the fastest paths to that milestone among Chinese automakers. Founded in 1997, GAC reached the mark in just 29 years.

At the event, dubbed "Celebrating our family of 30 million owners," GAC presented the keys to its 30 millionth vehicle — the GAC M8 PHEV, known overseas as the GN8 — to international action star Tony Jaa. The gathering also brought together GAC owners from around the world, including a Middle Eastern customer who shared his ownership story onstage. Fittingly, GAC's 30 millionth customer is also based overseas.

Global Reach Matches Scale

GAC frames the milestone as a turning point in its shift from "exporting products" to a fully "systematized global expansion." Overseas markets are now the company's fastest-growing segment, with more than 540,000 of the 30 million cumulative units sold outside China — what GAC calls its "first growth curve." The company spans over 110 countries and regions, with exports reaching 121,483 units in the first half of 2026, up 132% year-over-year. GAC has set a 2026 overseas sales target of 250,000 to 300,000 units.

The company attributes this growth to its "One GAC 2.0" strategy, anchored by a "1551" framework guiding localized expansion across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, the CIS, and Europe. In the first half of 2026, GAC posted growth across all five regions — including a 1,129% month-over-month sales surge in Brazil and an 11%+ EV market share in Hong Kong SAR.

Built on Infrastructure, Not Circumstance

GAC operates seven overseas manufacturing plants and 746 sales and service outlets worldwide. In Thailand, the company launched GAC CARE, its first overseas service brand; in Europe, it partnered with Allianz for three years of complimentary roadside assistance.

Manufacturing efficiency plays a central role: GAC's Panyu Intelligent Eco-Factory, the auto industry's only global "Lighthouse Factory," completes a vehicle every 53 seconds while cutting manufacturing costs by 58%.

With 30 million vehicles produced and exports growing 132% year-over-year, GAC continues advancing toward its goal of becoming a globally trusted automotive brand.

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