Ashok Leyland launched its range of Modular Trucks – AVTR hauled by i-Gen6 BS-VI compliant engines. The modular platform is a first of its kind in the Indian CV industry with multiple options of axle configurations, loading spans, cabins, suspensions, and drivetrains on a single platform for the entire range of Rigid trucks, Tippers and Tractors.

More than 450 engineers spent 4 million man-hours and Rs 500 crore investment to develop the modular platform. This helps the company make innumerable variants in the shortest lead time and also optimise the customers’ total cost of ownership. Thus the customers can choose their vehicles in the range of 18.5 tonne to 55 tonne from about 6,000 combinations enabling them to configure vehicles that are best-suited to their applications and business needs.

For the company, it would mean faster turnaround along with better market coverage owing to virtually millions of combinations, for any kind of customer. The Modular platform also provides improved safety and better comfort for drivers, higher reliability and enhanced durability, and is supported by next Gen i-alert fleet management system with remote diagnostics.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “The customer centric AVTR, will take our customers to the next level of trucking and they will reap the benefits of modularity. This unique modular platform puts us on the global map of CV manufacturers and will help us in our journey of realising our vision.”

Vipin Sondhi, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “With the launch of AVTR, we are very proud that we have achieved the dual challenge of meeting the BS-VI norms and development of a whole new platform, in one swift move. This gives us an edge not only in India but globally with its potential to switch between right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive. This new platform has been extensively tested in different terrains and done over 6 million kilometres of field running.”

Anuj Kathuria, COO, Ashok Leyland, said, “With the launch of AVTR, we have taken the lead in terms of technology and innovation. We have been seeding some of the vehicles from the AVTR range, with our select customers and the feedback has been very encouraging. Early reports from these customers suggest we have successfully helped them improve Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) including best in class operation and maintenance cost.”

Apollo Tyres’ Vredestein Traxion tyres have been selected by agricultural equipment manufacturer SDF Group as original equipment (OE) for its range of DEUTZ-FAHR Series 6 tractors. The new Vredestein OE partnership was announced during the 2024 EIMA trade fair, held in Bologna, Italy.

All DEUTZ-FAHR Series 6 vehicles, including the 6-160, 6170, 6180, 6190, 6210, 6230 and 6230HD models, as well as the 4-cylinder models 6160.4 and 6170.4, will be able to use four distinct Vredestein Traxion combinations starting in the first quarter of 2025. The tyres will be offered to customers as an option for all Series 6 vehicles with power outputs between 160 and 230 horsepower and transmissions like as Powershift, RCshift and TTV. For maximum on-road comfort and superior wear resistance, the Vredestein Traxion has a curved lug design with more rubber in the middle. In the field, the distinctive non-parallel lugs offer superior self-cleaning capabilities and more traction as they diverge towards the tread's shoulder.

Laurence Bennett, Head – Off-Highway Tyres, Apollo Tyres, said, “We are honoured that DEUTZ-FAHR has selected our Traxion tyres for its Series 6 tractors. This decision comes in response to the increased demand from contractors and farmers operating DEUTZ-FAHR tractors, who appreciate the value of Vredestein tyres. Our Traxion technology is designed to deliver superior performance, with enhanced traction, comfort and extended tyre life – all crucial factors for demanding agricultural work. This partnership reflects the strong reputation we’ve built in the market.”

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has started the delivery of its ADVAN Sport EV tyres in size 245/50R19 105W to be used as original equipment for the new Lynk & Co Z10 sedan launched by Lynk & Co, a joint venture between China’s Geely Auto Group and Sweden’s Volvo Car Group, in China in September 2024.

In order to satisfy the demands of high-end EV users, the ADVAN Sport EV was created based on Yokohama Rubber's ADVAN Sport V107 tyre for high-performance vehicles. With a tread design that improves drainage and a compound that has been shown to lower tyre rolling resistance, Yokohama Rubber has attained a level of low power consumption and wet performance suitable for high-end EVs. The exclusive ‘E+’ label from Yokohama Rubber is shown on the sidewall of the ADVAN Sport EV to signify that it possesses unique properties appropriate for electric vehicles.

The Z10 is Lynk & Co’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV). It has a maximum range of more than 800 km and can be charged quickly, increasing the range by 573 km in around 15 minutes. The Lynk & Co Z10 achieves a high degree of harmony between driving enjoyment and passenger comfort by utilising cutting-edge technology and skilled tuning to give remarkable acceleration and safety.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced that Yokohama Tire Corporation (YTC), a US subsidiary, will provide ADVAN racing tyres as the control tyre for the new Mustang Cup series that has been approved by the United States Auto Club (USAC). Beginning in April, the series will take place in the US. YTC will provide ADVAN A005 tyres for dry weather and ADVAN A006 tyres for wet conditions.

Ford Performance, the racing subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company, is launching a new series of entry-level events for beginner racers and amateur racing enthusiasts called the Mustang Cup. Participants will have the chance to improve their racing abilities through the Mustang Cup series, which also offers progression into Mustang Challenge, Mustang GT4 and the higher level Mustang GT3. The Ford Performance-engineered Mustang Dark Horse R will compete in the Mustang Cup series. Louisiana will host the first event in the series, which will feature six races spread across six US states.

Together with Ford Performance, Yokohama Rubber will assist the Ford Mustang GT3 vehicles of the German racing team Haupt Racing Team in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race (ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring), one of the world's premier endurance events, in addition to providing the control tyre for the Mustang Cup. This will be the first time Ford Performance has competed in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race since 2019 and the first time Yokohama Rubber and Ford Performance have worked together since 2012.

In order to increase awareness and fortify the brand power of its ADVAN tyres in the North American market, Yokohama Rubber is supporting high-end sports vehicle one-make racing series. The Porsche Carrera Cup North America, which is regarded as one of the quickest one-make races in the world, is one of the other one-make racing series to which Yokohama Rubber is supplying its ADVAN racing tyres in addition to the new Mustang Cup series.

Hyundai has selected Nexen Tire’s N’FERA Supreme S all-season as original equipment (OE) tyres for its flagship SUV, the Palisade.

The AI-driven big data noise reduction tread pattern design of the N'FERA Supreme S tyre effectively lowers road noise and vibrations to provide a comfortable driving experience. The tyre is optimised for high-performance and heavy-duty vehicles using a 4D compound and load distribution technologies to maximise grip. This reduces driver fatigue and improves driving performance by providing excellent stability over long distances and at high speeds. Pattern shape retention technology has been used to provide even better performance even when the tyre is 50 percent worn. Additionally, to lower air resistance and boost fuel efficiency, an aerodynamic sidewall design has been used.

Travis Kang, Global CEO of NEXEN TIRE, said, “Being chosen as the OE tyre supplier for the Palisade, overcoming competition with leading global tyre manufacturers, is an encouraging milestone. We will increase our global competitiveness through strategic relationships with Hyundai Motor Company and other automakers.”