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.”

Nexen Tire, a global leader in tyre manufacturing, has received approval from Škoda for its N'FERA Sport ultra-high-performance (UHP) flagship summer tyre to be used as original equipment for the new Škoda Karoq SUV.

The Karoq is ideally matched with N'FERA Sport in size 215/50R18 W XL tire, which was created especially for the European market and made in Europe. It offers improved handling and stability even at high speeds. The N'Fera Sport (size 225/40R18) is already recognised by the ADAC Summer test 2025 and earns a strong overall rating for driving safety, comfort and environmental performance. The ADAC rates it as having a very good rating among competitors due to its short braking distance from 100 kmph. It also outperforms the norm in aquaplaning and wet braking.

Edwin van der Stad, Vice President Europe Original Equipment at Nexen Tire, said, “We are thrilled to receive this homologation for the N’FERA Sport on the Škoda Karoq. As our flagship summer product, the N'FERA Sport represents the peak of our tyre technology, designed to deliver outstanding performance and safety. Achieving the most homologations among our products, it is a true testament to the tyre's quality and our dedication to excellence. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Škoda, enhancing the driving experience for their customers worldwide.”

Toyota Motor Corporation has selected Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd’s DUNLOP GRANDTREK H/T31 tyre as original equipment (OE) in Japan for its recently launched LEXUS GX550 SUV.

In addition to the dependability and durability that the GRANDTREK series has established, the GRANDTREK H/T31 aims for on-road performance. The product uses new tread rubber and a H/T (Highway Terrain) pattern to provide a high level of anti-wear performance, good fuel efficiency and quiet operation. In order to increase visibility and create a more opulent overall design appeal, the tyres also employ the Nano Black design method, which colours brand insignia on tyre sidewalls a darker shade of black.

With its powerful but economical engine and sturdy construction, the new GX550 offers exceptional driving performance. With its unique design, cutting-edge suspension and driving support system, and 18-inch tyres, the OVERTRAIL+ delivers both off-road and on-road performance. Toyota SUVs have long been equipped with DUNLOP's GRANDTREK line of tyres as standard equipment.

Lucid Motors has selected Hankook Tire’s EV-exclusive all-season tyre, the iON evo AS SUV, as original equipment (OE) for its all-new electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity, designed for the North American Market.

Through its partnership with Lucid Motors, Hankook Tire has unveiled the iON evo AS SUV as a high-performance all-season tyre designed especially for big electric SUVs. The tyre's next-generation compound design combines high-performance polymers, environmentally friendly components, and high-concentration silica to provide outstanding grip and improved mileage performance in a variety of driving circumstances throughout the year. Notably, the tyre's stiffness profile has been tuned to support the heavier EV battery packs while maintaining a consistent road contact pressure to improve driving stability.

Its tread shape also permits even wear, increasing the tyre's longevity. The tyres greatly reduce rolling resistance and efficiently reduce noise by carefully balancing the size and quantity of tread blocks. Drivers who want a dynamic driving experience may retain great energy economy thanks to this design's improvements.

The Lucid Gravity, a full-size, three-row SUV and Lucid Motors' second all-electric vehicle model, was just introduced in the US. The Lucid Gravity has a sleek body and an elegant interior. It has a range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.5 seconds and produces up to 828 horsepower in Grand Touring configuration. Actual results will vary depending on temperature, driving behaviour, battery state and charging.

Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone), has launched the Firestone Affinity AS tyre, its latest touring tyre designed for mainstream sedans.

The Firestone Affinity AS tyre features a tread compound that safeguards against uneven and premature wear and comes with a limited warranty of up to 65,000 miles (approx. 104,607 km). It also helps limit road noise and vibration, while the unique tread pattern with diagonal and lateral sipes is designed to improve wet-weather traction and handling. Noise-silencing grooves in the tread pattern further help reduce noise and harshness while enhancing drivability.

An important addition to the Firestone touring collection, the Affinity AS tyre is positioned between the Firestone WeatherGrip and the entry-level all-season tyres. With no winter-specific certification, the Affinity AS tyre adds to Firestone's lineup and gives drivers who value consistent all-season performance another choice. Popular automobiles with rim widths ranging from 15 to 19 inches are designed to fit the Affinity AS tyre. At launch, there are nine fitments available. Throughout 2025, the 28 total fitments will be made available in a phased rollout. The Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Impala SEL are among the vehicles whose Affinity AS tyres fit the best.

Brad Robison, Director – Consumer Product Strategy, Bridgestone Americas, said, "Our new touring offering, the Affinity AS tyre, is designed to deliver confident handling, a quiet ride and long wear life for mainstream sedans. With impressive wet-weather grip and longevity, the Affinity AS tyre is built for the drivers who appreciate strong performance and good value.”