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.”

Michelin unveiled a new tyre that lasts 18 percent longer than its predecessor, aiming to capture growing demand for more sustainable automotive products amid stricter environmental regulations.

The Primacy 5, designed for passenger cars and SUVs, can travel an additional 7,000 kilometres compared to the previous model while maintaining safety standards on wet roads, the Clermont-Ferrand, France-based company said in a statement. The tyre also reduces environmental impact by six percent over its lifecycle, addressing mounting pressure on manufacturers to decrease their carbon footprint.

The launch comes as automakers shift toward electric vehicles, creating new challenges for tyre makers to handle heavier vehicle weights while minimizing road noise. Michelin’s new product improves energy efficiency by five percent compared to its Primacy 4+ model, according to testing by TÜV SÜD, an independent certification company.

“Developing a new tyre means overcoming multiple challenges,” the company said. The Primacy 5 features deeper tread channels for improved water evacuation and meets the European ‘A’ rating for wet-surface safety standards.

Michelin plans to roll out 64 sizes initially in Europe this month, expanding to 88 sizes globally by year-end. The company will begin sales in Asian markets in March 2025 and target 127 sizes available worldwide by mid-2026.

The tyre maker assessed environmental impact across five stages: development, manufacturing, transport, usage and end-of-life disposal, part of its broader “All Sustainable” strategy. External testing showed the new model improved wet braking performance by four percent when new compared to its predecessor.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has begun supplying its ADVAN Sport EV tyres as original equipment for Chinese premium electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer NIO’s ONVO L60 SUV. The SUV will be fitted with 245/50R19 101V size tyres.

Based on Yokohama Rubber's ADVAN Sport V107 tyre for high-performance automobiles, the ADVAN Sport EV is an exceptionally high-performance summer tyre created to satisfy the demands of owners of EVs and other electric vehicles. Yokohama Rubber has attained a level of low power consumption and wet performance suitable for high-end EVs by utilising a compound that has been shown to decrease tyre rolling resistance and a tread design that improves drainage. Yokohama Rubber's exclusive ‘E+’ symbol is shown on the sidewall of the ADVAN Sport EV to signify that it possesses unique properties appropriate for EVs.

The ONVO L60 is a family-oriented mid-size smart electric SUV that was introduced in China in September 2024. Six essential components were prioritised throughout development: battery life, driving performance, safety, comfort, smart cockpit and intelligent driving. On a single charge, the higher-end versions may go more than 1,000 km.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has started supplying its ADVAN Sport EV tyres for use as original equipment (OE) on the new Stelato S9, an electric vehicle (EV) developed jointly by leading Chinese telecommunications equipment manufacturer Huawei and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC Group). The EV will be equipped with 245/45R20 103V size tyres.

The ADVAN Sport EV tyre is developed for high-end EV users based on Yokohama Rubber's ADVAN Sport V107 tyre. Yokohama Rubber has attained a level of low power consumption and quietness suitable for luxury EVs by employing a compound that has been shown to minimise tyre rolling resistance and adding a unique polyurethane foam dubbed SILENTFOAM to the inside of the tyre to reduce noise. Yokohama Rubber's exclusive ‘E+’ symbol is shown on the sidewall of the ADVAN Sport EV to signify that it possesses unique properties appropriate for electric vehicles.

The Stelato S9 was launched in China in August 2024. Combining state-of-the-art features like a sophisticated driver assistance system with an opulent cabin with a sizable central control panel, the Stelato S9 provides a sophisticated and pleasurable driving experience. Furthermore, the car's sleek body shape offers its exteriors a chic, contemporary look.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., will be supplying its GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres as original equipment (OE) to the seventh generation Nissan Patrol. The SUV will be fitted with 275/60R20 115H size tyres.

With its emphasis on high-speed performance and manoeuvrability, GEOLANDAR X-CV tyres set a new benchmark for highway terrain tyres. Excellent driving stability, decreased weight, enhanced snow performance and quietness are all provided by carefully calibrated tread patterns and construction.

Aiming to increase the sales ratios of high-value tyres, Yokohama Rubber's consumer tyre division is part of its Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026) medium-term management strategy, which runs from 2024 to 2026. Promoting the GEOLANDAR and ADVAN brands as original equipment for new SUVs and pickup trucks is one of the main projects under this approach.