JK Tyre introduced a new range of mining-focused products at Bauma Conexpo India 2024, further expanding its portfolio of specialised solutions for industrial applications.

The latest launches include the 17.5-25 VEM 63 L5 for wheel loaders, the 16.00-25 VEM 99D E3 for wide-body dump trucks, the 12.00-24 VEM SMOOTH L5S for load haul dumpers, the 300-15 JET LIFT for forklifts, and the 10/75-15.3 MPT117 for self-loading concrete mixers. The unveiling was led by Anuj Kathuria, President (India), and Debasis Khuntia, OTR Head at JK Tyre.

At the inauguration, Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre & Industries, said, “JK Tyre consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation in the OTR tyre segment, delivering solutions that are both robust and specifically designed to boost productivity in its sector. Our latest OTR tyres are engineered to excel in the most challenging terrains, offering unparalleled durability and efficiency for heavy-duty machinery in the mining sector. As a front-runner in the segment, we are dedicated to advancing performance, setting new standards in tyre technology, and enhancing the overall productivity in OTR industry.”

These tyres are engineered for superior performance in harsh terrains. The VEM 63, with its L5 pattern, features an extra-deep tread for extended service life, sidewall protection, broad lugs for stability and a robust nylon casing for heavy loads. The VEM 99D, featuring an E3 chevron design, enhances handling, heat dissipation and cut resistance.

The VEM SMOOTH L5S is tailored for mining operations, offering long tread life, stability and high load endurance. The JET LIFT ensures superior stability and wear resistance, utilising a robust casing and silica-based compound. The MPT 117 is designed for on-road and off-road durability, delivering excellent mileage and load capacity.

At the expo, JK Tyre also showcased its proprietary smart tyre technology, Treel, a pressure and temperature monitoring system for OTR tyres. This innovation is aimed at improving efficiency in heavy-duty operations, reinforcing the company’s focus on smart mobility solutions for the mining and construction industries.

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.

Apollo Tyres is set to launch the Vredestein Ultrac+, a premium summer tyre offering significant longevity improvements over its predecessor, the Ultrac.

Scheduled for release in January 2025, the Ultrac+ will be available in 70 sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches, catering to a wide range of family and compact cars.

The Ultrac+ features a ‘square’ footprint and an advanced tread compound, enhancing durability. Internal tests indicate a 30 percent increase in projected mileage and a 30 percent reduction in abrasion loss compared to the Ultrac, ensuring longer lifespan and reduced environmental impact. Rolling resistance is also reduced by three percent, improving fuel efficiency and lowering overall costs.

Independent evaluations by IFV GmbH and Applus+ IDIADA tested the tyre’s longevity, performance in wet and dry conditions and comfort. These tests, conducted on the 225/45 R17 94Y XL size, benchmarked the Ultrac+ against premium competitors. The tyre’s reduced apex height and expanded sidewall ‘flex zone’ contribute to a quieter, more comfortable ride, while its optimised pitch sequence enhances noise reduction across different sizes.

Developed at Apollo’s Global R&D Centre in Enschede, Netherlands, the Ultrac+ incorporates a centre rib with parabolic lateral grooves for improved steering precision. Advanced tread technology, including high silica content, traction-enhancing resin, and a multi-functional polymer, ensures balanced wear and braking performance for a dynamic and safe driving experience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial, Europe at Apollo Tyres Ltd, commented: “Our product development process is guided by detailed analysis of customer feedback, as well as by evaluation of market-leading rival products. We found that the Ultrac was highly competitive across all key criteria apart from longevity, so that became a core focus for the team charged with designing and testing the new Ultrac+. Vredestein summer tyres have been produced since 1912, and it’s highly gratifying to have the capabilities of this latest Vredestein product in the category validated through independent testing. We’re proud to bring to market a product that delivers premium standards of performance at an accessible price point.”

Apollo Tyres Ltd launched its new radial tyres at Bauma ConExpo India 2024, including the Apollo Terra Pro 1045 for backhoe loaders and the Apollo Terra MPT 1 for defence and multipurpose trucks.

The Apollo Terra Pro 1045 is India’s first steel-belted radial tyre for backhoe loaders, developed for challenging conditions. Its unique tread pattern provides superior traction, puncture resistance, and reduced slippage in wet and dry conditions. The radial construction offers better fuel efficiency, while the flexible sidewalls and steel belt improve ride comfort and durability.

The Apollo Terra MPT 1 is an all-steel radial tyre designed for high-stress environments. Its self-cleaning tread excels off-road and provides a quiet, comfortable highway ride. The all-steel construction ensures durability on varied surfaces.

Apollo also introduced other products, including:

• Apollo Terra: Designed for self-loading machines and mobile concrete mixers, it features an S-shaped pattern for superior traction and self-cleaning.
• Apollo Terra SS-5: Developed for heavy-duty skid steer applications, it provides optimal load distribution and superior puncture protection.
• Apollo Terra MT: A next-gen tyre for 60-70 tonne dumper trucks, offering enhanced durability, better load capacity, and improved mileage.

Hankook’s Ventus evo SUV premium summer tyre has been selected as original equipment for the third generation of Volkswagen Tiguan SUV.

Developed exclusively at the company's European site at Rácalmás, Hungary, the tyre is available in five different sizes from 18 to 20 inches to match the Tiguan model versions of varying engine power. Excellent driving comfort was the main focus during the creation of the 18-inch and 19-inch variants, but the top-of-the-line 20-inch variant is distinguished by a very sporty look. The developers put it through rigorous driving testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and tried it out on the racecourse. On the sidewall, every tyre has the ‘+’ sign signifying Volkswagen original equipment.

The careful tread design and the balanced mix of tread materials equip the tyre with a noise level of less than 66 decibels using Opti Pitch technology and a unique Kerf design. Moreover, by ensuring the optimum number of blocks on the inside and outside of the tread, the Dual Pitch technology also provides maximum steering precision when cornering. The tyre also features the lowest possible rolling resistance, makings it perfect for the VW Tiguan, which is also available in a hybrid version. The tyres will also be available from replacement dealers.

Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Centre, Hankook, said, “The close and trusting collaboration with Volkswagen in the tyre development for the new VW Tiguan has paid off. We have achieved the optimum match for each tyre size and are able to contribute to the unique driving characteristics of the popular Volkswagen model.”