Michelin India Technology Centre has been operating for over five years. Could you highlight how the centre has been playing its role in research and development for Michelin's domestic and international markets?

The centre has grown over the years in terms of developing competencies and delivering products and solutions to businesses in the local market, region and globally. The agility and flexibility in delivery of solutions to sustainable mobility is one of our key strengths. The product solutions that are developed in conjunction with other regional teams have the cutting edge, keeping Michelin ahead of the curve. The gender and domain diverse team at the centre has brought unique dimensions to meet customer aspirations specific to different vehicle platforms. There are forward looking concepts and products that are being developed in different life cycle stages by the team in India that have upgraded their skills due to their world class training. Our teams are also exposed to global norms and developments in mature markets, thus enabling them to bring in such perspectives while developing products in the domestic market. 

What will drive the Indian truck and bus tyre market in future?

This is very interesting and all of us have seen a reset of a new normal due to Covid-19 in ways we are conducting the different facets of our businesses. The Indian market is smart, agile and ahead in their thought process compared to some of the other markets. The digital solutions, smarts, AI and services will drive the Indian truck and bus tyre market. Customers, whether they own transportation fleets or personal vehicles, want the worry-free ‘fit and forget’ tyre solutions. At Michelin, we have many such services, charging cost per kilometre to customers, which have been deployed in mature markets as well as in India, allowing our customers to focus on other aspects of their business models or personal routines.

The other driving factor will be ‘smarts’ in the tyre industry. The embedded chips in tyres for V2X interfaces are a huge opportunity for the mobility ecosystem with a vast application playfield that includes monitoring tear wear, tyre rotation periods, driver behaviour, inputs fed to active integrated suspensions for ride comfort, adjusting speed depending on terrain for safety and ergonomics of driver comfort as well as cargo movement.

Advanced materials will change the game with growing percentages of recycled rubber in tyre design and manufacturing. These will be an enabler in reducing carbon footprint of a vehicle and the holistic ecosystem including tyre dust. Faster curing materials, self-sealing tyres are around the corner in India. There are pilots and that will be the real ‘aah-ha’ moment for the industry and consumers. 

The centre also has a material testing lab. Sustainable raw materials are growing focus of tyre companies. What are the activities of the centre in the material testing space?

Materials, we believe, will be the strategic edge of our products and solutions as mentioned earlier. The centre does leverage material testing, monitoring various aspects of product development. The automation of test data for faster evaluation and upstream design actions is an important aspect with regard to speed to market. This is something that our teams are good at creatively innovating at the centre and the lab downstream.  

How do you distinguish the product requirements for developed and developing countries?

It is not the product but the solutions and services that are adapted for different regions. This is decided based on local regulations and norms, and the ecosystem and the infrastructure available there to support it. Product development also considers the tech savviness in the totem poles of the customers. The smartness in deploying the right solutions at the right price, at the right time will continue to be a distinguishing and winning factor for us across the globe.

MITC joined hands with IIT Bombay and ARAI. According to you, how will the new mobility shape in India, and how are you preparing, through R&D work, to offer the customised products in India?

This is one amazing aspect of India that we believe can be leveraged to the advantage of the Indian ecosystem. The Indian competitiveness for delivering ‘more customer value with lesser resources’ will help Michelin progress with these engagements. We will have students exposed to mature markets, working with global academia and experienced Michelin engineers to straight-on take the lead in their careers and solution mindset. We are confident that these and such partnerships are the diving boards to our collective growth. To use the cricket analogies, we are here to play well, in both the T20 and the test matches, and we are building teams that can switch on and off the pace between such situations due to their exposure, mentoring and talent acceleration.    

Will you be open to more partnerships in India?

The power of Collective Intelligence is second to none when it comes to delivering smarts to our customers through such valuable partnerships. The centre is already working with few of the academic institutions in India and is in discussions with the right-minded players that are on the same page. We have a clear understanding of ‘where to play’ as it forms our evaluation matrix when we are exploring start-ups, incubation parks and innovation accelerators. We will continue this journey as it helps with the step-change in the Indian ecosystem on many aspects of mobility and related solutions that are beneficial to all stakeholders.

According to you, what are the more significant challenges for scientists and engineers in the tyre industry?

Challenges are to find, train and retain individuals with the right kind of skill-sets. The gestation period to train and get an engineer to deliver high quality smart solutions requires patience and commitment. The more experienced scientists and engineers are at cross roads to delegate to the pipeline of talent that graduates out of our engineering institutions in their early professional journey. The infra and technical power needs to grow in India since the AI solutions and digitalisation can be catapulted very well in an existing innovation mindset for deployment. The race to get to the senior positions without developing a depth in domains is a challenge and not sustainable for growth in the long term. Talent in AI and data analytics tied to tyre and mobility domains is growing, but this talent is enticed by other non-mobility industries, creating a churn and dampening the speed to market and ability to provide attractive solutions and products to our customers. (TT)

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Nexen Tire crafted a significant and multi-faceted presence at this year's SEMA Show, moving beyond a simple product display to foster genuine engagement. The brand’s strategy centred on creating dynamic conversations and providing tangible proof of its products' capabilities. A key initiative, Nexen Live, served as a bustling hub, featuring a continuous schedule of short, unscripted discussions with a diverse array of industry figures. This approach allowed fans and trade professionals alike to see the tyres in action on actual competition vehicles and hear directly from the drivers who depend on them. The core message was one of validated performance, emphasising that Nexen’s passenger and performance lines are rigorously tested and race-proven for dependable daily use.

This narrative was powerfully reinforced early in the event when the N’Fera Sport tyre was distinguished as the runner-up in SEMA’s prestigious New Product Showcase, standing as the only tyre honoured in its category. This accolade amplified the brand's momentum and credibility on the show floor. The company’s outdoor space was consistently active, with presentations that skilfully connected various topics back to a cohesive story about the entire tyre lineup. This provided attendees with a clear understanding of where featured products, such as the EV-compatible N’Priz S and the high-performance N’Fera Sport, fit within the broader range.

The credibility of this full-line story was bolstered by an impressive roster of guests who appeared on the Nexen Live stage. The breadth of perspectives was extensive, featuring product strategy leaders from major OEMs including Nissan, Ford, Toyota and Jeep, who shared insights into manufacturer direction and original equipment performance standards. This high-level industry view was complemented by the real-world, competition-tested experiences of professional racers from Team Nexen and the NHRA. Further depth was added by builders and designers who connected tyre function to vehicle craftsmanship, while influential artists like Cartoon and Mike Giant brought unique visual storytelling that attracted new audiences. Media personalities and content creators effectively translated technical features into relatable benefits for diverse drivers, from truck owners to families. Additional practical context came from aftermarket experts in audio and lubrication, who tied tyre performance into a complete real-world vehicle experience.

This comprehensive SEMA activation is a single component of a larger, sustained effort by Nexen to build market familiarity and trust. This broader plan includes consistent media storytelling, collaborations with digital creators and visible validation from rigorous racing and off-road programmes. The SEMA presence directly followed the company's recent Ride N’ Drive event, where influencers and partners provided direct feedback after hands-on testing. Together, these initiatives delivered a dual spotlight on key products within their full-line context, helping consumers understand each tyre's specific role without overwhelming them with technical specifications. The dialogue from the show is set to continue, as Nexen will release over 40 interviews from its stage across social channels, extending the energy and conversations from Las Vegas throughout the year.

Theresa Kapper, Director of Marketing, Nexen Tire  America, said, “We brought Nexen Tire back to SEMA to make a bigger impression and a bigger impact among the people who live and breathe this industry every day. By opening the stage to racers, builders, creators and partners, we’re not just talking at people, we’re inviting them in. The choice to encourage transparency and open dialogue, and to platform other champions in this space leaves a lasting impression. It tells showgoers exactly who we are: confident in our products, confident in our process and confident enough to let real voices carry the story.” 

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Goodyear is collaborating with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve  for the 15th year in a row to hold its yearly Christmas toy drive in support of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The public is encouraged to participate at the company’s blimp bases in Ohio, Florida and California. These events offer a unique incentive for donors: an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look inside the iconic Goodyear Blimp’s hangar.

The initiative supports the core mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, established in 1947, which gathers new, unwrapped toys each October through December to distribute as Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children within the local community. The collective impact of this long-term partnership has been significant, resulting in the donation of more than 275,000 toys and raising over USD 765,000 for the programme over the past 15 years.

The event schedule is as follows. At the Ohio base, located at 841 Wingfoot Lake Rd., Mogadore, the drive-through donation will be held from 5th December to 7th December between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily. The Florida base at 1500 NE 5th Ave, Pompano Beach, will host an open house on 7th December from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., requiring online registration for tours. The California base, situated at 19200 S Main St, Carson, will accept donations on 5th December from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on 6th December from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with tour spots available through online registration.

For supporters who cannot attend in person, all three Goodyear Airship Bases will accept new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations sent directly to their mailing addresses. Comprehensive details on how to contribute are available on the official Goodyear Blimp website and its Facebook page.

Laura Duda, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Goodyear, said, "All of us at Team Goodyear are excited to celebrate our 15th year of partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Toys for Tots Program, especially during the Goodyear Blimp's 100th anniversary year. Sharing the magic of these iconic blimps while giving back to the community during the holiday season is an opportunity we cherish as an organisation.”

Retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, said, "We're honoured to mark another milestone with Goodyear returning for their 15th consecutive year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Program. Our organisation proudly continues its 78th year of bringing hope, joy and the magic of Christmas to children in need across the nation. Goodyear's dedication to serving communities mirrors the core values the Marine Corps has championed for nearly 80 years through Toys for Tots. Thanks to their ongoing partnership and generosity, we'll reach countless underserved children and help make their holiday wishes come true.”

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G3 Mixing Technologies, a global manufacturer of rubber mixing machinery for the pneumatic, automotive and industrial sectors, is reinforcing its commitment to the American market by establishing its new US headquarters in the heart of Akron, Ohio, a city legendary for its rubber industry heritage. This strategic move to a city synonymous with innovation will significantly enhance local customer support and service, providing tailored solutions for the pneumatic, automotive and industrial sectors.

The official opening is set for 20 November and will be marked by an event for global clients and community leaders, featuring technical presentations, facility tours and networking. This new centre of operations is designed to be a comprehensive resource for business, cutting-edge technical assistance and live demonstrations of mixing technologies on both laboratory and industrial scales, solidifying G3's position as an industry leader.

Pierpaolo and Pierluigi Gagliardi, Board Members of G3 Mixing Technologies, said in a statement, “We are proud to open the new headquarters in Akron, a city with a great industrial heritage and the beating heart of the rubber industry in the United States. This investment confirms our ambition for international growth and to offer American customers direct and rapid access to our solutions.”

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The Kari Motor Speedway witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the 28th JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship, crowning a host of new champions across multiple categories. In the premier LGB Formula 4 class, Dhruvh Goswami of MSport staged a remarkable comeback to seize the title. The 18-year-old from Bengaluru, who began the final round trailing in the standings, dominated the weekend by winning three out of four races. His championship-winning performance was highlighted in the final 20-lap race, where he started seventh on a reverse grid but demonstrated strategic patience and skill, overtaking rivals including former champion Diljith TS and his own teammate, Ruhaan Alva, to claim a decisive victory. Monith Kumaran Srinivasan from Ahura Racing was awarded the Rookie title in the same category.

The event also featured the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, where South Africa’s Luviwe Sambudla secured his first season win with a commanding pole-to-finish drive in the opening race. The podium saw international talent shine, with Ghazi Motlekar of Mozambique taking second and India’s Ishaan Madesh clinching third after a late overtake. In the subsequent race, Kenya’s Shane Chandaria claimed the win from pole position, followed by Motlekar in second and France’s Sachel Rotge in third.

In the two-wheeled action of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, Anish Shetty from Bengaluru capped off his dominant season with another victory, having already secured the professional category title the previous day. The amateur class crown was claimed by Pondicherry’s Bryan Nicholas.

The championship also celebrated winners in its newer and entry-level series. Balaji Raju secured the Rookie crown in the debut JK Tyre Levitas Cup by winning both of the day's races, while Coimbatore’s Jai Prashanth Venkat dominated the Gentlemen category. The JK Tyre Novice Cup provided a dramatic finale, with Lokithlingeash Ravi of Pollachi emerging victorious in a tense season-ending shootout to claim the championship honours.

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