Michelin has been named the Official Tyre Partner of the newly formed Apex One Endurance Series. This alliance will see the tyre manufacturer supply its race-proven technology to all competitors throughout the championship. The collaboration highlights Michelin's deep-rooted dedication to endurance racing, a discipline where tyre durability, efficiency and consistent performance are fundamental to team strategy and on-track success.

The series itself is a joint venture between American testing and racing event organiser Apex One and Creventic, a Dutch promoter renowned for its European endurance events. The competition will adhere to Creventic's FIA-approved 24H Series regulations and use a circuit-specific balance of performance. A diverse multi-class field will include various categories such as homologated GT3 cars, a class for the Porsche GT3 Cup 992 and a TC4 class for production-based racecars. The series will also feature a TCE class for touring cars and other specified models.

The series will debut with a two-round winter schedule, commencing at Florida’s Sebring International Raceway with the Sebring 10H from 20–23 November 2025. The second event, the COTA 12H, is scheduled for 5–8 February 2026 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This round will feature a unique split format, with seven hours of racing on Saturday followed by a further five hours on Sunday. Designed as a launching platform, the Apex One Endurance Series aims to provide a competitive proving ground for both amateur drivers and emerging young professionals.

Raymond Cotton, Motorsports Director, Michelin North America, Inc, said, “Endurance racing pushes vehicles and tyres to their absolute limits, making it the ultimate stage to showcase Michelin’s technology, innovation and pursuit of sustainable mobility. This new partnership with Apex One reflects that dedication and compliments Michelin’s existing global racing initiatives.”

Daniel Bloom, President, APEX One, said, “Having Michelin as our Official Tyre Partner elevates the Apex One Endurance Series to new heights. Michelin’s track record in endurance racing is unmatched, and their expertise ensures our teams and drivers will experience the highest standard of competition and performance.”

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Toyo Tires has made its way to the annual A-List of CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts. This premier recognition, awarded for the first time to the company in the 2025 evaluation, reflects the company’s comprehensive decarbonisation efforts, which include validated science-based targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards renewable energy at its production sites. CDP’s annual assessment is a key benchmark for corporate sustainability across climate, water and forests.

The assessment also highlighted Toyo Tires' commitment to transparency, as verified by independent third-party data reviews. Viewing its business activities as intrinsically connected to society and the future, the Toyo Tires Group treats reducing environmental impact as a top operational priority.

Moving forward, the company is dedicated to advancing decarbonization across all its manufacturing processes and broader supply chain, aiming to support a sustainable global society.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new and more affordable range of gravel tyres under the Vredestein Aventura Core Series. This new-generation family consists of three distinct models: the Aventura Seta Core, Aventura Core and Aventura Grezzo Core. Engineered in Europe, these tyres are built for enhanced durability and dependable performance across diverse surfaces, offering riders a cost-effective upgrade for adventure biking.

The series is constructed around a streamlined Core platform, which incorporates a robust 60 TPI casing for increased puncture resistance and stable handling on uneven terrain. While utilising the proven tread patterns of existing Vredestein gravel tyres, this refined construction delivers high-end capability at a more accessible price point.

Each model is tailored for specific riding conditions. The Aventura Seta Core is designed for speed, with a race-optimised tread for fast rolling on asphalt and high-speed gravel, complemented by shoulder knobs for technical cornering. For versatile, everyday use, the Aventura Core offers a balanced blend of rolling efficiency and predictable grip across tarmac, hardpack and gravel roads. Finally, the Aventura Grezzo Core provides confidence on loose and rugged terrain, featuring an aggressive tread for enhanced traction in sand and soft surfaces, while its chained centre tread maintains efficiency on harder ground.

The Aventura Core Series will be available starting 1 February 2026. The Aventura Seta Core comes in 40, 45 and 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Core is offered in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Grezzo Core is available in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. Colour options include black/black and black/transparent sidewalls.

Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Aventura Core Series marks an important expansion of our gravel offering within the Vredestein range. By introducing three purpose-designed tyres built on a shared durable foundation, we can better support riders across the full spectrum of gravel terrain – from high-speed racing to off-road exploration and everyday mixed-surface riding.”

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Continental Tires Americas has expanded its HDR 5 and HSR 5 19.5-inch product lines with a new 245/70R19.5 size, specifically engineered for urban and regional delivery fleets.

These tyres are built to endure high-scrub environments and the demanding stop-and-go cycles typical of city routes. Key advancements include a reformulated tread compound that reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy while also extending tread life. The redesigned sidewall enhances durability to support multiple retreads, maximising the value of each tyre casing. Furthermore, both models are validated for use on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as traditional combustion engines.

This size extension provides a practical option for fleets seeking to improve operational cost-efficiency and tyre longevity under rigorous driving conditions, continuing the proven performance of the existing series with targeted upgrades.

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The Silver Jubilee of the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) commenced on the morning of 9 January 2026 at Kottayam's Hevea Hall. Union Minister of State George Kurian formally inaugurated the event, with Member of Parliament K Francis George presiding. Attendees also heard an address from MLA Chandi Oommen.

A wide array of activities marked the inaugural programme. These included unveiling a commemorative monument, honouring former NIRT Directors and recognising student cohorts. Several publications and materials were launched, such as a Silver Jubilee souvenir and tutorial videos for stakeholders. The new jubilee logo was revealed, and a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Rubber Board and the Government of Nagaland.

The ceremony further involved prize distributions for earlier competitions and celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Rubber magazine. The day's schedule continued with a curated panel discussion and a dedicated exhibition at the NIRT campus.

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