Indian tyre major Apollo Tyres has partially resumed operations at its Perambra plant  from April 21,2020. 

Apollo Tyres, in its filing to BSE, said "In view of the various directives issued by the Central Government/ State Governments on the exemptions from lockdown to be effective from April 20, 2020, and by adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures/ Guidelines for Industrial Units, prescribed by the respective State Governments, the Operations of our plant situated in the state of Kerala (at Perambra) have partially resumed with effect from April 21, 2020."

Apollo Tyres added that it will update on its others plants resume operations.

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Avon Tyres has expanded its motorcycle tyre portfolio with the introduction of 11 new specifications across its Cobra Chrome, Spirit ST and 3D Supersport product lines. The release comprises seven completely new sizes and four established dimensions that have been technically refined to broaden vehicle compatibility. This strategic enlargement is designed to align the company’s offerings more closely with contemporary market demands.

The most substantial growth occurs within the Cobra Chrome family, which accounts for seven of the new entries. Four pre-existing sizes have received upgrades, including enhanced load and speed ratings or a construction shift to bias belted technology, aimed at delivering superior stability and wet-weather braking for cruiser riders. Additionally, three entirely new sizes have been introduced, extending fitment to popular models such as the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, Sport Glide, Low Rider S and ST, alongside the current Honda GL1800 Gold Wing series.

To address the needs of younger commuters who often depend on their motorcycles as primary transport, Avon has launched Spirit ST sizes in 110/70ZR17 and 150/60ZR17. These dimensions are tailored for a variety of small to medium-displacement machines released over the past decade, with the tyre’s advanced tread compound and extended mileage characteristics making it a suitable option for daily use.

Finally, the 3D Supersport range gains two new fitments: a 120/60ZR17 front and a 190/50ZR17 rear. These additions are aimed at owners of older sports bikes and roadsters, as well as riders of contemporary Japanese sport-touring motorcycles, allowing them to benefit from the tyre’s refined handling dynamics and superior grip characteristics.

Don Argento, Manager Motorcycle Sales & Marketing North America, Avon Tyres, said, “These latest additions are designed not only to enhance the riding experience for our loyal customers but also to reach the next generation of riders by expanding fitment across the models they ride most. Avon Tyres remains committed to delivering unparalleled quality and ability, and it is exciting to extend the availability of three of our most popular road tyre ranges to an even broader selection of motorcycles. With its distinctive design and proven performance, Cobra Chrome continues to complement cruisers and tourers in both curb appeal and riding experience, and these new size additions represent a significant step forward for the range.”

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Goodyear Racing has retained its three-star rating within the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation Programme for 2026, securing the highest possible distinction for environmental management in motorsport. The renewal affirms that the company’s racing division operates at best-practice standards, as defined by the governing body of world motor sport and mobility organisations.

The renewed status follows an accelerated push by Goodyear to embed sustainability throughout its racing operations, spanning manufacturing, product development, logistical support and on-track activities. Auditors confirmed top-level commitment to environmental goals, supported by an integrated management system ensuring consistent implementation and ongoing refinement.

Goodyear Racing EMEA’s portfolio, including its role as official tyre supplier for the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the European Le Mans Series and the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship, falls under the accreditation. Initiatives include renewable electricity at Hanau and Colmar-Berg facilities, ISO certifications, single-specification tyre strategies, increased virtual simulation, retreading practices and a take-back system diverting tyres from landfill.

These measures support long-term targets of 100 percent renewable energy in manufacturing by 2040 and net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050. Recent innovations include the 2027-generation EAGLE racing tyres with 66 percent sustainable materials for LMGT3 and a truck racing specification featuring up to 60 percent sustainable content.

Originally awarded the three-star FIA accreditation in 2024, Goodyear continues using motorsport as a testing ground for sustainable technologies. The latest developments demonstrate a strategic vision where racing accelerates innovations that transition to road applications, showing measurable progress and enduring commitment.

Xavier Fraipont, Vice-President, Goodyear Racing, said, “Renewing the FIA’s highest level of environmental accreditation is a strong validation of the progress we have made in embedding sustainability across our racing operations. Over the past years, we have focused our efforts at every level – from how we design and manufacture our tyres to how we operate at the track. Crucially, we are proving that there is no trade-off between performance and a more responsible approach: the two go hand in hand. Motorsport has always been a driver of innovation, and today it also plays a key role in advancing more sustainable mobility. We remain fully committed to building on this progress together with our partners, continuing to push the boundaries of both performance and sustainability.”

Marek Nawarecki, Senior Circuit Sport Director, FIA, said, "Goodyear's renewed Three-Star Accreditation reflects exactly the kind of sustained, credible commitment the FIA Environmental Accreditation Programme is designed to recognise. By embedding sustainability from manufacturing through to trackside operations, Goodyear has demonstrated measurable, lasting progress. It's encouraging to see this level of commitment from a key partner in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship.”

Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said, “We would like to warmly congratulate Goodyear on the renewal of its FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation, the highest level of recognition within the FIA’s Environmental Accreditation Programme. This achievement reflects the commitment of a major partner of endurance racing, demonstrating that performance and a more responsible approach can progress together. Alongside the ACO, Goodyear plays an important role in developing innovative solutions for motorsport. Endurance racing has always been a laboratory for progress. It must continue to be so, not only in terms of performance but also in supporting the transformation of mobility. This is the spirit of our collaboration with Goodyear.”

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Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. has formalised a strategic memorandum of understanding with Nippon Express Logistics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to advance joint sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. This alliance is structured to generate measurable ecological and societal benefits across the entire supply chain, directly supporting the Bridgestone Group’s overarching environmental strategy. A core target of this roadmap is the substantial escalation of recycled and renewable material usage to constitute 40 percent of all tyre production raw materials by the year 2030, as part of the broader 2050 vision for fully sustainable materials.

The partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for the environmentally sound stewardship of end-of-life tyres, incorporating rigorous selection processes for high-quality casings destined for premium retread manufacturing. Concurrently, a systematic recycling channel for non-retreadable tyres is being developed under circular economy principles to optimise resource utilisation. This system merges Bridgestone’s advanced tyre technology with the global logistics infrastructure of Nippon Express to forge a closed-loop sustainability management network that mitigates environmental harm.

Beyond waste management, the collaboration yields reciprocal operational advantages by ensuring the safe and efficient processing of discarded tyres. The two entities are also initiating joint research to devise methods for improving tyre efficiency, prolonging product service life and enhancing the sustainability of recycling protocols. These operational synergies are designed to transform logistical and manufacturing processes into more environmentally conscious operations.

The scope of the agreement further encompasses community-focused projects, including the B-SAFE programme for driver safety training and the Bridgestone Nature Conservation initiative for biodiversity protection. These activities collectively strive to foster a safer society and are anchored in the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, specifically the principles of Ecology and Empowerment. Through this integrated approach, Bridgestone aims to solidify its identity as a Sustainable Solutions Company, delivering enduring value and trust for future generations.

Akihito Ishii, Managing Director, Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., said, “This marks another important milestone for both organisations in strengthening our business relationship towards sustainability and social contribution initiatives. Climate change and resource management are challenges that no organisation can solve alone. Bridgestone firmly believes that collaboration with strong partners is a key starting point in creating sustainable value for our customers, society, the environment and future generations.”

Masato Tanabe, Managing Director, Nippon Express Logistics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “The signing of this MOU marks an important milestone in our partnership. It also reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and our common aspiration to create long-term value for society. We see this initiative as the beginning of a new chapter in our partnership, and through our collaboration with Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., we look forward to steadily advancing meaningful initiatives. By deepening our contribution to local communities, we will continue working towards the realisation of a more sustainable future for the next generation.”

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BFGoodrich Tires has been designated the official tyre partner for the ChampCar Endurance Racing Series, establishing a new platform to demonstrate its engineering capabilities in grassroots motorsport. Central to this collaboration is the g-Force Rival+ tyre, which has been specifically developed for endurance racing and placed on the series' approved whitelist. The tyre is engineered to deliver consistent performance, durability and reliable wet-weather handling, addressing the core demands of amateur racing competitors.

Participants in the ChampCar series will gain access to a rebate programme and special opportunities at select events, including access to the BFGoodrich Performance Driving Guide, co-authored by brand ambassador Ross Bentley. The partnership aims to provide tangible support that enhances the racing experience for all series entrants.

The g-Force Rival+ tyre, launched in fall 2025, features a new rubber formulation for consistent lap times and a reinforced internal structure that minimises sidewall flex for instantaneous steering feedback. The tyre is currently available in 14 sizes.

Reviving a storied tradition, BFGoodrich has reintroduced its ‘Team T/A’ programme, fielding an endurance squad of employees and guest drivers competing exclusively in the ChampCar series. The team debuted at Daytona in April, finishing 16th out of 100 entries despite mechanical setbacks. Future races are scheduled at Sebring, Virginia International Raceway and Circuit of the Americas.

The original Team T/A programme was renowned from the 1970s through the 1990s for supporting grassroots racers. While the brand's recent acclaim has been tied to off-road racing, this initiative signals a return to pavement motorsports. Additional partnerships announced in June 2026 with the National Auto Sport Association, the Motorsport Safety Foundation and SCCA's Track Night in America underscore this sustained resurgence in the ultra-high performance arena.

Mike Chisek, President and CEO, ChampCar, said, “I’m excited to welcome BFGoodrich as a Series Partner of the ChampCar Endurance Series. It’s great to see the grassroots support BFGoodrich has for road racing, and their new g-Force Rival+ tyre is proving to be a great choice for our endurance road racing teams.”

T J Dennis, BFGoodrich Ultra-High Performance (UHP) Brand Manager, said, “Cementing this relationship with ChampCar is the latest step in bringing BFGoodrich’s ultra-high performance efforts back to the forefront. This partnership is mutually beneficial for each brand, and we’re eager to help ChampCar racers reach another level of performance.”

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