Bekaert announced plans to reorganise its activities at the Bekintex site in Wetteren, Belgium, including reducing its workforce and relocating its micro heating cable production platform to another Belgian location.

The plan will directly impact 61 jobs.

Bekaert said the move is necessary to adjust its operations to challenging market conditions. Management emphasised its priority on minimising the impact on employees.

In accordance with the Renault Law, Bekaert will soon begin discussions with social partners.

Japanese tyre major Yokohama India has rolled out made-in-India premium 19-inch tyres, which it says are specially designed for high-end luxury SUVs.

The company has started localised manufacturing of the tyres at its Bahadurgarh facility in Haryana.

The tyre maker is banking on the growth of premium SUVs in India, which saw a 34 percent growth in FY2024. The products will be available under Yokohama’s popular 'Geolandar' series for SUVs, where it offers the mud-terrain, extreme all-terrain, all-terrain, and highway terrain tyres. The new Geolandar X-CV has also been made available through the company’s network of over 3,000 retailers in the country.

Harinder Singh, CEO, and MD, Yokohama India, said, “The 19-inch Geolandar X-CV tyres are a testament to Yokohama’s ‘GLOCAL’ strategy — blending cutting-edge global technology with local needs to deliver a product that meets the demands of Indian motorists. What makes this release even more significant is that these tyres are proudly ‘Made in India,’ underscoring our commitment to providing world-class quality while strengthening local manufacturing capabilities. This move aligns with the growing trend of larger rim sizes and the booming luxury SUV segment in India. In response to the growing requirement, we are also preparing to release 20-inch tyres soon, with our current manufacturing facilities capable of producing tyres up to 24 inches. This reinforces Yokohama’s positioning in the high-end tire market.”

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) shared its key policy recommendations with EU legislators, which were designed to support the European twin transition and contribute to Europe's automotive ecosystem's competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation.

The European tyre industry is a cornerstone of European manufacturing, contributing nearly € 44 billion to the EU GDP and employing close to 500,000 people. However, high energy, labour, and raw material costs, coupled with strong price competition from tyres produced outside the EU, have negatively impacted the industry's competitiveness. The industry now requires a boost alongside the rest of the automotive ecosystem.

The policy paper's recommendations must be accompanied and supported by a broader strategy that recognises the critical nature of the entire automotive supply chain, reduces bureaucracy, and carefully assesses all levers at the Commission’s disposal that could impact production prices.

ETRMA’s proposals focus on actionable steps to advance the EU’s twin transitions and global competitiveness:

1. Establish a sector-specific regulation for access to in-vehicle data to boost innovation and enhance safety.
2. Harmonize End-of-Waste Criteria for Tyres
3. Promote Retreaded Tyres to Support Circular Economy Goals
4. Promote Best-Performing Tyres to Enhance Safety and Reduce Emissions
5. Facilitate the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation and define an EU Rubber Strategy

Continental’s UltraContact NXT, the company’s most sustainable tyre series to date, has won the CLEPA Innovation Award in the “Green” category. The European Association of Automotive Suppliers thus recognises Continental’s commitment to sustainability.

“With the UltraContact NXT, Continental has combined maximum sustainability with best-in-class performance. We are proud that the jury of the CLEPA Innovation Award has recognised this technological achievement,” said Catherine Loss, Head of Program Management Tires EMEA at Continental, who accepted the award in Brussels.

Depending on the tyre size, the UltraContact NXT incorporates up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and ISCC PLUS mass balance certified materials. Renewable materials account for up to 32 percent, while recycled materials contribute up to five percent. Additionally, Continental sources up to 28 percent ISCC PLUS mass balance certified materials from biological, bio-circular and circular raw materials.

All available dimensions achieve the top EU tyre label rating (“A”) for rolling resistance, wet braking and exterior noise.

The CLEPA Innovation Award is presented annually by CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, to honour the most innovative products and technologies in the European automotive industry.

Bridgestone Americas has raised more than USD 2.4 million for United Way of Greater Nashville through its 2024 ‘United by What Really Matters’ fundraising campaign, further strengthening its 30-year partnership with United Way. Additionally, by establishing a comprehensive staff volunteer programme that resulted in 500 service hours around the region, the company further enhanced its financial contributions.

In order to assist United Way's vital programmes and initiatives in Middle Tennessee, Bridgestone has raised over USD 15 million since 2015. More than USD 850,000 was donated this year by coworkers at the company's Americas headquarters in Nashville as well as a contribution from the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund. Additionally, on October 15 at Nashville's Hermitage Golf Club, Bridgestone and its partners organised the company's sixth annual Bridgestone United Way Charitable Golf Tournament, which raised close to USD 1.6 million. The competition continues to be United Way's biggest national fundraising event.

Bridgestone extended this year's campaign by offering its first-ever community service initiative to its Nashville-based teams from 7–22 November. Together, they contributed 500 hours of their time to help United Way partner organisations and organisations with community gardens, food sorting, hygiene kit creation and other projects.

Sara Correa, Chief Marketing Officer, Bridgestone Americas, said, “What really matters is helping empower our teammates to make a transformative difference in the communities where we move, live, work and play. That’s why United Way is one of Bridgestone’s most important and valued partners. We are grateful for the generosity of our teammates and partners who continue to show up for our neighbours when they need it most by supporting United Way’s critical work.”

Erica Mitchell, CEO-Elect, United Way of Greater Nashville, said, “We are incredibly grateful for Bridgestone's unwavering commitment to our mission. Their generous contributions and dedicated partnership have made a profound impact on our region, helping us unite the community and mobilise resources so that every child, individual and family thrives. Together, we are creating lasting change, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration.”