Bridgestone India and Tata Power Join Hands to Expand EV Charging Network

Bridgestone India and Tata Power Join Hands to Expand EV Charging Network

Bridgestone India and Tata Power have partnered to deploy electric vehicle (EV) chargers at Bridgestone dealerships across India. These chargers will operate 24/7 and have a capacity of 25/30 Kwh, enabling a four-wheeler to be fully charged in just one hour. This means that 20-24 vehicles can be charged daily. The first charger, inaugurated at Bridgestone’s Select Store Super Tyres on the Pune-Ahmednagar road in Shirur, is open to all four-wheeler EVs.

This collaborative effort between Bridgestone and Tata Power is a significant step towards India’s ambition of establishing a national network of EV charging stations to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

“The electric revolution is changing the automotive landscape, and in India, we are seeing a phenomenal growth in the demand for passenger EVs. At Bridgestone, being a globally trusted partner in the mobility space, we always endeavour to provide solutions for journeys. This joint initiative with Tata Power is a reflection of this commitment. By providing a viable and sustainable mobility solution, the 24x7 operations of these EV chargers also give EV owners charging as per their convenience,” said Rajarshi Moitra, Chief Commercial Officer, Bridgestone India.

“Tata Power is committed to propelling India towards a cleaner and greener tomorrow by accelerating e-mobility in the country. Our partnership with Bridgestone India exemplifies our dedication to facilitating the electric vehicle revolution by fostering innovation and collaboration,” stated Virendra Goyal, Head –  Business Development (EV charging), Tata Power.

These charging points will be accessible to Bridgestone customers and all EV owners. Tata Power will oversee the installation and charging support, offering round-the-clock service, maintenance assistance, remote vehicle charging monitoring, and e-payment options through the EZ Charge mobile application. The Tata Power EV Charging app will allow EV owners to locate charging stations on a map quickly, receive updates on charging status, and make online payments.

This development comes at a pivotal time, with India witnessing a remarkable surge in EV sales. In the first eight months of 2023, a total of 53,206 passenger EVs were sold in India, reflecting a 132% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The growing popularity of EVs makes initiatives like this collaboration crucial for expanding the charging infrastructure.

Hankook Tire Secures ISCC PLUS Certification For Jiaxing Plant In China

Hankook Tire Secures ISCC PLUS Certification For Jiaxing Plant In China

Hankook Tire has secured the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS for its Jiaxing Plant in Zhejiang Province, China. This globally recognised voluntary certification verifies the sustainability of bio-based and recycled materials while ensuring full supply chain transparency. The certification imposes strict verification standards across every stage, from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to the final product output.

The Jiaxing facility’s achievement marks the company’s fourth ISCC PLUS certification. Hankook first earned the distinction for its Geumsan Plant in 2021, becoming the first in the tyre industry to do so. The Rácalmás Plant in Hungary followed in 2023, and the Daejeon Plant received certification in 2025. With this latest addition in China, Hankook has significantly expanded its sustainable manufacturing network across both Asia and Europe.

The Jiaxing Plant has enhanced its production capabilities by increasing the use of sustainable materials and optimising processes. It has established a stable system for products incorporating bio-based and recycled inputs, operating a quality management system based on the mass balance approach. Under its circular economy strategy named E.Circle, Hankook continues to raise the share of sustainable materials. For example, the iON evo tyre, supplied as original equipment for the Porsche Taycan, contains around 45 percent sustainable materials, while the iON GT for the European replacement market has raised that share to up to approximately 77 percent.

Hankook is also applying sustainable materials to tyres used in the FIA World Rally Championship and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, reinforcing its technology leadership in global motorsports. Through open innovation with global partners, the company is advancing low-carbon raw materials. Its sustainability efforts have earned it inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World and the highest EcoVadis rating. Looking ahead, Hankook plans to transform the Jiaxing Plant into a key sustainable manufacturing hub in China while continuously upgrading production systems across its global facilities to strengthen supply chain sustainability and ESG competitiveness.

Giti Tire Celebrates 26 Years Of Motorsport Excellence And Real World Innovation

Giti Tire Celebrates 26 Years Of Motorsport Excellence And Real World Innovation

Giti Tire has marked 26 consecutive years of global motorsport involvement, using high‑pressure racing environments as a live testing ground for engineering innovation and tyre durability. The company’s long‑term commitment spans professional circuits and extreme off‑road terrain, driven by the principle that true performance depends on control, confidence and stability rather than power alone.

Strength combined with intelligence defines the Giti brand, symbolised by the elephant. On the racetrack, this philosophy translates into continuous refinement of tyre performance through every corner and every surface challenge, turning competition into a real‑world technology laboratory.

Over the past 26 years, Giti has competed in a wide range of international disciplines. Since 2009, the company has been a regular participant in the Giti 4x4 Extreme Series, where gruelling off‑road conditions push endurance and durability to their limits. These experiences have directly advanced all‑terrain and SUV tyre technologies.

For the past decade, Giti has also taken part in the legendary Nürburgring endurance races in Germany, one of the world’s most punishing circuits. Insights gained there have improved high‑speed stability, heat management, grip and wet‑weather handling. Giti’s presence extends across Asia and Europe through partnerships with professional racing teams and technical specialists.

Motorsport serves Giti as a catalyst for safer and smarter consumer tyres. Every challenge from desert heat to ice, gravel and rugged terrain accelerates research into durability and high‑speed performance. Technologies proven in racing are later adapted for everyday drivers, reinforcing the company’s focus on sustainability and continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Giti remains committed to investing in engineering and global racing partnerships as automotive electrification and mobility needs evolve. To commemorate the 26‑year milestone, the company has released a special video highlighting key moments and technological achievements, underscoring that its motorsport journey is not simply about winning races but about pushing boundaries with resilience and precision. Click here  to watch the video.

Kumho Tire USA Signs Long-Term Agreement To Support Georgia’s 680,000 Veterans

Kumho Tire USA Signs Long-Term Agreement To Support Georgia’s 680,000 Veterans

Kumho Tire USA has formalised a new long-term partnership with the Georgia Department of Veterans Service and the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement aims to serve approximately 680,000 veterans and their families across the state, uniting private industry, state government and a nonprofit organisation under a shared commitment to supporting those who have served in the military.

Under the newly established collaboration, Kumho Tire USA and the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation will work together to identify and deliver programmes designed to create meaningful impact for Georgia’s veteran community. While specific initiatives have yet to be announced, they will be revealed as the partnership continues to develop. The alliance reflects a sustained, active approach to veteran support rather than one-time gestures.

The partnership first drew public attention earlier this year during Kumho Tire Night at State Farm Arena, where Georgia Veterans Service Foundation representatives were honoured as Co-Captains before an Atlanta Hawks game against the Boston Celtics. That moment, occurring ahead of the NBA matchup, symbolised the mutual respect and recognition now codified in the formal agreement.

Edmund Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, Inc, said, "At Kumho Tire USA, we believe that doing business in America means giving back to America. We are honoured to stand alongside the GVSF in this commitment, and we look forward to building something lasting together for Georgia's veterans."

Dr Patricia Ross, Ed.D. (Col, USAF Ret.), Commissioner, Georgia Department of Veterans Service, said, "Georgia's veterans have earned our unwavering support, and partnerships like this one are exactly how we deliver on that promise. We are proud to welcome Kumho Tire USA as a committed partner alongside GVSF, and we look forward to the meaningful work ahead for the veterans and families we serve across this state."

Joe Higgins, Board Chair, Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, said, "The Georgia Veterans Service Foundation exists to connect Georgia's veteran community with the resources and support they deserve, and that work is always stronger when the private sector steps forward as a true partner. We are grateful for Kumho Tire USA's commitment and excited about what this three-way collaboration will make possible."

Sun Auto Tire & Service Expands Midwest Presence With Virden Acquisition

Sun Auto Tire & Service Expands Midwest Presence With Virden Acquisition

Sun Auto Tire & Service has expanded its Midwest footprint by acquiring the Main Street Tire & Auto location in Virden, Illinois. The transaction took effect immediately, and the newly acquired store will become part of the Sun Auto Network before rebranding under the Plaza Tire Service name.

Plaza Tire Service, a Midwest institution known as the ‘Quick Change Artist’ for more than six decades, will see its Illinois presence strengthened through this addition. The move broadens regional service coverage by integrating a trusted community shop with the extensive resources of a national network. Customers at the Virden location will continue to benefit from familiar local relationships while gaining access to enhanced operational support, advanced technology and customer-focused tools.

The Virden site offers a full range of automotive care, including major tyre brands backed by Sun Auto’s price match guarantee, alignments, brake service, oil changes, batteries, diagnostics and preventative maintenance. This acquisition marks the 16th Plaza Tire Service location in Illinois and supports Sun Auto’s ongoing expansion across key Midwest markets.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Operations, said "Virden represents an important opportunity to continue growing the Plaza Tire Service brand in Illinois. This location allows us to expand our reach while reinforcing the operational strength and consistency our network is known for."