Bridgestone India, one the leading tyre companies, unveiled the winners of the 3rd Annual Mobility Social Impact Awards recently.

This distinguished initiative recognises and celebrates inventive solutions that positively influence India’s mobility industry. The award ceremony convened in Pune brought together industry leaders, innovators, and advocates for social transformation. A total prize purse of INR 3 million was conferred upon the winners across three categories.          

The Mobility Social Impact Award, introduced by Bridgestone India, is a testament to the organisation’s steadfast commitment to nurturing innovation and sustainability within the mobility domain. 

These accolades encompass three pivotal areas:

1. Commendation of mobility solutions focused on empowering marginalised social groups and communities.
2. Endeavours in the realm of road safety.
3. Initiatives dedicated to broadening access to vital resources and opportunities.

This year’s laureates represent a diverse array of projects and initiatives that have made noteworthy contributions to the mobility ecosystem:

Category: Road Safety

Recipient: Nirman Bahuuddeshiya Vikas Sanstha, Pune, Maharashtra

Achievement: Enhancing awareness about road safety among various segments in Pune, including children, driver communities, police, and traffic authorities.

Category: Increasing Access to Resources

Recipient: Vikasonmukh Sansthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Achievement: Exemplary work in livelihood generation through farm mechanisation in Jaipur, Rajasthan, significantly enhancing agricultural practices and livelihoods.

Category: Mobility for Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups

Recipient: Navajeevan Organization, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Achievement: Promoting Safai Karamcharis, Sanitation Workers, and waste pickers as entrepreneurs, empowering them through mobility initiatives.

In addition to these primary awardees, notable mentions were also extended:

First Runner-Up: United Way of Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Project: ‘Nalam’ — Focused on providing mobile ambulance support for cancer screening.

Joint Runners-Up: Mowo Social Initiatives Foundation, Hyderabad, Telangana, and Janvikas Trust, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Initiatives: Women in Mobility auto driving program and “Driverben- ‘Ek Nayi Pehchan’” aimed to empower women through skill development and mobility.

Furthermore, Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust, Mumbai, Maharashtra, was lauded on the jury’s special recommendation for their exceptional efforts in providing access to high-quality prosthetic aids, thereby enhancing mobility and quality of life for individuals.

On the occasion, Stefano Sanchini, MD Bridgestone India, said, “Sustainability is core to Bridgestone’s strategy and is woven into every part of our business and operations. It is also a joint responsibility and can only be achieved effectively when all stakeholders in the ecosystem come together to deliver value for future generations. These awards are truly important as we recognise and celebrate the achievements of those whose inspiring work has positively impacted the quality of life for the communities they are engaged with.”

The esteemed jury panel included Arindam Lahiri, CEO Automotive Skills Development Council, Prashant Ranjan Verma, General Secretary at the National Association for the Blind Delhi, and Dr Sudha Kothari, Managing Trustee Chaitanya.

Awardees were honoured at the event graced by Chief Guest Biren Bhuta, a recipient of the Gurukul Fellowship from the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Bhuta serves on the boards of Gram Vikas in Odisha, Bhasha Research and Publication Centre in Gujarat, and SeSTA in Assam, among other dignitaries from corporates, NGOs, Government, and local administration.

As part of the consultation on the simplification of the REACH Regulation, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA) has formally sent its feedback to the European Commission.

The association said it strongly supports REACH's goals of safeguarding the environment and public health, but it also highlights the necessity of consistent, proportionate and predictable regulations to maintain European industry's competitiveness. ETRMA's statement emphasises the necessity of implementing a Regulatory Management Option Analysis (RMOA) framework and demands for REACH to be in line with current and future EU laws.

The key recommendations made by the association include enhancing regulatory coherence and simplification, introducing an RMOA framework, no extension of registration requirements to polymers, reforming the REACH Authorisation process and enforcing a uniform and continuous level playing field in the EU.

European logistics company Vos Logistics has extended its contract with Continental. Continental has been supporting the Dutch company with professional tyre management as part of the Conti360° Fleet Solutions service portfolio since 2016.

Vos Logistics specialises in a broad range of logistics services tailored to individual clients. Bulk commodities transportation and end-customer deliveries are handled by the firm. The logistics company serving all of Europe has been using the Conti360° Fleet Solutions tyre management system for all 1,100 of its trucks since the middle of 2024. Specifically, the company's fleet reliability is maximised by the tight network of over 7,000 Continental partner workshops spread across 25 European nations.

Vos Logistics enjoys complete cost transparency and the benefits of predictive maintenance with the Conti360° kilometre contract and customer-specific information. The freight forwarder equips its fleet with a wide range of high-quality tires to meet the varying operating needs of long-distance and regional shipping. By doing this, Vos Logistics is able to minimise the vehicles' total CO2 emissions, maximise operating safety and utilize the tyres' entire service life.

Pieter Derksen, Purchasing Manager, Vos Logistics, said, “In order to maintain our high level of service in this cost-sensitive market, the operational reliability of the vehicles is of crucial importance to us. Thanks to data-driven maintenance, our tyres are always ready for use, which allows us to focus on our core business. With Continental, we are also working with a partner that shares our values of efficiency and sustainability.”

Jessika Hoeflich, Head of Fleet Solutions EMEA, Continental, said, “The cooperation with Vos Logistics is characterised by mutual trust and shared values. With our customer-oriented Conti360° Fleet Solutions service offering, our broad tyre portfolio and our individual consulting concept, we can optimally meet the complex requirements that Vos Logistics faces in the transport business. We work closely together and support our customers in developing their business sustainably.”

Premium tyre maker Hankook has announced its collaboration with the eagerly awaited 2025 Convoy Truck Shows. Convoy Cymru will take place on 17–18 May, Convoy Truxton on 5–6 July and Convoy in the Park on August 9–10, running alongside the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC).

The SmartFlex AH51 (steering axle) and SmartFlex DH51 (driving axle) for long and regional haul use, which are known for their outstanding grip and mileage performance from the first to the last millimetre of wear; the SmartFlex TH31, the newest generation trailer tyre; and Hankook's newest van tyre, the Vantra Transit, will all be on display at all shows. The company will be showcasing three tyres from its Laufenn brand in addition to the Hankook line: the LF21 all-position tyre, the LF95 trailer tyre and the LZ22 all-weather drive tire. The iON evo SUV EV summer tyre and the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre will also be on show. Along with its related events, the Devon Truck Show, Truck Show Cornwall and Best of the Best, the Convoy Truck Shows will raise money for charities and local community organizations. It will also include an amazing variety of trucks, live music, entertaining fair activities and must-see stunt acts.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "On behalf of Convoy Truck Events and the Devon Truck Show, I'm thrilled to welcome Hankook Tyre UK as sponsors for 2025 across all three Convoy events at Pembrey, Thruxton and Donington Park. Hankook has been a valued partner at the Devon Truck Show for many years, so extending our collaboration across our Convoy-partnered events was an easy decision. We truly appreciate their continued support and are confident they'll see great value in being part of these exciting shows."

Continental is running a promotional offer from 1 May to 31 May 2025 in which customers who purchase four Continental ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres will receive a USD 110 Continental Tire Prepaid Mastercard. Additionally, customers who pay for the four ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres using their Continental Tire Credit Card will earn an extra USD 90 Prepaid Mastercard, for a total refund of USD 200.

The ExtremeContact Sport02 is a ultra-high-performance tyre designed for passenger cars. With its SportPlus Technology, which offers quick handling, improved traction on wet roads and a prolonged tread life, this tyre is perfect for both the street and the racetrack. There are 77 sizes of the tyre available, with rim diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches. The industry-leading coverage offered by Continental Tire's Total Confidence Plan supports the ExtremeContact Sport02.

This is a complete package that includes road hazard coverage, emergency travel interruption coverage, a customer satisfaction trial, a limited warranty, flat tyre roadside assistance and a mileage warranty (if applicable). During a road trip, Continental will assist with qualified expenditures in the event of a mechanical breakdown (maximum benefit of USD 200.00 per day, with a maximum benefit of USD 500.00 per year). In order to qualify for the deal, tyres need to be bought all at once. Only valid between 1 May 2025 and 31 May 2025, or while supplies last, with a qualifying purchase made in the 50 United States, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.