Bridgestone has launched Fleetcare, an integrated tyre and fleet management solution designed to fast forward business for fleets. 

An evolution of Bridgestone’s Total Tyre Care, Fleetcare combines Bridgestone’s best-in-class tyre range and tyre management solutions with fleet management solutions from Webfleet, Europe’s number one telematics solution for fleets, the company said in a statement. 

With Fleetcare, fleet owners can reduce their total cost of ownership thanks to a complete package from a single mobility partner, the release claimed. 

Mark Tejedor, Vice President Commercial Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “Cost-efficiency, convenience and sustainability are the three big priorities for fleets right now. When utilising many service providers, it is always a challenge to get the maximum effect on each of those priorities. We understand this is a key pain point for fleet owners and operators, which is why we’ve evolved Total Tyre Care into Fleetcare, an integrated solution for all tyre and fleet management needs. Through the launch of Fleetcare, we’re providing a unique and modular solution that addresses so many key business needs, from cost to compliance, from safety to sustainability. Fleetcare will help fast forward the businesses of our fleet customers thanks to the synergies between our proven fleet management and tyre management solutions. This launch is just the start, with more exciting innovations on the way.” 

Fleets demand maximum efficiency, convenience and sustainability as they enter the future of mobility, and Bridgestone’s portfolio of solutions is rapidly evolving to meet these demands and create new social and customer value, it said. 

Bridgestone said its new integrated tyre and fleet management solution, Fleetcare, provides a host of benefits to fleet customers, including total cost of ownership reduction, maximised customer satisfaction, time-saving, regulatory compliance and increased sustainability, safety and security. 

It is developed for managers of commercial fleets who are looking for a comprehensive and modular solution package that adds cost control and automation into their daily work, enabling better decision making. 

Available now, Fleetcare revolutionises the fleet market by offering both tyre and fleet management solutions with integrated and connected data and reporting available under one agreement and delivered by one single partner. Thanks to the use of combined tyre and vehicle data, Fleetcare provides smarter and more predictive maintenance solutions, resulting in optimised performance and increased convenience, the release pointed out. (TT)

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CEAT Limited recently organised a specialised engagement initiative for women fleet owners at its manufacturing complex in Chennai. The programme aimed to foster professional dialogue and knowledge sharing while providing an in-depth look at the intricacies of tyre production and development. Attendees, who came from diverse regions across the country, toured the company’s advanced Chennai facility, which holds a 'World Economic Forum Lighthouse' designation. During the visit, they witnessed key production stages, engaged with technical experts and learned about the quality control, safety protocols and innovative practices integral to CEAT's operations.

This effort brought together 14 women transporters representing various roles and business sizes within the logistics sector, collectively contributing decades of industry experience. The gathering was arranged in collaboration with the Women’s Wing of the All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA), with participants hailing from major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. The initiative was supported by Reema Kothari Jogani, Chairperson of the AITWA Women’s Wing.

While women still form a modest segment of India's transport workforce, their involvement has been steadily rising. This trend is significant in the context of the country's broader economic ambitions, including the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and the goal of a USD 30 trillion economy, where women-led development is seen as a key driver. The logistics industry itself is projected to grow substantially from its 2024 valuation of USD 354 billion to USD 800 billion by 2030.

CEAT is actively working to increase female participation, particularly in manufacturing. Through automation, ergonomic enhancements and lift-assist systems, the company has made physically demanding roles more accessible. These measures have resulted in women comprising 20 percent of the workforce at the Chennai plant. Furthermore, the Nagpur facility, which was the first in Maharashtra to permit night shifts for women, has achieved 28 percent female representation on its shop floor. The company’s focus extends beyond numbers to creating an environment where women are encouraged to lead and excel in roles that have been traditionally male-dominated.

Vishal Pawar, Senior Vice President – Global Sales and Supply Chain, CEAT, said, “Women fleet owners are playing a pivotal role in redefining the boundaries of the transport sector. Their determination and entrepreneurial spirit inspire us. At CEAT, we are proud to create meaningful avenues for them to engage with the industry, build networks and gain deeper exposure to manufacturing and technology. We remain committed to supporting their journey of growth and empowerment.”

Reema Kothari Jogani said, “Building an inclusive logistics ecosystem requires collaboration between industry stakeholders, organisations and entrepreneurs. CEAT’s initiative is a constructive step towards strengthening this ecosystem by enabling women fleet owners to interact with experts, learn from best practices and explore the operational depth of modern manufacturing. These are women who not only run and grow their businesses together but also share a strong sense of camaraderie supporting each other and finding moments of fun along the way. Such engagements help accelerate the participation of women in a traditionally male dominated sector and contribute to long term industry transformation.”

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The ongoing conflict in West Asia presents serious challenges for India’s tyre industry, according to the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), which has called on the government to introduce policy measures to ease the emerging pressures. In a recent submission, ATMA detailed how the geopolitical turmoil is likely to disrupt export activity, drive up raw material prices and strain the sector’s supply chain.

India sends tyres worth an estimated USD 250–260 million to West Asia each year, a trade flow now at risk. The situation is further complicated by potential blockages or delays in strategic maritime passages like the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal, which could slow shipments to Europe, United States and Africa while pushing freight costs higher.

Soaring crude oil prices, currently around USD 100 per barrel, are compounding the problem. Given that crude derivatives account for 60 to 70 percent of the materials used in tyre production, inputs such as synthetic rubber, carbon black and processing oils are becoming significantly more expensive. Import-reliant segments of the supply chain, including natural rubber, chemicals and tyre cord fabrics, are also feeling the strain from disrupted global shipping routes.

ATMA has proposed a range of government interventions to help the industry navigate these headwinds. These include reinstating previous RoDTEP rates, improving Duty Drawback benefits and correcting the inverted duty structure affecting tyres and natural rubber. Easing import restrictions on natural rubber – such as lifting port limitations, removing pre-import conditions and extending the export obligation period to 18 months – has also been suggested. In addition, the association recommends lowering or removing customs duties on other raw materials that are either in short supply domestically or not produced locally.

To maintain continuity in production, ATMA has urged that the tyre industry and its Tier-1 suppliers be classified as ‘Essential’ services. This designation would help secure a steady supply of natural gas and LPG, both vital for manufacturing. Any disruption, the association warns, could ripple through sectors reliant on mobility, including logistics, agriculture and public health services. ATMA remains hopeful that timely government support will preserve the stability and global competitiveness of India’s tyre sector.

Arun Mammen, Chairman, ATMA, said, “For the Indian tyre industry, the combined impact of rising input costs, freight disruptions and export uncertainties could affect competitiveness in international markets. At a time when India is focused on strengthening its export momentum, it is important that the industry receives timely policy support to navigate these challenges."

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Falken Tyre has announced the return of its popular ‘Falken Says Fill Up’ campaign, scheduled to run from 15 March to 31 May 2026 across 20 European markets. The initiative is designed to pair a strong product offering with an appealing customer incentive. Those purchasing a set of Falken summer or all-season tyres of at least 16 inches, excluding those for lorries, will receive a fuel voucher as part of the promotion.

The campaign places particular emphasis on the Falken ZIEX ZE320, a summer tyre developed to meet the demands of contemporary driving. It offers high levels of comfort, precise handling and a well-balanced combination of efficiency and everyday practicality. An enhanced rubber compound contributes to superior wet grip, while lower rolling resistance helps reduce both fuel use and CO₂ emissions relative to the previous model. The tyre is especially suited to frequent drivers and families seeking safety, durability and a smooth experience during long journeys in warm conditions. The summer range also includes the sporty Falken AZENIS FK520, noted for its stability and short braking distances, alongside the newly introduced Falken EUROALL SEASON AS220, an all-season tyre built to perform reliably in fluctuating weather.

In addition to the fuel voucher, Falken is introducing two new giveaways for the 2026 edition. Collaborating with Enders, the company will offer high-end gas grills from the UNIQ PRO 3 IK KITCHEN Cruster line. Furthermore, in partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation, branded dart sets will also be available.

The campaign will be active in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. It is important to note that both the nature and value of the fuel vouchers, as well as the exact timing of the promotion, may differ from one country to another.

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Toyo Tires has introduced the new M165 commercial van tyre, an all-season option specifically engineered with last-mile delivery operations in mind, targeting the challenges of frequent stopping, heavy cargo and urban driving. A key focus of the tyre is to help fleet operators lower operational costs through improved fuel efficiency and promotion of even, long-lasting treadwear.

The M165 addresses the handling characteristics of tall vans by incorporating an e-balance design that enhances stability and minimises sway. This is complemented by a specialised cap compound and sidewall protectors to improve traction and shield the casing from the curb damage common in delivery routes. The tyre’s robust construction is intended to withstand the wear associated with constant acceleration, braking and heavy loads. It will succeed the previous H08+ model in the manufacturer’s commercial lineup.

To ensure durability under stop-and-go activity, the tyre features new compounds that resist uneven wear. The all-season tread pattern integrates interlocking blocks and multi-wave sipes for reliable grip on both wet and dry roads while reducing block movement for greater stability. The advanced casing is engineered to resist damaging heat and support retreadability, thereby extending its usable life.

The Toyo M165 will be available in spring, offered in multiple 16-inch sizes with D and E load ratings, making it suitable for vehicles like the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster and Rivian RCV.

Jordan Vastine, Product Planning and Technical Services Manager, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp, said, “The newly launched M165 commercial van tyre is built with the focus of helping fleets see higher removal miles while reducing irregular wear. We are confident the M165 will complement the already proven Toyo commercial product lineup.”

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