Bridgestone Launches Integrated Tyre And Fleet Management Solution

Ashutosh Chincholikar, Founder-CEO, Smart Controls Succumbs To Covid-19

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)

Yokohama ADVAN-Equipped BMW M3 Touring 24H Wins SP-X Class, Finishes Fifth Overall At Nürburgring 24H

Yokohama ADVAN-Equipped BMW M3 Touring 24H Wins SP-X Class, Finishes Fifth Overall At Nürburgring 24H

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced that a vehicle equipped with its ADVAN global flagship brand tyres claimed victory in the SP-X class at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, held in Germany from 14 to 17 May. The car also secured an impressive fifth place overall in the gruelling endurance race.

The winning No 81 BMW M3 Touring 24H, fielded by partner BMW M Motorsport, started from 22nd position before rapidly advancing into the leading pack. Designed as a fan-focused car for the Nürburgring, it shares its technical foundation with the BMW M4 GT3 EVO while retaining the M3 Touring body shell. The team maintained high speeds and error-free driving to finish fifth overall, competing alongside SP9 class leaders.

Two additional ADVAN-equipped cars finished within the top 10 overall. Haupt Racing Team’s No. 67 Ford Mustang GT3 EVO secured eighth place, followed by BMW M Motorsport’s No. 77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO in ninth. These results at one of the world’s most demanding circuits underscore the high performance of Yokohama Rubber’s ADVAN racing tyres.

Beyond the 24-hour race, Yokohama Rubber supplies ADVAN tyres to KONDO RACING and the same three teams competing in this year’s Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie, which began in March. BMW M Motorsport’s No. 77 already won NLS Round 3 in April, and the company anticipates further victories from its partner teams throughout the season.

Prinx Chengshan Brand Open Day Held At JMC Product R&D Institute

Prinx Chengshan Brand Open Day Held At JMC Product R&D Institute

Prinx Chengshan hosted its Brand Open Day on 21 May at the Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC) Product R&D Institute, showcasing cutting-edge achievements and technical strengths. The event was designed to build deeper mutual trust and align industrial development strategies between the tyre manufacturer and the automaker.

The partnership between Prinx Chengshan and JMC began in 1992, and over 34 years, their collaboration has continuously deepened. They have expanded beyond traditional strongholds like pickup trucks, light trucks and light buses into passenger vehicle supporting businesses, achieving integration in supply chain stability and technological co-innovation. Executive President Jiang Xizhou addressed industry trends such as electrification and connectivity, positioning Prinx Chengshan as a future-oriented, technology-driven enterprise. R&D Center Director Li Chongbing detailed the company’s digital R&D system and collaborative innovation ecosystem, while Marketing Center Director Wang Hongdian introduced the brand portfolio and strategy for the global flagship brand, PRINX.

During technical exchange sessions, Prinx Chengshan leveraged its fundamental research capabilities to discuss tyre NVH technology, virtual tyre sampling, EV tyre formulations and smart tyre solutions with the JMC R&D team, reinforcing consensus on core technologies. At a separate Technical Showcase Area, the company set up experience zones for Silenteck silent technology and low-temperature low-rolling-resistance technology, turning abstract principles into immersive demonstrations. Other innovations on display included X-CHIP smart tyres, colourful tyre technology, Vanta Black and Healteck self-healing technology.

The open day served as both a comprehensive brand showcase and a major opportunity to deepen the longstanding cooperation. Prinx Chengshan will now accelerate its transformation from a tyre supplier into a technical partner for automakers, working closely with JMC on R&D innovation, vehicle matching and technical upgrades to jointly drive sustainable development in the transportation industry.

Dunlop And Fanatec Join Forces For Three-Year Virtual Motorsport Collaboration

Dunlop And Fanatec Join Forces For Three-Year Virtual Motorsport Collaboration

Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH has secured a fresh three-year alliance with Fanatec, a premier sim racing hardware manufacturer and an official Formula 1 partner under the Corsair Group. Fanatec’s high-end equipment is widely used by both passionate sim racing amateurs and professional esports athletes.

Dunlop has been actively involved in digital motorsport since September 2025 through an official role with Gran Turismo on PlayStation, developed by Polyphony Digital and Sony Interactive Entertainment. That simulation platform allows Dunlop to express its performance heritage virtually. The new Fanatec deal logically extends this foundation, combining Gran Turismo’s authentic racing scenarios with Fanatec’s premium gear to deliver a lifelike driving experience.

A primary focus of the partnership is improving audience engagement with motorsport. Fanatec’s racing setups will appear at live trade shows and events, starting with TIRE COLOGNE 2026 from 9 to 11 June, giving attendees a chance to enter a virtual cockpit and feel racing firsthand.

This cooperation seeks to bridge different enthusiast groups and strengthen ties between the motorsport and sim racing communities. By merging digital authenticity with high-grade hardware, Dunlop aims to advance motorsport both technologically and emotionally, ensuring it stays relevant for contemporary audiences.

Dennis Wilstermann, Marketing Manager, DUNLOP Tyre Europe GmbH, said, “As an official partner of Gran Turismo, it was clear to us that collaborating with Fanatec is the next logical step. Together, we are creating a platform where motorsport can be experienced at every level – digital, virtual and real.”

JK Tyre Approves INR 49.8 Bln Capacity Expansion for TBR and PCR Tyres by FY30

JK Tyre Approves INR 49.8 Bln Capacity Expansion for TBR and PCR Tyres by FY30

JK Tyre & Industries has approved a phased capacity expansion plan involving an investment of INR 49.8 bllion to strengthen its presence in the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) and Passenger Car Radial (PCR) tyre segments.

The company said its board of directors, at a meeting held on May 26, approved the expansion of TBR production at its Chennai Tyre Plant (CTP) and Vikrant Tyre Plant (VTP), along with PCR capacity expansion at the Chennai facility.

JK Tyre currently has an installed TBR and PCR capacity of 21 million tyres per annum, including capacities under implementation, with utilisation levels running at over 90 percent. The proposed expansion will increase overall capacity by 24 percent and is scheduled to be completed by FY30.

The investment will be undertaken in phases and financed through a combination of internal accruals and debt, the company said in its regulatory filing.

According to JK Tyre, the expansion is driven by robust demand across tyre categories in the Indian market and the need to maintain and strengthen its market presence.

The announcement comes alongside the company’s strong FY26 performance, with JK Tyre reporting record revenues and profitability amid rising domestic demand and higher sales volumes.