Tyre maker CEAT reported a 42 percent decline in consolidated profit after tax to INR 1.21 billion for the second quarter ended September 2024, primarily due to rising commodity prices. Revenue, however, surged on the back of strong growth in replacement and international markets.

On a consolidated basis, CEAT’s revenue reached INR 33.04 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 11.1 percent. Net profit stood at INR 12.15 billion. On a standalone basis, revenue was INR 32.98 billion, and the EBITDA margin was 11.1 percent.

Arnab Banerjee, MD & CEO of CEAT, said, “We are pleased with our strong performance in the second quarter, driven by robust growth in replacement and international sectors. While commodity prices impacted our margins, we took selective price increases to offset some of the cost impacts.”

“Our standalone revenue of INR 32.98 billion during the quarter was the highest that we have achieved so far, supported by double-digit growth in replacement and international businesses. We partially mitigated the impact of steep increase in the prices of natural rubber through judicious price increases and cost efficiencies. This quarter also saw our overall debt level rise by INR 2.8 billion, driven in part by increased raw material inventory, necessitated due to an increase in transit period on imports and the distribution of dividend in Sept to the tune of INR 1.2 billion," said  Kumar Subbiah, CFO of CEAT. 

The recently launched fifth-generation Pirelli P Zero UHP tyre has claimed the top spot in an independent comparative test conducted by Tyre Reviews for its standout grip, braking and driving comfort.

The new P Zero performed exceptionally well in a variety of categories when tested with a number of top UHP rivals. The tyre led the industry in wet grip and dry braking, and it performed exceptionally well in both wet and dry handling. Tyre reviews highlighted Pirelli's combination of safety, control and ride comfort, praising its excellent performance in real-world scenarios. The new P Zero received the highest ratings for braking, balance and stability in dry weather. Out of all the tyres that were tested, it had the best stopping power. Wet performance was almost as impressive, with the P Zero winning braking tests and demonstrating good resistance to aquaplaning, especially while turning. Tyre Reviews also praised its quiet and cozy ride, calling it one of the smoothest in its class.

The new P Zero is developed using Pirelli’s most sophisticated design procedures to date. During development, engineers employed proprietary algorithms and artificial intelligence technologies, which led to a revised tread shape and structure. The goal of these modifications is to shorten stopping distances and enhance tyre wear over time. Versions featuring Pirelli's Elect technology, a package designed specifically for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, are also available in the range. The company claims that Elect can contribute to a 10 percent increase in driving range.

Kumho Tire’s new ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre, the ECSTA Sport, has been rated ‘Very Good’ in the latest Die Reifentester summer tyre test.

The tyre size used for testing was 225/40R18. Eight tyre manufacturers participated in the test, including well-known names like Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin and Continental. Bridgestone and Continental shared the top rating with Kumho's ECSTA Sport. The wet braking results were one of the test's main features. With a stopping distance of only 23.07 metres at 80 kmph, the ECSTA Sport outperformed every other tyre in the test. It was one of just two tyres – the other being the Continental SportContact 7 – to receive the ‘Very Good’ rating in wet handling. In dry weather, the ECSTA Sport also performed admirably. Die Reifentester gave it a ‘Very Good’ grade for dry handling, comparing it to three competitors of premium brands.

Drivers seeking precision handling, robust safety features and high mileage performance are the target market for the ECSTA Sport. The tyre, which comes in sizes 16 to 22 inches, features a new compound blend that improves high-speed stability and reduces stopping distances.

Matthias Bode, Head of Research and Development Europe at Kumho Tire, said, “We are delighted with this result from Die Reifentester. Kumho ECSTA Sport is designed to offer excellent performance for all motorists, including the most demanding drivers, and this test result is an excellent indication that we are on the right course.”

Tony Gangseung Lee, Head of Europe, said, “This test result demonstrates the commitment of Kumho to developing and producing exceptional tyres which offer excellent value to the driving public. I am delighted to see the team’s hard work being so well rewarded in this independent tyre test as we set new performance benchmarks.”

Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent tyre retreader, has joined Transaid, a UK-based international development organisation that works to improve access to healthcare and road safety in sub-Saharan Africa, as its new corporate partner.

With this, Vaculug has joined a network of 33 corporate partners from the transportation and logistics industries that offer financial assistance, operational support and expertise to help Transaid's road safety training and rural access initiatives progress. Vaculug's continued support for the organisation, which has included fundraising and involvement in awareness-raising campaigns, is now formalised. It also shows a rising interest in applying industry knowledge to global development goals in the transportation and tyre industries. Haarjeev Kandhari, the chairman of Vaculug, praised the news, emphasising the two organisations' common principles and their dedication to expanding their participation in Transaid's initiatives.

Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, said, “The support we receive from our corporate partners is one of the key ingredients in what allows our programmes to be so successful. We’re excited for this opportunity to work more closely with the team at Vaculug; they bring a wealth of industry expertise and we are excited for what we can achieve together.”

Trelleborg Tires has added two new sizes to its TM800 ProgressiveTraction tyre range: 600/65R28 and 710/70R38. Providing improved grip, fuel economy and comfort across key agricultural applications, the new tyres are aimed at mid- to high-horsepower tractors operating across diverse field and transport environments. With this new addition, the TM800 series now provides six sizes for tractors in the 150–250 HP segment.

The proprietary ProgressiveTraction technology from Trelleborg Tires was created to improve traction by optimising important tyre components through a variety of special features. Because of its unique double-edge lug, the tread increases traction and decreases slippage while improving grip on the ground. Concurrently, an additional lug serves as an extra terrace on the tread profile, enhancing its capacity for self-cleaning and boosting overall effectiveness. The ProgressiveTraction lugs' larger base also offers improved vibration resistance, which lowers wear and increases tyre life.

When compared to rivals' tyres, the TM800 ProgressiveTraction showed up to a 17 percent increase in traction on light dirt and a 10 percent boost on hard soil. The strengthened carcass guarantees greater vehicle handling and tyre performance, especially at high speeds, while the line's unique tread pattern design and premium materials offer up to 18 percent better wear resistance against competitors on the road. Additionally, the lugs' adjusted angle and form enhance driving comfort and stability, making all working actions safer, smoother and more pleasurable.

Alessio Bucci, Global Product Marketing Director, Trelleborg, said, “With an extended range now available, the six sizes of the TM800 ProgressiveTraction series cater to the most commonly used medium-power tractors on the market. Whether in tillage, transport or field applications, the tyres deliver optimal grip, improved self-cleaning and increased comfort, making them the perfect fit for challenging agricultural environments.”