CEAT Profit Falls 42% in Q2 Despite Revenue Surge

CEAT Profit Falls 42% in Q2 Despite Revenue Surge

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. 

Michelin Inks Distribution Partnership With J&B Importers For Bicycle Tyres

Michelin Inks Distribution Partnership With J&B Importers For Bicycle Tyres

Michelin North America, Inc. is enhancing retailer access to its bicycle tyres through a new distribution partnership with J&B Importers, effective 1 October 2025. With this development, retailers will be able to order Michelin products directly through J&B Importers, starting with an initial selection of popular models.

A major expansion of the tyre lineup is scheduled for 1 January 2026, which will introduce a comprehensive portfolio. This collaboration is designed for a seamless integration, providing efficient access to Michelin's premium range. The 2026 expansion will include a wide array of new SKUs, encompassing tyres for road, mountain, gravel and city cycling to meet diverse market demands.

Justin Brock, Vice President – Sales, Recreational Products, Michelin North America, Inc., said, “Partnering with J&B Importers, Inc. allows us to better serve independent bike dealers with faster access to Michelin’s trusted tyre technologies. This is a key step in expanding our footprint and supporting the cycling community with products that deliver performance and durability.”

Phil Sweet, General Manager, J&B Importers, Inc., said, “We’re proud to welcome Michelin to our distribution portfolio. Michelin is a globally respected brand known for innovation and performance. This partnership allows us to offer our dealers access to premium bicycle tyres backed by a legacy of excellence, and we’re excited to grow the assortment in the months ahead.”

Pirelli Expands Winter Lineup With New Cinturato Winter 3 Tyre

Pirelli Expands Winter Lineup With New Cinturato Winter 3 Tyre

Pirelli has introduced the Cinturato Winter 3, a winter tyre engineered for sedans and crossovers to deliver safety and control in cold conditions. The tyre’s development prioritised balanced performance across snow, wet roads and dry pavement, achieved through advanced virtual engineering techniques that reduced the need for physical prototypes and accelerated the design process.

Independent testing by Dekra and TÜV confirmed the tyre’s leading capabilities. It ranked first on snow for braking, traction and handling, earning the TÜV Premium Quality Mark. On wet surfaces, it demonstrated top-tier aquaplaning resistance and handling, with a European wet grip rating of A-B across its entire range. The tyre also provides acoustic comfort, with low rolling noise emissions as indicated on its European label.

Key technical updates contribute to this performance. The tread pattern features a central zig-zag channel for improved water evacuation, while optimised sipes and Snow Keeper Teeth on the tread blocks trap snow to enhance snow-on-snow grip without sacrificing wet performance. The compound technology benefits from Pirelli's experience with the high-performance P Zero Winter 2. It uses a Dual-Core Polymer with a structure that provides high grip at low temperatures for snow adhesion while maintaining grip on wet and dry surfaces, coupled with excellent wear resistance for higher mileage.

Material development was streamlined using a generative AI tool called the Virtual Compounder, which identified optimal material combinations for the new compound with greater precision and efficiency. The tyre was validated at Pirelli’s proving grounds, including the Sottozero Centre in Swedish Lapland, a 125-hectare facility with 19 tracks for testing on snow, ice and asphalt. A recent indoor facility at this centre allowed for year-round winter condition testing. The Cinturato Winter 3 was tested on over 10 car models to ensure compatibility.

Available now on the replacement market in over 35 sizes from 16 to 20 inches, the range includes specific technologies. The Elect marking denotes versions that can increase the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10 percent through solutions tailored to their powertrains. An optional Pirelli Noise Cancelling System (PNCS) uses a sound-absorbing material to reduce cabin noise.

The Cinturato Winter 3 joins other recent Pirelli winter products, including the P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and the Scorpion Winter 2 for SUVs. This expanding portfolio addresses the growing market demand for specialised winter tyres, particularly in larger sizes for premium vehicle segments.

Hankook Tire Celebrates Successful Completion Of Streetlight Installation Project In Indonesia

Hankook Tire Celebrates Successful Completion Of Streetlight Installation Project In Indonesia

Hankook Tire recently celebrated the completion of a community-focused ‘Streetlight Installation Project’ in Cikarang Pusat, Bekasi Regency, Indonesia. This initiative, part of the company’s global corporate social responsibility programme, was conceived to directly enhance road safety for the community surrounding its local manufacturing plant.

The project involved installing 30 high-efficiency LED streetlights along a combined 3-km stretch of road, a collaborative effort with local authorities that commenced in September. The selected roads have historically been hazardous, especially at night, due to frequent flooding and related public safety risks. By illuminating these dark areas, the initiative addresses both traffic safety and crime prevention, fostering a more secure environment for pedestrians, drivers and local residents. Furthermore, the company anticipates that the improved lighting will stimulate evening economic activity, providing an additional benefit to the community.

This effort is strategically aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 under the objective of Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). With the addition of this year’s units, Hankook Tire has now installed a total of 60 LED streetlights in the region since the previous year, demonstrating a sustained commitment to upgrading local infrastructure and enhancing residents' quality of life.

The streetlight project is one component of Hankook’s broader engagement in Indonesia. Other recent activities include a mangrove planting exercise on Sederhana Beach, where employees helped plant 5,000 trees to support coastal ecosystems and combat climate change. The company also maintains ongoing programmes such as annual tyre donations to local organisations and provides educational and medical support for children from underprivileged backgrounds.

Looking forward, Hankook Tire intends to continue its proactive social responsibility efforts, fostering strong relationships with local communities near its global production bases in Indonesia, US, Hungary and China, and working collaboratively to build a sustainable future.

Apex One Endurance Series Launches With Michelin As Official Tyre Partner

Apex One Endurance Series Launches With Michelin As Official Tyre Partner

Michelin has been named the Official Tyre Partner of the newly formed Apex One Endurance Series. This alliance will see the tyre manufacturer supply its race-proven technology to all competitors throughout the championship. The collaboration highlights Michelin's deep-rooted dedication to endurance racing, a discipline where tyre durability, efficiency and consistent performance are fundamental to team strategy and on-track success.

The series itself is a joint venture between American testing and racing event organiser Apex One and Creventic, a Dutch promoter renowned for its European endurance events. The competition will adhere to Creventic's FIA-approved 24H Series regulations and use a circuit-specific balance of performance. A diverse multi-class field will include various categories such as homologated GT3 cars, a class for the Porsche GT3 Cup 992 and a TC4 class for production-based racecars. The series will also feature a TCE class for touring cars and other specified models.

The series will debut with a two-round winter schedule, commencing at Florida’s Sebring International Raceway with the Sebring 10H from 20–23 November 2025. The second event, the COTA 12H, is scheduled for 5–8 February 2026 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This round will feature a unique split format, with seven hours of racing on Saturday followed by a further five hours on Sunday. Designed as a launching platform, the Apex One Endurance Series aims to provide a competitive proving ground for both amateur drivers and emerging young professionals.

Raymond Cotton, Motorsports Director, Michelin North America, Inc, said, “Endurance racing pushes vehicles and tyres to their absolute limits, making it the ultimate stage to showcase Michelin’s technology, innovation and pursuit of sustainable mobility. This new partnership with Apex One reflects that dedication and compliments Michelin’s existing global racing initiatives.”

Daniel Bloom, President, APEX One, said, “Having Michelin as our Official Tyre Partner elevates the Apex One Endurance Series to new heights. Michelin’s track record in endurance racing is unmatched, and their expertise ensures our teams and drivers will experience the highest standard of competition and performance.”