Chinese Tyre Giant Doublestar Breaks Ground on USD 250 Mln Algerian Factory

Chinese Tyre Giant Doublestar Breaks Ground on USD 250 Mln Algerian Factory

Chinese tyre manufacturer Doublestar Group has commenced construction of a USD 250 million manufacturing facility in Algeria’s Oran province, marking a significant expansion of Chinese industrial investment in North Africa.

The “Hadj Larbi Industry” tyre factory, developed through a joint venture between Doublestar and local distributor Sarl Hadj Larbi Pneumatique, will produce six million passenger car radial (PCR) tyres and one million truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres annually once operational.

Senior Algerian officials attended the foundation stone ceremony, including the chairman of the Algerian Investment Authority and Oran’s provincial governor, alongside key executives from both partner companies.

The facility will incorporate Doublestar’s advanced manufacturing techniques and intelligent equipment systems, positioning it as Algeria’s most modern tyre production base. The factory aims to serve not only domestic demand but also export markets across Central Africa and Europe.

“Doublestar is a globally renowned tyre enterprise. Sarl Hadj Larbi and Doublestar have always maintained a deep friendship and a good cooperative relationship. The cooperation of building the tyre factory will effectively promote the improvement of the industrialisation in Algeria and provide high-quality tyre products for local users,” said Dilmi, Chairman of Sarl Hadj Larbi Pneumatique.

The partnership builds on nearly two decades of collaboration between the companies. Sarl Hadj Larbi Pneumatique is Algeria’s largest tyre distributor.

Doublestar Chairman Chai Yongsen emphasised the strategic importance of the venture: “Sarl Hadj Larbi is the biggest tyre distributor in Algeria and has had a friendship and cooperation with Doublestar for nearly 20 years. This factory will surely further deepen the friendship between Doublestar and Sarl Hadj Larbi, as well as the people of China and Algeria, and support the local economic development.”

Qingdao-based Doublestar transformed into a dedicated tyre manufacturer in 2008 and established what it claims was the world’s first fully-integrated “Industry 4.0” intelligent tyre factory in 2016. The company has since diversified into artificial intelligence, high-end equipment manufacturing, and waste tyre recycling operations.

According to company data, Doublestar leads Chinese tyre manufacturers in both PCR tyre turnover and overseas revenue, whilst operating the world’s largest waste tyre recycling operation by scale.

The new facility is expected to create hundreds of jobs in Oran province and contribute to Algeria’s broader industrialisation objectives.

Toyo Tires Secures CDP ‘A List’ Recognition For Actions Against Climate Change

Toyo Tires Secures CDP ‘A List’ Recognition For Actions Against Climate Change

Toyo Tires has made its way to the annual A-List of CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts. This premier recognition, awarded for the first time to the company in the 2025 evaluation, reflects the company’s comprehensive decarbonisation efforts, which include validated science-based targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards renewable energy at its production sites. CDP’s annual assessment is a key benchmark for corporate sustainability across climate, water and forests.

The assessment also highlighted Toyo Tires' commitment to transparency, as verified by independent third-party data reviews. Viewing its business activities as intrinsically connected to society and the future, the Toyo Tires Group treats reducing environmental impact as a top operational priority.

Moving forward, the company is dedicated to advancing decarbonization across all its manufacturing processes and broader supply chain, aiming to support a sustainable global society.

Apollo Tyres Expands Vredestein Gravel Tyre Range With Aventura Core Series

Apollo Tyres Expands Vredestein Gravel Tyre Range With Aventura Core Series

Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new and more affordable range of gravel tyres under the Vredestein Aventura Core Series. This new-generation family consists of three distinct models: the Aventura Seta Core, Aventura Core and Aventura Grezzo Core. Engineered in Europe, these tyres are built for enhanced durability and dependable performance across diverse surfaces, offering riders a cost-effective upgrade for adventure biking.

The series is constructed around a streamlined Core platform, which incorporates a robust 60 TPI casing for increased puncture resistance and stable handling on uneven terrain. While utilising the proven tread patterns of existing Vredestein gravel tyres, this refined construction delivers high-end capability at a more accessible price point.

Each model is tailored for specific riding conditions. The Aventura Seta Core is designed for speed, with a race-optimised tread for fast rolling on asphalt and high-speed gravel, complemented by shoulder knobs for technical cornering. For versatile, everyday use, the Aventura Core offers a balanced blend of rolling efficiency and predictable grip across tarmac, hardpack and gravel roads. Finally, the Aventura Grezzo Core provides confidence on loose and rugged terrain, featuring an aggressive tread for enhanced traction in sand and soft surfaces, while its chained centre tread maintains efficiency on harder ground.

The Aventura Core Series will be available starting 1 February 2026. The Aventura Seta Core comes in 40, 45 and 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Core is offered in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Grezzo Core is available in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. Colour options include black/black and black/transparent sidewalls.

Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Aventura Core Series marks an important expansion of our gravel offering within the Vredestein range. By introducing three purpose-designed tyres built on a shared durable foundation, we can better support riders across the full spectrum of gravel terrain – from high-speed racing to off-road exploration and everyday mixed-surface riding.”

Continental Expands HDR 5 And HSR 5 Tyre Lines With New Size

Continental Expands HDR 5 And HSR 5 Tyre Lines With New Size

Continental Tires Americas has expanded its HDR 5 and HSR 5 19.5-inch product lines with a new 245/70R19.5 size, specifically engineered for urban and regional delivery fleets.

These tyres are built to endure high-scrub environments and the demanding stop-and-go cycles typical of city routes. Key advancements include a reformulated tread compound that reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy while also extending tread life. The redesigned sidewall enhances durability to support multiple retreads, maximising the value of each tyre casing. Furthermore, both models are validated for use on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as traditional combustion engines.

This size extension provides a practical option for fleets seeking to improve operational cost-efficiency and tyre longevity under rigorous driving conditions, continuing the proven performance of the existing series with targeted upgrades.

NIRT Silver Jubilee Celebrations Commence In Kottayam

NIRT Silver Jubilee Celebrations Commence In Kottayam

The Silver Jubilee of the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) commenced on the morning of 9 January 2026 at Kottayam's Hevea Hall. Union Minister of State George Kurian formally inaugurated the event, with Member of Parliament K Francis George presiding. Attendees also heard an address from MLA Chandi Oommen.

A wide array of activities marked the inaugural programme. These included unveiling a commemorative monument, honouring former NIRT Directors and recognising student cohorts. Several publications and materials were launched, such as a Silver Jubilee souvenir and tutorial videos for stakeholders. The new jubilee logo was revealed, and a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Rubber Board and the Government of Nagaland.

The ceremony further involved prize distributions for earlier competitions and celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Rubber magazine. The day's schedule continued with a curated panel discussion and a dedicated exhibition at the NIRT campus.