Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has announced the acquisition of First Däckstop i Lomma, a prominent service point located just north of Malmö in southern Sweden. This transaction significantly bolsters Citira’s expanding service coverage in the region, securing a crucial location along the E6 highway and in close proximity to Malmö. The establishment is recognised for its rapid, premium-quality service and a customer-friendly atmosphere.

The local operation will remain under the continued management of Patrik Nilsson, retaining the existing team and premises while benefiting from Citira’s broader resources and network for future growth. Jonas Åkesson and Patrik Nilsson, who together cultivated the service point’s strong reputation for customer loyalty and referrals, will acquire co-ownership stakes in Citira as part of the agreement.

Urban Tibbelin, Head of Sweden at Citira, said, “What stands out with First Däckstop is how efficiently Jonas and Patrik run things, without ever losing the personal touch that makes customers feel welcome. That's the kind of culture we want more of in Citira, and it will serve our customers in Skåne well.”

Patrik Nilsson of First Däckstop said, “Joining Citira feels like finding a group of like-minded colleagues who share our approach to service. Jonas and I are proud of what we've built here, and we're looking forward to what comes next.”

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AZuR partner Hofdmann Runderneuerungstechnik GmbH, based in Wittmund, has announced a significant expansion of its operational capabilities. The company, already well-known for its cold retreading services, is now integrating hot retreading for truck tyres into its production portfolio. This development follows the recent extension of the firm’s ECE R109 approval, and the first batches of hot-retreaded commercial vehicle tyres are already in production and entering the market.

This strategic move broadens Hofdmann’s technical expertise within the retreading sector and reinforces the tyre circular economy across Germany. As a longstanding member of the AZuR network, the company contributes deep knowledge in tyre repair, casing management and retreading processes. The addition of hot retreading complements the prevalent cold retreading method used in the commercial vehicle industry, offering enhanced options for specific tyre designs and applications, while both methods aim to extend the lifecycle of premium casings.

By diversifying its production programme, Hofdmann demonstrates that industry players are actively investing in retreading technologies and strategically scaling existing operations. This expansion not only bolsters the sector’s competitive position but also ensures a more reliable supply of retreaded tyres for fleet operators and commercial end-users. The process involves meticulous inspection of high-quality used casings before applying a new tread, significantly prolonging tyre usability prior to eventual material recovery or recycling.

The company’s capacity growth coincides with broader AZuR initiatives, including a recently launched European project group designed to strengthen collaboration among businesses, research bodies and value-chain stakeholders. With approximately 90 network partners, AZuR continues to pioneer solutions for maximising tyre usage and recovering raw materials. Hofdmann’s latest investment underscores that retreading remains a vital and enduring component of this sustainable industrial evolution.

Christina Guth, Network Coordinator of the Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR), said, “Every investment in retreading strengthens the European tyre circular economy. By expanding its hot retreading capabilities, Hofdmann is broadening its offering and creating additional opportunities to keep high-quality commercial vehicle casings in circulation for longer. This sends an important signal to the entire industry.”

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Apollo Tyres reported consolidated revenue of INR 73.98 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, marking a 13 percent increase from INR 65.61 billion a year earlier, as steady growth in India and resilient performance in Europe supported the top line.

Operating profit stood at INR 8.68 billion, broadly unchanged from the same period last year, while net profit rose sharply to INR 3.49 billion from INR 0.13 billion, which had been affected by restructuring and impairment costs linked to its Netherlands plant.

Total income for the quarter was INR 74.56 billion, while profit before tax came in at INR 4.68 billion. 

The company reported total expenses of INR 70.12 billion, with raw material costs accounting for INR 40.90 billion and employee benefit expenses at INR 9.63 billion, underlining continued cost pressures across operations.

Profit before exceptional items and tax was INR 4.44 billion, while exceptional items had a negative impact of INR 0.24 billion during the quarter.

Regionally, revenue from the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) segment reached INR 55.29 billion, while Europe contributed INR 20.39 billion, reflecting stable demand across key markets.

The company said Indian operations recorded steady growth, while European operations remained resilient despite a challenging business environment.

Onkar Kanwar said the company delivered “healthy revenue growth” supported by demand across segments and high-capacity utilisation. “We continue to pursue profitable growth by strengthening execution, enhancing operational efficiency and staying closely aligned with customer requirements,” he said.

The company also announced the resignation of its chief financial officer, Gaurav Kumar, who will step down to pursue other opportunities. He said it had been “terrific to be part of the incredible journey at Apollo Tyres” and that he hoped to have contributed during his tenure.

Neeraj Kanwar said Kumar had played a critical role in the company’s growth over two decades and wished him well for the future.

Apollo Tyres said it is in the process of appointing a new chief financial officer.

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The European Commission published a regulation on 7 July 2026 establishing definitive anti-dumping duties on passenger-car and light-lorry tyre imports originating from China. The duties, which range between 4.3 percent and 45.3 percent, follow an investigation confirming that these products were being sold in the EU at dumped prices.

The probe, which covered a broad range of pneumatic rubber tyres with a load index below 121, found that the dumped imports had inflicted damage upon the Union’s tyre sector, which provides employment for over 80,000 workers across 14 member states. In 2024, total EU consumption in this market exceeded 330 million units, valued at more than EUR 18 billion.

Chinese imports that year reached nearly 93 million units, worth over EUR 2.5 billion and accounting for a 28 percent market share. A separate anti-subsidy investigation concerning the same products remains active, with its conclusion scheduled for December of this year.

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Sri Trang Group has formally inaugurated its annual internal sports tournament, the Somwang Cup 2026, reinforcing its dedication to employee welfare and organisational cohesion. The event is designed to enhance both physical and mental health among staff while simultaneously fostering a robust sense of unity and team spirit. This initiative is a core component of the group’s broader sustainability strategy, which prioritises the continuous improvement of its employees’ quality of life.

The official opening ceremony took place on 1 August 2026 at the Kickoff Arena in Hat Yai, Songkhla, featuring competitions in men’s football and women’s volleyball. The tournament has drawn significant participation, with over 800 employees from 11 different companies within the Sri Trang Group across Thailand. The men’s football competition, now in its fourth year, includes 44 teams, while the women’s volleyball event, in its second consecutive year, features 26 teams.

The competitive structure will see the leading squads from both disciplines progress to the final rounds scheduled for December. These culminating matches will determine the championship titleholders, with a combined total of more than THB 200,000 in prize money at stake.

Beyond the athletic contests, the Somwang Cup places a premium on positive sportsmanship, with Fair Play and Outstanding Athlete Awards recognising exemplary conduct. Having evolved into a cornerstone of the group’s corporate culture, the event is instrumental in building strong internal relationships and a resilient foundation for sustainable business growth.

Veerasith Sinchareonkul, Group CEO of Sri Trang Group, said, “At the heart of Somwang Cup 2026 is our commitment to creating a space where Sri Trang Group employees and members of the surrounding communities, particularly local young people who attend and support the competitions, can build meaningful relationships and strengthen their physical and mental well-being through sport. The event also provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn the value of teamwork. I believe that an organisation’s success should not be measured solely by its business performance or the results of a competition but also by the quality of life and well-being of its employees.”

Pirat Fuengfha, Sourcing Division Manager, and Veerin Auengteerasuwan, Human Resource Division Manager of Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA), together with Phuriwatt Seesuk, Community Engagement Manager of Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT), jointly commented, “Employees are one of the organisation’s most valuable resources. We are therefore committed to enhancing their quality of life and supporting both their physical and mental well-being. Organising football and volleyball competitions encourages employees to exercise regularly while also providing an opportunity for colleagues from different teams and locations to connect and participate in activities together through sport. We firmly believe that healthy, happy and engaged employees are a vital force in driving Sri Trang Group towards sustainable growth.”

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