Continental Tires has introduced its new range of CrossContact AX6 SUV tyres in India. The company claimed that the “all-terrain Generation 6 CrossContact AX6 tyres provide excellent durability, low noise, and tread design engineered for ultimate control and performance on all terrain and wet road conditions.”  

As per reports, the share of SUV and crossover sales in total passenger vehicle sales across India was approximately 38 percent in 2021 compared to eight percent in 2001. The shift in consumer preferences has created a demand for high-performance tyres for SUVs in India, the company said in a release. 

The CrossContact AX6 tyres tyres ensure grip on loose surfaces like gravel and provide additional traction on off-road surfaces. Besides, they offer short braking distances in wet road conditions, the release pointed out.  

Samir Gupta, MD, Continental India, said, “The CrossContact AX6 tyres are designed specifically keeping in mind the various conditions found both on-road and off-road. The tyres are highly suitable for markets like India, which feature various geographies, road conditions, and growing SUV demand. They are a perfect fit for any driver who spends most of their time on the road but requires more traction when heading off the beaten track. Markets across the globe have widely appreciated the CrossContact AX6 tyres, and we hope to see similar results in India.” 

The CrossContact AX6 tyres are available for the latest range of SUVs in India. 

The open tread pattern of the CrossContact AX6 tyres provides maximised edges and contact area, helping in additional off-road traction, the company said. The tyres also include traction grooves with gripping teeth that prevent the loose surface sliding through the tread grooves. Thanks to the Silica Tread Compound, the polymer structure that grips on the road give excellent traction and braking on wet and slippery roads. The sipped pattern on the tyres further aid the grip of the tyres. 

The large tread blocks and tough tread compound aid in minimising the stone retention and resisting cutting and chipping of tyres. The design features noise blockers in the shoulder of the tyre to block sound waves and unnecessary noise generated by the tyres and provide a smooth and quieter ride, the release added. (TT)

The ContiTech group sector will become independent, according to a decision made today by the Continental Executive Board. Analysing and evaluating the potential transaction forms for independence and creating an implementation schedule are the tasks of the next preparation phase. In the following phase, the Executive Board will make a decision on this.

Currently, Continental believes that the most likely course of action is to sell ContiTech. This will be put into effect following the sale of the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business area and the spin-off of the Automotive group sector. ContiTech may achieve independence by the end of 2026, pending the completion of the required resolutions.

With the anticipated spin-off of its Automotive group sector, Continental has already set the stage for its realignment. The company wants to establish the three group sectors, namely Automotive, ContiTech and Tires, as robust, stand-alone businesses. ContiTech will now function autonomously as a material solutions expert with a strong industrial emphasis. As a result, Continental AG will grow into a multinational tyre firm. The last phase will be to transfer the still-overarching holding functions to Continental AG.

As part of the development, Dr Ariane Reinhart, Director of Labor Relations and Executive Board member for HR and Sustainability, will leave her role on 30 June 2025. With effect from 1 July 2025, Ulrike Hintze will be named Director of Labor Relations and HR Executive Board member. At the same time, she will continue to oversee the HR department for the Tires Group. In addition to Reinhart's responsibilities for IT and Communications, Continental CEO Nikolai Setzer will assume responsibility for Sustainability.

Explaining the Executive Board’s decision, Setzer said, “Over the past 30 years in particular, Continental has used targeted acquisitions and organic growth to build up three strong group sectors in their respective industries. These are now ready for independence. Today’s highly dynamic markets also call for focused, agile and decisive action. Now is therefore the right time to initiate the most far-reaching realignment in the company’s history. We are creating three strong, independent champions that will achieve their full growth and value creation potential as independent companies. I will shape and drive forward Continental’s realignment as CEO until its successful completion. This realignment will benefit all our stakeholders.”

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) is displaying its latest rubber track and the flagship EARTHMAX tyres at the ongoing Bauma 2025, Europe’s largest event dedicated to construction and industrial machinery, in Munich, Germany.

BKT is displaying a wide selection of products at Hall A6, Booth 215, as well as Atrium East and Entrance West, at the show, which runs through 13 April 2025. On display at Booth 215 in Hall A6 is the company’s new rubber track, MULTIFORCE BK T92. The track features a high-resistance tread compound that shields against cuts and tears and is specifically engineered for material handling in industrial and construction environments. It features an optimised tread design that provides excellent handling and grip on paved as well as uneven terrain.

At Atrium East, BKT is displaying its largest offerings, which includes the EARTHMAX SR 468, designed for rigid dump trucks used in excavation on rocky or uneven surfaces, and the EARTHMAX SR 53, which is built for underground mines and demolition operations. At the Entrance West, BKT is showcasing the EARTHMAX SR 459, designed for heavy-duty applications in quarry environments, and the EARTHMAX SR 55, which is made for mining machinery under extreme conditions

BKT has also set up a Sport Village at Atrium East, where visitors can take part in activities such as basketball challenges, grab machines and photo opportunities with Euroleague and Eurocup trophies.

Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director, BKT Europe, said, “We wanted to go big at Bauma this year. This is why we are present in several parts of the trade show with a wide selection of products on display that are designed to meet the multiple needs of such complex and challenging branches. This proofs our commitment and determination to provide high-quality solutions for such a dynamic industry, but it is also an opportunity to strengthen our global presence and listen to our customers' needs, with the goal of aiming higher and higher in terms of innovation and sustainability.”

Polish manufacturer ARCOM sp. z o.o. is all set to display a range of pallet solutions developed for the storage and transport of tyres at Motortec 2025 in Madrid.

In addition to its well-known pallet designs, ARCOM will display three new types that are specifically designed to satisfy various tyre storage requirements. The AR50 is a robust, foldable rack that enables vertical stacking and high-capacity storage, making it ideal for high-volume operations. In contrast, the AR38 is a tiny, stackable rack that maximises space, making it appropriate for workshops and smaller warehouses. The AR03MIX/3 is a multipurpose pallet that allows for the storage of mixed tyres and is made for companies that deal with different tyre sizes and kinds. Because all three devices are designed to handle objects safely, make greater use of available space and work with regular forklift systems, they are a useful addition for companies looking to simplify operations.

With its emphasis on automotive equipment and aftermarket services, the international trade show continues to be a major gathering place for distributors, suppliers, workshops and logistics specialists from the tyre and automotive industries. The presence of ARCOM draws attention to its continuous efforts to enhance logistics for retail, storage and tyre distribution activities.

The Electric Vehicle Advisory Council (EVAC), a division of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has published a detailed glossary of electric and hybrid vehicle terminology to bridge knowledge gaps among industry professionals and policymakers.

The resource is designed to equip tyre dealers, service technicians and automotive professionals with essential terminology for the maintenance and servicing of electric and hybrid vehicles. It also aims to provide state and federal policymakers with technical understanding to support evidence-based regulatory decisions.

“As electric and hybrid vehicles continue to reshape our industry, this glossary will be a valuable tool for both industry professionals and policymakers,” said Mark Ferner, Senior Manager, Technical Operations for Bridgestone Retail Operations and chair of TIA’s Electric Vehicle Advisory Council (EVAC).

EVAC focuses on identifying and promoting safe servicing procedures for electric vehicles through educational initiatives and training programmes for tyre, automotive and commercial service centres. The newly released glossary forms part of the council’s broader commitment to enhancing industry knowledge and improving safety standards.

The terminology resource is now available to industry professionals, lawmakers and regulatory agencies seeking to deepen their understanding of EV and hybrid vehicle service requirements.