German manufacturer to cease production at Modipuram plant by June 2025

German tyre manufacturer Continental Tires said on Monday it would discontinue truck and bus tyre production in India and focus entirely on the passenger car segment, as intense competition and price sensitivity weigh on profitability in the commercial vehicle market.

The company will cease manufacturing truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres at its Modipuram plant in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, by June 2025, Continental said in a statement. The facility will be repurposed to support the company’s passenger car and light truck (PLT) tyre operations.

Continental cited “intense competition and high price sensitivity in the TBR segment” as key factors behind the decision, saying sustaining long-term value from its premium offerings had proved challenging in the commercial vehicle tyre market.

The strategic realignment follows a comprehensive business review, as described by the company, aimed at strengthening its competitiveness across the Asia-Pacific region. Continental said it would focus resources on developing its local product portfolio in the more profitable PLT premium segment.

“The realignment is aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of Continental Tires’ operations in India,” the company said, adding that the decision was made “in response to changing local customer demand.”

Continental said it would provide support to affected employees, including career counselling and assistance in finding opportunities within and outside the company. A voluntary retirement and separation scheme will also be offered.

Despite exiting the truck tyre business, Continental emphasised that India remained strategically important for its operations. The company maintains its sales and distribution activities, as well as its manufacturing operations, headquartered in Faridabad, Haryana.

Continental ranks among the world’s leading premium tyre manufacturers and serves both replacement and original equipment customers across the Asia-Pacific region through what it describes as a strong manufacturing network.

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  - Vikram Singhania June 02, 2025 16:32 PM

  Extremely sad news.

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Bridgestone India has presented the European Alignment Certificate to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), recognising the successful completion of their Rolling Resistance (RR) Lab Alignment. The certificate was presented to Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, by Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organisations.

This milestone strengthens the partnership between Bridgestone and ARAI, India’s leading automotive R&D institution for testing and standardisation. Rolling resistance plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency, aligning with both organisations’ commitment to advancing tyre technology. The certification underscores their shared dedication to fostering innovation, improving testing capabilities and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India.

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Yokohama Rubber has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with continued inclusion in three prestigious FTSE Russell ESG indexes. The company marks its 21st consecutive year on the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for responsible investing. Additionally, it maintains its ninth straight year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and fourth year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index – both key indicators of Japanese ESG excellence endorsed by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).

These indexes, developed by London Stock Exchange Group's FTSE Russell, help investors identify companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Yokohama Rubber's sustained inclusion reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices.

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The fourth round of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series, a racing competition hosted by Italian supercar brand Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A and powered by Hankook Tire, will take place from 18 to 20 July at INJE SPEEDIUM in Gangwon Province. As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook Tire continues to elevate Korean motorsports through its partnership with Lamborghini, showcasing its high-performance Ventus racing tyres on the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.

The 3.91-km INJE SPEEDIUM circuit, featuring 19 corners and a 40-metre elevation change, demands exceptional tyre performance under extreme conditions, including high-speed straights and scorching summer temperatures. Hankook’s Ventus tyres are engineered to deliver superior grip, durability and heat resistance, ensuring peak performance in challenging racing environments.

Beyond the races, Hankook will host the ‘Ventus Experience’, inviting European automotive influencers to test the Ventus Super Sports line and explore its advanced R&D facilities.

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Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent tyre retreader, has reached out to the Net Zero All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to offer its expertise in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero. In a formal letter, the company expressed its commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions through its circular economy approach to tyre retreading.

As a leader in emission reduction, Vaculug highlighted how its retreading process significantly cuts waste and lowers the carbon footprint of commercial fleets. The company believes its scalable, eco-friendly solutions can play a key role in helping the UK meet its climate targets.

Vaculug has invited collaboration with the APPG to demonstrate how retreading supports sustainable transport and contributes to a greener future. The company looks forward to further discussions on how it can assist in the nation’s net zero transition.

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