Dunlop Renews Partnership As Official Tyre Partner For 6DAYS Italia 2025

Dunlop Renews Partnership As Official Tyre Partner For 6DAYS Italia 2025

Dunlop, the proud tyre partner of the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) since 2019, has announced its continued support for the event’s 99th edition, scheduled to take place in Bergamo, Italy, from 24-29 August 2025. Building on its successful track record, the tyre manufacturer will introduce an enhanced rider assistance programme while showcasing the high-performance capabilities of its Geomax EN91 Enduro tyres.

The company is preparing a number of programmes for professional and amateur riders in 2025, using the 6DAYS as a stage to highlight the capability of its EN91 Enduro tyres. In addition to ranking club team riders that use Dunlop tyres and wear brand badges independently, the Dunlop Geomax Challenge provides free, no-obligation entry. As part of the formal podium celebration, there is an award ceremony. Pre-ordering registered riders can also benefit from discounted prices on EN91 tyres and mousses. Starting on 20 August, the Dunlop Official Tyre Racing Service crew will be available to assist riders with tires and technical guidance.

Roberto Finetti, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe’s Marketing Manager, said, “We’re thrilled to renew our long-standing partnership with the FIM by bringing the Dunlop Geomax Challenge back for the ninety-ninth edition of the iconic 6DAYS in Italy. This event is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of passion, performance and the trust riders place in Dunlop to conquer the toughest terrain. The Geomax Challenge is designed to spotlight rider talent and elevate competition, offering a premium platform for both club and amateur riders. The 6DAYS is one of the few global events where amateurs line up alongside professional riders and we’re proud to support them all with our cutting-edge Geomax tyre technology. We can’t wait to see our Geomax tyres in action on Italian soil and to celebrate the incredible achievements of every rider taking part.”

Fabio Muner, FIM Marketing and Digital Director, said, “On behalf of the FIM, I would like to express my delight that such a valued, long-standing supporter of the 6DAYS as Dunlop is continuing its event support for professional and amateur riders. The Dunlop Geomax Challenge is a forward-thinking initiative that recognises the achievements of club team riders and as such is entirely in keeping with the inclusivity ethos of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro.”

JK Tyre Finalises Cavendish Merger

JK Tyre Finalises Cavendish Merger

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has formally completed the merger of its subsidiary, Cavendish Industries Ltd., into its operations, a strategic move that follows Cavendish's acquisition in 2016. At that time, Cavendish was operating at only 30 percent of its manufacturing capacity for various vehicle tyres. Under JK Tyre's stewardship, the subsidiary received extensive managerial, financial and technical support, which facilitated a complete operational turnaround. Through optimised manufacturing processes, capacity utilisation dramatically increased to 95 percent. Additional expansion at the Laksar facility further bolstered its substantial contribution to the company's overall tyre production.

This consolidation is projected to generate significant value by combining operational strengths, achieving greater economies of scale, and creating a more robust and diversified product portfolio. The unified entity will also benefit from an extensive, integrated distribution network. The merger aligns with JK Tyre's enduring strategy of pursuing sustainable growth through both organic projects and strategic acquisitions. Cavendish’s successful integration represents the company’s third major operational turnaround, following previous revitalisations of Vikrant Tyres and JK Tornel Mexico, alongside the establishment of two Greenfield plants.

Hankook Tire Earns ISCC PLUS Certification For Daejeon Plant

Hankook Tire Earns ISCC PLUS Certification For Daejeon Plant

Hankook Tire has further solidified its commitment to sustainable manufacturing with the recent International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS awarded to its Daejeon plant. This globally recognised certification validates the use of bio-based and recycled materials and ensures supply chain transparency, representing the company’s third such achievement following earlier certifications at its Geumsan and Hungary facilities. At the Daejeon site, the substitution of fossil-based synthetic rubber with bio-circular polymers has substantially lowered the environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle.

This milestone reinforces Hankook Tire’s comprehensive ESG strategy, which now encompasses original equipment, replacement and motorsport tyre production. A notable example is the supply of high-performance rally tyres, incorporating up to 31 percent sustainable materials, for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship. The company’s sustainable innovation is also evident in products like the iON evo tyre for the Porsche Taycan, which uses 45 percent recycled and recyclable materials without compromising performance. Similarly, the iON GT replacement tyre for the European market integrates up to 77 percent certified materials and has earned top EU Tyre Label ratings.

Beyond product development, Hankook Tire is pioneering future mobility solutions, showcased by a concept tyre with 81 percent sustainable materials presented at IAA Mobility 2025. In electric motorsport, as the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula E, the company has earned the FIA’s highest environmental accreditation and is set to introduce the iON Race tyre containing 35 percent sustainable materials.

To accelerate these efforts, Hankook Tire is pursuing open innovation through collaborations with technology partners such as ROTOBOOST and Solvay, focusing on advanced materials like turquoise hydrogen-based carbon black and circular silica. The company is also engaged in national research consortia to validate carbon-reduction technologies and enhance the commercial readiness of sustainable alternatives, consistently aiming to merge high performance with ecological responsibility across its global operations.

Bridgestone India Revitalises Kuti Village School In Indore District

Bridgestone India Revitalises Kuti Village School In Indore District

Bridgestone India has reconstructed and revitalised the government school in Kuti village, near the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Madhya Pradesh, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project directly serves a marginalised community of tribal groups and migrant labourers from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Previously, the school operated in a perilous and crumbling structure, lacking even basic facilities for its 175 students, despite the steadfast efforts of three teachers. The new, purpose-built campus now provides structurally safe and vibrant classrooms, dedicated child-friendly spaces and access to essential amenities.

This transformation is set to dramatically improve student enrolment and daily attendance by replacing a hazardous environment with one that is secure and conducive to learning. More than just infrastructure, the initiative instils a renewed sense of dignity and aspiration in both students and their families, who work primarily as daily-wage labourers, vegetable vendors and construction workers.

Executed in collaboration with the district administration and education department, this effort reflects Bridgestone India’s core mission of driving long-term social impact through strategic community partnerships. By focusing on critical gaps in educational infrastructure for displaced and underserved populations, the company fosters an environment where children can truly thrive and communities can build a more hopeful future.

Nokian Tyres Romania Factory Marks One Millionth Tyre Milestone

Marking a significant milestone, the Nokian Tyres facility in Oradea, Romania, produced its one millionth tyre of the year on 20 December 2025, thereby reaching its annual production target. This new factory, inaugurated in September 2024, began deliveries in March and is dedicated to supplying passenger car tyres for the European market.

Its inaugural year saw the production of premium models like the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 2 winter tyre, upholding the company’s 90-year legacy of safety and sustainability. The product range expanded this year with the launch of two further tyres for Europe: the Seasonproof 2 all-season and the Powerproof 2 summer tyre, with more new products planned for future manufacture at the site.

Distinguished as the world’s first full-scale zero-CO2-emissions tyre factory, the Oradea plant operates entirely without fossil fuels, employing cutting-edge production technology. Upon its anticipated completion around the end of 2027, it will become Nokian Tyres’ largest global production facility, accounting for roughly 40 percent of total capacity. It represents the company’s third major manufacturing hub alongside its existing factories in Nokia, Finland, and Dayton, US. Currently, the Romanian operation employs over 500 people, underscoring its important role in Nokian Tyres’ strategic European production network.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am very proud of our entire team for their hard work in reaching this milestone. It is a strong testament to our commitment to customers across Europe, enhancing our service level and delivering innovative products that ensure safety and comfort for drivers in all conditions.”