Representation Photo

Indian tyre manufacturer Eurogrip has secured a distribution partnership with Honda Taiwan Co., Ltd., marking a significant expansion of the brand's presence in Asia's competitive two-wheeler market.

The collaboration will see Eurogrip's premium motorcycle tyre ranges, Protorq Extreme and Roadhound, made available across all authorised Honda motorcycle service centres throughout Taiwan. The partnership represents a strategic move for TVS Srichakra Limited's global brand as it seeks to establish stronger footholds in key Asian markets.

Taiwan's motorcycle market remains one of the region's most dynamic, with high penetration rates and sophisticated consumer demands for performance products. The island's dense urban environment and mountainous terrain create demanding conditions that require specialised tyre technology.

"This partnership with Honda Taiwan is a proud milestone for us, as we expand our footprint across key Asian markets," said T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer at TVS Srichakra Ltd. "It reflects the growing trust in the Eurogrip brand and our commitment to delivering world-class products and service support."

The agreement comes as Eurogrip continues its international expansion strategy, leveraging what it describes as advanced R&D capabilities and track-tested performance credentials. The company has positioned itself as a premium alternative in markets traditionally dominated by established Japanese and European manufacturers.

P Madhavan, Executive Vice-President for Marketing & Sales at TVS Srichakra Ltd, emphasised the strategic importance of the Honda partnership. "Building Eurogrip as a strong global consumer brand and expanding to global markets is a key agenda for us, we have set our path right to fulfil these ambitions," he said. "This partnership with Honda Taiwan is indeed a feather in our cap."

The collaboration extends beyond product distribution, with EUROGRIP planning to implement training programmes for Honda service technicians and consumer engagement initiatives designed to enhance the overall customer experience.

From Honda Taiwan's perspective, the partnership provides access to competitively priced premium tyres that meet international quality standards, potentially offering customers more choice in the after-sales service market.

Renato Zilli, Commercial Director at TVS Srichakra’s Milan Centre, highlighted the technical aspects driving the partnership. "Eurogrip tyres are developed with tyre technology that's truly world-class and are built for high performance," he said. "Our technology is complemented by meticulous testing methodologies, such is our focus on product performance that's yielding results."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has recognised Michelin North America for a USD 5,000 donation made to the Tire Industry Scholarship programme. The scholarship initiative is administered in partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and aims to support students pursuing higher education while strengthening the future workforce of the tire and automotive service industries.

Michelin’s contribution places it alongside a growing roster of industry donors, including Bridgestone Americas, Hankook Tire, Kumho Tire, Nitto Tire, Toyo Tire, VIP Tire, Yokohama Tire Corporation and the Tire Industry Association itself. Established with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, the Tire Industry Scholarship programme provides financial assistance to students and directly addresses workforce development needs within the tyre sector.

TIA continues to encourage companies throughout the tyre industry to support the scholarship fund, helping to expand educational opportunities for future students and secure a skilled talent pipeline for years to come.

Dick Gust, CEO, TIA, said, "We are grateful to Michelin for supporting the Tire Industry Scholarship programme and investing in the future of our industry. Scholarships like these help create opportunities for students while demonstrating our industry's commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, technicians and professionals. The success of this programme depends on industry participation. Every contribution helps us invest in the future of our workforce and create opportunities for students who may one day become the leaders of our industry."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli is all set for the Monaco Grand Prix, a street circuit steeped in glamour and racing history since 1929. For this 3.337-kilometre layout with 19 tight corners, the Italian tyre manufacturer has selected the softest compounds in its range – C3, C4 and C5 – to provide maximum mechanical grip on the Principality’s unusually smooth asphalt surface.

The narrow carriageway follows regular urban traffic lanes, leaving virtually no run-off areas and placing safety barriers just centimetres from the racing line. Drivers frequently brush against these walls while pursuing the ideal trajectory, with average speeds the lowest of the Formula 1 season. In some sections, cars decelerate to roughly 50 kilometres per hour, making qualifying the most critical session of the weekend since overtaking is exceptionally rare.

Several sections of the track have been resurfaced for this edition, including between Turns 19 and 1, from Turn 7 to the tunnel entrance and at pit lane entry and exit. Although graining could appear, tyre behaviour is unlikely to be significantly affected because the Monaco circuit primarily subjects rubber to traction-related loads. Low degradation traditionally encourages a one-stop race strategy, though an experimental rule in 2024 forced two pit stops by requiring three different tyre sets. That regulation has since been abandoned.

Red flags and safety car periods frequently disrupt the race due to the high probability of barrier contact and the difficulty of recovering stricken cars. In 2024, an opening-lap red flag allowed all drivers to immediately fulfil the two-compound requirement, enabling a split strategy between Medium and Hard tyres for the remainder of the Grand Prix. The 2025 edition reintroduced a three-set rule, prompting most drivers to choose Medium-Hard combinations while six teams used all three compounds including the C6 Soft.

Now in its 72nd running in Monaco, the event has seen Ayrton Senna claim six victories, one more than Graham Hill and Michael Schumacher. McLaren remains the most successful constructor with 16 wins, followed by Ferrari on 10. Reflecting the Principality’s elegance, Pirelli has unveiled a special Podium Cap in deep red and champagne colours, designed by Denis Dekovic and available on the Pirelli e-commerce platform.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tyres Europe has joined a broad coalition of European industry associations urging the European Commission to fix persistent flaws, gaps and technical limitations in the EU Deforestation Regulation’s Information System before the rules take effect on 30 December 2026. The system serves as the central pillar of the EUDR, designed to ensure traceability and compliance within highly complex supply chains.

Industry feedback highlights major shortcomings, particularly restrictions on aggregating Due Diligence Statements and a lack of essential functions for business users. These issues threaten to impose heavy administrative burdens and create operational uncertainty for companies trying to meet the regulation’s requirements.

The coalition is demanding that the Commission make the system not only legally compliant but also operationally practical, thoroughly stress-tested and adapted to real-world business practices. A reliable and user-friendly platform is deemed critical for supporting compliance while protecting the uninterrupted supply of key commodities and products into the European market.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Van den Ban Autobanden has announced the passing of its founder, Arie van den Ban, with deep sorrow. He was a familiar and respected figure both inside and outside the organisation.

Establishing the company in 1968, Arie van den Ban used vision, entrepreneurship and determination to transform it into an international tyre wholesaler and distributor serving global customers. The company looks back with great respect and gratitude on his profound contributions.

The company statement read: “For many, both within and beyond the company, Arie was a familiar and respected figure. His influence on the organisation and the people around him will be felt for years to come. We look back with great respect and gratitude on everything he has meant to Van den Ban Autobanden.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!