Kolkata-headquartered Himadri Speciality Chemical has announced its financial results for Q3 FY2025 with revenue of INR 11.32 billion, up 7.5 percent YoY, as against INR 10.53 billion for the same period a year ago. The EBITDA came at INR 2.2 billion, as against INR 1.69 billion, and net profit grew by 31.48 percent at INR 1.42 billion as against INR 1.08 billion for the same period last year.

Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, said, “We are excited to share our Q3 and 9M FY25 results, which showcase a strong and sustainable performance across all key financial and operational metrics. We achieved our highest-ever quarterly EBITDA of INR 2.22 billion in December quarter. For the 9M period, our sales volumes grew by 24 percent, reaching 415,679 MT, up from 335,265 MT in the same period last year. This growth was reflected in a 34 percent increase in EBITDA to INR 6.11 billion, and a 35 percent rise in PAT to INR 4.0 billion, further solidifying our upward trajectory. Our balance sheet continues to reflect our financial discipline and resilience, with a net positive cash balance of INR 1.09 billion. This positions us well to capitalise on strategic opportunities and drive long-term value creation.”

“I am pleased to inform you all that Himadri Speciality Chemical has recently been awarded with EcoVadis Platinum medal. This recognition is awarded to the top 1 percent of companies assessed by EcoVadis in the world amongst more than 130,000 assessed companies globally. This distinction reflects the quality of the company's sustainability management system and demonstrates the highest level of corporate governance and a commitment to promoting transparency throughout the value chain. Himadri has reported robust performance across its portfolio of products. Our export portfolio is strengthening, particularly bolstered by the commencement of our high-temperature Liquid Coal Tar Pitch export terminal at Haldia Port in October 2024,” he added.

Furthermore Choudhary announced that the company had earmarked INR 1.2 billion towards expanding its presence in high-value products – including Anthraquinone, Carbazole, Fluorene – from its existing coal tar distillates. The expansion is expected to be completed within the next 18 months.

Furthermore, it sees the booming electric vehicle industry in India to provide new growth impetus. Himadri Speciality Chemical expects the demand for lithium-ion battery, in the cathode active material space, LFP continue to be the leading technology, with graphite anodes dominating the anode technology. The company shared that it has been progressing well on development of these technologies and its LFP cathode project is moving forward as planned.

It is also on track to commence operations and enter the tyre space on the back of its acquisition of Birla Tyres. The commercial production is expected to start soon with ramping up of production being planned over the next two to three years.

Adding to that it is also enhancing carbon black production from its Singur facility from the existing 180,000 MTPA to 250,000 MTPA by Q3 FY2026. This also will see it scaling up its specialty carbon black capacity to more than double at 130,000 MTPA from the present 60,000 MTPA. 

The recently launched fifth-generation Pirelli P Zero UHP tyre has claimed the top spot in an independent comparative test conducted by Tyre Reviews for its standout grip, braking and driving comfort.

The new P Zero performed exceptionally well in a variety of categories when tested with a number of top UHP rivals. The tyre led the industry in wet grip and dry braking, and it performed exceptionally well in both wet and dry handling. Tyre reviews highlighted Pirelli's combination of safety, control and ride comfort, praising its excellent performance in real-world scenarios. The new P Zero received the highest ratings for braking, balance and stability in dry weather. Out of all the tyres that were tested, it had the best stopping power. Wet performance was almost as impressive, with the P Zero winning braking tests and demonstrating good resistance to aquaplaning, especially while turning. Tyre Reviews also praised its quiet and cozy ride, calling it one of the smoothest in its class.

The new P Zero is developed using Pirelli’s most sophisticated design procedures to date. During development, engineers employed proprietary algorithms and artificial intelligence technologies, which led to a revised tread shape and structure. The goal of these modifications is to shorten stopping distances and enhance tyre wear over time. Versions featuring Pirelli's Elect technology, a package designed specifically for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, are also available in the range. The company claims that Elect can contribute to a 10 percent increase in driving range.

Kumho Tire’s new ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre, the ECSTA Sport, has been rated ‘Very Good’ in the latest Die Reifentester summer tyre test.

The tyre size used for testing was 225/40R18. Eight tyre manufacturers participated in the test, including well-known names like Goodyear, Bridgestone, Michelin and Continental. Bridgestone and Continental shared the top rating with Kumho's ECSTA Sport. The wet braking results were one of the test's main features. With a stopping distance of only 23.07 metres at 80 kmph, the ECSTA Sport outperformed every other tyre in the test. It was one of just two tyres – the other being the Continental SportContact 7 – to receive the ‘Very Good’ rating in wet handling. In dry weather, the ECSTA Sport also performed admirably. Die Reifentester gave it a ‘Very Good’ grade for dry handling, comparing it to three competitors of premium brands.

Drivers seeking precision handling, robust safety features and high mileage performance are the target market for the ECSTA Sport. The tyre, which comes in sizes 16 to 22 inches, features a new compound blend that improves high-speed stability and reduces stopping distances.

Matthias Bode, Head of Research and Development Europe at Kumho Tire, said, “We are delighted with this result from Die Reifentester. Kumho ECSTA Sport is designed to offer excellent performance for all motorists, including the most demanding drivers, and this test result is an excellent indication that we are on the right course.”

Tony Gangseung Lee, Head of Europe, said, “This test result demonstrates the commitment of Kumho to developing and producing exceptional tyres which offer excellent value to the driving public. I am delighted to see the team’s hard work being so well rewarded in this independent tyre test as we set new performance benchmarks.”

Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent tyre retreader, has joined Transaid, a UK-based international development organisation that works to improve access to healthcare and road safety in sub-Saharan Africa, as its new corporate partner.

With this, Vaculug has joined a network of 33 corporate partners from the transportation and logistics industries that offer financial assistance, operational support and expertise to help Transaid's road safety training and rural access initiatives progress. Vaculug's continued support for the organisation, which has included fundraising and involvement in awareness-raising campaigns, is now formalised. It also shows a rising interest in applying industry knowledge to global development goals in the transportation and tyre industries. Haarjeev Kandhari, the chairman of Vaculug, praised the news, emphasising the two organisations' common principles and their dedication to expanding their participation in Transaid's initiatives.

Caroline Barber, Chief Executive of Transaid, said, “The support we receive from our corporate partners is one of the key ingredients in what allows our programmes to be so successful. We’re excited for this opportunity to work more closely with the team at Vaculug; they bring a wealth of industry expertise and we are excited for what we can achieve together.”

Trelleborg Tires has added two new sizes to its TM800 ProgressiveTraction tyre range: 600/65R28 and 710/70R38. Providing improved grip, fuel economy and comfort across key agricultural applications, the new tyres are aimed at mid- to high-horsepower tractors operating across diverse field and transport environments. With this new addition, the TM800 series now provides six sizes for tractors in the 150–250 HP segment.

The proprietary ProgressiveTraction technology from Trelleborg Tires was created to improve traction by optimising important tyre components through a variety of special features. Because of its unique double-edge lug, the tread increases traction and decreases slippage while improving grip on the ground. Concurrently, an additional lug serves as an extra terrace on the tread profile, enhancing its capacity for self-cleaning and boosting overall effectiveness. The ProgressiveTraction lugs' larger base also offers improved vibration resistance, which lowers wear and increases tyre life.

When compared to rivals' tyres, the TM800 ProgressiveTraction showed up to a 17 percent increase in traction on light dirt and a 10 percent boost on hard soil. The strengthened carcass guarantees greater vehicle handling and tyre performance, especially at high speeds, while the line's unique tread pattern design and premium materials offer up to 18 percent better wear resistance against competitors on the road. Additionally, the lugs' adjusted angle and form enhance driving comfort and stability, making all working actions safer, smoother and more pleasurable.

Alessio Bucci, Global Product Marketing Director, Trelleborg, said, “With an extended range now available, the six sizes of the TM800 ProgressiveTraction series cater to the most commonly used medium-power tractors on the market. Whether in tillage, transport or field applications, the tyres deliver optimal grip, improved self-cleaning and increased comfort, making them the perfect fit for challenging agricultural environments.”