India’s tyre retreading industry has petitioned the government to slash goods and services tax (GST) rates from 18 percent to 5 percent on retreading services and materials, arguing the move would support environmental goals and the circular economy.

The Tyre Retreading Education Association (TREA), representing over 15 Indian retreading material manufacturers and retreaders serving approximately 10,000 retreaders nationwide, has written to authorities requesting the tax reduction across multiple product categories, including retreading services, retreaded tyres and retreading materials.

The industry body estimates India’s tyre retreading sector generates annual revenues of around INR 50 billion, with tread rubber manufacturing adding another INR 30 billion yearly. Last year, whilst 20,000,000 new truck tyres were sold domestically, approximately 80,00,000 truck tyres were retreaded, alongside smaller volumes of tractor, earthmover and car tyres.

“We are committed to educating and promoting retreading benefits: cost savings, safety, sustainability, and circular economy,” stated Karun Sanghi, Chairman of TREA, in the petition.

The request comes after recent GST amendments that reduced rates for new truck tyres from 28 percent to 18 percent, and cut levies on tractors, tractor tyres and tractor parts from 18 percent to 5 percent. However, conventional tread rubber used primarily for tractor tyres and retreading services for tractor tyres remain at the higher 18 per cent rate.

“We would request you to reduce the rate to five percent in line with other tractor products,” the association said, highlighting the inconsistency in tax treatment.

The industry argues that retreading aligns with government environmental priorities, pointing to the 2022 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy for tyres introduced to reduce environmental impact. The Environment Ministry has recognised retreading as “a very important part of the circular economy on tyres” and continues developing disposal systems for end-of-life tyres.

The association drew parallels with other environmentally friendly sectors that enjoy preferential GST rates, noting that electric vehicles are taxed at five percent, whilst rates for various renewable energy devices and solar water heaters were also reduced to five percent.

“The government recognised the need to support environmentally friendly industries,” the petition stated, emphasising that retreading represents “a critical part of the circular economy of tyres” supported by both the Environment Ministry and Central Pollution Control Board.

The group argued that increased tyre retreading would help India achieve its zero carbon footprint targets by extending tyre lifecycles and reducing waste requiring disposal.

India’s tyre retreading industry serves as a cost-effective alternative to new tyres whilst supporting sustainability objectives through reduced raw material consumption and waste generation.

The association has offered to provide additional information and meet with government officials to discuss the proposal further.

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The Vredestein Quatrac tyre has been named the top-performing all-season tyre by Germany's leading automotive publication Auto Bild Allrad. The tyre received the highest possible rating of ‘Exemplary’ after a rigorous group test against ten major competitors.

The assessment, conducted on a Volkswagen T-Roc fitted with tyres in the common 215/55 R17 size, evaluated performance across dry, wet and snowy terrains. Testing took place at specialised facilities in Germany and New Zealand, the latter chosen to replicate demanding European winter conditions. The Vredestein Quatrac demonstrated exceptional all-round capability, being praised for its balanced and secure handling on every surface.

Its performance was notably dominant in critical safety areas. The tyre achieved first place in both wet braking and snow grip and braking tests. Reviewers also highlighted its resistance to aquaplaning, confirming its reliability in heavy rain. Beyond traction, the Quatrac proved to be a quiet tyre, recording low noise levels that underscore its suitability for electric vehicles, where cabin quietness is paramount.

This latest victory continues a winning streak for the Vredestein brand, which also secured first place in the same publication's test the previous year. As part of Apollo Tyres Ltd, Vredestein has a long history in the all-season segment, dating back to the 1990s, and now offers the most extensive range of all-season products on the market. The Quatrac line includes both standard and high-performance variants, such as the Quatrac Pro+, and is engineered to provide safe braking and stability in all conditions. All tyres in the portfolio are designed to be compatible with modern hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Quatrac has shown once again that it is the leader in the all-season segment, thanks to superior dynamic capabilities and technical features that make for a safe and enjoyable drive, year-round. As a pioneer of the all-season category, we are continuing to invest in research and development to maintain our leadership position, and we are already looking ahead to the launch of a significant new Vredestein product in this space next year.”

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In a significant development for its brand visibility, Apollo Tyres has launched its logo on the jerseys of the Indian men’s cricket team. This unveiling occurred in Ahmedabad just before the start of the opening Test match against the West Indies, formally activating a major three-year strategic partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

This prominent placement on the men's jersey follows the logo's recent debut on the sleeves of the women's national team during their encounter with Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Together, these events mark a pivotal corporate milestone, integrating the Apollo Tyres brand directly with the country's most beloved sport.

Cricket is widely regarded as the nation's passion, and Apollo Tyres frames its involvement as a profound commitment to celebrating this shared cultural fervour. The company characterises the partnership as more than a commercial strategy; it is an expression of national pride and a dedicated effort to bolster the sport's vibrant ecosystem. By aligning with both the men's and women's national teams, Apollo Tyres aims to support athletic talent and contribute to India's dynamic cricketing culture. The brand now looks ahead to a collaborative journey, anticipating a future filled with shared triumphs and inspirational performances on the global stage.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Our logo appearing on the Indian cricket teams’ jersey is a moment of great honour for us. Cricket unites the nation like no other sport, and through this association, we aim to go the distance with the teams and their supporters, embodying the spirit of determination, resilience and excellence.”

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Pirelli has confirmed its tyre allocations for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes at the Indonesian Grand Prix, held from 3 to 5 October 2025 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok. This event marks the championship's second consecutive Asian round, moving from Japan to the Indonesian island.

Pirelli’s focus for the Moto2 category is on soft compound rear tyres, a choice driven by the circuit's characteristics and historical data. Riders will have two options: the standard SC0 compound and a development tyre, the E0125. This development tyre uses the same soft compound as the SC0 but features an innovative carcass designed for 2025. Having already been used in eight previous Grands Prix, the E0125 has received positive feedback and is familiar to the competitors. For the front axle, riders can pair these rears with either the SC1 or SC2 compound.

The Moto3 class allocation remains unchanged, with riders having access to both the SC1 and SC2 compounds for the front and rear of their machines. Furthermore, anticipating the region's high risk of sudden, heavy rainfall, Pirelli has proactively increased the wet-tyre allocation for both classes. An additional SCR1 wet tyre has been added for each, bringing the total to five front and six rear wets per rider. This adjustment is a direct response to the challenging local conditions, where a hot and humid climate can see track temperatures soar to 60°C, yet be quickly interrupted by intense downpours.

Giorgio Barbier, Motorcycle Racing Director, Pirelli, said, "Lombok is not a particularly demanding track in terms of abrasiveness, but it presents critical issues related to high temperatures and variable weather conditions. At this time of year, the climate is hot and humid, with the asphalt reaching up to 60 °C, while episodes of intense and sudden rain are not uncommon. To cope with the latter scenario, we have increased the allocation of SCR1 wet tyres by one unit, so as to ensure the necessary coverage in the event of persistent rainfall. As for slicks, the history of this championship and WorldSBK confirms a clear preference for soft compound rear solutions.

"For this reason, in Moto2 we have planned the standard SC0 and its development E0125 evolution, already widely appreciated in previous rounds. We expect that the riders will also be able to quickly find the positive feeling already experienced elsewhere at Mandalika. It's still a track that puts more stress on the front axle than the rear, but both the SC1 and SC2 have already shown great versatility over a wide range of conditions, which is why we're confident they'll offer excellent support in this context too. In Moto3, as usual, the SC1 is the softest option available and will probably be the most chosen in the event of dry asphalt."

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The recent Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, served as a global stage for Goodyear Farm Tires to demonstrate its comprehensive product range to an international audience of farmers. As a key component of the larger Titan International exhibit, the display highlighted the company's commitment to agricultural innovation. A central feature was the company's proprietary Low Sidewall technology, an engineering approach that utilises a larger rim diameter and a reduced sidewall. This design is intended to deliver significant operational advantages by enhancing productivity, vehicle stability and overall field efficiency.

A major attraction at the event was the world's largest tractor, the Big Bud 747. This monumental machine is fitted with what are believed to be the market's largest tyres, a specific LSW model from Goodyear, underscoring the brand's capability to serve even the most extreme agricultural applications. The broader Titan exhibit also featured its entire family of brands, presenting a complete portfolio of off-road performance solutions. The stand was further animated by appearances from notable figures, including NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and the prominent Welker farming family.

The company provides extensive support to the farming community with a versatile selection of products. Its offerings include multiple series of tractor radials and specialised tyre designs for a wide array of equipment, from sprayers and compact tractors to harvesters and other industrial machinery, ensuring performance across diverse agricultural needs.

Natalie Dukes, Marketing Manager, Goodyear Farm Tyres Europe, said, “As a business, we attend a number of events across the world and the Farm Progress Show is always a true highlight for Goodyear Farm Tyres and the entyre Titan family. Thousands of people visited the Goodyear Farm Tyres stand over the three days and were impressed with the size and scale of the range. From our Optitracs through to LSWs and much more in between, we have a range to suit the needs of farmers wherever they are in the world and whatever their specific requirements and challenges. The presence of the Big Bud always brings a huge interest and this show was no different, and we were delighted to partner it with the newly-unveiled Demco Big Buddy grain cart. It was the perfect visual partner to the Big Bud and created quite the sight.”

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