Pirelli said that the Italian government is investigating its largest investor, Sinochem International, for a potential breach of the country’s Golden Power law.

The Italian Prime Minister’s Office has initiated an administrative procedure to assess whether Sinochem’s subsidiary, China National Tire and Rubber Corp (CNRC), has violated the Golden Power decree, which aims to protect strategic national interests.

The investigation focuses on potential organisational and functional links between Pirelli and CNRC, particularly in relation to sensitive technologies and data.

The provision sets a period of 120 days from the day the provision is notified to the conclusion of the administrative procedure.

Pirelli has confirmed that CNRC maintains its commitment to complying with Italian regulations and will cooperate fully with the investigation.

This development comes after the Italian government, citing national security concerns, imposed restrictions on Sinochem’s access to certain Pirelli technologies in 2023.

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has launched the Nexen N´Blue S tyre, adding to its range of summer tyres and providing drivers with advanced safety, energy efficiency and superior driving stability in wet and dry conditions.

Developed using highly dispersed silica and equipped with an optimised structural design, the Nexen N´Blue S tyre provides reduced road noise and improved driving stability. The tyre features an innovative tread compound, formulated with hydrophilic fillers and microstructure-controlled polymers, and provides lower rolling resistance and exceptional dry and wet grip. The tyre also excelled in test results by demonstrating an 11 percent improvement in wet braking distance compared to its predecessor.

Apart from providing excellent performance, the Nexen  N´Blue S also scores high on the sustainability index. The tyre provides an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious drivers by minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Nexen N´Blue S summer tyre is available in 58 sizes, which makes it compatible with different types of vehicles.

Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. Is all set to expand its investment project in Binh Duong province of Vietnam, with the phase 3 of expansion commencing in early 2025. This was discussed at a recent meeting between Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and Kim Hyun Ho, General Director of Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The meeting was held on 13 November at the Administrative Centre of Binh Duong province, as per an official statement. Apart from the company’s investment till date and the planned investment for phase 3, the two also discussed about the challenges and obstacles regarding procedures and processes to have more land funds to expand the manufacturing plant, along with taking measures to tackle the obstacles. Kim Hyun Ho also conveyed to the PPC Chairman that Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. belongs to South Korea's Kumho Tire Group and is currently ranked 10th in the car tyre manufacturing industry.

The company had invested in a tyre manufacturing plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park in 2007 with a total initial investment of USD 308 million, which was supplemented by another USD 300 million in 2021. This extended the factory scale to six hectares and increased the production capacity to 12.5 million tyres annually. With the expansion in early 2025, the company will raise its total investment to USD 908 million and increase the factory's production capacity to 17 million tyres annually. The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by early 2026.

Yokohama-ATG, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain and off-the-road tyres, has expanded its Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range of forklift tyres with the launch of white, non-marking tyres.

The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range consists of puncture-proof SDS tyres with extended wear limits designed for high-intensity working shifts and long durability. These are premium, solid rubber tyres developed for tough demands, a long service life and high driving comfort. The addition of white, non-marking tyres is specifically aimed at clean working environments.

Marked by a 3-stage construction process, the forklift tyres feature reduced heat build-up, effective shock absorption and minimised vibrations. The pattern design guarantees a smooth ride and good steerability thanks to its continuous centre lug and circumferential grooves. Furthermore, the flat walls and wide flat profile offer excellent stability when using a forklift for vertical stacking. The tyres are also equipped with anti-slip steel beads for improved rim fitment

In a case study on a CAT 2.5-tonne forklift that was used for handling heavy pallets on asphalt, the Galaxy MFS 101 SDS outshone the competitors with impressive performance. The tyre delivered an approximate 900 working hours before replacement against competitors’ 500 working hours.

PCBL Limited, a leading global manufacturer of carbon black, announced plans to evaluate new sites for a greenfield capacity expansion. The move is part of its strategy to meet growing international and domestic demand, underscoring its vision of achieving 1 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity by fiscal year 2027-28.

The expansion comes as PCBL leverages strong financial results and increased production capabilities. For the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company reported a consolidated revenue of INR 21. 63 billion, a year-on-year growth of 45 percent. Sales volumes rose 14 percent to 148,693 tonnes, with exports accounting for 58,474 tonnes, a 22 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

PCBL currently operates with an installed carbon black capacity of 770,000 MTPA and plans to commission two major projects in the coming months. A specialty-grade carbon black facility with a capacity of 20,000 MTPA in Mundra and a 30,000 MTPA brownfield expansion in Tamil Nadu are expected to be operational by the end of the fiscal third quarter. A subsequent second phase of expansion at Tamil Nadu will add 60,000 MTPA, raising the company’s total capacity to 880,000 MTPA by fiscal year 2025-26.

Additionally, PCBL announced an aggressive expansion programme in specialty products, targeting a doubling of specialty-grade output by fiscal year 2028.

The company projects a total capital expenditure of approximately INR 25 billion crore over the next five years to fund its carbon black capacity expansion. The projected cost per metric tonne for new capacity is estimated at INR 65,000, supporting PCBL’s growth aspirations in high-margin specialty products and performance chemicals.

PCBL aims to capitalize on opportunities created by supply chain shifts in Europe and Asia, as well as tightening environmental standards worldwide. The company has reported increasing its European market share from four percent to over 21 percent within two years, driven by the sanctions on Russian exports and the cost inefficiencies of Chinese manufacturers.

PCBL is also advancing its innovation capabilities, particularly in battery chemicals through its joint venture Nanovace Technologies Limited. The venture aims to develop nanosilicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, marking a diversification into cutting-edge technology.

The new capacity additions and site evaluations reflect PCBL’s confidence in sustained growth across domestic and international markets. With a strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and market expansion, PCBL is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving global carbon black industry.