The 18th edition of Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY), promoted by JK Tyre since its inception, concluded in New Delhi. The awards ceremony was attended by leading businessmen, automobile fanatics and visionaries.

The awards were presented by Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, along with Dhruv Behl, Chairman, ICOTY 2023; Bertrand Dsouza, Chairman, IMOTY 2023 and other jury members. Steered by a group of veteran and eminent jury members, the entries were judged on the basis pf multiple customer-centric criteria, such as vehicle price, fuel efficiency, styling, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, technical innovation, value for money and suitability for Indian driving conditions, while deciding on the winner and conferring the awards, claims JK Tyre.

Recognised for its speed, mileage and strong performance, KIA Carens was adjudged the ‘Indian Car of the Year 2023’, claims JK Tyre, while Royal Enfield Hunter was awarded the ‘Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2023’. Catering to the increasing popularity, acceptance and availability of a vast range from various manufacturers of the premium car category in the Indian market, the ICOTY jury instituted ‘Premium Car Award’ under the ICOTY aegis in 2019. According to JK Tyre, Mercedes EQS 580 won the Premium Car Award 2023. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles and strong initiatives undertaken by the government, the jury of ICOTY introduced the Green Car Award in 2021, with an objective to recognise the contribution of manufacturers towards the future of mobility. KIA EV6 was awarded the Green Car Award 2023, states JK Tyre.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Singhania said, “I would like to congratulate all the winners for making the best in the segment and honouring the excellence in the automotive industry. ICOTY and IMOTY are the most integral part of the Indian auto industry as they bring innovation to the industry. The foundation of JK Tyre stands for innovation, development, growth, technology and transparency, and these awards are the testimony of brilliance. I am sure it has been a rewarding and successful journey for everyone and this will continue to be so for years ahead. These awards motivate us all to come together and make the Indian auto industry renowned globally.”

On winning the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Green Car Award 2023, Tae-Jin Park, Managing Director and CEO, Kia India, said, “It’s a proud moment for all of us at the Kia family. We are absolutely elated to be awarded with not one but two prestigious ICOTY honours – Kia Carens won the coveted ‘Indian Car of the Year’ and our flagship EV, the EV6, won the laurel as ICOTY ‘Green Car of the Year’ award for 2023.We are thankful to the esteemed ICOTY jury members for this recognition. We would also like to thank the sponsors, JK Tyre, for their commitment to helping recognise the best from automobiles year on year. This is a well-deserved recognition for brand Kia and speaks volumes for our technological prowess, capabilities and understanding of the Indian market. It is a true reflection of our successful journey in India and a great motivation for us to keep working and contributing towards an inspiring tomorrow.”

On winning the Indian Motorcycle of the Year Award, Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director and CEO, Eicher Motors, said, “This is our third award in five years, and we are delighted to have won this. We thank the jury and JK Tyre for recognising us. Making motorcycles, spending time with riders and most importantly, riding them ourselves over the years, we really understood what it takes to make a lovely motorcycle for people who love motorcycling. The Hunter is our most accessible motorcycle in this range, and we are very happy at the love it has received.”

On winning the Premium Car Award 2023, Santosh Iyer, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The Made in India EQS 580 is a benchmark for sustainable luxury motoring. The very fact that it’s India’s first locally manufactured luxury EV also highlights the global competencies of our colleagues producing this car at Mercedes-Benz India. We are delighted that our customers’ preferred choice for the most advanced luxury EV in India is also adjudged as the luxury car of the year at ICOTY.”

Congratulating the ICOTY award winners, Behl said, “ICOTY has grown to become the most coveted award in India, as the leading experts in the automotive media all come together to pick the absolute best in the industry. We assess which vehicles have the most impact and which are the most suitable for the Indian market. The KiaCarens, Kia EV6 and Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 are each cutting-edge and truly put the Indian customer in the driver’s seat.”

Sharing his thoughts, Dsouza said, “In 2023, Indian motorcycles were oddly contested, it was a very tough competition. What is interesting to see is that most of the contenders were not entirely meant for the commuter segment, and this proves that motorcycling in India has matured – niche segment, niche purposes for a very niche enthusiastic audience, that’s what has defined IMOTY 2023.”

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Tegeta Green Planet opened the Light Vehicle Diagnostics course at Tegeta Academy with a presentation for attendees aged 17 to 33. Beyond their chosen vocational field, participants learned about automotive waste management and environmental responsibility.

Shalva Akhvlediani, the organisation’s director, outlined its activities and goals while emphasising Extended Producer Responsibility. The session examined how the automotive sector connects to environmental duty and why used tyres, waste oils and automotive batteries must be collected and managed properly.

Tyre management and RECSOL featured prominently. Attendees traced a used tyre’s path from collection to recycling and learned how waste becomes a source of new resources. RECSOL, Tegeta’s tyre recycling plant, is a significant infrastructure project in used tyre recycling, processing tyres into materials for various uses and supporting circular economy principles.

A core aim is a system where waste is not an endpoint but the starting point for new resources, which requires infrastructure alongside greater public awareness and information on proper disposal. For participants, the meeting linked professional education with environmental awareness, stressing that future automotive professionals should understand this responsibility early.

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Tyres Europe, alongside ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) and CLEPA (the European Association of Automotive Suppliers), has dispatched a joint communication to EU decision-makers concerning the possible broadening of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to cover downstream goods. The move comes as trilogue discussions approach.

Tyre producers form part of an automotive value chain already bearing carbon-related expenses for steel and aluminium manufactured within Europe. The proposed expansion would draw additional products into the mechanism’s remit before the existing framework has demonstrated its effectiveness. Resulting costs and administrative requirements would land on downstream manufacturers, tyre makers included, with signatories cautioning that a conceptually sound regulatory effort could become an operational and financial strain.

Endorsing the mechanism’s aims, the signatories nonetheless urge a proportionate scope that shields the entire value chain from carbon leakage while preventing that risk from being pushed further downstream. They advocate extending the mechanism only where a material carbon-leakage danger is evidenced, and request that policymakers ease compliance demands, including via more fitting default values mirroring real production routes.

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NEXEN TIRE has extended its partnership with Zalgiris, reinforcing its commitment to basketball in Europe, particularly across the Baltic region. The renewal builds on a relationship that began in 2024 and reflects the company’s broader strategy of linking its brand to performance, innovation and mobility.

The tyre maker has pursued sports partnerships as a way to connect with fans, sharing in the passion and excitement of supporting favourite teams during major matches and memorable moments. It also values the teamwork, dedication and collective achievement that define team sports, using such ties to build authentic connections and deepen engagement in key European markets. Its collaboration with clubs including Zalgiris and FC Bayern München forms part of this approach.

Under the extended agreement, NEXEN TIRE will gain greater visibility among sports fans in the region. The partnership offers branding opportunities at Zalgirio Arena, such as synchronised on-screen advertising and promotion on LED stands near the court, in a position visible on television during EuroLeague and LKL home games.

The arrangement also includes a hospitality programme allowing NEXEN TIRE to welcome guests and business partners at Zalgiris home fixtures. Through the strengthened alliance, the company aims to share its passion with more fans while raising brand awareness across the region.

Ricky Lee, Managing Director, NEXEN TIRE Poland, said, “Our cooperation with Zalgiris has developed positively since 2024, and we are pleased to extend and strengthen this partnership. Basketball has a particularly strong following in the Baltic region, making Zalgiris an important partner as we continue to grow our presence and engage with fans. We look forward to supporting the team throughout the season and doing our best to create positive experiences for both the players and their passionate fans.”

Paulius Jankunas, President, Zalgiris, said, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with NEXEN TIRE and build on the partnership we started two years ago. NEXEN TIRE brings extensive experience in sports marketing, and we are proud to work together on creating meaningful projects and experiences for our fans. We look forward to another successful period of cooperation and to welcoming NEXEN TIRE’s guests and partners to our games and events.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has widened its tyre portfolio through the addition of four new lines under the Multi-Mile Tyres banner. Serving as a value step-up brand, Multi-Mile gives dealers a strong mix of broader product coverage and improved consumer advantages crafted to drive better retail margins, helping retailers offer greater value while lifting profitability. With this expansion, the portfolio now reaches over 85 percent of the vehicle market, offering dealers more ways to satisfy customer demand.

Among the additions are tyres built for rugged and mud terrain use, boasting self-cleaning treads that push out mud and stones alongside dependable traction both on and off the road. Also joining the range are commercial and C-metric speciality tyres tailored to heavy-duty regional and long-haul trucks, together with all-weather tyres that hold the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe snow rating and are made for high mileage and consistent year-round use.

A prominent name in the replacement tyre segment, Multi-Mile carries cutting-edge touring, high-performance and broad-line tyres suited to passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. Meanwhile, the upgraded Mile After Mile Protection Plan warranty now delivers broader coverage, adding three-year roadside assistance, a three-year road hazard protection plan and a 60-day ride guarantee on top of its extensive treadwear warranties.

Rachel Tibor, Chief Marketing Officer, TBC Wholesale, said, “For more than 70 years, Multi-Mile products have offered cost-efficient, reliable and durable tyre options that enhance safety and performance. With this expanded portfolio, Multi-Mile strengthens its position as a value step-up brand, giving dealers more opportunities to meet evolving consumer needs while offering a product mix designed to support stronger retail margins. We’re continuing our longstanding tradition of supplying the right products at the right time for every type of vehicle and application.”

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