(Left of centre) Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, presented the Indian Car of the Year [ICOTY] 2025 award to Hisashi Takeuchi. Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris was crowned Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 and the TVS Apache RTX 300 secured the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) 2026 title. These prestigious honours were presented by Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, alongside the awards' chairmen, Pablo Chaterji of ICOTY and Kartik Ware of IMOTY, during a prominent ceremony in New Delhi. The event, a key date in the industry calendar, gathered leading automotive figures to celebrate these achievements.

Now in their 21st and 19th iterations, respectively, the JK Tyre-sponsored ICOTY and IMOTY awards remain the most credible benchmarks for automotive excellence in India. The ceremony also recognised vehicles in specialised categories, reflecting evolving market trends. The Volkswagen Golf GTI received the Premium Car Award 2026, while the Mahindra XEV 9e was honoured with the Green Car Award 2026 for its contributions to electric mobility.

These outcomes are determined by a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a 27-member jury of senior automotive journalists, whose collective experience spans over three centuries. Modelling global award standards, the jury assesses every shortlisted vehicle across a comprehensive set of criteria. This includes design, safety, performance, technology, value and suitability for Indian driving conditions. This meticulous and transparent methodology sustains the awards' authority and ensures they consistently celebrate the vehicles that truly advance the nation’s automotive landscape.

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, said, “The evolution of India’s automotive industry is gaining remarkable transition, as the focus shifts towards sustainable technologies, intelligent mobility and stronger engineering capabilities. ICOTY and IMOTY recognises the machines that carry this vision into reality. JK Tyre is honoured to stand with a platform that rewards forward-looking innovation. What we have seen this year signals an industry preparing thoughtfully and confidently for the mobility of tomorrow.”

Pablo Chaterji, Chairman, ICOTY, said, “There are many automotive awards in the country, and each has its undoubted merits. Ever since the ICOTY award was instituted, however, it has taken its place at the top of the podium, in no small part due to the support of JK Tyre. This is because the jury consists of the finest automotive journalists in the country, with a combined reviewing track record of over 300 years. The award process is thoroughly vetted by our knowledge partner, Deloitte, and is thus scrupulously fair and transparent. Every OEM is also clear that this award – and its associated awards, IMOTY, Premium Car and Green Car – is the one that matters most, and I think it would not be out of place to say that cars in India have become better in part because OEMs want to win ICOTY, and make every effort to manufacture vehicles that are worthy of that title.”

Kartik Ware, Chairman, IMOTY, said, “IMOTY 2026 has been as diverse and accomplished as possible, with a number of firsts, including the first-ever electric motorcycle in the finalists. To celebrate the best motorcycle from among a lineup of such fantastic machines is not an easy task, but the IMOTY jury is equal to it – a big thank you to each and every one of them, old and new. Of course, due credit must also be given to our partner in this spectacular journey, JK Tyre, for its constant and unwavering support. All of these attributes make IMOTY the 17-year-old institution it has become, and the most cherished two-wheeler award in India. Here's to many more!”

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “We are honoured to receive the ‘Indian Car of the Year 2026’ award for VICTORIS. This SUV was designed to provide all possible features to today’s new-age customers. It brings together style, technology, safety and a host of smart innovations. With the strong customer pull and now the coveted ICOTY award, VICTORIS lives up to its promise of ‘Got It All’. We are grateful to the ICOTY jury for this prestigious recognition.”

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “Being recognised with the JK Tyre’s Indian Motorcycle of the Year award 2026 (IMOTY). This honour reflects a performance legacy shaped by over 40 years of racing excellence and 35 years of rally experience, where every insight has been earned through real-world competition. As TVS Apache completes 20 years as a symbol of racing DNA, innovation and rider trust, the TVS Apache RTX represents our bold vision for the future creating and leading the Rally Touring Extreme segment. Designed, engineered and made in India for the world, TVS Apache RTX reinforces our belief that world-class motorcycles can originate in India and compete with the very best globally.”

Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said, “Winning the Premium Car of the Year award for the Golf GTI is truly special. The GTI is an icon with a 50-year legacy, and seeing it resonate so strongly with Indian enthusiasts has been incredibly rewarding. What began as a limited allocation quickly turned into overwhelming demand, reaffirming that the Golf GTI is more than just a car; it’s a collector’s item and a symbol of pure driving passion. We thank the ICOTY jury for this recognition and our customers for believing in the GTI and its enduring legacy.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. & Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., said, “We would like to thank the esteemed ICOTY 2026 jury for honouring the Mahindra XEV 9e with the Green Car of the Year award. This award validates the global benchmarks of design, engineering and manufacturing excellence that underpin Mahindra’s Electric Origin vision. More importantly, it reinforces the XEV 9e’s role in truly Unlimiting the electric vehicle adoption in India and by expanding what customers can expect from an EV in everyday life. We are deeply grateful to our customers for their trust and belief; your confidence continues to inspire us to deliver electric mobility that is aspirational, capable and uncompromising.”

Goodyear has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2026 by Ethisphere, marking the third consecutive year it has received this prestigious honour. This recognition reflects the company’s enduring commitment to fostering integrity throughout its global operations. Goodyear is the only tyre manufacturer and one of just eight automotive businesses to appear on this year’s list, which spans 17 countries and 40 industries.

Ethisphere determines its honourees through a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process that examines corporate governance, ethical culture, compliance programmes, environmental and societal impact and third-party management. A panel of experts analyses this information to identify organisations that demonstrate exceptional ethical leadership and best practices in business integrity.

This latest recognition reaffirms Goodyear’s ongoing dedication to principled conduct and responsible business practices worldwide.

Erin Lewis, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, said, “Receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year is a reflection of our associates’ strong commitment to acting with integrity. Goodyear’s inclusion on this respected list again this year underscores our longstanding commitment to ethical decision-making, responsible leadership and creating a culture where integrity guides every action.”

Nokian Tyres has launched the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P, a new premium winter tyre engineered for predictable and high-performance driving across a variety of Central European conditions. This new product integrates the company’s Nordic expertise into a tyre designed to perform reliably on snow, slush, wet and dry roads. It has been awarded the Premium TÜV SÜD Tyre Mark, an independent certification that verifies its outstanding quality and performance against rigorous benchmark standards, complementing the manufacturer's own extensive internal testing.

The tyre is intended for drivers of high-performance vehicles, sedans and SUVs who require dependable performance for daily commuting, mountain driving, long journeys and high-speed travel. The initial launch includes 50 products ranging from 17 to 21 inches, with the majority classified as XL for heavy loads, and the range is planned to expand to 98 SKUs covering 16 to 22 inches. Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, up to 40 percent of the tyre’s raw materials are renewable, recycled or ISCC PLUS certified. This advancement supports the company’s broader goal of increasing that proportion to 50 percent by 2030. Production takes place at the company's new facility in Oradea, Romania, recognised as the world's first full-scale tyre factory to operate with zero CO2 emissions in scopes 1 and 2, with select sizes also manufactured at the factory in Nokia, Finland.

The tyre’s performance capabilities were validated through extensive testing in both controlled and real-world environments. Winter testing was conducted at the Ivalo Test Center in Finnish Lapland to ensure high standards on snow and ice, while high-speed and wet performance evaluations took place at the Hakka Ring in Spain and the test track in Nokia, Finland. The Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P becomes the flagship winter offering for Central and Southern European consumers, joining the Seasonproof 2 for all-season and the Powerproof 2 for summer in the company's latest product lineup.

The tyre features a Triple Zone Tread designed to enhance safety and control. This includes an Arctic Zone with 3D siping for improved snow grip, an Aqua Zone with a blade groove design to increase groove volume and resist aquaplaning and a Performance Zone with optimised geometry for enhanced directional stability and cornering precision. The Alpine Grip Compound incorporates a new generation of polymers and renewable resins, alongside the highest proportion of silica ever used by the company in a winter tyre for this market. This high silica content ensures responsiveness in cold temperatures, supports wet grip and contributes to lower rolling resistance for improved efficiency. The Power Lock Core utilises Performance Bead Rings to enhance stability and handling during sudden, high-speed manoeuvres.

Durability is addressed through the inclusion of Aramid Strong Sidewalls on all sizes 17 inches and above. These sidewalls embed lightweight aramid fibres, a material also used in defence and aerospace industries, to reinforce the tyre against impacts from potholes and road hazards and reduce the risk of punctures. A large rim protector is also incorporated to shield wheels from curb damage. The tyre is designed to seamlessly fit both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles, carrying the Electric Fit emblem to signify it has been developed and tested to meet the specific demands of EVs regarding weight, noise, torque and range. It also features SilentDrive Technology, which uses a layer of acoustic foam attached to the inner liner to dampen bothersome frequencies and provide a quieter, more comfortable cabin experience.

Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice President – Central Europe, Nokian Tyres, said, “As electric vehicles and SUVs become more popular in Europe, larger rim sizes and heavier loads are more prevalent than ever. The diverse size options and outstanding safety and performance properties of the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P meet the needs of Central and Southern European winter drivers as their vehicle choices evolve.”

Martin Dražík, Product Manager, Nokian Tyres, said, “We developed the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P to balance ultimate confidence with exciting performance. Central European consumers demand a product that keeps them safe in a wide array of winter conditions without sacrificing an enjoyable driving experience. We spent years preparing the Snowproof 3P to blend Nordic winter know-how with the unique properties needed to thrive in unpredictable winter conditions.”

Bridgestone will continue as a tyre supplier to the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in 2026, extending its partnership with the series which began in 2017. The company will increase its involvement by equipping seven teams with its premium BATTLAX motorcycle tyres, a rise from the five teams supported the previous year. The seven teams are AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar, KM99 Yamaha, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team and Yoshimura SERT Motul.

This expanded role follows a highly successful 2025 season where a Bridgestone-equipped team, Yamalube YART Yamaha, claimed the EWC title. This victory marked the sixth championship win for a team using Bridgestone tyres and the fifth consecutive year of such dominance, with five of the top six overall positions occupied by Bridgestone-supported teams.

The BATTLAX racing tyres are the result of advanced engineering, utilising sophisticated materials and construction methods to provide superior grip, consistent performance and lasting durability. These qualities are essential for the demanding nature of endurance racing, which features events lasting up to a full day. Engineered to perform reliably in diverse weather and track conditions, the tyres give riders the confidence to maintain a competitive pace throughout each stint.

Bridgestone views the racetrack as a crucial development environment, using the extreme conditions of the EWC to rigorously test and refine its technology. With races ranging from 8 to 24 hours, the series places continuous, intense stress on tyres, offering a perfect setting to advance compound chemistry and construction techniques. This knowledge is then applied to consumer products under the company’s From Circuit to Street philosophy. The latest proof of this process is found in new additions to the BATTLAX family, including the track-only RACING BATTLAX V03 slick tyre and the road-legal BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12, both of which feature technology honed in the crucible of endurance competition.

Nico Thuy, Director Motorcycle, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The FIM Endurance World Championship represents the ultimate proving ground for tyre performance, durability and innovation. The 2025 season once again demonstrated the consistency and capability of Bridgestone tyres under the toughest racing conditions. Following this success, we are proud to offer our expertise and top-performing tyres to seven teams for 2026.”

The 2026 EWC season schedule is as follows:

• 18 April: 24 Heures Motos, Le Mans, France
• 6 June: 8 Hours of Spa Motos, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
• 5 July: Cuca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours, Suzuka race track, Japan
• 19 September: the Bol d'Or, Circuit Paul Ricard, France

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has unveiled its comprehensive motorsports activity plan for the 2026 season. The company views its participation in global motorsports as essential for advancing tyre technology and reinforcing the ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands. Its strategy encompasses a diverse range of events, from top-tier championships to grassroots competitions worldwide.

Key championships and series

• SUPER FORMULA: Yokohama Rubber has renewed its exclusive agreement as Official Tyre Partner and control tyre supplier for Japan's premier racing series, a partnership dating back to 2016. The new contract extends through the 2030 season. For 2026, the company will supply ADVAN racing tyres featuring a high renewable and recycled raw material ratio of approximately 46%. The series will also introduce the SUPER POLE QUALIFYING Supported by YOKOHAMA TYRE, a three-stage knockout format.
• SUPER GT: Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to one car in the GT500 class and 17 cars in the GT300 class, aiming for victories and a championship title in the latter.
• Nürburgring 24-Hour Race: Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to three teams: Haupt Racing Team, KONDO RACING with Rinaldi, and BMW M Motorsport. This marks the first collaboration with BMW M Motorsport in nearly 40 years, with ADVAN tyres fitted to two BMW cars entered by Schubert Motorsport and a special fan-focused BMW entry. Tyres will also be supplied for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
• Porsche Sprint & Endurance Challenges: For the sixth consecutive year, ADVAN racing tyres will serve as the control tyre for the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West. It will also be the control tyre for the Porsche Endurance Challenge North America for the third straight year.
• Ford Mustang Cup: Yokohama will again supply ADVAN racing tyres as the control tyre for this one-make series, which features the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R.
• American Off-Road Racing Championship (AORC): Yokohama has become a supporting sponsor of this newly launched premier desert racing series. The company will supply GEOLANDAR tyres to top teams competing in the championship, which includes renowned races like Best in the Desert and The Mint 400.

Other major events and disciplines

• Hill Climb: At the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to top drivers and continue sponsoring and providing the control tyre for the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama.
• Off-Road Races: Yokohama will seek a second consecutive overall win at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) using GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyres. In North America, the company will support the King of the Hammers (as title sponsor of the Every Man Challenge), the Championship Off-Road series (with GEOLANDAR X-AT and A/T4 tyres), and the TrophyLite Series (supplying GEOLANDAR M/T G003 as the official specification tyre for the eighth year). They will also supply tyres for the XCR Sprint Cup Series in Japan.
• Rally: In the Japanese Rally Championship (JRCA), ADVAN rally tyres will be supplied to top JN-1 class teams, including the NUTAHARA Rally Team (with an ADVAN-coloured car) and SUBARU Team ARAI. Yokohama will also support the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge for a second year.
• Drift: For FORMULA DRIFT JAPAN (FDJ), Yokohama will supply ADVAN NEOVA AD09 tyres to teams in the top FDJ class and provide control tyres (ADVAN NEOVA AD09 for FDJ2, ADVAN APEX V601 for FDJ3). The company will also supply ADVAN tyres to a team competing in the D1 GRAND PRIX.
• Speed Competitions: In Japan, Yokohama will supply ADVAN A052 and A050 tyres for the All Japan Gymkhana Championship and a range of ADVAN tyres for various surfaces in the All Japan Dirt Trial Championship.

Participatory & Grassroots: Yokohama will support grassroots events globally, including supplying ADVAN dB V553 tyres as the control tyre for the new CATERHAM CUP JAPAN. The company also announced its Yokohama Motorsports Scholarship 2026 programme to support participants in Japanese rally, gymkhana and dirt trial competitions.