Michelin, through its Indian operations and in association with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), recently marked the completion of two workforce training programmes in Pune with formal convocation events. Project Vahaan and Project EV Shiksha together equipped 65 individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with specialised skills aligned to current industry demands, demonstrating how corporate initiatives can address both social needs and sectoral requirements simultaneously.

The programmes responded to a clear gap in India's mobility landscape. While the transportation sector expands and electric vehicle adoption accelerates, many young people from low-income families cannot access the formal training needed to secure stable employment. Michelin India therefore supported targeted interventions focused on communities where regular work significantly affects household wellbeing.

Under Project Vahaan, 35 candidates completed Level 4 certification training for light and heavy motor vehicle drivers. The curriculum integrated classroom instruction with practical driving sessions, covering traffic regulations, defensive techniques, road safety practices and interpersonal skills development. The objective extended beyond employability to cultivating responsible road users who prioritise safety.

Project EV Shiksha addressed the growing need for electric vehicle technicians through a Level 4 programme completed by 30 candidates. Training encompassed theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice in high-voltage safety protocols, fire prevention, routine maintenance procedures, minor repairs, basic diagnostic support and safe component handling. Workplace readiness skills were also incorporated to facilitate smooth entry into the EV service sector.

The convocation ceremonies brought together representatives from Michelin India, ASDC, training partners and the graduates themselves. Project EV Shiksha participants gathered at MIT Art, Design and Technology University, while Project Vahaan celebrations took place at MIDC Kasarwadi in Chinchwad. Both events featured formal inaugurations, addresses from industry and skilling leaders, certificate presentations and interactions that highlighted the connection between structured training and employment outcomes.

The impact of these initiatives extends beyond the 65 individuals trained. They contribute to workforce readiness in critical sectors, promote road safety awareness, support the transition to green mobility and generate meaningful social change at family and community levels.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “At Michelin India, we believe the future of mobility will be shaped not only by technology but also by people equipped with the right skills. Through initiatives like Project Vahaan and EV Shiksha, in partnership with ASDC, we are committed to strengthening skill development for young talent and preparing them for the evolving mobility ecosystem. By enabling access to this structured training, we aim to strengthen road safety through better tyre care and maintenance, support the transition to electric mobility and create meaningful livelihood opportunities. Skill development has been a core priority of the government, and we are pleased to support this vision through our initiatives.”

Addressing the occasion, Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson, ASDC, said, “These initiatives demonstrate how industry-aligned skilling can deliver outcomes beyond training numbers. By integrating safety, employability and future mobility skills, we are enabling youth to build dignified careers while contributing to safer roads and a greener mobility ecosystem.”

Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC, said, “Through Project Vahaan and EV Shiksha, ASDC continues to focus on impact-driven skilling. The combination of certified training, industry relevance and inclusion ensures long-term value for both learners and the mobility sector.”

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Hankook Tire has further solidified its global reputation for innovative product design after securing three Winner awards in the Product Design category at the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2026. The recognition from the internationally acclaimed competition underscores the company’s commitment to advancing tire technology through aesthetic and functional excellence.

The honoured products include the ultra-high-performance Ventus evo, the all-terrain iON AT developed for electric SUVs and pickup trucks and Laufenn’s summer performance tyre, the S FIT2. Each design was evaluated for its innovation, aesthetics, functionality and overall quality, with Hankook Tire standing out among global contenders in this year’s selection.

The Ventus evo was distinguished by its sharply defined centre wheel groove that enhances steering precision and reduces road noise, while a chamfer design and an AI-powered sustainable compound improve mileage by up to 32 percent. Its sidewall also features a Vanta Velvet graphic with an ultra-fine texture, combining visual appeal with practical performance. Meanwhile, the upcoming iON AT integrates key electric vehicle attributes such as energy efficiency, extended mileage and low noise into an off-road focused structure, with an optimised tread pattern and compound that minimise energy loss, heat generation and wear.

The S FIT2 from Laufenn earned recognition for its Numeric Sidewall design, which aligns with the brand’s minimalist philosophy while strengthening visual identity. Its asymmetric tread pattern ensures precise handling and effective drainage, while added features like the Alignment Indicator and EV Mark enhance user convenience. Environmentally conscious technologies also extend tread life and reduce noise. Organised by Germany’s Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the Red Dot award is one of three major international design accolades – alongside the iF Design Award and the IDEA – where Hankook Tire continues to earn consistent recognition, reinforcing its premium brand image through innovation-driven design.

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HS HYOSUNG Group has officially released its inaugural Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone since the conglomerate’s establishment. The comprehensive document provides a transparent overview of the organisation’s Environmental, Social and Governance management activities, detailing both ongoing initiatives and notable accomplishments across its operations.

The publication consolidates ESG data from the holding entity, HS HYOSUNG Corporation, and extends to major subsidiaries such as HS HYOSUNG USA, Inc., HS HYOSUNG TOYOTA Co., Ltd. and HS HYOSUNG GLOBAL LOGISTICS VINA CO., Ltd. Furthermore, the report incorporates the ESG performance of key affiliates, including HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS Corporation and HS HYOSUNG INFORMATION SYSTEMS Corporation, ensuring a holistic representation of the group’s sustainability efforts.

Central to the report is the introduction of the group’s sustainability vision, ‘Rooted in Value, Growing Together’, which is supported by three strategic pillars: Growth Value, Shared Value and Trusted Value. To guide its strategy, the group synthesised double materiality assessments from various units, identifying five Group-wide priorities: customer satisfaction, occupational health and safety, compliance, eco-friendly portfolio and climate change response. The report systematically details the management frameworks, current progress, key achievements and forward-looking plans for each of these critical areas.

An HS HYOSUNG official said, "Publishing our first Sustainability Report as we celebrate the second anniversary of HS HYOSUNG makes this milestone especially meaningful. Going forward, we will continue to respond proactively to a changing business environment while creating greater value and building stronger trust with our stakeholders."

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an environmental awareness session at Edison School ‘Novatsia’, drawing the participation of approximately 60 students. The gathering was designed to illuminate the core tenets of the green economy, renewable energy and circular economic models, aiming to instil a robust sense of environmental stewardship among the younger generation.

The initiative sought to cultivate a collective sense of duty regarding the preservation of natural resources and the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Attendees were briefed on the deployment of modern technologies and innovative strategies to mitigate ecological footprints while also exploring the corporate sector's role in fostering a sustainable future. The discourse underscored that sustainable development transcends mere environmental conservation, integrating economic vitality and social equity.

Tegeta Green Planet’s representatives delved into the specifics of the Extended Producer Responsibility system and the intricacies of managing particular waste streams, alongside the foundational principles of the circular economy. Concurrently, Shine Energy’s team elaborated on the pivotal function of renewable sources in the ongoing energy transition, highlighting the societal and ecological advantages of solar power and other clean energy alternatives. The session was notably enriched by the proactive engagement of 10th-grade students.

These students delivered presentations on Earth Day, tracing its historical origins, its evolution into a global movement and the critical importance of individual action in resource preservation. The dialogue reinforced that every societal member contributes to this balanced vision. Tegeta Green Planet and Shine Energy remain committed to expanding such educational projects across various institutions, viewing them as essential to nurturing an environmental culture and responsible behaviours that are fundamental for the well-being of future generations.

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The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has launched National Tire Safety Week 2026, a public education campaign running from 29 June through 4 July. This year’s initiative, themed ‘Driving Safety, Full Circle’, introduces a new storytelling platform called Full Circle, which emphasises the essential role of tyres in everyday American life. The campaign underscores the critical importance of regular tyre maintenance for overall vehicle safety.

To illustrate this message, the association has released Full Circle Moments, a series of short videos depicting common scenarios where tire performance is paramount. The series features five distinct vignettes, including an infant’s secure journey home from the hospital, a parent’s lesson in driving for a teenager, the durability required for a family road trip, the traction needed during a heavy rainstorm and the stopping power necessary for sudden braking. These videos are being distributed via USTMA’s official website and social media channels.

The campaign also provides motorists with a practical maintenance guide, urging them to remember the acronym ‘P.A.R.T.’, which stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. Drivers are advised to conduct these checks at least monthly and prior to embarking on extended summer road trips. According to the association, investing a few minutes in these simple inspections can significantly reduce the risk of highway incidents.

Furthermore, National Tire Safety Week marks the official launch of the Full Circle digital platform, which is structured around five core pillars: safety, sustainability, innovation, economic impact and advocacy. The site offers evidence-based narratives about the tyre industry’s dedication to reliable mobility and environmental stewardship, including efforts to repurpose tyres. The initiative is supported by all major USTMA member companies, including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and several other leading tyre manufacturers.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Every drive home, every family road trip, every race to an emergency by a first responder happens on tyres. Proper tyre maintenance plays a critical role in safety on the road, and we must all do our part to protect the people and moments we value most. National Tire Safety Week is our reminder that caring for our tyres is simple and essential, and that behind every safe mile is an industry working to make mobility safer, smarter and more dependable.

“Tyres are essential to nearly every part of modern life, yet they’re easy to take for granted. Full Circle embodies the depth of our industry’s commitment to the communities we serve. It’s a story of an industry committed to continuous progress with safety at the forefront, and we’re proud to keep driving it forward.”

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