Representation Photo

French tyre maker cites changes in the passenger car and light truck market in the decision to shut the Querétaro facility by the end of 2025

Michelin Group plans to close its tyre manufacturing plant in Querétaro, Mexico, by the end of 2025, citing shifts in the passenger car and light truck tyre market as the primary driver behind the decision.

The French tyre manufacturer said it would halt production at the facility, which currently produces fewer than 0.5 million BFGoodrich brand tyres annually for passenger cars and light trucks. The plant also operates a retreading belt production line for truck tyres.

The closure marks the latest example of automotive suppliers adjusting their manufacturing footprints as global vehicle demand patterns shift. Michelin said the decision was made “as a last resort” after evaluating market conditions.

“It is a decision made as a last resort, driven by changes in the passenger car and light truck tyre market,” the company said in a statement.

Michelin said it remains “fully committed to Mexico” despite the plant closure. The company operates multiple facilities nationwide and continues to view the Mexican market as strategically important.

The Querétaro plant closure will affect approximately 480 employees, according to the company. Michelin said it would provide individual support to each worker, including financial severance packages, benefits, job search assistance, and external training opportunities to help employees develop new skills.

The company stated that it would also collaborate with local and state officials to provide additional support during the transition, including securing a fund for sustainable community development activities.

Michelin has committed to giving plant management time this week to engage in collective discussions with employees. Plant workers participated in an initial briefing, where preliminary information about the next steps was shared.

Magna Tyres has expanded its portfolio with the launch of the LH32, a new tyre engineered specifically for trailer use in long-haul and regional transport operations. Designed to address the rigorous demands of modern logistics, the tyre delivers a balanced combination of durability, consistent performance and safety across diverse road conditions. Its advanced tread pattern is optimised to provide reliable traction and even mileage on both highways and regional routes, supporting safe and efficient travel regardless of the terrain.

The LH32 features a robust radial casing constructed with a specially formulated compound, which enhances load-bearing capacity and contributes to improved fuel efficiency. This structural integrity not only promotes longer tyre life but also boosts driver confidence through stable handling. Importantly, the tyre holds full ECE approval, confirming its compliance with strict European safety and performance standards. By integrating these technical attributes, the LH32 enables transport companies to elevate operational efficiency while maintaining high safety benchmarks, making it a practical solution for fleets aiming to optimise performance without compromise.

Key specifications of the Magna LH32

Application: Trailer
Segment: Long haul / Regional
Size: 385/65R22.5
PR: 24
Load/Speed Index: 164K
Fuel Efficiency Class: B
Wet Grip Class: B
Markings: 3PMSF & M+S
Noise Level: 73 dB, Class B

GRI Tires, a leading producer of speciality tyres from Sri Lanka, recently hosted its Italian national distributor, Magri Gomme, at its production plant to showcase the advanced technology and meticulous processes involved in manufacturing its agricultural tyres. The meeting served to deepen their collaborative relationship, providing a platform for constructive discussions about evolving market dynamics, customer requirements and the trajectory of the agricultural tyre sector in Italy.

A comprehensive tour of the facility allowed the Magri Gomme team to observe firsthand the operational scale and exacting standards that characterise GRI’s production methods. The visit demonstrated a comprehensive dedication to quality, tracing the journey from initial raw materials to the final product. It offered a clear view of the rigorous quality assurance protocols, precise process management and ongoing refinement efforts integrated into every manufacturing stage.

Beyond simply observing the production line, the engagement reinforced a unified long-term strategy. Rooted in mutual confidence and open communication, both companies reaffirmed their dedication to supplying Italian agriculture with durable, high-performing tyre solutions that meet the demands of farmers and contractors.

Bridgestone India has expanded its retail network in Assam with the opening of two new Bridgestone Select Stores in Guwahati. The inauguration ceremony was led by Rajiv Sharma, the company’s Executive Director of Sales and Marketing. One of the newly established outlets, Kamrup Tyres, is situated at 89 No. Dadara Gaon Panchayat, Damdama-Kulhati Road, while the other, The Wheelz Shoppe, is located near the Jaiswal Weigh Bridge on NH-37 in Boragaon.

These Bridgestone Select Stores are conceived as comprehensive destinations for tyre and wheel care. They are designed to provide customers with not only premium products but also professional advice, state-of-the-art equipment and services that prioritise safety, comfort and enduring vehicle performance. This expansion reflects the company’s strategic response to the increasing regional demand for dependable and superior tyre solutions. The new locations aim to serve as convenient hubs for passenger vehicle owners in the Guwahati area, offering a full spectrum of tyre-related services under one roof.

Motorists visiting these stores will have access to Bridgestone’s latest premium tyre offerings. This includes the Turanza 6i, which incorporates ENLITEN technology to deliver enhanced comfort, greater efficiency and compatibility with electric vehicles. Also available is the Dueler All-Terrain A/T002, a tyre renowned for its reliable performance on both regular roads and more challenging off-road terrains.

The establishment of these two outlets underscores Bridgestone India's ongoing commitment to growing its customer-focused retail presence. Through this initiative, the company continues to bring its globally recognised tyre solutions and services closer to motorists across the country.

Sharma said, “Assam continues to be an important market for Bridgestone. The opening of these two Select Stores in Guwahati reflects our commitment to offering customers easy access to premium products and trusted services. Our focus is on building long-term relationships by delivering safety, quality and a consistently good experience.”

Formula 1 is set to resume on-track action in Bahrain for the second pre-season testing session, beginning 18th February and running through 20th February. This three-day event marks the final opportunity for teams to evaluate their cars ahead of the championship opener, building on the data gathered during the previous week's running.

A significant change for this test is the expanded tyre availability from Pirelli. While the initial session was restricted to the three hardest compounds, teams have now selected 24 sets from the full range of five dry-weather options. They are also permitted to carry over any tyres used for nine laps or fewer during the first test. An analysis of team selections reveals varied strategic approaches. The C3 and C2 compounds emerged as the most popular choices, requested by 10 of the 11 teams. Mercedes was the exception, opting to remain solely with the hardest compounds.

McLaren, Ferrari, Racing Bulls, Audi and Haas broadened their selection by including the C4. In contrast, Red Bull, Alpine, Williams and Aston Martin leaned towards softer specifications. The Visa Cash App RB squad confined its choices to the C2, C3 and C4, whereas Alpine and Williams also incorporated the softest C5 compound. Aston Martin adopted a unique strategy, selecting exclusively the three softest options: the C3, C4 and C5. Notably, incoming team Cadillac distributed its requests across the entire spectrum, making it the only entrant to secure at least one set of every dry compound.

Daily running is scheduled from 10:00 to 19:00. To aid identification, Pirelli has implemented a special colour-coding system for this test. The C1 and C2 compounds will feature white logos, the C3 and C4 will display yellow and the C5 will be marked with red. To differentiate the two compounds sharing the same colour, the harder of the pair will incorporate a distinctive chequered flag pattern on its sidewalls. Consequently, the C2 and C4 will be the only compounds without this additional decoration, bearing only the standard Pirelli and P Zero logos.