MRF Unveils ‘Muscle in Motion’ Theme at Bharat Mobility 2025

MRF showcases its tyres at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

MRF Ltd introduced its visionary theme called 'Muscle in Motion' at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This theme underscored MRF’s relentless commitment to innovation, excellence and its transformative role in shaping the future of mobility across a wide spectrum of applications.

The theme reflects MRF’s unparalleled market leadership, engineering expertise and steadfast dedication to innovation. It highlights the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge mobility solutions that enhance vehicle performance, foster progress and redefine the transportation industry. 

The company showcased its innovative prowess with several remarkable exhibits. These include the Aeromuscle tyre range, developed for the Sukhoi aircraft and the LCA Tejas, alongside tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles featuring acoustic foam technology (AFT) to enhance EV performance. Other highlights include an ERC-Type Rally Car equipped with MRF Gravel tyres, high-performance studded tyres engineered for extreme rally conditions and snow-application tyres tailored for harsh winter environments. The company’s flagship truck radial S3C8 tyre and a range of products exported globally further underline MRF’s comprehensive portfolio.

The legacy

MRF’s reputation as India’s leading tyre manufacturer is built on decades of industry leadership with 37 years of dominance in the market. In the fiscal year 2023–24, the company achieved a record turnover of INR 254.86 billion with double-digit growth recorded for the six months ending April and October 2024. This stellar performance propelled MRF’s global ranking to 11th place among the world’s top tyre manufacturers, according to the Global Tire Intelligence report dated November 28, 2024.

The company continues to cater to millions of customers across India and globally, offering the widest range of tyres, from go-kart models to specialised products for aircraft. MRF is at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) innovation, setting benchmarks in tyre technology and motorsports. Its engineering excellence has positioned the brand as a leader in global motorsports and a pioneer in EV-specific solutions that drive advancements in sustainable mobility.MRF’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its operations, with 10 advanced manufacturing facilities across India contributing to the nation’s Net Zero emission target by 2070. The company has established phase-wise targets to enhance its sustainability performance, focusing on clean energy adoption, manufacturing efficiency, and resource optimisation. MRF’s vision for the future includes embedding sustainability into its business practices, ensuring long-term environmental and operational excellence.

Innovation in the EV space remains a cornerstone of MRF’s strategy. The company’s advanced EV-specific tyres are designed for efficiency, durability, and performance, supporting a range of key EV models in India, including the Maruti EV, Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra EV, and two-wheelers like the Honda Activa Electric, Bajaj Chetak, Hero Moto Vida, and Ather Rizta. MRF’s partnerships also extend to electric motorcycles such as the Ultraviolette F77 and Revolt, electric buses like those from JBM and Olectra, and commercial EVs including trucks and three-wheelers from leading manufacturers.

Motorsports excellence is another hallmark of MRF’s legacy. The company’s high-performance tyres are synonymous with motorsports in India supporting Formula cars, rallying, motocross, motorcycle racing and go-karting. Globally, MRF’s dominance is evident with titles in the European Rally Championship (ERC) in 2022 and 2023, multiple victories in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), and four consecutive wins in the Italian Gravel Championship. MRF’s philosophy, “Tyres We Race Are the Tyres You Buy,” ensures that innovations born on the racetrack translate into superior durability, performance, and safety for everyday drivers.

MRF’s expertise extends beyond automotive applications as seen in its Aero Muscle Tyres developed for fighter jets. These tyres meet stringent aviation standards, showcasing MRF’s engineering capabilities and its leadership in sectors beyond traditional automotive boundaries.

The 'Muscle in Motion' theme epitomises MRF’s steadfast dedication to innovation, quality and sustainability. As a beacon of progress in mobility solutions, MRF invites attendees of Bharat Mobility 2025 to witness its vision for a future defined by cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance.

Birla Tyres Joins Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association

Birla Tyres Joins Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association

Birla Tyres has officially joined the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), becoming the newest member of the leading industry body. The company, with its registered office in Kolkata, operates a large-scale manufacturing facility in Balasore, Odisha, which spans 195 acres and is dedicated to producing a diverse range of speciality tyres.

Based in New Delhi, ATMA represents major tyre manufacturers that account for more than 80 percent of domestic production. The association serves as a vital link between the government and the industry while also engaging with media, opinion leaders and international trade bodies to advocate for the sector’s perspectives.

ATMA actively participates in policy formulation and regularly consults with government departments on economic challenges affecting the industry. Its existing membership includes prominent firms such as MRF Tyres, JK Tyre & Industries, CEAT Ltd and Bridgestone India, the local subsidiary of the Japanese tyre giant.

Bridgestone Survey Reveals Sharp Rise In UK Drivers Rejecting EV Purchases

Bridgestone Survey Reveals Sharp Rise In UK Drivers Rejecting EV Purchases

Bridgestone has reported a significant shift in UK consumer sentiment regarding electric vehicles, with new data indicating a sharp rise in drivers who reject the technology. The tyre manufacturer's survey reveals that 26 percent of motorists now declare they will never purchase an EV, up from 17 percent in 2025, while only 16 percent plan to acquire one within the coming year.

Persistent operational anxieties continue to overshadow the market. Battery durability and replacement costs trouble 55 percent of respondents, half worry about charging expenses and 44 percent express unease over range limitations and high sticker prices.

Infrastructure inadequacies further compound hesitancy, as 43 percent feel public charging stations remain insufficient and 41 percent are deterred by prolonged recharging times. Despite these barriers, 53 percent anticipate purchasing an EV within five years, while seven percent remain undecided.

Bridgestone is reinforcing its commitment through 'EV Ready' tyres like the Turanza 6, engineered for efficiency, safety and wear life across electric and combustion vehicles. These innovations align with the company's E8 Commitment and Ecology pillar, advancing sustainable tyre technologies and mobility solutions.

Drew Chapman, North Region Consumer Sales Director at Bridgestone, said, "Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on our roads, but our research shows that many drivers still have genuine questions and concerns about making the switch. While some of the barriers are gradually reducing, issues such as battery life, charging costs and infrastructure remain front of mind for many motorists. The industry has made significant progress, but it's clear there is still work to do in building confidence among consumers.

"Whether drivers are behind the wheel of an EV, hybrid or conventional vehicle, they want products they can trust. Our focus is on helping motorists get the very best from their vehicles today while supporting the mobility solutions of tomorrow."

Yokohama Rubber Secures 22nd Consecutive Year In FTSE4Good ESG Index Series

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has secured its place in three major global ESG stock indexes, marking over two decades of sustained recognition in sustainable investing. The company’s inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series now extends to 22 consecutive years, while its presence in the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index has reached a 10th year and the Sector Relative Index a 5th year.

Developed and administered by FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group subsidiary, these benchmarks serve distinct investment purposes. The FTSE4Good Series is widely utilised by international investors as a reference for responsible portfolios. Meanwhile, the two Japan-specific indexes, designed to highlight domestic firms with exemplary ESG performance, have been adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund to steer its own sustainable asset allocation.

Under the corporate sustainability motto of caring for the future, Yokohama Rubber continues to integrate social problem-solving into core business operations, thereby generating shared value. This longstanding index qualification reflects the firm’s consistent commitment to transparent governance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility, reinforcing its strategic focus on long-term value creation through ethical business conduct.

Apollo Tyres Rolls Out High-Grip Winter Van Tyre With Top Wet Rating

Apollo Tyres Rolls Out High-Grip Winter Van Tyre With Top Wet Rating

Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the Apollo Altrust Winter van tyre, a new addition to its commercial vehicle lineup engineered to deliver extended durability alongside reliable snow and wet-weather traction. Scheduled for European release in July 2026, this winter variant finalises the Altrust family, which already includes the popular summer and all-season iterations.

Developed entirely within Europe, the tyre achieves a top wet grip classification of ‘A’ and a noise rating of ‘B’ at 72 decibels. Offered in 15 size options across 15- to 17-inch rim diameters, the Altrust Winter is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of vans and light commercial vehicles, including contemporary models such as the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and IVECO Daily.

Superior handling on snow, ice and rain-soaked roads stems from several engineering innovations. A multi-pitch tread pattern optimises block sizing and spacing for consistent performance, while three-dimensional sipes enhance road biting capability. Additionally, the centre and shoulder lateral grooves have been strategically configured for swift water dispersal, which bolsters wet grip and lessens aquaplaning risks.

For fleet operators, longevity and reduced wear are critical to lowering total cost of ownership. Apollo’s research division formulated a compound with a balanced polymer-and-filler mix to boost abrasion resistance and curb material degradation. Reinforced shoulder tie-bars preserve a stable contact patch under heavy use, promoting even tread wear and sustaining all-weather effectiveness over the tyre’s lifespan. Noise management was also prioritised, with careful tuning of pitch sequences and shoulder block bridges to minimise acoustic output.

Udyan Ghai, Group Head – Marketing, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Our research and development team in Enschede, The Netherlands, spent over two years exploring the needs of van owners and users, creating a winter van tyre that delivers an optimal balance of performance and value. They focused on those attributes that matter most to fleet operators and van drivers: safety, durability and low operating costs. We know that wet-weather performance is becoming increasingly important for operators across Europe, so we are particularly pleased to see the tyre secure an A rating for wet grip.”