A global tyre manufacturer NEXEN TIRE is revolutionising tyre development by integrating advanced technologies such as eXplainable AI (XAI) and 3D printing.
NEXEN TIRE has traditionally followed a multi-step process for tyre development, involving designing structures and patterns, creating molds, manufacturing prototypes, and testing them on vehicles. The company has streamlined this process by incorporating XAI and 3D printing and enhanced product precision.
XAI, an artificial intelligence technology, helps analyse and understand the causes and processes behind machine learning algorithms. NEXEN TIRE uses XAI to analyse various information related to tyre design, such as basic designs, key design variables, performance contributions, and design directions. This maximises design efficiency and helps propose optimal structures and designs that meet tyre developers’ requirements.
NEXEN TIRE leverages XAI-driven designs to create Virtual Tire Models, assessing product performance in virtual environments. This increases accuracy and speed in tyre development. The company’s recent decision to adopt a driving simulator will elevate virtual development further.
Once a model passes the virtual development stage, a physical prototype is produced for final evaluation, which requires mould production. NEXEN TIRE utilises 3D printing technology to make molds, enabling the simultaneous creation of prototypes in various designs and specifications. As these prototypes have already undergone verification in the virtual development process, the chances of final product approval are significantly increased.
Traditionally, mould production alone took two to three months, but with 3D printing, this period can be cut by at least 70%. Additionally, production costs can be reduced by at least 50%, ensuring cost efficiency from the early stages of development.
The 3D printing-based mould manufacturing technology allows for innovative tyre designs that include diverse and complex patterns and sipes. This is crucial for supporting high-performance vehicles and providing consumers with enhanced performance and safety. NEXEN TIRE has applied for an international patent for its 3D printing technology.
By innovating its development process, NEXEN TIRE enhances product competitiveness while reducing time and costs. The company also contributes to sustainable management by reducing waste and costs associated with discarded prototypes.
“The ultimate goal of our technological innovations is to enhance customer satisfaction.” A NEXEN TIRE representative stated, “Transforming the tyre development process not only secures market competitiveness but also contributes to environmental protection during the development process, shaping the future of tyre manufacturing and driving revolutionary change.”
WACKER Launches PACE Programme For Cost Savings
- By TT News
- November 27, 2025
In response to significant economic pressures within the chemical industry, WACKER has initiated a comprehensive efficiency programme named PACE. The project, launched in October, is designed to secure substantial and permanent annual cost savings exceeding EUR 300 million. A primary focus will be on optimising fixed production costs and administrative structures.
To achieve this financial target, the company anticipates a reduction of more than 1,500 positions globally, with the majority of job cuts affecting its German sites. This workforce adjustment is expected to account for approximately half of the total savings. The company, which had previously forecast a net loss for 2025, intends to fully implement all PACE measures by the end of 2027. This strategic move aims to strengthen WACKER's operational resilience amid a challenging business climate.
Christian Hartel, President and CEO, WACKER, said, "We are currently working on measures to achieve our cost-saving targets. The aim is to reduce our costs to a competitive level through savings. This will put WACKER back on the road to success." Emphasising the need for competitive framework conditions, he added, "Particularly in Germany, the excessively high energy prices and bureaucratic obstacles continue to act as a central brake on the successful development of the chemical industry."
Bridgestone India Opens New Select Store In Punjab
- By TT News
- November 27, 2025
Bridgestone India, a subsidiary of the Bridgestone Group, has announced the opening of its latest Bridgestone Select Store, Arora Wheel and Car Accessories, in Firozpur, Punjab.
The store was inaugurated by Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director – Integrated Consumer Business, Bridgestone India.
The Bridgestone Select stores represent the company’s retail format that delivers a comprehensive ownership experience. These outlets provide guidance, diagnostics, and infrastructure, ensuring safety, performance and driving confidence.
Rajiv Sharma, Executive Director – Integrated Consumer Business, Bridgestone India, said, “Punjab is a key market for Bridgestone, and the opening of our new Select Store in Firozpur reflects our focus on being closer to customers, through modern, high-quality retail touchpoints. At Bridgestone, we are committed to providing not just superior products but also an enhanced customer experience that combines premium products & services along with Bridgestone’s promise of safety, and trust. The Select Store format allows us to deliver the best of Bridgestone’s global expertise with a local, customer-first approach”
Arora Wheels is making available Bridgestone’s latest offerings: Turanza 6i and Dueler All-Terrain A/T002. The Turanza 6i is engineered with ENLITEN technology and delivers a driving experience. Compatible with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicles (EVs), this tyre is EV-ready, offering efficiency, comfort and durability for mobility.
The Dueler All-terrain A/T002 is built for adventure and is a said to be a preferred choice among off-road enthusiasts. Its tread design and on- and off-road capabilities make it the choice for drivers seeking performance without compromising control or safety.
Michelin India Opens Three New Tyre Stores In Tamil Nadu
- By TT News
- November 27, 2025
Michelin, a tyre technology company, has expanded its network in India with the inauguration of three new Michelin Tyres & Services (MTS) stores in Tamil Nadu.
Two stores were launched in Coimbatore: one with Covai Tyres in Sundarapuram, and another with Carzone in Goundermills. The third facility was inaugurated with Carworld Automotive in Tirupur.
Each new dealership offers Michelin’s complete range of products, along with advanced diagnostic tools and high precision equipment for alignment, balancing and car services. The new facilities were inaugurated by Prashant Sharma, National Sales Director at Michelin India.
Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said: “The opening of three new Michelin Tyres & Services Stores in Tamil Nadu reflects our continued investment in expanding our retail network and strengthening consumer access to our products and services. These new touchpoints align with our broader strategy as we prepare to introduce our Made-in-India passenger car tyre range, ensuring we are well positioned to serve the evolving needs of our consumers.”
Tamil Nadu is a key market for Michelin, supported by the company’s production facility in Chennai. Michelin stated it is focused on delivering mobility experiences that combine safety, durability, and performance through collaboration with partners like Covai Tyres, Carzone and Carworld Automotive.
Yokohama Supports Classic Himalayan Drive
- By TT News
- November 27, 2025
The Classic Himalayan Drive 2025, a 10-day motoring expedition, concluded recently, which was supported by Yokohama India and included over 60 classic and vintage cars from the UK, France, Kenya, Bhutan and India.
The drive celebrated heritage motoring by retracing rally routes and uniting enthusiasts, showcasing vehicles spanning decades of automotive engineering.
Participants navigated terrains and elevations through Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The route covered Noida, Corbett, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Theog and Manali, including high-altitude sections such as Jalori Pass (10,800 ft) and Rohtang Pass (13,095 ft) via the Atal Tunnel. The drive included highways, gravel stretches, hill climbs and cold-weather routes representative of Himalayan motoring conditions.
A dedicated Yokohama Club Network Pitstop was set up at Batra Tyres, Chandigarh. The facility supported the entire convoy with tyre checks, alignment and balancing services and inspections after the high-altitude sections. This stop ensured the vehicles were road-ready for the final stretch and served as a technical checkpoint.
Rajiv Batra, Batra Tyres, said, “Events like the Classic Himalayan Drive push vehicles to perform across varied and demanding conditions. We are proud that Yokohama tyres remain the preferred choice for drivers seeking reliability and control. Seeing enthusiasts place their confidence in Yokohama reinforces our commitment to delivering performance that is matched by long-term dependability on every drive.”
A participant from the drive expressed his take on Yokohama tyres and said, “I completed nearly 2,500 kilometres during the drive, and the Yokohama tyres delivered consistent grip and comfort across every surface we encountered. They are soft enough for classic cars yet stable and reliable on high-altitude sections and tight turns. I’ve been using Yokohama tyres on all my classics for over five years, and the performance on this drive reaffirmed why. For a car like my 1977 Peugeot 504, the fit, handling, and control were exactly what I needed for a long-distance run like this.”
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