As per Govt. of India’s Automotive Mission Plan, by 2026, India will be the third largest automobile manufacturer globally, 12% of GDP will be from automobile sector and will generate around 65 million employment. As per Rubber Skill Development Council (RSDC), in the next decade, 1 million trained and skilled manpower will be required in the Indian Rubber MSME sector including organized Tyre & non tyre sectors. This translates to 1 lakh people have to be trained every year. This is a gigantic task and it requires to create significant infrastructure for skill development & training in the country for rubber sector.

Centre of Excellence

Encouraged by our Hon’ble. Prime Minister’s Skill India Mission and Atmanirbhar Bharat and continuous effort for Skill development & to enhance indigenous technology development capability, we the members of Indian Rubber Institute (IRI) took initiative to establish Centre of Excellence for Rubber Technology Education, Training, Research, Testing and Skill Development at JSS Science & Technology Campus, Mysuru. The JSS Mahavidyapeetha Management were kind enough to provide 10,000 sq.ft land area on long lease for establishment of this centre. In this regard, IRI has signed an MoU with JSS MVP on 18th March 2021. IRI decided to dedicate this Centre of Excellence under the name of late Dr D. Banerjee, who is known as Father of Indian Rubber Industry. This Centre is aimed to be empanelled with RSDC / NSDC, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. Of India as a premier institute for Skill Development for rubber sector in India. We envisage that this center would not only generate employment but also produce a large number of entrepreneurs, who in turn would generate further employment and contribute to MSME segments. Apart from producing skilled manpower, this Centre is also planned to provide Rubber product development, consulting and testing services to the rubber industry in order to become self-sustainable Centre in future.

The construction of the 32,000 sq. ft. building for proposed Centre of Excellence already completed. This building consists of one auditorium (seating capacity 225 people), two training halls, one library-cum-documentation centre, one workshop, rubber processing lab and various testing laboratories (Physical, Analytical, Chemical & characterization) including data analytic lab for training, skill development and hands on training on equipment & machineries for rubber & allied industries including tyre testing and auto rubber component testing facility. These testing facilities will cater the needs of meeting skill requirement of Emerging Legislations & Regulations in automobile and tyre industries like Fuel Efficiency, Safety, etc.

The estimated cost of this establishment is around Rs 60 Crores for Building, Furniture/fixtures and equipment/machinery in three phases. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Rubber Skill Development Council (RSDC) are helping IRI to establish the centre.

Activities of Dr. D Banerjee Centre of Excellence

• To fulfil the objective of Indian Rubber Institute

• To provide sustainable employment and improved quality of life to more than 20,000 people through implementation of this project in next seven years in association with RSDC/NSDC.

• Entrepreneurship Development - To upgrade skill of workers in rubber & allied industry (MSME Sector) and to encourage entrepreneurship through appropriate skill & technology interventions as to enable them to produce quality rubber products at a competitive price.

• Providing training to increase the productivity & efficiency of MSME Sector in Rubber & Allied industry.

• Testing, Benchmarking, Reverse Engineering, Failure Analysis, Compound Development, Product Development, Simulation & Modeling, Data Analytics and Certification for tyre & non tyre sector (Tyre Testing and Auto Rubber Component Testing facility)

• Technology Development for Rubber MSME sector for creating new avenues for sustenance of MSMEs in rubber industry - To create Design Studio for development of new products / designs and prototypes to cope with diversification and changes in use of rubber in the industry

• To create Centre of excellence with well integrated forward and backward linkages.

• To impart with latest information regarding technology, process, marketing and the changing needs of customers.

• To coordinate with all associations (AIRIA, ATMA, ACMA, SIAM, SAE, IITs & Other Universities for promoting Rubber Technology Education, Training, Skill Development, Testing and R&D for Rubber and allied industries.

• Continue to offer Diploma & Post Graduate Diploma in Rubber Technology in association with RTC, IIT Kharagpur and expanding to neighbouring countries (Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam etc.)

• Starting of B.Voc. Course in Rubber Technology in association with JSS Science & Technology University, Mysore and Rubber Skill Development Council (RSDC).

• Jointly conducting short term courses, workshops, seminars & conferences with Department of Polymer Science & Technology, JSS S&T University, Mysore and other Universities/institute of national importance.

• This centre will act as a Nodal Centre for Skill Development and Training in Rubber Sector in Southern Region in particular in the State of Karnataka. (TT)

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Mitas has launched MITRAK, a new series of rubber tracks crafted to meet the rigorous demands of modern farming. By merging robust engineering with advanced materials, this range is built to endure challenging field conditions while promoting soil-friendly operation, allowing agricultural professionals to work productively without compromising the health of their land.

Engineered for an extended service life, MITRAK tracks feature a resilient internal structure that ensures uniform strength throughout. This design supports heavy loads and maintains consistent, dependable performance in the toughest operating environments. A specialised tread compound further enhances durability by resisting wear, cuts and everyday abrasions, while a reinforced track body improves balance and distributes stresses evenly for smooth, reliable operation across the entire contact area.

Beyond raw durability, MITRAK prioritises soil preservation through reduced ground pressure and optimised flotation. This approach minimises soil compaction, boosts traction and enhances overall field efficiency, enabling operators to cover more ground while safeguarding vital soil structure. With this introduction, Mitas continues to expand its portfolio of advanced agricultural mobility solutions, delivering performance where it matters most.

Roberta D’Agnano, Global Marketing Director Mitas, Yokohama TWS, said, “With MITRAK, we open a new chapter for Mitas, entering the agricultural rubber track segment for the first time and taking a decisive step in the evolution of our brand. This step reflects our ambition to offer farmers a truly complete portfolio, capable of supporting every application and every field condition. Rooted in our core values of strength, reliability and respect for the land, MITRAK is designed to boost productivity, ensure long-lasting performance and protect the soil, because real performance should always leave the right track.”

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Hankook has confirmed its partnership for the 2026 Devon Truck Show, which is scheduled to take place from the 22nd to the 25th of May at Smeatharpe Airfield in Honiton. As a prominent fixture in the UK’s regional transport calendar, this event draws fleet operators, independent drivers and industry professionals from the Southwest and across the country. Beyond serving as a vital hub for networking and product exploration, the show offers a rich lineup of entertainment and activities suited for all ages.

At the Hankook exhibition space, attendees will encounter a diverse array of commercial vehicle tyres. The lineup includes the SmartFlex AH51 for steer axles and the SmartFlex DH51 for drive axles, both recognised for delivering strong grip and consistent mileage performance throughout their lifespan. Also on display will be the SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre, alongside the Vantra Transit, a summer tyre engineered specifically for contemporary vans and transporters.

The brand’s Laufenn range will also be featured, offering specialised options such as the LZ22 all-weather drive tyre built for regional use, the LF21 all-position tyre valued for its wear resistance and the LF95 trailer tyre designed to withstand demanding conditions. Visitors can additionally explore the Dynapro HP2, a premium summer tyre for SUVs, as well as the iON evo SUV, an electric vehicle tyre developed to provide reliable wet grip and steady performance.

Beyond showcasing its products, Hankook will serve as a main event sponsor and will present the awards for Best Truck and Best Van. These honours are intended for drivers and businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment to vehicle presentation, regular maintenance, proper tyre care and overall road safety, celebrating excellence among those exhibiting at the show.

Jon Cottrell, TBR Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with the Devon Truck Show. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with truck owners, drivers and enthusiasts who live and breathe the industry. We’re proud to showcase our popular range of truck tyres and engage in meaningful conversations about real-world performance with those who know it best. If you’re as passionate about trucks and tyres as we are, we look forward to welcoming you to our stand and hope you enjoy the show as much as we do.”

Mike Quartley, Event Director, said, "Hankook’s ongoing support has been instrumental in the growth and success of the Devon Truck Show over the years, and we are thrilled to welcome them back as a main sponsor for 2026. Attendees can once again look forward to an unforgettable weekend, packed with cutting-edge trucks, high-energy monster truck displays, live entertainment and much more. Hankook’s partnership not only helps make the event a standout showcase for the transport industry but also allows us to support vital local community projects.”

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Hankook Tire has once again demonstrated its standing as a global quality leader, having been presented with the 2025 QR ZERO AWARD by the American automotive brand Ford. The formal recognition took place on 25 March 2026 at Technoplex, the company’s headquarters in Pangyo, South Korea, underscoring the strength of its manufacturing and quality management systems on an international stage.

This accolade represents the highest form of quality recognition from Ford, reserved exclusively for supply partners that achieve exceptional performance over the course of a year. The criteria are deliberately stringent, requiring zero quality rejections in parts supply alongside a complete absence of warranty claims. Winning the award signals Ford’s full endorsement of Hankook Tire’s advanced quality control processes and its proven ability to deliver products with unwavering reliability.

A central contributor to this achievement was the Geumsan Plant, which supplies original equipment tyres for the Ford F-150, a top-selling pickup truck. This facility distinguished itself as the first among Hankook Tire’s eight global manufacturing sites to earn the QR ZERO AWARD, driven by a company-wide ‘Quality No.1’ strategy that leverages artificial intelligence and big data analytics. The honour further validates Hankook’s expertise in product development and its capacity to meet the demanding standards of a major automotive partner.

The relationship between the two companies extends back to 1999, when Hankook became the first Asian tyre maker to form a strategic partnership with Ford, followed by original equipment supply for the F-150 beginning in 2003. Over the years, this collaboration has expanded to include key models such as the Mustang, Explorer and Ranger, as well as the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, showcasing Hankook’s advanced capabilities in electric vehicle tire technology. Reinforcing this legacy of excellence, all eight of Hankook’s global manufacturing facilities have now attained Ford’s Q1 Award, a designation reserved for partners meeting the automaker’s most exacting standards in quality, production systems and innovation.

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Bridgestone has entered a new market segment with the introduction of its inaugural tyre designed specifically for motorhomes, the Duravis Camper All Season. This product marks the company’s first foray into catering to recreational vehicles, offering a solution that balances year-round versatility with the structural demands of motorhome travel. Engineered for safety, durability and long-term peace of mind, the tyre is built to handle heavy loads while remaining compatible with electric vehicles.

Performance across changing weather conditions is a central feature. The tyre achieves the highest possible EU label A-grade rating for wet grip while also delivering excellent dry braking performance. Its winter capability is certified through the 3PMSF and M+S markings, ensuring reliable traction in snow. These characteristics are supported by technical elements such as a silica-enriched compound for wet conditions, shoulder slots that efficiently channel water away and a directional V-shaped tread pattern that aids mobility on snow-covered roads. Dry braking performance is similarly enhanced through refined pattern stiffness.

Constructed to manage significant weight, the tyre incorporates a reinforced carcass to promote longevity, alongside an optimised tread design suited for extended stationary periods common to motorhome use. Its sidewall bears the CP marking, confirming it is specifically engineered for the unique demands of camping vehicles. Wear is evenly distributed thanks to balanced contact pressure and high pattern stiffness, contributing to cost savings over time. A sidewall protector rib offers additional defence against curb impacts.

Rolling resistance is rated B on the EU label for impressive energy efficiency, while cabin comfort benefits from a best-in-class A-grade rating for exterior noise. The tyre’s integrated capabilities, including its EV-readiness, are enabled by Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology platform. Developed at the company’s Italian research and development centre, the Duravis Camper All Season is scheduled for release in June 2026 across four sizes in 15- and 16-inch rim diameters, tailored to meet growing demand across the European market.

Stefano Sanchini, Vice President – Consumer Replacement, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “From solo travellers to families, camper users seek safety and unhindered mobility on the road above all else – whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. The Duravis Camper All Season is built around these needs enabling drivers to live memorable adventures across the seasons. By combining durability and mileage capabilities, the Duravis range is known for innovations tailored to motorhomes. It gives camper users the confidence to journey further, whenever and wherever they choose.”

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