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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Dunlop Tires North America has announced its role as Official Tyre Supplier and Technical Partner for the upcoming Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, a global racing series debuting in March 2026. This championship will feature six double-header rounds held at prestigious circuits during select MotoGP weekends across North America and Europe, bringing high-performance bagger competition to an international stage.

The partnership builds upon a deep-rooted collaborative history between the two iconic brands, spanning decades of joint efforts in original equipment manufacturing, product innovation and competitive racing. Dunlop currently provides all original equipment tyres for Harley-Davidson’s touring lineup, a relationship founded on mutual trust and aligned performance objectives that bridge everyday road use with track-ready capability.

Dunlop’s involvement draws on significant experience gained from MotoAmerica's King of the Baggers series, as well as an extensive motorsports legacy encompassing road racing, flat track, motocross and supercross. For this new championship, Dunlop will engineer dedicated racing tyres tailored to the distinct challenges posed by high-performance bagger motorcycles. Comprehensive trackside technical support will accompany the tyre supply throughout the season, ensuring teams have expert assistance at every round.

Mike Buckley, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, said, “Being selected as the official tyre supplier for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is a tremendous honour for Dunlop. Harley-Davidson is not only an iconic motorcycle manufacturer, but a long-time collaborator. From original equipment development to championship level racing, this programme reflects more than a supply agreement. It represents a true partnership as we take on new technical challenges together at the highest level of international racing. We are proud to collaborate with Harley-Davidson as partners in this championship. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what these motorcycles can achieve while delivering a racing product that reflects the scale, ambition and global reach of both brands.”

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Goodyear has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2026 by Ethisphere, marking the third consecutive year it has received this prestigious honour. This recognition reflects the company’s enduring commitment to fostering integrity throughout its global operations. Goodyear is the only tyre manufacturer and one of just eight automotive businesses to appear on this year’s list, which spans 17 countries and 40 industries.

Ethisphere determines its honourees through a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process that examines corporate governance, ethical culture, compliance programmes, environmental and societal impact and third-party management. A panel of experts analyses this information to identify organisations that demonstrate exceptional ethical leadership and best practices in business integrity.

This latest recognition reaffirms Goodyear’s ongoing dedication to principled conduct and responsible business practices worldwide.

Erin Lewis, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, said, “Receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year is a reflection of our associates’ strong commitment to acting with integrity. Goodyear’s inclusion on this respected list again this year underscores our longstanding commitment to ethical decision-making, responsible leadership and creating a culture where integrity guides every action.”

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Nokian Tyres has launched the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P, a new premium winter tyre engineered for predictable and high-performance driving across a variety of Central European conditions. This new product integrates the company’s Nordic expertise into a tyre designed to perform reliably on snow, slush, wet and dry roads. It has been awarded the Premium TÜV SÜD Tyre Mark, an independent certification that verifies its outstanding quality and performance against rigorous benchmark standards, complementing the manufacturer's own extensive internal testing.

The tyre is intended for drivers of high-performance vehicles, sedans and SUVs who require dependable performance for daily commuting, mountain driving, long journeys and high-speed travel. The initial launch includes 50 products ranging from 17 to 21 inches, with the majority classified as XL for heavy loads, and the range is planned to expand to 98 SKUs covering 16 to 22 inches. Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, up to 40 percent of the tyre’s raw materials are renewable, recycled or ISCC PLUS certified. This advancement supports the company’s broader goal of increasing that proportion to 50 percent by 2030. Production takes place at the company's new facility in Oradea, Romania, recognised as the world's first full-scale tyre factory to operate with zero CO2 emissions in scopes 1 and 2, with select sizes also manufactured at the factory in Nokia, Finland.

The tyre’s performance capabilities were validated through extensive testing in both controlled and real-world environments. Winter testing was conducted at the Ivalo Test Center in Finnish Lapland to ensure high standards on snow and ice, while high-speed and wet performance evaluations took place at the Hakka Ring in Spain and the test track in Nokia, Finland. The Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P becomes the flagship winter offering for Central and Southern European consumers, joining the Seasonproof 2 for all-season and the Powerproof 2 for summer in the company's latest product lineup.

The tyre features a Triple Zone Tread designed to enhance safety and control. This includes an Arctic Zone with 3D siping for improved snow grip, an Aqua Zone with a blade groove design to increase groove volume and resist aquaplaning and a Performance Zone with optimised geometry for enhanced directional stability and cornering precision. The Alpine Grip Compound incorporates a new generation of polymers and renewable resins, alongside the highest proportion of silica ever used by the company in a winter tyre for this market. This high silica content ensures responsiveness in cold temperatures, supports wet grip and contributes to lower rolling resistance for improved efficiency. The Power Lock Core utilises Performance Bead Rings to enhance stability and handling during sudden, high-speed manoeuvres.

Durability is addressed through the inclusion of Aramid Strong Sidewalls on all sizes 17 inches and above. These sidewalls embed lightweight aramid fibres, a material also used in defence and aerospace industries, to reinforce the tyre against impacts from potholes and road hazards and reduce the risk of punctures. A large rim protector is also incorporated to shield wheels from curb damage. The tyre is designed to seamlessly fit both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles, carrying the Electric Fit emblem to signify it has been developed and tested to meet the specific demands of EVs regarding weight, noise, torque and range. It also features SilentDrive Technology, which uses a layer of acoustic foam attached to the inner liner to dampen bothersome frequencies and provide a quieter, more comfortable cabin experience.

Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice President – Central Europe, Nokian Tyres, said, “As electric vehicles and SUVs become more popular in Europe, larger rim sizes and heavier loads are more prevalent than ever. The diverse size options and outstanding safety and performance properties of the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P meet the needs of Central and Southern European winter drivers as their vehicle choices evolve.”

Martin Dražík, Product Manager, Nokian Tyres, said, “We developed the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P to balance ultimate confidence with exciting performance. Central European consumers demand a product that keeps them safe in a wide array of winter conditions without sacrificing an enjoyable driving experience. We spent years preparing the Snowproof 3P to blend Nordic winter know-how with the unique properties needed to thrive in unpredictable winter conditions.”

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Bridgestone will continue as a tyre supplier to the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in 2026, extending its partnership with the series which began in 2017. The company will increase its involvement by equipping seven teams with its premium BATTLAX motorcycle tyres, a rise from the five teams supported the previous year. The seven teams are AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar, KM99 Yamaha, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team and Yoshimura SERT Motul.

This expanded role follows a highly successful 2025 season where a Bridgestone-equipped team, Yamalube YART Yamaha, claimed the EWC title. This victory marked the sixth championship win for a team using Bridgestone tyres and the fifth consecutive year of such dominance, with five of the top six overall positions occupied by Bridgestone-supported teams.

The BATTLAX racing tyres are the result of advanced engineering, utilising sophisticated materials and construction methods to provide superior grip, consistent performance and lasting durability. These qualities are essential for the demanding nature of endurance racing, which features events lasting up to a full day. Engineered to perform reliably in diverse weather and track conditions, the tyres give riders the confidence to maintain a competitive pace throughout each stint.

Bridgestone views the racetrack as a crucial development environment, using the extreme conditions of the EWC to rigorously test and refine its technology. With races ranging from 8 to 24 hours, the series places continuous, intense stress on tyres, offering a perfect setting to advance compound chemistry and construction techniques. This knowledge is then applied to consumer products under the company’s From Circuit to Street philosophy. The latest proof of this process is found in new additions to the BATTLAX family, including the track-only RACING BATTLAX V03 slick tyre and the road-legal BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12, both of which feature technology honed in the crucible of endurance competition.

Nico Thuy, Director Motorcycle, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The FIM Endurance World Championship represents the ultimate proving ground for tyre performance, durability and innovation. The 2025 season once again demonstrated the consistency and capability of Bridgestone tyres under the toughest racing conditions. Following this success, we are proud to offer our expertise and top-performing tyres to seven teams for 2026.”

The 2026 EWC season schedule is as follows:

• 18 April: 24 Heures Motos, Le Mans, France
• 6 June: 8 Hours of Spa Motos, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
• 5 July: Cuca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours, Suzuka race track, Japan
• 19 September: the Bol d'Or, Circuit Paul Ricard, France

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