Smart mobility is currently the rising trend in our country with government proactively supporting initiatives for EV infrastructure. The government has been continuously making attempts to encourage consumers with introduction of several policies for the electric vehicle segment at both national and state levels.

Currently, Electric Two-wheelers have greatly penetrated the market. The adoption of EV in the two-wheeler segment is expected to grow significantly in the coming years with surging consumer recognition for efficient mobility. EVs are quite different from ICE engines due to heavy batteries, with wheels requiring a paradigm shift in tyre technology viz low rolling resistance with good grip and low noise.

We are closely working with our OEM partners to homologate our tyres for electric two- wheelers. Our EV tyres use latest generation functionalised Polymers with Silica Mixing, we have devised compound formulations which can further enhance grip of the tyres. Our tyres are constructed for optimum mileage, efficient energy consumption and enhanced grip. We will carry forward are program to develop tyres for EVs as per demand from vehicle manufacturers and the replacement market. For the prime EV sector, we have been working on a concept product targeting the higher performance needs.

We should also be aware of the fact that smart mobility is a technology-accelerated industry driven by extensive research and development. Innovations in the automotive industry concerning Tyre Technology, Sensor Connected Mobility are closely monitored by our Innovation team in R&D. Our prime facet in R&D includes tracking the overall advancement in the industry and the emerging techniques and technologies for Indian market. Our Milan R&D centre monitors international trends in tyre technologies and innovations and are working on cutting edge research to adapt these technologies for our Indian and Global product lines, allowing us to offer world-class products. 

Our recently introduced zero-degree steel belted radials are well suited for Indian roads and have received affirmative responses from the trade and consumers alike. Currently, we are working on extending the range of products in Radials to give new age riders the fullest experience of high-performance tyres. Our intensive research is inclusive of the varying Nano materials and advanced sensors embedded inside the tyre and new tyre lines for improved grip while we focus to meet both ends of high performance and effective technology practical applications.

Electric vehicles are still a new concept for a major share of Indian consumers and the transition requires to be seamless when a consumer would sooner look to have an electric vehicle.

Yet with the rapid growth of the EV segment supported by technology, these challenges can easily be overtaken.

Smart mobility has been steadily growing with varying technological advancements and innovations notably in the two-wheeler segment. We have established topmost standards for our products, offering the best in terms of safety and comfort to our consumers while catering to their needs.

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”