In a strategic move to advance its digital mobility services, Sumitomo Rubber Industries has finalised an agreement to acquire US-based AI startup Viaduct, Inc. for USD 104 million. This acquisition, signed on 27 August, is a direct result of a successful existing partnership and is designed to rapidly accelerate the global deployment of Sumitomo’s predictive maintenance solutions.

The collaboration centres on integrating Sumitomo’s proprietary SENSING CORE tyre sensing technology with Viaduct’s sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms. This powerful combination will form the foundation of a new predictive maintenance service for corporate fleet vehicles in North America, scheduled to launch in October. The service is intended to minimise vehicle downtime and maintenance expenses by accurately forecasting the optimal time for parts replacement, thereby preventing breakdowns and enhancing operational safety and efficiency. The platform is also expected to expand into streamlining parts ordering and providing automated work instructions.

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Viaduct brings proven expertise in analysing large-scale data from vehicles and manufacturing environments to detect anomalies and diagnose their root causes. While the company has a strong history with major automotive clients, its versatile AI technology offers potential for expansion into other industrial sectors.

This acquisition represents a critical step in Sumitomo Rubber’s broader ‘SMART TYRE CONCEPT’, which aims to address the evolving demands of next-generation mobility, including connected and autonomous vehicles. The company envisions developing its SENSING CORE-based services into a fourth core business pillar, alongside its established tyre, sports and industrial product divisions. With a focus on autonomous driving and fleet management, Sumitomo Rubber has set a target of generating over JPY 10 billion in operating profit from this new business segment by 2030.

Satoru Yamamoto, President and CEO, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, said, “As we prepare for the coming era of autonomous driving, we are delighted to have found a trusted partner in Viaduct to help expand our SENSING CORE services, which are highly compatible with next-generation vehicles. This is one of the key strategies to accelerate the achievement of the SENSING CORE business concept outlined in our long-term corporate strategy R.I.S.E. 2035 released in this March. Through deeper collaboration, we aim to create innovative services that go beyond mobility.”

David Hallac, CEO, Viaduct, Inc., said, “We are thrilled to join the Sumitomo Group under Sumitomo Rubber, a trusted partner we have been collaborating with for years. This acquisition not only accelerates our momentum but also gives us the scale and reach to bring AI-driven transformation to more customers around the world. When I had the opportunity in April to visit and learn more about the Sumitomo Group, I was deeply impressed by the integrity, long-term vision and commitment to excellence that define their culture. I felt an immediate affinity between those values and the way we operate at Viaduct, and I’m excited for the future impact we can create together.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new and more affordable range of gravel tyres under the Vredestein Aventura Core Series. This new-generation family consists of three distinct models: the Aventura Seta Core, Aventura Core and Aventura Grezzo Core. Engineered in Europe, these tyres are built for enhanced durability and dependable performance across diverse surfaces, offering riders a cost-effective upgrade for adventure biking.

The series is constructed around a streamlined Core platform, which incorporates a robust 60 TPI casing for increased puncture resistance and stable handling on uneven terrain. While utilising the proven tread patterns of existing Vredestein gravel tyres, this refined construction delivers high-end capability at a more accessible price point.

Each model is tailored for specific riding conditions. The Aventura Seta Core is designed for speed, with a race-optimised tread for fast rolling on asphalt and high-speed gravel, complemented by shoulder knobs for technical cornering. For versatile, everyday use, the Aventura Core offers a balanced blend of rolling efficiency and predictable grip across tarmac, hardpack and gravel roads. Finally, the Aventura Grezzo Core provides confidence on loose and rugged terrain, featuring an aggressive tread for enhanced traction in sand and soft surfaces, while its chained centre tread maintains efficiency on harder ground.

The Aventura Core Series will be available starting 1 February 2026. The Aventura Seta Core comes in 40, 45 and 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Core is offered in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Grezzo Core is available in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. Colour options include black/black and black/transparent sidewalls.

Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Aventura Core Series marks an important expansion of our gravel offering within the Vredestein range. By introducing three purpose-designed tyres built on a shared durable foundation, we can better support riders across the full spectrum of gravel terrain – from high-speed racing to off-road exploration and everyday mixed-surface riding.”

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Continental Tires Americas has expanded its HDR 5 and HSR 5 19.5-inch product lines with a new 245/70R19.5 size, specifically engineered for urban and regional delivery fleets.

These tyres are built to endure high-scrub environments and the demanding stop-and-go cycles typical of city routes. Key advancements include a reformulated tread compound that reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy while also extending tread life. The redesigned sidewall enhances durability to support multiple retreads, maximising the value of each tyre casing. Furthermore, both models are validated for use on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as traditional combustion engines.

This size extension provides a practical option for fleets seeking to improve operational cost-efficiency and tyre longevity under rigorous driving conditions, continuing the proven performance of the existing series with targeted upgrades.

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The Silver Jubilee of the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) commenced on the morning of 9 January 2026 at Kottayam's Hevea Hall. Union Minister of State George Kurian formally inaugurated the event, with Member of Parliament K Francis George presiding. Attendees also heard an address from MLA Chandi Oommen.

A wide array of activities marked the inaugural programme. These included unveiling a commemorative monument, honouring former NIRT Directors and recognising student cohorts. Several publications and materials were launched, such as a Silver Jubilee souvenir and tutorial videos for stakeholders. The new jubilee logo was revealed, and a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Rubber Board and the Government of Nagaland.

The ceremony further involved prize distributions for earlier competitions and celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Rubber magazine. The day's schedule continued with a curated panel discussion and a dedicated exhibition at the NIRT campus.

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Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. said it achieved a series of strong results in ESG evaluations in 2025, reflecting progress in sustainability, governance and risk management.

The company received a Gold medal for the second consecutive year from EcoVadis, which assesses corporate sustainability performance across environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. In 2024, Kumho Tire ranked in the top 5 per cent of about 150,000 companies assessed globally. In 2025, its scores improved notably in labour and human rights and ethics, supported by stronger ethical management systems and an expanded data management scope.

Kumho Tire also secured an overall A rating in the 2025 ESG assessment by the Korea ESG Standards Institute. The company said it improved by one grade year on year after strengthening management practices, including building a human rights management framework, setting employee diversity targets, increasing information security investment and introducing board evaluations.

The company has participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project since 2022 and in 2025 received an A- rating for water security, recognising its water management capabilities. It was also placed on the highest A List in the Supplier Engagement Assessment, citing progress in climate change response and ESG management across the supply chain.

Kumho Tire has maintained an AA rating in ESG assessments by MSCI since 2022 and was included as a Yearbook member in S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment, ranking within the top 15 per cent of the auto components sector. It was also recognised at the 2025 Korea Sustainability Conference, organised by the Korean Standards Association, ranking first for a third consecutive year in the tyre category of the Korean Sustainability Index. Its sustainability report was selected as an outstanding report for a second consecutive year in the manufacturing category of the Korean Readers’ Choice Awards.

Jung Il-taek, chief executive of Kumho Tire, said: “Kumho Tire manages issue-specific goals and initiatives in an integrated manner under its ESG management strategy. We will continue to strengthen and embed ESG management to build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and to develop into a global brand with credibility and authenticity.”

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