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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NEXEN TIRE made a prominent appearance at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026, where it underscored its dedication to the digital evolution of mobility in partnership with the Global Data Service Organisation (GDSO). The company’s presence at the event highlighted its active role within the organisation, a commitment that has been ongoing since January 2024.

As a GDSO member, the tyre manufacturer is contributing to the establishment of unified digital standards that promise to transform tyres into intelligent, data-centric assets over their entire lifespan. The push for standardised and reliable tyre data is expected to foster greater transparency, operational efficiency and novel value creation across the broader mobility sector. This digital infrastructure is designed to enable advanced services, improve vehicle connectivity and bolster road safety while promoting sustainable transportation.

Through its GDSO collaborations with industry partners including Michelin and Devel, NEXEN TIRE is advancing technologies for lifecycle tracking and digital identification. These innovations aim to revolutionise tyre maintenance and management, ultimately benefiting manufacturers, fleet operators, regulators and drivers by creating a more integrated and efficient mobility ecosystem.

Gianluca Lo Vercio, Chief of (EU) Standard & Regulation Unit at NEXEN TIRE and member of the Board of Directors of GDSO, said, "The future of mobility will depend on reliable and standardised data exchange across the entire value chain. Through its active participation in GDSO, NEXEN TIRE is contributing to the development of digital standards that will support greater transparency, efficiency and innovation in the tyre industry and beyond.”

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ZC Rubber, in collaboration with its UK distributor City 1st Tyres, introduced its newest WESTLAKE off-the-road tyre portfolio at Hillhead 2026. The event, recognised as the largest exhibition for the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors within UK, served as the primary venue for this product showcase.

The three-day exhibition attracted approximately 600 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 attendees, creating a significant hub for industry professionals to evaluate cutting-edge equipment and technological advancements for challenging off-road environments. The collaborative exhibit drew considerable interest from original equipment manufacturer users, service providers and clientele representing UK, Ireland and broader European markets.

Attendees directed their focus towards ZC Rubber’s heavy-duty solutions engineered for rigid and articulated dump trucks, wheeled loaders and excavators, telescopic loaders,and quarry-specific vehicles. The company presented five distinct tyre models under the WESTLAKE brand, each tailored for specific operational demands. The CB745 L5 for wheeled loaders features a non-directional tread and robust carcass to boost load capacity and resist punctures, while the CB785 E4 for rigid dump trucks incorporates deep treads, reinforced sidewalls and high-tensile steel for stability and cut protection.

Additional models included the CB792 E3/L3, designed with a multi-edged block for superior traction on soft, muddy terrain, and the CB740 E4/L4 for articulated dump trucks, which boasts a tread depth exceeding standard specifications to enhance grip and durability. The CB763 E4, specifically developed for 60-tonne articulated trucks, offers exceptional flotation and wear resistance through its deep tread and unique compound formulation. This strategic participation at Hillhead 2026 reaffirmed ZC Rubber’s dedication to the global OTR market, supporting heavy industries with durable products engineered for extreme working conditions.

John Ruddy, European OTR Tyre Sales Director of ZC Rubber, said, “Selecting the right OTR tyre is essential for improving equipment productivity and reducing downtime. Through our WESTLAKE OTR product portfolio, we are committed to providing application-specific tyre solutions that help customers improve efficiency, durability and overall operating value.”

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Eurogrip Tyres, a prominent two- and three-wheeler tyre brand under TVS Srichakra Ltd., recently orchestrated a strategic trade engagement initiative in Mumbai. The event served as a platform to underscore the brand’s distinct European engineering heritage and to showcase its newly introduced, Europe-inspired product lineup, reinforcing its commitment to advanced mobility solutions.

Silvio Montanari, the Head of Design and R&D based in Milan, steered the session, offering a comprehensive overview of the company's foundational product development strategies. He elaborated on emerging tyre technologies and the robust engineering frameworks that underpin Eurogrip’s international portfolio while also updating trade partners on the pivotal innovations poised to define future tyre generations and address shifting rider demographics.

Concurrently, Eurogrip is executing an aggressive expansion of its distribution and retail footprint nationwide. This growth strategy ensures that its diverse range, encompassing radial, adventure, touring and commuter tyres, is now readily accessible to consumers across every region of India, thereby solidifying its market presence.

T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Eurogrip Tyres, said, "Today, Eurogrip is recognised globally as a specialist in 2‑wheeler tyres, and our premium range has found strong acceptance among biking communities in India and abroad. It is a privilege to bring our Milan team to India to demonstrate the engineering and technology behind our products. This engagement gives our trade partners the technical insights and market updates they need to better serve customers and riders, and they pave the way for a wider roll‑out of our Europe‑benchmarked products in India.”

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Cabot Corporation has officially released its 2026 Sustainability Report, which details the company’s environmental, social and governance performance throughout the 2025 calendar year. The document serves as a comprehensive account of the organisation’s measurable outcomes, culminating in the final assessment of its previous five-year sustainability strategy.

By the conclusion of 2025, the speciality chemicals firm had successfully achieved 14 of its 15 original sustainability targets established in 2020. Eleven of these objectives were completed ahead of the projected timeline, effectively fulfilling the company’s ambition to embed sustainable practices more deeply into its operational framework and corporate systems.

Looking forward, Cabot has transitioned to its newly established 2030 Sustainability Goals, which concentrate on six priority areas deemed most significant to its business model. Early progress includes a collaborative effort with the International Carbon Black Association to create a standardised lifecycle assessment methodology for furnace carbon black. The company intends to develop a certified internal tool for tracking product carbon footprints across its entire portfolio. Additionally, an initiative at the Franklin, Louisiana, facility has converted synthetic gypsum into a cement ingredient, slashing site landfill waste by 87 percent and contributing to a 70 percent global reduction in non-hazardous waste disposal.

The 2026 report has been prepared in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and supports Cabot’s ongoing participation in the United Nations Global Compact. These disclosures mark a significant step in the company's continuing journey toward greater transparency and industrial responsibility.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, said, “Sustainability is embedded in how we operate and underpins our purpose of creating materials that improve daily life and enable a more sustainable future. I am immensely proud of the unwavering commitment of our teams across the globe as we close out our 2025 Sustainability Goals while making headway on our next key priorities, delivering meaningful impact today and for future generations. As we advance in our efforts, we remain focused on strengthening the integration between our sustainability agenda and our Creating for Tomorrow strategy, ensuring sustainability remains a catalyst for value creation and differentiation.”

Jennifer Chittick, Senior Vice President, Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) and Government Affairs, and Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “As we conclude our 2025 Sustainability Goals, we are entering the next chapter of our sustainability journey with momentum and clear direction. Building on our strong foundation of safety, innovation and operational excellence, we are making measurable progress towards our targeted 2030 Sustainability Goals through initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint and strengthen our overall impact across our value chain. Through collaboration, process optimisation and strategic investments in technology, I am confident that we will continue to advance our commitments and deliver long-term results for our stakeholders worldwide.”

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