Tolins Tyres will open a distribution depot in Gujarat recently, extending its national network into one of India’s fastest-growing tyre markets. The move is intended to shorten delivery times, deepen customer access and support the company’s push to strengthen its presence across western India.

The Kerala-based manufacturer said the new facility would allow it to “penetrate deeper into untapped territories, acquire new customers, and substantially reduce lead times”. Gujarat, a major hub for logistics and commercial vehicle activity, has until now been a limited-reach region for Tolins.

The depot will supply both retread products and new tyres, aiming to provide faster turnaround and improved availability for dealers and fleet operators. Tolins added that the investment aligns with rising demand for retreading solutions, which are increasingly adopted by transport companies seeking cost efficiency.

Dr K V Tolin, promoter of Tolins Tyres, said: “This depot is an important step in our growth strategy for western India. It reinforces our commitment to delivering value and expanding our footprint in key growth markets, and we are confident it will strengthen customer relationships and fuel our long-term growth.”

The company said the site complements its existing manufacturing and distribution footprint. Tolins operates two plants in Kalady, Kerala, close to natural rubber resources, and runs a subsidiary in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. Its domestic network spans eight depots and 3,737 dealers, according to the release.

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Hankook Tire has seen its summer tyre range validated this spring by three independent testing authorities. In the Auto Bild summer tyre test from the 10/2026 issue, the Ventus evo claimed overall victory in the 245/45 R19 size with a score of 1.1 and an ‘Exemplary’ rating, while the same model also won the Auto Bild allrad summer tyre test in the 255/45 R19 size from the 12/2026 issue, achieving a 1.2 score. Meanwhile, the Ventus Prime 4 earned strong praise in the AvD summer tyre test.

The Ventus evo’s success in the Auto Bild test began in qualification, where it secured a spot among 20 finalists from a field of 50, thanks in part to the second-best braking distances recorded. In the final dry handling assessments, it delivered the shortest braking distance and the highest average handling speed, while on wet surfaces it posted the fastest lap time on the aquaplaning circuit and the quickest speed in wet handling. The tyre also offered the best price-to-mileage ratio among all finalists.

In the separate Auto Bild allrad test, conducted in a size common for modern SUVs, the Ventus evo demonstrated strength both on and off the road. It led the field in wet braking and wet handling, achieved the highest traction on gravel and wet grass, and remained competitive on dry surfaces with low noise levels and short stopping distances. The test jury concluded it was the most convincing all-rounder for all-wheel-drive SUVs.

In the AvD summer tyre test, conducted with test specialist Tempotire in the 215/55 R17 size, the Ventus Prime 4 delivered a ‘Very good’ overall result. Its performance was particularly notable in wet conditions, where it recorded fast lap times, balanced handling and short braking distances while providing clear steering feedback and safe aquaplaning reserves. On dry roads, it offered reliable handling and strong rolling comfort. The tyre also earned high marks for sustainability, with production in Europe ensuring short transport routes and its EU label ratings reflecting modern construction. The jury highlighted its durability and cost efficiency, reinforcing Hankook’s reputation for delivering premium quality at a competitive price.

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AZuR partner NEW LIFE initiative is set to host the inaugural Municipal Climate Dialogue on 22 April 2026, coinciding with International Earth Day. This free online forum, beginning at 10:00 a.m., is designed for municipal decision-makers to connect with experts and editors from the trade journal KOMMUNALWIRTSCHAFT. The event is structured around three focused 30-minute sessions, each dedicated to exploring proven strategies and concrete implementation methods for developing urban spaces that are both liveable and climate-friendly.

A central theme of this digital expert discussion is the critical role of sustainable building materials, with particular prominence given to high-quality recycled products derived from tyre rubber granulate. These solutions directly address the objectives of a climate-resilient city: reducing CO₂ emissions, minimising waste and conserving natural resources. Furthermore, the use of tyre rubber granulate obtained from end-of-life tyres aligns with the German Circular Economy Act (KrWG), which mandates public contracting authorities to prioritise recycled and durable materials. The dialogue will highlight how such products are instrumental in sustainable urban development.

Following a brief opening plenary, the event will feature three parallel 30-minute sessions, allowing participants to easily navigate between online rooms dedicated to distinct urban development topics. The morning begins at 10:10 a.m. with a focus on sustainable urban development, covering building protection through green roofs and photovoltaic systems, impact sound insulation for various construction types and vibration isolation. At 10:40 a.m., the discussion shifts to playgrounds, sports facilities and green spaces, addressing impact-absorbing flooring, playing field surfaces and green area reinforcement. The final session at 11:10 a.m. centres on transport and sustainable mobility, exploring traffic noise protection, recycled rubber asphalt for roads and traffic calming measures.

Products made from tyre rubber granulate offer municipalities a combination of ecological and economic advantages. Their use helps reactivate open spaces and reduce surface sealing, improving the urban climate through applications like water-permeable paving and rainwater-retaining green roof layers. These solutions are weather-resistant, slip-resistant and customisable while also providing long-term economic benefits due to their durability, low maintenance requirements and reduced need for repairs. Such high-quality recycled products are already being successfully implemented in urban development and municipal renovation projects nationwide.

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Thomas Womble, CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling, a prominent player in North America's tyre recycling sector, has been named Dealmaker of the Year by Pittsburgh Smart Business Dealmakers, an honour that places him among a distinguished group recognised for their decades-long influence on local industry and innovation. This accolade, presented by the Pittsburgh Dealmakers Hall of Fame, celebrates leaders whose work has produced a groundbreaking impact not only within their own organisations but across the broader regional business landscape.

Womble’s leadership was formally celebrated at the Smart Business Dealmakers Conference on 19 February, where the 2026 class of winners collectively illustrated the strength and vitality of Pittsburgh’s business community. Under his direction, Liberty Tire Recycling has evolved into a nationwide environmental services leader, operating a vast network of processing plants and employing more than 3,500 people while helping customers advance their sustainability objectives through large-scale tyre recycling.

A defining moment under Womble’s tenure came with the company’s USD 1.5 billion acquisition by I Squared Capital, a transaction that underscored Liberty’s critical position in circular economy infrastructure. This milestone, coupled with ongoing strategic acquisitions and operational growth, positions the company for sustained expansion as it continues to deliver environmentally responsible solutions for tyre manufacturers and distributors.

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Maxion Wheels, a division of Iochpe-Maxion and a global leader in wheel manufacturing, is playing a key role in bringing Daimler Truck’s vision for more sustainable commercial vehicle manufacturing to life through a collaborative effort on a concept refuse collection truck. This innovative vehicle will be showcased at IFAT Munich, the premier global gathering for the recycling and environmental sector taking place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at Trade Fair Center Messe München. Designed to highlight a commitment to circular materials, resource efficiency and forward-thinking industrial processes, the concept truck serves as a tangible demonstration of how the commercial vehicle sector can embrace environmentally responsible practices.

As the wheel supplier for this project, Maxion Wheels is translating its deep expertise in sustainability into direct action. The company is supplying steel truck wheels engineered through a combination of lightweight construction, optimised design strategies and advanced material science. By incorporating both primary and recycled materials into the manufacturing process, these wheels are specifically developed to help reduce emissions and lower the overall carbon footprint of the vehicle, reinforcing the project’s broader goals of environmental stewardship and industrial innovation.

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