Tolins Tyres Ltd, a Kerala-based manufacturer of tyres and precured tread rubber, reported a 1.3 percent increase in third-quarter profit despite revenue headwinds while announcing a significant supply agreement with Apollo Tyres and detailing ambitious expansion plans.

Net profit rose to INR 108.9 million in the quarter that ended 31 December, from INR 107.5 million a year earlier, while revenue declined 7.6 percent to INR 697.4 million. The company's EBITDA margin improved to 18.07 percent from 15.62 percent year-over-year, despite industry-wide cost pressures.

The company's manufacturing footprint spans three facilities covering 221,214 square feet, with two plants strategically located in Kalady, Kerala. The first Kerala facility focuses on tyre and PCTR (Precured Tread Rubber) production, while the second specializes in rubber compound manufacturing. A third facility, operated by wholly-owned subsidiary Tolins Tyres LLC in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, specialises in PCTR production.

In terms of production capacity, Tolins maintains an annual manufacturing capability of 1.51 million tyres, 12,486 tonnes of tread rubber, and 17,160 tonnes of rubber compounds. The company has shown strong financial performance for the nine months ended December 2024, with revenue increasing 4.56 percent to INR 2.23 billion and PAT surging 54.65 percent to INR 294 million. EBITDA grew 31.55 percent to INR 426.4 million, with margins expanding to 19.13 percent from 15.20 percent.

"Despite seasonal fluctuations affecting Q3 revenue, we maintained strong profitability through strategic cost optimization and operational efficiency," said Chairman and Managing Director K V  Tolin. "The Apollo Tyres Offtake Agreement represents a significant milestone for enhancing capacity utilisation,” said he.

Operational metrics reveal that tyre segment capacity utilization reached 35.79 percent for 9MFY25, while PCTR utilisation stood at 38.51 percent in India and 55.60 percent in UAE operations. The company has successfully reduced its export dependency, with export contribution decreasing to 5.60 percent in 9MFY25 from 17 percent in FY24. Customer concentration has improved, with the top 10 customers now accounting for 48.85 percent of revenue.

The company's comprehensive product portfolio includes light commercial vehicle tyres, agricultural and off-the-road tyres, two/three wheeler tyres, precured tread rubber and ancillary products such as bonding gum and vulcanizing solutions. Looking ahead, Tolins aims to increase capacity utilisation to 75 percent over the next few years while expanding its market presence both domestically and internationally.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has finalised the sale of its Dunlop brand rights across Europe, North America and Oceania to Sumitomo Rubber Industries for USD 735 million, the American tyre manufacturer said.

The transaction, which became effective on May 7, includes consumer and commercial tyre rights, alongside certain intellectual property and inventory assets.

The deal forms part of Goodyear's ongoing transformation strategy, which executives have dubbed "Goodyear Forward", aimed at streamlining operations and reducing the company's debt burden.

"The sale of the Dunlop brand is another action that advances Goodyear Forward by optimizing our portfolio, reducing leverage and sharpening our focus on our core portfolio of brands," said Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart.

"Goodyear is making significant progress, transforming our operations and growing in our targeted segments, and I am confident in our ability to continue delivering on our objectives," he added.

The transaction's gross proceeds comprise USD 526 million for the Dunlop brand rights, USD 105 million for transition support and USD 104 million for inventory.

Goodyear said it intends to use the proceeds to reduce its debt as part of its broader transformation plan.

Goldman Sachs served as lead financial adviser on the deal, with Barclays Capital and law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton also advising Goodyear.

THE TIRE COLOGNE (TTC) 2026 is adopting a new WALK OF SERVICES format that will focus not just on products but on solutions for the economic and organisational sustainability of the tyre industry. The event is scheduled to be held from 9 to 11 June 2026.

The WALK OF SERVICES addresses the dynamic change currently experienced by the tyre industry. Today, having the proper workshop equipment, specialised software architecture, good technical experience and long-term staff engagement and retention tactics are essential for surviving in a market that is becoming more and more complicated. By strategically connecting the pertinent partners, information and solutions in branded areas across the trade show, THE TIRE COLOGNE will provide visitors additional value through the WALK OF SERVICES.

Clear visitor instructions, exhibitor booths with a theme, live demonstrations and a diverse programme on the Service Stage all contribute to the WALK OF SERVICES' content-driven narrative. Employees, system and process solutions, workshop technology and tyre service, vehicle services and disposal and sustainability are the five topics covered by the WALK OF SERVICES. Additionally, the model gives exhibitors access to new prospects. They gain from more visibility, a tailored strategy for their target audiences and a pertinent content foundation for excellent conversations. This new format's emphasis on services shows a strong commitment to the trade show's continued growth.

Michelin, the world's foremost pioneer in tyre technology, has opened its first Michelin Tyres & Services shop in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with Tyre On Wheels, a top auto tyre dealer. Michelin India's emphasis on solid local connections is reflected in the new shop.

Tyre On Wheels offers a wide selection of Michelin tyres for high-end automobiles together with top-notch tools for tyre fitting, alignment and balancing. This alliance is well-positioned to meet changing consumer expectations given the continuous increase in private car ownership and the need for dependable after-sales servicing in Lucknow. Additionally, it backs Michelin India's continuous initiatives to grow its network of upscale stores and offer clients professional advice, high-quality goods and an exceptional level of customer service.

Tyre On Wheels has established itself as a reliable presence in Lucknow's automobile servicing industry by leveraging its 65 years of experience and three-generational heritage. In the city, Tyre On Wheels has two locations: one in Ashiyana Chauraha and one in Gomtinagar. The dealership, which is well-known for its knowledgeable advice, affordable prices and trustworthy after-sales support, provides a variety of services, such as alloy wheels, wheel alignment, balancing, nitrogen filling and tyre sales.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are pleased to expand Michelin’s presence to Lucknow, a city that blends cultural heritage with rapid infrastructural growth. Our partnership with Tyre On Wheels reflects a shared commitment to quality, customer care and trust, values deeply embedded in both their legacy and Michelin’s brand ethos. As we continue to grow our footprint across India, this launch reinforces our commitment to bringing innovative tyre solutions and superior service experiences to emerging cities with growing mobility needs.”

Eighty-two percent of drivers in Canada want to take a day or overnight trip this summer, according to a recent Probe Research survey for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC). However, a majority of drivers are opting to remain in Canada rather than travel to the United States, highlights the survey.

The results of the study, which measures interest in road trips across borders and within provinces, show that only eight percent of Canadians currently have plans to cross the border, and 88 percent of them would prefer to travel inside Canada rather than travel to the United States. This year, 51 percent of drivers cancelled their scheduled road excursions to the United States. In Canada, 28 percent of respondents will drive to another region of the nation, while 69 percent want to travel by car inside their province.

The poll also brought to light the discrepancy between drivers' behaviour and their understanding of the significance of tyre care. Given the present financial strains, the majority of Canadian drivers (89 percent) concur that appropriate tyre inflation and maintenance are more advantageous than ever since they boost tyre longevity and improve fuel efficiency.

Carol Hochu, CEO, TRAC, said, “Our findings reveal that Canadian drivers need more education about how to do tyre maintenance right. This is especially true among younger drivers, who may be taking a road trip for the first time this summer. Proper tyre inflation and maintenance aren’t just safety measures – they’re economic ones. Improper tyre inflation – both underinflation and overinflation – increases fuel consumption, shortens tyre lifespan, and even increases the risk of tyre failure on poorly maintained tyres during long road trips. So, while Canadians are staying on Canadian roads this summer, they should check their tyres before embarking on a road trip adventure. It’s simple, easy, and helps keep drivers safe.”