Photo: Winners of TRAC’s 2025 Industry Leaderships Awards. Left to right: Carol Hochu (TRAC), Tony Mougios (Groupe Touchette), Jon Visaisouk (for Sam Visaisouk; Tyromer Inc.), Neil Bansal (Liberty Tire), Barry Yutronkie (Michelin / TRAC), Dr. Behdad Khamesee (Toyo Tire), Chris Figel (Chair of the Board, TRAC).

The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) recently honoured industry leaders for their exceptional contributions to the tire and rubber sector during its annual awards ceremony on 4 June 2025 in Mississauga. The event, held after TRAC's Annual General Meeting at the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport, celebrated excellence across four key categories: Leader of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Sustainability and Young Leader. These awards recognise the visionaries and innovators driving progress in tire manufacturing, recycling, and sustainable practices.

Neil Balson of Liberty Tire Recycling received the prestigious Leader of the Year award for his transformative impact on Canada's tyre recycling industry. As Vice President overseeing Canadian operations, Balson has demonstrated remarkable leadership in developing innovative solutions for end-of-life tyre management. His work has been particularly impactful in addressing the challenges of recycling ultra-large mining tyres, where he pioneered processes that reduce their carbon footprint by 80 percent. Beyond technical innovations, Balson has played a crucial role in shaping national policies and fostering international collaborations, establishing himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of business and environmental sustainability.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards honoured three industry veterans whose collective contributions span decades of service. Pamela Scarrow of Bridgestone Canada was recognised for her 25 years of legal leadership and her instrumental role in TRAC's governance as both board member and former chair. The late Sam Visaisouk, former CEO of Tyromer Inc, was honoured posthumously for commercialising groundbreaking devulcanisation technology that revolutionised tyre recycling globally. Barry Yutronkie received recognition for his 30-year career at Michelin and subsequent leadership at TRAC, where he helped harmonise technical standards across North America. Together, these recipients represent the dedication and expertise that have shaped Canada's tire industry.

From left: Phillip Diogenes of Bridgestone Canada Inc. accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pam Scarrow with Chris Figel (Chair of the Board, TRAC).

TRAC's Sustainability Awards highlighted two leaders advancing environmental responsibility in the sector. Dr Behdad Khamesee of Toyo Tire Canada was celebrated for applying his materials science expertise to develop sustainable tyre technologies and influence industry-wide best practices through various technical committees. Tony Mougios of Groupe Touchette was recognised for developing comprehensive ESG strategies, including the company's inaugural sustainability report that established measurable environmental targets.

The Young Leader Award went to Chris Singleton of Niagara Battery & Tire, who at 37 took over the family business following his father's passing and immediately implemented transformative changes. Singleton modernized operations through digital inventory systems, enhanced employee benefits, and expanded mobile services – all while maintaining the company's 68-year legacy as a community staple.

Carol Hochu, President and CEO, TRAC, said, “The Canadian tire and rubber industry brims with innovation and dedication; and this year’s award winners embody the very best of our industry. We’re thrilled to honour seven remarkable individuals whose leadership, ingenuity and commitment to sustainability have set a high bar for excellence, and shape and inspire the future of our sector.”

The German rubber industry is calling for the European Commission's planned postponement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) to be used to make the rules more practical. This perspective comes from the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), which believes the delay presents a critical opportunity to streamline the regulation for all parties involved.

The association's President, Michael Klein, has specifically proposed that the German federal government advocate for the introduction of a ‘first-touch principle’. This concept would require only the initial company placing an EUDR-regulated product on the European market to submit a due diligence declaration. Klein argues that the current requirement for each subsequent actor in the value chain to repeat the declaration for the same material generates high bureaucratic costs and inefficiencies.

According to Klein, limiting the obligation to a single declaration at the start of the value chain would be an elegant solution. He states that it would not only drastically reduce the administrative burden on businesses but also significantly lower the control burden and IT infrastructure requirements for EU authorities. The wdk president positions this as a win-win scenario and a tangible test of the commitment by both the German government and the EU to meaningfully reduce bureaucracy.

ZC Rubber reinforced its European growth ambitions by convening key partners at the 2025 Westlake TBR Dealer Conference in Madrid. The event assembled strategic wholesalers, service providers and major fleet operators like DSV to outline a collaborative future focused on the fleet segment as a primary growth engine.

Marking a decade since the Westlake brand's European introduction in 2014, the conference highlighted a trajectory of steady expansion. This progress is evidenced by the delivery of over 300,000 Westlake truck and bus radial tyres to the region in 2024, securing an estimated 2.5 percent market share. In response to increasing market competition, ZC Rubber unveiled a comprehensive fleet service strategy aimed at delivering enhanced value. This plan prioritises deep technical collaboration, including on-site support and joint testing initiatives, alongside promotional programmes designed to help partners fortify client relationships. A critical objective is the establishment of a continent-wide service network to guarantee consistent support.

The agenda featured perspectives from Ákos Barcsik, Deputy General Manager of ZC Rubber Europe, on product innovation, while contributions from Interpneu, a German service provider, and logistics leader DSV offered practical insights into fleet needs and customer service. These discussions provided concrete directions for future cooperation. Under the unifying theme ‘Stronger As One, Together To Win’, the conference successfully fostered a spirit of partnership, reaffirming a shared commitment to expanding the Westlake brand’s presence across Europe’s dynamic commercial tyre market.

Leo Liao, Sales Director, ZC Rubber Europe, said, “Over the past decade, Westlake has established a strong foundation in Europe. Now, our mission is to work hand in hand with our partners and fleets, delivering technical expertise, stronger service capabilities and real business value. By focusing on fleet solutions, we are confident Westlake can achieve sustainable growth and become an even stronger player in the European market.”

Barcsik said, “In Europe, our priority is to provide fleets with the right tyre products backed by technical expertise. With reliable products, on-site engineering support and tyre testing programmes, we help partners deliver measurable performance and cost efficiency to their customers.”

CEAT Limited has significantly expanded its retail footprint with the inauguration of five new exclusive CEAT Shoppes in key urban and upcountry locations across Karnataka. The new outlets are strategically situated in high-traffic areas of Bengaluru such as J C Road, Sarjapur Road and Nagarbhavi, alongside new locations in Puttur and Sira. This expansion is designed to make premium tyres and associated services more accessible to a broader customer base, from metropolitan residents to those in surrounding towns and suburbs.

The newly launched Shoppes will feature the brand’s comprehensive portfolio of tyres for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. This includes specialised product lines such as CrossDrive for rugged terrain, SportDrive for luxury vehicle performance, SecuraDrive for highway safety and comfort and Milaze for consumers seeking long-lasting durability. Beyond product sales, each outlet will provide essential value-added services including professional wheel balancing, precise wheel alignment and nitrogen filling. To enhance customer convenience, all new locations are digitally integrated, making them easily discoverable through Google search and maps.

This expansion also generates a positive socio-economic impact by creating new employment opportunities within these communities. CEAT is further committed to investing in its workforce through specialised training programmes aimed at developing the technical expertise and customer service skills necessary to deliver a superior experience. The move aligns with the growing demand for premium automotive products in Karnataka's evolving market. By targeting consumers who value adventure, innovation and a premium lifestyle, CEAT reinforces its brand positioning. The modern, interactive environment of the Shoppes is intended to provide a customer-friendly journey, ensuring that every interaction from product selection to final fitment is both engaging and efficient.

Atturo Tires is accelerating its market growth with a substantial release of 25 new sizes, strategically expanding three core product families. This launch introduces two new sizes for the mud-terrain Trail Blade MTS, eight for the rugged Trail Blade ATS and a significant 15 additional sizes for the high-performance AZ850. This move is designed to place Atturo’s technology within reach of a broader range of drivers, from off-road enthusiasts to owners of modern sports cars and electric vehicles.

The Trail Blade MTS, engineered for larger trucks, incorporates a unique tread pattern inspired by a karambit knife blade to provide extreme traction in muddy conditions. With its new sizes, it now caters to a wider array of wheel configurations. Meanwhile, the Trail Blade ATS reinforces its position as a versatile all-terrain option, boasting a 50,000-mile (approximately 80,467 km) warranty and a winter weather rating. Its eight new sizes extend its application to heavier-duty pickup trucks.

The most notable expansion occurs within the AZ850 line, a tyre focused on delivering ultra-high-performance at an accessible level. It features an advanced asymmetrical tread for maximum grip and stability, yet is engineered for a comfortable daily driving experience. A critical update is its reinforced construction, specifically designed to support the heavier weight of electric vehicles and modern SUVs. The 15 new sizes, including staggered fitments for sports cars and performance SUVs, allow more drivers to experience sharper handling and shorter braking distances, fully unlocking their vehicle's potential.