Until the start of vaccination, so many deaths and blockages shut down the industry, as well as businesses and individuals. The lack of labour and consumers only brought uncertainty to people's lives. No one, including governments, was able to overcome all the unknowns.

Later, people began to learn to live with this virus and to learn facilities for practicing social distancing and other preventive measures to reduce the spread of germs. Then the daily life went to normal by half. Consumer markets have started offering services with social distancing.

Then, large companies launched initiatives for the vaccination of employees and some promoted the payment of about USD$ 25 as a bonus for the first volunteers. Employees began to work in stores under pandemic conditions. So, it is the same in tyre shops, for example, to help and maintain the tyres of customers' cars in good condition, which of course ensured mobility in cities so that vehicles let vehicles circulate on the road . People could get the food, medicine, supplies and medical care they need.

Manufacturers should sometimes be able to collaborate with competitors to survive together in tough days.

Sustainability has never been more worth talking about in recent decades to be a legitimate topic on pandemic dates.  One thing is for sure, at the same time, we can never know which companies have really benefited from being willing to invest in the past with a desire to make the business sustainable in the future. We will reach and appreciate these businesses later, as accurate tax and market data as a primary result of a successful business emerges after three consecutive years.

Anyone who has taken seriously the alerts of a post-2015 virus that could one day be a reality and a threat to humanity and go unchecked in nearly three years is supposed to be ready for pandemic dates. Is it really possible to take such a viral effect into account in the risk analysis? But if so, this company is already at least six years ahead of its competition.

We never forget that keeping reliable and loyal consumers is our future.

Today, many industries must survive with material suppliers, customers and its service providers. We can add its competitors as a fourth pole at the corner its competitors,. sSo that companies in the same category should move together and collaborate in difficult days. Suppose Suppose they accept each other's stronger side in a part of the main processes, it might help better in that specific part, s. So that sustainability is ensured for the sake of sociality and economy.

As a sustainable business continuity in raw materials, services, market consistency, health and safety of white and blue colours, loyalty and morals of employees, reliability of energy sources and capacity manufacturing operations. Any production company that never lacks the above can be successful and be considered ‘“sustainable”’ in the medium term. In the long term, the requirements of the environmental authorities must be respected;, social projects must be distributed among the employees.

A real investment in the company's brand must be made. It is sure that the ‘“No Waste’” and ‘“Green Company’” image reinforces the company's brand. May all of these lead the company to establishing production lines that consume less energy and are more efficient. Roof or wall solar collectors, rainwater harvesting pipes, efficient coolers, pumps and electric motors are expected to follow so far to be more durable.

Any tyre manufacturer responding to dealer demand and capable of producing with a minimum number of references will have a head start and make the difference in terms of efficiency.

A cumbersome problem for tyre manufacturers is carrying the heavy size list as production gum . Any tyre manufacturer responding to dealer demand and capable of producing with a minimum number of references will have a head start and make the difference in terms of efficiency.

What about reliable and loyal consumers? We have to bear in mind that consumers are our future. Any excessive savings, if it means reluctance in services or compromises on quality, will result in days of unemployment after a while. Thus, a well-adapted balance between costs and savings is always to be favoured in terms of sustainability.

A cumbersome problem for tyre manufacturers is carrying the heavy size list as production gum  even though they still cannot meet the needs of retailers. Retail stores can only cover 10 percent% to 45 percent% of the demand for walk-in customers. On the other hand, tyre manufacturers can meet dealer needs around 50 percent or 75 percent of orders, while supplying that amount with overproduction and heavy SKUs.

Another headache is the production of winter tyres in the summer, although sales are highly dependent on the severity of winter and upcoming snowfall. Tyre manufacturers often have to overproduce and have a large inventory. In recent years, the climate has changed the practices and the ability to estimate winter tyre sales mainly in Europe.

Therefore, any tyre manufacturer that meets dealer demand and is able to produce a minimum number of SKUs will have a head start and make a difference in terms of efficiency.

Anti-climax after stopping production for some reason of uncertainty is more costly.

After the long days of pandemic, which still affects the daily life of human beings, sustainability has become a matter of vitality for most companies. Lost markets can be won over time, but a climax after production ceases for some reason of uncertainty would be more costly.

The truths of having greener products, grasping the digitiszation movement and mobility trends, efficiency improvements, well-organiszed material sourcing, skills development in manufacturing operations, systematic management of product development and R&D activities, the search for alternatives for automation and artificial intelligence are still vital but not much more valuable than being sufficiently sustainable.

We must keep in mind that we are primarily victims of our own behaviours, decisions and actions. It is important to be progressive in the correct initiatives. So tyre manufacturers who manage a well-developed framework for change and agile strategies will win.

We must keep in mind that we are primarily victims of our own behaviours, decisions and actions.  To be progressive in the correct initiatives is inevitable to support. (TT)

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Demonstrating its advanced SUV tyre technology to North American customers, Hankook Tire took part in the prestigious King of the Hammers off-road race in California’s Johnson Valley on 6 February. This gruelling event, which challenges drivers across desert, rock and mud, is a major North American motorsport spectacle, annually drawing over 500 teams, 80,000 spectators and millions of online viewers.

For the competition, Hankook equipped the vehicles of drivers Joel Dulac, Justin Dulac and Jacob Pacheco with its extreme-terrain Dynapro MT2 tyre. This model is engineered to provide exceptional traction, grip and durability on severe off-road surfaces. Its specialised tread pattern enhances performance on mud and gravel, while a robust V-shaped sidewall design offers protection against sharp rocks and obstacles. The tread block design also ensures stable control and comfort across both on- and off-road environments.

The Dynapro series represents SUV tire technology already validated in major North American motorsports. At last year's King of the Hammers, drivers Dulac and Pacheco achieved outstanding results using the Dynapro MT2, and at the 2024 Antigo Off-Road National, Michael Funk earned a podium finish with Dynapro tyres. Beyond performance, the tyre’s innovative design has been globally recognised, winning a Red Dot Design Award in 2020.

Hankook Tire is actively strengthening its North American market presence through innovation and its premium unified brand. Beyond sponsoring teams at events like King of the Hammers, the company engages customers at major automotive exhibitions such as the SEMA Show and Overland Expo. It further amplifies its technology-driven brand image through partnerships in sports and entertainment, including its role as an Official Tire Partner and Founding Partner of the US-based Tomorrow Golf League (TGL) presented by SoFi.

Looking forward, Hankook intends to solidify its global market leadership by leveraging performance data from its involvement in over 70 motorsports events worldwide, such as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship. This strategic use of real-world racing insights will advance the development of its core ultra-high-performance tire technologies.

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Linglong Tire hosted its second Chinese fan event with Chelsea Football Club early this year in Chongqing, reinforcing its role as the club’s global tyre partner. The gathering attracted a wide range of guests, partners and media, who joined Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola for an engaging experience. Located in central China, roughly 1,500 kilometres west of Shanghai, Chongqing is a dynamic metropolis of 32 million people and a vital commercial hub, reflecting the progressive spirit both Linglong Tire and Chelsea embody.

Linglong Tire’s Vice President, Guo Kuntao, inaugurated the event by reviewing key milestones of the partnership, established in 2024. He emphasised the natural alignment between the two brands, noting shared commitments to innovation, excellence and high-quality standards. Attendees then enjoyed various interactive opportunities, such as taking digital photos with virtual backgrounds featuring Chelsea stars and Stamford Bridge, collecting autographs from Zola and participating in digital football matches. Throughout the event, Linglong highlighted its newest tyre products, underscoring that safety and quality remain central to its development philosophy.

The celebration culminated in a public viewing of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Brentford, where fans united in song and cheered the team’s comfortable 2-0 home victory. By organising ‘The Famous CFC’ event in Chongqing, Linglong Tire not only showcased its international brand strength but also deepened its influence in the Chinese market, creating lasting impressions among fans and potential customers. Moving forward, the company plans to expand such activations to additional cities across China, further energizing its sports marketing initiatives and supporting the growth of football culture nationwide.

Zola said, "It is an honour for me to represent Chelsea Football Club at the Linglong Tire event today. This collaboration reflects Chelsea's commitment to fans worldwide, particularly in strengthening relationships with the passionate fan community in China. Many thanks to Linglong Tire for supporting the club. I hope everyone has a wonderful time in Chongqing."

Kuntao said, "We take this opportunity to sincerely thank the fans for their love for Chelsea and their trust in Linglong Tire. In the future, we will continue our efforts to strengthen the passion and joy of football through further events."

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Nokian Tyres has launched its ‘Carve the Corners’ contest, offering hockey fans in United States and Canada a chance to win a trip to the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. The promotion runs from 6 February to 20 March. Entrants can visit a dedicated page on the company’s website for their opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid experience. This includes airfare, lodging and tickets to the semifinal games in Zurich, Switzerland, on 30 May. One winner will be randomly selected from each country, each receiving a trip for themselves and a guest.

The tournament itself, for which Nokian Tyres is an Official Sponsor for a two-year period, takes place from 15 to 31 May. It is the world’s largest annual winter sports event, featuring 64 games where 16 top national teams compete for the World Champion title, captivating millions of viewers. Beyond the grand prize, the contest page allows participants to predict the tournament’s overall winner and leading scorer, and also provides information on Nokian Tyres products.

The company is promoting the campaign extensively. Efforts include social media outreach on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Threads, where followers can find competition updates, driving tips and hockey-related content. Nokian Tyres is also working with its network of tyre dealers and hockey media across both countries to raise awareness. This broader campaign involves dealer showrooms, podcast discussions and various grassroots channels. Additionally, a separate contest is available exclusively for tyre dealers, offering them a chance to win tickets to the championship, promoted through the company’s dedicated dealer communications.

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MRF Limited reported a 15 per cent rise in consolidated total income for the third quarter ended 31 December 2025, supported by stronger demand across original equipment and replacement segments.

Total income rose to INR 81.75bn, compared with INR 70.99bn in the corresponding quarter a year earlier. Consolidated profit before tax increased to INR 9.17bn, up from INR 4.24bn a year earlier, after providing for an exceptional item of INR 0.77bn related to the new Labour Code.

Provision for tax during the quarter stood at INR 2.25bn. Consolidated net profit more than doubled to INR 6.92bn, compared with INR 3.15bn in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

The company said both original equipment and replacement sales were robust during the quarter, aided by higher demand following the reduction in goods and services tax rates. Rural demand also improved, supported by good and widespread monsoons.

MRF said demand momentum from lower GST rates was expected to continue into the fourth quarter. Original equipment manufacturers were also expected to raise production levels, driven by higher anticipated sales and lower channel inventories.

The company said increased government spending on infrastructure, announced in the Union Budget, was positive for commercial vehicles and, in turn, the tyre industry. It also noted that trade agreements under discussion with several countries, including the European Union and the United States, could create export opportunities in the future.

The board of directors declared a second interim dividend of INR 3 per share, representing 30 per cent on the face value of INR 10, for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

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