Yokohama Rubber has announced that a vehicle equipped with its GEOLANDAR M/T G003 mud-terrain tyres secured the overall championship at the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR). This victory in Asia's premier off-road rally, held in Thailand, marks the third win for the tyre model, following previous triumphs in 2022 and 2023. The tyres were praised for their durability and high performance under extreme conditions.

The winning #112 Mitsubishi Triton, driven by Chayapon Yotha and co-driver Peerapong Sombutwong for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, claimed its first title in three years. After taking an early lead in the gruelling event, the team overcame vehicle issues and intense competition to maintain their position through the final leg. The rally’s challenging course, which spanned over 2,000 kilometres through varied terrain and adverse weather, tested both vehicle and tyre resilience.

Further demonstrating the tyre's capabilities, two other vehicles on GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyres finished within the top five. The GEOLANDAR line is engineered for superior off-road traction and an extended lifespan, combining a robust, aggressive design with proven performance in demanding races worldwide.

Under its current medium-term management plan, Yokohama Rubber is focused on expanding its high-value-added tyre segments, including the GEOLANDAR brand for SUVs and pickup trucks. The company views motorsports as a vital platform for strengthening its brand identity and continues to participate in a diverse range of global racing events.

Hiroshi Masuoka, Director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, said, “Last year's AXCR was very frustrating for us because engine trouble forced us to retyre our vehicle that was in the lead for the overall championship in the latter half of the course. This year, however, we were able to win the overall championship thanks to the Triton’s enhanced durability and the accumulated collective strength of a team participating in its fourth AXCR. I thank everyone for their support. Again, this year, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart selected Yokohama Rubber’s GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyres for our vehicles participating in the AXCR. The GEOLANDAR M/T G003 delivers the highly stable performance needed for fast and safe driving on the AXCR course’s diverse terrains, especially when running through deep mud and wet surfaces. Our three Team Mitsubishi Ralliart vehicles were challenged by rough and rocky terrain, especially in the first half, but all three were able to run the entire course without suffering punctures or other tyre problems. I think the GEOLANDAR M/T G003’s high performance and durability enabled us to win the overall championship and the Team Award.”

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Toyo Tires has made its way to the annual A-List of CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts. This premier recognition, awarded for the first time to the company in the 2025 evaluation, reflects the company’s comprehensive decarbonisation efforts, which include validated science-based targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards renewable energy at its production sites. CDP’s annual assessment is a key benchmark for corporate sustainability across climate, water and forests.

The assessment also highlighted Toyo Tires' commitment to transparency, as verified by independent third-party data reviews. Viewing its business activities as intrinsically connected to society and the future, the Toyo Tires Group treats reducing environmental impact as a top operational priority.

Moving forward, the company is dedicated to advancing decarbonization across all its manufacturing processes and broader supply chain, aiming to support a sustainable global society.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new and more affordable range of gravel tyres under the Vredestein Aventura Core Series. This new-generation family consists of three distinct models: the Aventura Seta Core, Aventura Core and Aventura Grezzo Core. Engineered in Europe, these tyres are built for enhanced durability and dependable performance across diverse surfaces, offering riders a cost-effective upgrade for adventure biking.

The series is constructed around a streamlined Core platform, which incorporates a robust 60 TPI casing for increased puncture resistance and stable handling on uneven terrain. While utilising the proven tread patterns of existing Vredestein gravel tyres, this refined construction delivers high-end capability at a more accessible price point.

Each model is tailored for specific riding conditions. The Aventura Seta Core is designed for speed, with a race-optimised tread for fast rolling on asphalt and high-speed gravel, complemented by shoulder knobs for technical cornering. For versatile, everyday use, the Aventura Core offers a balanced blend of rolling efficiency and predictable grip across tarmac, hardpack and gravel roads. Finally, the Aventura Grezzo Core provides confidence on loose and rugged terrain, featuring an aggressive tread for enhanced traction in sand and soft surfaces, while its chained centre tread maintains efficiency on harder ground.

The Aventura Core Series will be available starting 1 February 2026. The Aventura Seta Core comes in 40, 45 and 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Core is offered in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Grezzo Core is available in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. Colour options include black/black and black/transparent sidewalls.

Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Aventura Core Series marks an important expansion of our gravel offering within the Vredestein range. By introducing three purpose-designed tyres built on a shared durable foundation, we can better support riders across the full spectrum of gravel terrain – from high-speed racing to off-road exploration and everyday mixed-surface riding.”

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Continental Tires Americas has expanded its HDR 5 and HSR 5 19.5-inch product lines with a new 245/70R19.5 size, specifically engineered for urban and regional delivery fleets.

These tyres are built to endure high-scrub environments and the demanding stop-and-go cycles typical of city routes. Key advancements include a reformulated tread compound that reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy while also extending tread life. The redesigned sidewall enhances durability to support multiple retreads, maximising the value of each tyre casing. Furthermore, both models are validated for use on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as traditional combustion engines.

This size extension provides a practical option for fleets seeking to improve operational cost-efficiency and tyre longevity under rigorous driving conditions, continuing the proven performance of the existing series with targeted upgrades.

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The Silver Jubilee of the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) commenced on the morning of 9 January 2026 at Kottayam's Hevea Hall. Union Minister of State George Kurian formally inaugurated the event, with Member of Parliament K Francis George presiding. Attendees also heard an address from MLA Chandi Oommen.

A wide array of activities marked the inaugural programme. These included unveiling a commemorative monument, honouring former NIRT Directors and recognising student cohorts. Several publications and materials were launched, such as a Silver Jubilee souvenir and tutorial videos for stakeholders. The new jubilee logo was revealed, and a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Rubber Board and the Government of Nagaland.

The ceremony further involved prize distributions for earlier competitions and celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Rubber magazine. The day's schedule continued with a curated panel discussion and a dedicated exhibition at the NIRT campus.

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