Brazilian tyre retreading products manufacturer Vipal Rubber is celebrating 20 years of operations in Europe, marking a key milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy.

To commemorate the anniversary, Vipal has launched a special stamp marking the start of its European operations in 2005. The company’s European subsidiary, based in Valencia, Spain, was initially established to serve the local market but quickly expanded to neighbouring countries.

Vipal now operates in over 50 countries through five European companies and three distribution centres located in Spain, Slovenia and the United Kingdom. The EMEA team comprises 13 professionals working across technical, commercial, administrative and customer service areas.

“Twenty years ago, even with the internet still in its infancy, we had the foresight to adapt our portfolio to the demands of each region. In other words, we were strategic not only in maintaining the sales of specific products but also in investing in innovation,” said Frederico Schmidt, general manager of Vipal in EMEA.

Spain was chosen as the headquarters due to the company’s strong commercial ties with both Spain and Portugal. In the early days, commercial activity focused on products for tyre retreading and repairing, with just three employees managing the entire operation.

Several tread designs have gained recognition over the years, including the DV-RL, VRT3, VT110 and DV-UM3. More recently, the DV-UMe—a design developed specifically for electric vehicles—has brought Vipal further recognition in Europe.

The company has expanded its commercial presence across various markets, including Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom. The European branch now supplies retreaders and distributors in more than 50 countries.

“The level of recognition and efficiency we’ve achieved internationally is the result of two decades of consistent, strategic work,” said Fabricio Nedeff, Vipal’s commercial manager in EMEA.

Vipal recently participated in Autopromotec 2025 in Bologna, Italy, where it received two Recircle Awards: Employee of the Year for Leonardo Oliveira, the company’s regional sales manager in the United States, and the Tyre Industry Education Award for Univipal.

“Taking part in events of this calibre is essential to strengthening our presence in international markets and fostering relationships with strategic partners,” said Gilson Dugno, international business manager at Vipal Rubber.

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Gurugram-headquartered tyre major Apollo Tyres has announced the appointment of Mahalakshmi Ramaswami as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, effective immediately, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Ramaswami’s appointment was approved by the board of directors following a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Prior to joining Apollo Tyres, she most recently served as the Head of HR for the Southeast Asia Cluster based in Singapore at Mondelez International.

She brings over two decades of experience across multinational organisations spanning fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and consulting sectors.

During her tenure at Mondelez, Ramaswami is credited to have a played pivotal role as the HR Director for India Region in the business turnaround by aligning people strategy with organisational objectives.

She also has held leadership roles at prominent Indian and multinational companies including Bharti Group, Ranbaxy, Ballarpur Industries and EY.

Ramaswami holds an MBA from IMT Ghaziabad and a Bachelor’s degree in Physics (Hons.) from Delhi University.

On the other hand, as part of the Management Restructuring at Apollo Tyres, Dipankar Ghosh, Group Head of HR Business Partnership for Manufacturing & Projects, will no longer be part of the senior management structure as defined under securities regulations, effective 16 July.

The restructuring reflects Apollo Tyres’ strategic focus on strengthening its human capital capabilities as the company navigates competitive pressures in both domestic and international markets.

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Bridgestone India has presented the European Alignment Certificate to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), recognising the successful completion of their Rolling Resistance (RR) Lab Alignment. The certificate was presented to Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, by Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director of Bridgestone India, during a ceremony attended by senior leaders from both organisations.

This milestone strengthens the partnership between Bridgestone and ARAI, India’s leading automotive R&D institution for testing and standardisation. Rolling resistance plays a crucial role in enhancing fuel efficiency, aligning with both organisations’ commitment to advancing tyre technology. The certification underscores their shared dedication to fostering innovation, improving testing capabilities and promoting sustainable mobility solutions in India.

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Yokohama Rubber has been recognised for its sustainability leadership with continued inclusion in three prestigious FTSE Russell ESG indexes. The company marks its 21st consecutive year on the FTSE4Good Index Series, a global benchmark for responsible investing. Additionally, it maintains its ninth straight year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Index and fourth year on the FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index – both key indicators of Japanese ESG excellence endorsed by Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).

These indexes, developed by London Stock Exchange Group's FTSE Russell, help investors identify companies with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Yokohama Rubber's sustained inclusion reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable business practices.

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The fourth round of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series, a racing competition hosted by Italian supercar brand Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A and powered by Hankook Tire, will take place from 18 to 20 July at INJE SPEEDIUM in Gangwon Province. As the exclusive tyre supplier, Hankook Tire continues to elevate Korean motorsports through its partnership with Lamborghini, showcasing its high-performance Ventus racing tyres on the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2.

The 3.91-km INJE SPEEDIUM circuit, featuring 19 corners and a 40-metre elevation change, demands exceptional tyre performance under extreme conditions, including high-speed straights and scorching summer temperatures. Hankook’s Ventus tyres are engineered to deliver superior grip, durability and heat resistance, ensuring peak performance in challenging racing environments.

Beyond the races, Hankook will host the ‘Ventus Experience’, inviting European automotive influencers to test the Ventus Super Sports line and explore its advanced R&D facilities.

The 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo spans Asia, Europe and North America, with six rounds per series. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final in Misano, Italy, this November, competing for the season championship.

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