The WRS 2021, organised by IRSG (International Rubber Study Group) together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and co-hosted by the Association des Professionales du Caoutchou Naturelle de Côte d’Ivoire (APROMAC) the Fonds Interprofessionnel pour la Recherche et le Conseil Agricoles (FIRCA), was a prime opportunity for leaders, experts, government representatives and NGOs to discuss the current status of the rubber industry and explore the way forward to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. This year’s WRS featured the very timely theme, ‘Facing the Future: Inclusiveness, Sustainability and Growth for the Next Normal’.

The WRS 2021 was officially opened by HE M. Jerome Patrick Achi, Prime Minister, Government of Côte d’Ivoire, in recognition of the important role that Africa can play as an emerging producer of natural rubber. The event has highlighted that the rubber economy could be a formidable engine for the continent, creating jobs and transforming its economic and social prospects, and providing opportunities for the youth and women – real key drivers of sustainable growth, development and peace. 

The WRS 2021 witnessed 29 eminent speakers from all parts of the world, about 200 participants directly linked to the virtual platform and significant public participation in Côte d’Ivoire, where stakeholders in the rubber sector interacted in person during the event.  

Innovative ideas and approaches emerged during the summit to address the new challenges that can change the global pattern of production and consumption in the rubber sector, market and policy discussions on new approaches in business and life to turn the crisis into an opportunity from the lessons learnt. Discussions around the decarbonisation commitment of governments justifying sustainable and secure supply chains for raw materials were focussed on supply chain collaboration, ensuring that raw material efficiency, performance and traceability are dealt with holistically.

An important debate took place on the impact of climate change on natural rubber systems, which has potential economic, environmental and social risks, identifying a set of policy recommendations that could facilitate the work of all stakeholders in the rubber value chain.

The latest IPCC report , published in August 2021, has highlighted that human activity is changing the climate in an unprecedented and sometimes irreversible way. Actions on the adaptation of natural rubber systems to climate changes are urgently needed and further investigations into the potential contribution of rubber to climate change mitigation.

Work-based on scientific knowledge is the precondition to identifying correct pathways to preserve and support the growth and prosperity of the natural rubber economy worldwide. In this field, IRSG has had a leading role thanks to the support of important R&D organisations such as CIFOR/FTA, IRRDB and CIRAD.

In his closing remarks, Salvatore Pinizzotto, Secretary-General IRSG, has pointed out that the main common point that emerged during the World Rubber Summit is the need to formulate policies and put into place people-centred actions. “If we look at the natural rubber sector alone, it sustains 40 million people with their families around the globe with a supply chain generating more than USD 300 billion. Furthermore, about 90 percent of the total world natural rubber production is sourced by smallholders. 

“To build an inclusive and sustainable rubber community, we need to work at local, national and international level – there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all solution – putting in place innovative forms of cooperation across national borders and a variety of actors – governments, business, academia and civil society. Reduce poverty-establishing mechanisms that could provide  smallholders with an adequate income level, implement an effective technology transfer on the field and support education and training among farmers, especially young people and women. These are some of the policies needed to implement sustainability. Leveraging digital technology in farming and green finance options encouraging climate change adaptation are other key policies to assure emission reduction and social inclusion."

 In closing the World Rubber Summit 2021, the Honourable KobenanKouassiAdjourmani, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Government of Côte d’Ivoire, has strongly stated that Africa is completely committed to implementing sustainability practices in the rubber sector, making sure that all the rubber value chain is equitable, profitable and transparent.  

"Sustainability and circular economy are two aspects that we need to keep high on the agenda of all stakeholders in the rubber economy. We need to make sure that both natural and synthetic rubber sectors comply with the adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." (TT)

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Continental reported a sharp rise in second-quarter operating profit as improved tyre profitability and cost discipline offset a subdued global market, while the German group moved closer to completing its transformation into a pure-play tyre manufacturer.

The company posted consolidated sales of EURO 4.4 billion for the three months to 30 June, down 9.1 percent from a year earlier, largely reflecting the sale of its Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business in February. On an organic basis, sales slipped 0.3 percent.

Adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rose 35.1 percent to EURO 570 million, lifting the adjusted EBIT margin to 12.9 percent from 9.6 percent a year earlier. Adjusted free cash flow improved to EURO 216 million from negative EURO 46 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Net income, however, fell 45.9 percent to EURO 274 million, mainly because of the spin-off of Aumovio.

In early July, Continental signed an agreement to sell its ContiTech division to Lone Star Funds, marking what it described as the final stage of its strategic realignment. As a result, ContiTech will now be treated as a discontinued operation and excluded from the group's consolidated outlook.

"We continued our positive momentum. In the Tires group sector, we achieved a good earnings margin in the second quarter, exceeding our outlook for 2026. This puts us on track to meet our expectations for the year. In early July, we also signed an agreement to sell ContiTech. Now, we are in the final phase of our realignment as a pure-play tyre manufacturer," said Chief Executive Christian Kötz.

Chief Financial Officer Roland Welzbacher said improved profitability was driven by a greater share of tyres measuring 18 inches and above, lower impacts from exchange rates and tariffs, favourable raw material prices and strict cost discipline. He added that the company expected raw material costs to rise significantly during the second half of the year and had already taken measures to address the increase.

"We significantly increased our profitability and free cash flow. The main drivers for tyres were a higher share of tires measuring 18 inches and above, lower impacts from exchange rates and tariffs, and positive effects from raw-material prices. For the second half of the year, however, we expect raw-material costs to increase substantially and have already taken steps to address this," Welzbacher said.

Continental said market conditions remained challenging during the quarter. The European replacement tyre market for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles grew by 3 percent, supported by imports, while the North American market declined by 1 percent. Global vehicle production also fell by about 1 percent year on year.

The tyres division generated sales of EURO 3.3 billion, broadly unchanged from a year earlier, with organic sales rising 0.3 percent. Its adjusted EBIT margin increased to 15.3 percent from 12.1 percent, supported by a stronger mix of premium tyres, favourable raw material prices and lower impacts from exchange rates and tariffs.

During the quarter, Continental announced several investments aimed at strengthening its tyre operations. These included a company-owned wind farm at its Korbach plant in Germany, a new automated warehouse in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and expanded tyre production capacity at its Rayong plant in Thailand.

Looking ahead, Continental expects continuing operations to generate sales of EURO 13.2 billion to EURO 14.2 billion in 2026, with an adjusted EBIT margin of 12.0 to 13.5 percent.

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Goodyear is set to debut its first retail concept store in Detroit, the Goodyear Motor City Garage, just in time for the 2026 Woodward Dream Cruise. The opening coincides with a historic aerial display, as two Goodyear Blimps will fly over the Motor City for the first time in nearly two decades. This dual-blimp appearance will provide a bird's-eye view of the automotive spectacle, which annually draws over 40,000 classic vehicles and more than one and a half million enthusiasts.

The new garage will open on 15th August at eight in the morning at 3075 East Grand Boulevard. This specialised auto service centre functions as a hub for car culture, similar to destination retail concepts like a Starbucks Reserve Roastery. While offering expert services such as tyre sales, oil changes, alignments, brake service and battery replacement, the space also showcases the company’s technological innovations and storied heritage.

A custom Detroit-themed Eagle racing tyre, laser-carved with a tribute to the city, will be on display alongside a 1973 Ford Mustang convertible from ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and a 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am ‘Bandit’. The Dream Cruise weekend will also feature new remote-controlled mini blimps, with further details to be announced on social media. The event honours Detroit engineers who once raced along Woodward Avenue, and Goodyear’s ties to the city date back to the early 1900s when Henry Ford collaborated with the company.

The Motor City Garage exemplifies Goodyear’s broader transformation, which includes approximately 1,500 new products planned for 2026 and a focus on higher-performance tyres. As the only major tyre manufacturer headquartered in United States, based in Akron, Ohio, Goodyear is striving to become more consumer-focused and digitally connected. The company also offers mobile installation service in 28 markets, including Detroit, allowing for tyre servicing at customer locations. Woodward Avenue remains a symbolic stretch where millions of Goodyear tyres have left their mark.

Mark Stewart, CEO, Goodyear, said, "Some of the best vehicles in the world have been laying down Goodyear rubber in Detroit since Henry Ford put them on his 999 race car in 1901. From track to tarmac to trail, Goodyear makes tyres worth bragging about, and we'll be doing just that during the Woodward Dream Cruise. Whether you're an enthusiast looking for ultra-high performance or just need help picking the best tyres to get your SUV through the school pick-up line, we're looking to show you how easy Goodyear can make vehicle care. Detroit's car culture makes it the perfect place to showcase our new retail concept alongside our Mobile Garage service that can install tyres and service your vehicle right in your driveway."

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Bridgestone India, a subsidiary of Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation, has marked three decades of operations in the country with a commemorative ceremony in New Delhi. The event functioned as a strategic review of the company’s deep-rooted presence in the region, bringing together a wide array of automotive executives, government officials and supply-chain collaborators. Senior management used the occasion to reaffirm the organisation's long-term commitment to the subcontinent, highlighting the mutual growth achieved through sustained industrial cooperation.

The ceremony was elevated by the presence of the Japanese Ambassador to India, H.E. ONO Keiichi, who acted as the guest of honour for the evening. His attendance underscored the diplomatic and economic importance of the bilateral ties that have supported the company’s expansion. During the proceedings, Bridgestone formally acknowledged the critical role played by its local allies and manufacturing partners, whose operational support has been fundamental to navigating the competitive Indian automotive landscape over the decades.

While the celebrations looked towards the future, they also provided a moment to evaluate the company’s evolutionary path within the country. The initial foray into India began with commercial activities in 1996, but the true industrial footprint was established two years later when production commenced at the Pithampur complex in Madhya Pradesh. Subsequent capacity enhancements, notably the 2013 addition of the Chakan facility near Pune, allowed the firm to scale its operations to meet the surging domestic demand for diversified tyre products.

In a bid to stay ahead of technological curves, Bridgestone inaugurated a specialised Satellite Technology Centre at its Pune site in 2025. This research hub is designed to localise the development of premium-grade tyres, concentrating on the entire lifecycle from raw material experimentation to final product engineering for Indian roads. This strategic move is intended to embed advanced research capabilities directly within the local manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring that regional offerings align with global ‘Dan-Totsu’ quality standards.

As the company transitions into its next operational decade, leadership is pivoting towards a robust agenda centred on sustainable transportation and digital mobility solutions. The firm currently supplies a comprehensive portfolio covering passenger vehicles, heavy-load trucks and off-road machinery, all engineered for local climatic and road conditions. With a strengthened technological base and a mature distribution network, Bridgestone India is positioning itself to be a primary catalyst in the country’s ongoing infrastructure modernisation and vehicular safety evolution.

H.E. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to India & the Kingdom of Bhutan, said, “Bridgestone India's 30-year journey is not merely the story of the growth of a company; it is also a symbol of the success of Japan-India economic cooperation. Since its establishment in 1996, the company has grown alongside the Indian market and has made significant contributions to India's industrial development and the evolution of mobility through its investments in plants in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.”

Ankit Asthana, IAS, Additional Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation, said, “The story of Bridgestone in Madhya Pradesh is not merely the success of one company; it is an example of how visionary corporate leadership and responsive governance can together create lasting economic and social value. This collaboration has not only contributed to the company’s growth but has also strengthened the industrial ecosystem of our state by generating employment, supporting ancillary industries and promoting responsible manufacturing.”

Nobuyuki Tamura, Member of the Board, Representative Executive Officer, EAST CEO, Bridgestone Corporation, said, “The first 30 years established a strong foundation, and the next 30 years will create new possibilities. Throughout our journey in India, we have remained guided by our Mission, ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality’, and our commitment to creating value for society through safety, sustainability, innovation and quality. India today plays a significant role in Bridgestone’s regional and global growth strategy. Looking ahead, we will further strengthen our commitment to India, including through the previously announced passenger car tyre expansion plan, preparations for which are already underway, while continuing to enhance our R&D capabilities to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of the Indian market. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we will continue to innovate, grow and contribute to a safer, more sustainable and more connected future of mobility.”

Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said, “Bridgestone India has contributed to India's growth through investment, employment generation, manufacturing excellence, technology development, local sourcing and skill development. As we enter the next phase, our focus will remain on translating Bridgestone's global capabilities into locally relevant products and solutions, strengthening responsible manufacturing, deepening partnerships across the automotive value chain, and addressing the evolving needs of mobility, society and the environment.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has confirmed its role as the official tyre supplier for a significant portion of the upcoming Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), with 12 competing teams and 20 vehicles set to utilise its GEOLANDAR M/T G003 mud-terrain tyres. The 2026 edition of Asia’s largest cross-country rally is scheduled to take place from 10 to 15 August 2026. This announcement follows a dominant streak for the tyre manufacturer, as vehicles equipped with GEOLANDAR tyres have secured the overall championship in three of the last four rallies, with victories in 2022, 2023 and 2025.

Among the prominent contenders receiving support is the defending champion, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which triumphed in 2025 and also claimed the title in 2022. The team is entering three Mitsubishi Triton pickup trucks for this year’s race, with a driver lineup that includes Chayapon Yotha, a two-time overall champion, Katsuhiko Taguchi and Kazuto Koide. The squad is aiming for consecutive victories on the Yokohama tyres.

Additional leading teams will also compete on the GEOLANDAR tyres, including TOYOTA GAZOO RACING INDONESIA, which previously achieved a championship and second-place finish in 2023 with its Toyota Fortuner. The roster of supported teams further includes the GEOLANDAR FORTUNER takuma-gp, driven by 2023 champion Takuma Aoki, the ISUZU SUPHAN TRANE TITANIUM YOKOHAMA NEXZTER RALLY TEAM, which is expanding to three vehicles after a fourth-place finish last year, and CUSCO Racing with two entries. Yokohama Rubber is also extending its support to diverse teams, including those featuring female drivers.

The GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyre is distinguished by its robust and aggressive design, providing superior traction and durability across challenging off-road surfaces such as mud, gravel and sand. The tyre’s extended lifespan and reliable performance on varied terrain have been consistently validated in numerous international off-road competitions, reinforcing the brand’s reputation in the rally community.

The AXCR, first held in 1996 and officially sanctioned by the FIA, is a gruelling event comparable to the Dakar Rally. For 2026, the rally will be entirely hosted within Thailand, covering an approximate 2,000-kilometre route from Pattaya to Phitsanulok. Competitors will navigate a demanding assortment of landscapes, including mountainous regions, dense jungles, coastal beaches and agricultural plantations, testing both vehicle and tyre durability to the limit.

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