Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co has announced it has become an OE tyre supplier for two new vehicles the Honda N-VAN e: and the Mazda CX-80.

The company will supply its BluEarth-Van RY55 tyres as original equipment (OE) to Honda Motor Co for its new commercial-use mini-EV (electric vehicle), which will be launched in Japan in October 2024. The N-VAN e: is being equipped with 145/80R13 82/80N LT size tyres.

The tyre maker states that the BluEarth-Van RY55 is the first of Yokohama’s fuel-efficient BluEarth brand tyres that is dedicated to vans. It provides both enhanced wear resistance and high wet performance. For the BluEarth-Van RY55 tyres being supplied, in order to match the characteristics of the N-VAN e: EV, the tread rubber has been selected for excellent fuel efficiency and wear resistance and the tyre profile and structure have been optimised to ensure wet grip performance and handling stability.

Yokohama Rubber says it is aggressively developing tyres employing BluEarth tyre technology, and many of these tyres are now coming factory-equipped on petrol-powered vehicles, hybrid cars and EVs such as a wide variety of new car models, including the latest-model sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and compact cars.

On the other hand, it is also supplying the Advan V61 tyres as original equipment (OE) to Mazda Motor Corporation for use on its new crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-80. The SUV which will be launched in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other countries in October 2024 will sport the 235/60R18 103V and 235/60R18 107V tyres.

The Advan V61 tyre is part of Yokohama’s global flagship Advan brand and will contribute towards Mazda CX-80’s superior handling performance while also contributing to a comfortable and quiet ride for everyone in the cabin. In addition, the Advan V61 is highly wear-resistant and displays exceptional hydroplaning resistance that provides superior wet grip performance. The tyre also achieves low rolling resistance, a feature usually considered incompatible with these other characteristics.

It (Advan V61) has been developed utilising specialised tuning to match their tread pattern, profile, and tyre structure to the Mazda CS-80’s characteristics, while also using Yokohama Rubber’s proprietary HAICoLab, an AI-based development framework that aims to foster new discoveries and digital innovation by merging human inspiration and creativity with AI’s enormous data processing capability.

To achieve the highly quiet ride, an optimal pitch sequence was obtained using evolutionary computation (genetic algorithms), one of the technologies incorporated in HAICoLab. The innovative technologies applied in development of the tyres are based on new knowledge obtained by collecting actual data and virtual data generated by simulations and then using AI’s predict, analyse and search functions.

The Mazda CX-80, the three-row mid-size crossover SUV, has an imposing presence and offers powerful driving performance, the environmental and safety performance, and the functionality that allows all passengers to enjoy driving.

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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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