Yokohama Rubber will equip more than 20 teams competing in this year’s Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) with its GEOLANDAR M/T G003 mud-terrain tyres, reinforcing its support for Asia’s premier off-road racing event. The rally, scheduled for 8–16 August, will feature prominent teams such as Team Mitsubishi Ralliart and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Indonesia, both of which Yokohama aims to help secure championship victories.

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, backed by Mitsubishi Motors’ technical expertise, has consistently demonstrated strong performance in past AXCR events. After winning in 2022 with its Triton pickup, the team secured third place in 2023 with an updated model. This year, it will field three Triton vehicles, including entries from 2022 champion Chayapon Yotha and 2024 fifth-place finisher Katsuhiko Taguchi, alongside Kazuto Koide, who will debut an automatic transmission variant optimized for competition.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Indonesia, the 2023 AXCR champion, returns with two Toyota Fortuner SUVs, driven by Japan’s top off-road racer Ikuo Hanawa and 2023 runner-up Tubagus Adhi Moerinsyahdi. Other notable teams relying on Yokohama tyres include ISUZU SUPHAN YOKOHAMA LIQUI MOLY RACING TEAM, last year’s second- and third-place finishers and the GEOLANDAR takuma-gp FORTUNER team led by 2023 champion Takuma Aoki.

The GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyres are designed for extreme off-road durability and traction across diverse terrains, combining rugged construction with an aggressive tread pattern. Yokohama’s GEOLANDAR series has a proven track record in global off-road competitions, including back-to-back AXCR titles in 2022 and 2023.

Established in 1996, the FIA-certified AXCR traditionally traverses multiple Southeast Asian countries, but this year’s edition will be held entirely in Thailand. The 3,250-km route, starting and concluding in Pattaya, will challenge competitors with varied landscapes, from jungles to race circuits, nearly doubling last year’s distance. Yokohama’s involvement underscores its commitment to high-performance off-road tyre technology and motorsport excellence.

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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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