Apollo Tyres has introduced Apterra Cross tyres for the fast-growing Compact SUV (CSUV) segment in India after two years of extensive testing and development.

The Apterra Cross has a twin steel belt, with JCP protection, for high puncture resistance. Additionally, the high abrasion resistant multi polymer blend used for the tread ensures a longer tyre life. The rounder contact patches provide maximum ride comfort and have also been specially tuned for better compression during impact, basis advanced simulation techniques while ensuring low tyre noise.

This is the first dedicated range of tyres that caters to the CSUV segment, the hottest selling segment of the decade, in the Indian automotive industry. As per estimates, the CSUV tyre market in India, currently, is around 4,00,000 tyres per month and is soon expected to grow twice as much.

The Apterra Cross tyres is an outcome of in-depth research to understand the exact usage patterns of CSUV owners/drivers, the basis on which the R&D team in Chennai, designed and developed the new tyres.

• The first dedicated range of tyres for the fast-growing compact SUV segment in India

Being produced at the company’s state-of-the-art unit in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu, the new range of tyres is being launched in India as of now, with plans to introduce them in the ASEAN and SAARC markets later.

Commenting on the launch, Satish Sharma, President, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres Ltd said “The rise of the Compact SUV segment, priced affordably, has reinvigorated the dream of owning an SUV in the Indian market, and we being the segment creators in the tyre space, are looking at leveraging on this opportunity with a dedicated range of tyres for this growing segment. We have the first mover advantage with Apollo Apterra Cross, and we are targeting at a leadership position in this segment.”  (TT)

The sizes being introduced, are:

· 215/60 R16 (Vitara Brezza, Nexon, Venue, Sonet)

· 215/60 R17 (Creta, Seltos, Captur, Kicks, Hector)

 · 215/65 R16 (Duster, Terrano, Nuvosport)

· 205/60 R16 (Ecosport, S-cross)

· 205/65 R16 (Creta, Seltos, XUV300)

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Cabot Corporation announced that Bart Kalkstein, Executive Vice President and President of the Reinforcement Materials Segment, will retire on 5 January 2026 after two decades with the company. Matt Wood, currently Vice President of Global Marketing and Strategy for Cabot’s Battery Materials business, will assume the role of Senior Vice President and President of the reinforcement Materials Segment, effective 15 June.

Kalkstein, who joined Cabot in 2005, has served in numerous leadership roles across the company’s business units. He was appointed Executive Vice President in 2022 and has led the Reinforcement Materials Segment since 2016.

“Over the past 20 years, Bart has provided tremendous business leadership,” said Sean Keohane, Cabot’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “During his close to 10-year tenure as President, Reinforcement Materials Segment, he has been instrumental in delivering that Segment’s strong financial performance, driving operational excellence at our manufacturing plants, and further strengthening our leadership position as an important supplier to the tire industry. He also played a key role in developing our EVOLVE® Sustainable Solutions technology platform.”

Kalkstein will remain with the company through early January to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Wood, who joined Cabot from BP in 2010, has held a variety of roles spanning global marketing, strategy, operations, and general management. His prior leadership within the Reinforcement Materials segment includes roles as Vice President of Global Marketing and Regional Marketing Director for Asia Pacific.

“Matt brings a well-rounded background to his new role, with deep commercial and strategy expertise, hands-on operational leadership, and a proven track record as a disciplined and decisive business leader,” Keohane said. “I have full confidence in Matt’s ability to lead the Reinforcement Materials team and deliver growth for Cabot in the coming years.”

Wood’s recent contributions to Cabot’s Battery Materials strategy have been key in positioning the business for growth amid increasing demand in the electric vehicle sector.

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Radar Tires has appointed Karl Hannah as its new Territory Sales Manager for North America as it looks to expand its market presence and strengthen partner relations across the region.

Hannah brings over 17 years of industry experience, beginning with a retail role in the Sacramento area where he spent more than a decade. He later held multiple field positions during a six-year tenure at Sumitomo Rubber North America.

In his new role, Hannah will be responsible for advancing the Radar RED programme and broader brand development, with a focus on increasing sales and deepening ties with distribution partners throughout his territory.

“We’re excited to welcome Karl to the Radar Tires team,” said Rob Montasser, Vice President of Radar Tire, North America. “Karl’s industry experience, coupled with the fact that he is an off-road and outdoor enthusiast outside of work, makes him a perfect fit for the Radar brand. Karl’s breadth of knowledge and general enthusiasm around the products is just what we need to help us grow the Radar brand throughout his territory.”

Hannah said he is eager to contribute to the company’s growth: “I’m thrilled to join the Radar brand and I look forward to helping the growth of Radar Tires in North America. I look forward to proliferating the Radar RED program throughout my territory! Most importantly, I look forward to taking Radar Tires to new heights in the industry.”

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Continental Tire the Americas, LLC has announced an upcoming leadership transition in its U.S. Passenger and Light Truck (PLT) replacement tyre division. Bill Caldwell, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, will retire in June 2025 after more than 20 years with the company. Chris Charity, the current Vice President of Sales, will assume Caldwell’s role effective 1 July 2025.

Caldwell has been at the helm of the U.S. PLT replacement business since 2009, following his leadership of Continental’s Original Equipment (OE) Key Account Management team. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in expanding the market presence of both the Continental and General Tire brands, driving strategic growth and strengthening dealer partnerships.

Charity, a 20-year veteran of Continental, joined the company in 2002 as a quality engineer before transitioning into sales leadership. His deep industry knowledge, customer-focused approach and proven track record in sales strategy make him the ideal successor to continue the division’s upward trajectory.

Tansu Işık, Head of Continental’s Business Area Replacement Tires the Americas, said, “Bill has made a lasting contribution to Continental’s success in the Americas. His leadership, integrity and commitment to excellence have helped shape the business and culture. On behalf of the entire organization, I want to thank Bill for his outstanding service and wish him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.” On Charity’s appointment, he said, “Chris brings the right mix of experience, vision and dedication to lead our U.S. PLT Replacement business into the future. I’m confident he will continue to build on our strong foundation and drive further success.”

Caldwell said, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years. It’s been an honour to work with such a dedicated team, and I’m confident that Chris will continue to lead with the same passion and commitment that has defined our success.”

Charity said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Bill has laid. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to continue delivering value and innovation to our customers.”

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Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian Tyres Plc said its chief financial officer Niko Haavisto would leave the company, with the firm moving quickly to appoint an interim replacement whilst searching for a permanent successor.

The Helsinki-listed company announced that Jari Huuhtanen, currently vice president of group business control, would step into the CFO role on an interim basis from June 1st as the recruitment process gets underway.

Nokian Tyres, known for its winter and all-season tyres, provided no details regarding Haavisto's reasons for departure or his future plans.

The announcement comes during a challenging period for the global tyre industry, which has faced supply chain disruptions and fluctuating raw material costs.

"I want to thank Niko for his contributions to the company. Niko has been a valuable member in the Nokian Tyres team, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours," said Paolo Pompei, president and chief executive of Nokian Tyres.

The company has not disclosed a timeline for appointing Haavisto's permanent replacement.

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