Mumbai-based Balkrishna Industries (BKT), a major player in the global Off-Highway Tyre (OHT) market, is making a significant move to expand its footprint in the on-road vehicle tyre segment with the inauguration of a new ‘Vehicle Dynamics & Testing’ (VD&T) base at the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) facility in Indore.

The new base leverages India's premier automotive testing grounds – Asia's second-largest and longest – to enhance BKT’s product development, particularly across the two-wheeler, passenger car radial (PCR) and commercial vehicle radial segments.

BKT's strategic decision to establish the VD&T base, inaugurated by Satish Sharma, Sr President & Director - Business Development and Strategy, marks a major step in the company's commitment to enter new segments.

By tapping into NATRAX's state-of-the-art infrastructure, BKT aims to accelerate new product development, enhance performance & reliability and address evolving needs by utilising real-world testing scenarios to cater to the specific demands of Indian and international consumers.

The facility is equipped with advanced machinery and an expert R&D team, providing a critical hub for high-quality, innovative tyre development across all mobility segments.

Access to NATRAX will enable BKT to test its tyres across a comprehensive range of real-world driving conditions and parameters, including – ride & handling, comfort, braking performance, durability and off-road terrain simulation.

These robust testing capabilities are crucial for meeting the requirements of both Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the replacement market. The goal is to ensure that every tyre offers world-class quality and gives everyday consumers confidence in its performance.

By investing in dedicated R&D at NATRAX, BKT is not only reinforcing its position in the global tyre industry but is also signalling its serious intent to become a formidable competitor in the rapidly growing on-road vehicle tyre market.

Satish Sharma, said, “At BKT, we are leveraging our decades of expertise in off-highway tyres as we expand into on-road vehicle segment. Our entry into the consumer space is guided by a clear commitment: developing tyres that users can trust for safety, comfort, mileage and reliability on every journey. The establishment of dedicated VD&T base at NATRAX marks a pivotal step in our journey to deliver world-class tyres across segments. This facility empowers us to simulate real-world conditions and rigorously test our products for performance, safety and durability. By addressing key consumer pain point, be it ride comfort, braking efficiency, or terrain adaptability; we are committed to engineering solutions that truly elevate the driving experience.”

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In a strategic move to bolster its position in the United States, Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT Tires) has announced two key executive appointments for its American operations. The company has named Jay Dhillon as the President of BKT USA and appointed Minoo Mehta as a Senior Advisor.

With more than two decades of international experience in the tyre sector, Dhillon will be responsible for leading the Ohio-based subsidiary. His mandate is to drive long-term growth by expanding into new and existing markets, aligning all business units with strategic objectives and cultivating profitable partnerships to ensure sustainable industry leadership.

Mehta, taking charge from 1 October 2025, will focus specifically on the truck and bus radial tyre segment, providing expertise to support the development and launch of new product lines. This dual appointment is designed to strengthen the company's overall strategy and market presence across its key off-highway and radial tyre businesses in the US.

Dhillon said, “I am excited to join the BKT team and contribute to its forward-looking growth. With over 20 years in the tyre industry and an engineering background, my goal is to lead the team and drive success during this dynamic time while upholding the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and excellence.”

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Continental AG’s Supervisory Board is experiencing a significant transformation in the wake of its Aumovio spin-off. This restructuring involves several high-profile departures and new appointments. Stefan E Buchner resigned on 4 September 2025 to assume the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board at the newly independent Aumovio SE. Shortly thereafter, on 17 September, Dr Gunter Dunkel also stepped down.

The most significant new appointment is that of Sabrina Soussan, who is slated to join as a shareholder representative. Subject to her anticipated formal appointment by the local court at the end of September 2025, Soussan will then be nominated for election at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 30 April 2026. Following that meeting, the Supervisory Board is expected to elect her as its new Chairperson. She will succeed the long-serving Prof Wolfgang Reitzle, who is scheduled to conclude his 16-year tenure at the close of the 2026 meeting.

Soussan is a German-French executive with over 25 years of experience in the automotive and transport sectors. Her extensive background includes leadership roles such as CEO of Siemens Mobility, senior positions at Siemens VDO and Continental, and most recently, serving as CEO and Chair of the French SUEZ Group. She also holds a position on the Shareholders’ Committee at Henkel.

Substantial changes are also occurring among the employee representatives. Petra Hartwig, Sabine Kühn, Michael Linnartz and Nicole Werner have been nominated for appointment, which is also expected to be finalised by the court in late September. Their appointments follow the resignations of several individuals, including Christiane Benner and Dr Matthias Ebenau, who stepped down because their roles at IG Metall no longer encompass responsibility for Continental. Furthermore, the employee representatives from the spun-off automotive business have also departed.

Assuming all anticipated court appointments proceed, the reconstituted Supervisory Board will comprise a blend of continuing and new members, including Prof Reitzle until his departure, and the newly appointed representatives.

Wolfgang Reitzle, Chairman of the Continental Supervisory Board, said, “Following the successful spin-off of Aumovio, we are now paving the way for an orderly succession. In Sabrina Soussan, the Nomination Committee has secured a highly qualified candidate for this role. I look forward to working with her and the other new Supervisory Board members. I would also like to thank the departing members for their commitment during this intense phase of transformation and for many years of trusted collaboration on the board.”

Soussan said, “Being nominated to the Continental Supervisory Board is a great honour for me. I look forward to becoming part of this outstanding team and supporting the Executive Board in implementing its strategy.”

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BKT Tires has reinforced its organisational structure with the strategic appointment of Paolo Mantovani as its Head of OEM Industrial & OTR Europe. This move signifies a key development for the European division of Balkrishna Industries Ltd as it pursues an elevated position within the global Original Equipment sector.

Mantovani is positioned to play a critical role in this expansion, leveraging his 15 years of comprehensive experience across various European tyre industry segments, including passenger vehicles, trucks, retreading and off-road machinery. His established commercial expertise and strategic insight into original equipment manufacturer requirements are anticipated to be instrumental in driving growth for BKT within the industrial and off-the-road tyre markets.

His primary responsibilities will involve implementing a defined strategy to enhance the company's OEM channel, solidifying its international presence. This will entail nurturing and expanding partnerships with equipment manufacturers, championing innovative initiatives and advancing the company's overarching objective of achieving sustainable and profitable worldwide growth.

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Hankook Tyre UK has expanded its Truck and Bus team with two key appointments. Jason Bloor has been appointed as National Account Manager, while Peter Hatton has been appointed as Regional Sales Manager for the combined Midlands and Northwest region.

Bloor, who will be overseeing national fleets activities, brings with him 34 years of experience in the tyre industry, while Hatton, who joined Hankook Tyre UK in May, has over three decades of expertise in the tyre and transport industry.

Chang-Yool Han, Managing Director, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “Following the opening of Hankook House, our new UK headquarters, we are pursuing ambitious growth plans for the UK market. We are delighted to welcome Jason Bloor and Peter Hatton to the team. Their extensive industry experience will undoubtedly make an immediate impact on the company’s continued success."

Bloor said, “I joined the tyre industry straight out of school in 1991 starting as a fitter where I discovered a passion for fleet management. Over the last 20 years, I have managed mileage contracts and key accounts, taking on responsibility in both sales and operations. I am excited to bring my decades of experience to Hankook and help drive brand awareness and strengthen customer relationships.”

Hatton said, “Having spent 30+ years working in the tyre and transport industry, I am privileged to be part of the Hankook UK team. The company offers an excellent range of tyre products across its premium Hankook brand and associate brand Laufenn. I look forward to applying my skills and experience in supporting both current and new customers while working alongside a brilliant team.”

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