Bridgestone India’s brand ambassadors and members of the Indian Olympic contingent – Mary Kom, PV Sindhu and Udayan Mane – wished their co-team members the very best in the forthcoming Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

The brand ambassadors were joined by Bridgestone India’s Managing Director, Parag Satpute in wishing the Indian contingent success and laurels in Tokyo.

Bridgestone has been strongly associated with the world of the Olympics through strategic partnerships and collaborations in the past. The upcoming Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 hold a special significance for the company, as they are set to take place in Japan, the home of their global headquarters and the country where the tyre manufacturer was founded 90 years ago.

Parag Satpute, Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said, “We are truly honoured to be associated with our brand ambassadors and it is a matter of pride that Mary Kom will be one of the Indian flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. We believe that harbouring a strong culture of sports and investing in our people will contribute towards the creation of better individuals leading to a holistically developed society.”

Mary Kom said, “My journey with Bridgestone has been eventful and a memorable one. Through my journey, I want to communicate to all my fellow athletes ready to represent India that sports are not for the faint-hearted, especially boxing as a female athlete. The journey is never short of roadblocks. Bridgestone is a brand known for its strength and endurance, and it has risen to the cause of encouraging every upcoming athlete’s sportsman spirit and it resonates deeply with me.”

P V Sindhu said, “As Bridgestone India’s first brand ambassador, I feel thrilled and responsible to talk about my journey and all the tough lessons that have led up to achieving success in the international arena. I would want more Indians to step up to this challenge, and via this platform, I am honoured to be associated with Bridgestone India to spread this message of determination and perseverance. Bridgestone has a strong sports lineage which is further strengthened with their Worldwide Olympic Partnership and we want more Indian athletes to conquer the global Olympic stage.” (TT)

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Yokohama ATG-owned Galaxy, a brand of tyres for construction, earthmoving and material handling, has entered the UTV and ATV segment with Hulk PSX and Everest PSX.

The company stated that the tyres are for use in the off-road segment and in utility applications, providing durability, life and traction across terrains. They are engineered to provide puncture resistance, stability and comfort for utility and recreational operations.

The Hulk PSX is for use off-road across terrains. It features a compound for tyre life and sidewalls for cut resistance. Radial construction is for performance, while shoulder blocks assist cornering and handling. It includes a tread design for traction and a tread-to-void ratio for wear resistance and stability. The model fits 12-inch and 14-inch rims to cater to UTV configurations.

On the other hand, the Everest PSX is suitable for utility applications, providing performance, durability and comfort. It offers resistance to cuts, chips and abrasions. Pattern continuity is for roadability and vibration reduction. The tyre provides traction and stability, including wet surface grip. It includes rim protection and puncture resistance for operations. The model is offered for 12-inch, 14-inch and 15-inch rims for UTV applications.

Dyutiman Chatterjee, Chief Technology Officer, Yokohama-ATG, said, “Building on its 100+ years legacy, Galaxy’s entry into the UTV/ATV category is a strategic step in strengthening its presence globally. These tyres are designed to meet the evolving needs of customers seeking performance, reliability and durability in extreme conditions.” 

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Michelin has completed the acquisition of Flexitallic, expanding the French group’s industrial sealing activities as it seeks growth in higher value-added markets under its “Michelin in Motion 2030” strategy.

Houston-based Flexitallic, founded in 1912, manufactures engineered sealing solutions used in industries including energy and chemicals, where equipment operates under extreme conditions and safety standards are stringent. The company operates 17 manufacturing facilities globally and produces seals, gaskets, sheet products and specialty filler materials.

Michelin said the acquisition would broaden its sealing solutions portfolio and strengthen its access to the aftermarket. The transaction also combines Flexitallic’s expertise in engineered sealing technologies with Michelin’s global industrial network.

Flexitallic employs about 1,200 people and generated sales of about $220m in 2025.

The companies said the deal would support demand from both traditional industrial sectors and emerging energy markets, where sealing technologies are required to ensure operational reliability and safety.

Flexitallic provides what it describes as “Total Joint Integrity” services, combining sealing products with onsite technical support aimed at improving long-term operational performance. Its specialist services division, Integra Technologies, offers onsite inspection, maintenance and compliance support across industrial assets.

Michelin said the acquisition reflected its strategy of using its industrial and materials expertise to expand beyond tyres into adjacent engineering and high-technology businesses.

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has elevated Rachel Tibor to the role of Chief Marketing Officer for its wholesale division. She now joins the company’s executive team and will oversee the insight-driven go-to-market strategy, reporting directly to President and CEO Don Byrd.

Tibor originally joined TBC in 2023 as Group Vice President of Wholesale Marketing, where she was responsible for developing the wholesale strategy, including marketing leadership, brand positioning and customer engagement. Her career spans more than two decades, with prior leadership roles in marketing and brand strategy at Office Depot and Procter & Gamble.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University. The promotion reinforces TBC’s focus on data-led marketing as it continues to expand its wholesale and franchise tyre operations across North America.

Byrd said, “Rachel has created deep alignment across multiple disciplines and provided data-driven approaches that deliver a best-in-class customer experience. As Chief Marketing Officer, Rachel will continue to provide rigor and focused strategies that will drive TBC forward.”

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Continental has announced a leadership transition at its supervisory board level, with Sabrina Soussan, 56, elected as the new chair. The unanimous decision took place during the board’s constituent meeting, held immediately after the company’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. Soussan, who had just been elected as a shareholder representative, succeeds Wolfgang Reitzle, who departed as planned following more than 16 years of service on the board.

A German-French top executive, Soussan brings over 25 years of automotive and transport sector experience to Continental, positioning her to guide the firm’s strategic realignment. Her career includes serving as CEO of Siemens Mobility and, most recently, as CEO and chair of France’s SUEZ Group. She previously held senior roles at Continental itself and was appointed to the supervisory board by a local court in September 2025. Soussan also serves on Henkel’s Shareholders’ Committee and is standing for election to Stadler Rail’s board of directors.

At the same constituent meeting, the supervisory board extended the executive board appointment of Chief Executive Officer Christian Kötz by three years, securing his tenure until March 2030. The early renewal reflects strong confidence in his leadership, particularly his success in strengthening Continental’s tyre business amid challenging market conditions and his role in reshaping the company as a focused tire manufacturer.

Kötz, who has been with Continental’s tyre division since 1996, joined the executive board in 2019 and has led key areas including passenger-tyre replacement and commercial-vehicle tyre units, as well as global research and development for passenger-car tyres. He has served as Continental’s chief executive since 1 January 2026.

Soussan said, “Being elected as chair of the Supervisory Board fills me with joy and respect. I would like to thank the shareholders and the Supervisory Board for placing their trust in me. Continental is strongly positioned as a focused tyre manufacturer. I look forward to paving the way for a successful future together with the Supervisory Board and Executive Board.”

Kötz said, “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for placing its trust in me. We have proven in recent years that we have the right ingredients for success: top technology in our products, state-of-the-art manufacturing, efficient distribution and a strong brand, supported by a strong team. We will continue to drive forward our success strategy and make Continental even more resilient.”

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