For its ID. Buzz, Volkswagen has equipped it with Hankook’s Ventus S1 evo 3 ev. While for the transporter ID. Buzz Cargo, the 18-inch entry-level tyres are available exclusively, the electric bus ID. Buzz can also be ordered with the 21-inch version. In this combination, the first Hankook premium passenger car tyre with the ‘HL’ load index designation is also making its debut. One of the special challenges during the approximately 2.5-year development phase was the tyre tuning with regard to the very high permissible total weight of the VW ID. Buzz and the distinct driving dynamics at the level of a passenger car.

Sanghoon Lee, President of Hankook Tire Europe, said, “Hankook and Volkswagen have been working together successfully for many years. Developing the tyres for the VW ID. Buzz represents another highlight of this cooperation. It makes us proud that this car, reminiscent of the globally popular original 'Bulli', will be delivered with Hankook tyres straight from the factory."

Rolling resistance, load-bearing capacity and comfort
With the 18-inch version of the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev, Hankook supplies the ID. Buzz family with all-round qualities. The tyre, which is specially designed for electric vehicles, brings the above-average drive torque onto the road with confidence, indispensable for the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which combines the driving dynamics of a passenger car with the curb weight of a van.

In addition, the tyre is characterised by excellent stability. The basis for the robust tyre body of the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev is the double-ply carcass made of a specially developed high-performance fibre, which combines stability and low weight. Thus, the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev has a low tare weight relative to its size. Added to this are the benefits of the tread design, which ensures outstanding acoustic comfort. As a result, the noise emissions, which are low in electric vehicles per se, are significantly reduced once again.

Another characteristic of the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev is its high abrasion resistance – the result of the tread compound specially designed for high drive torques. In terms of rolling resistance, the tyre also fulfils the specifications in an exemplary manner. Compared to a comparable B-rated tyre, the Label A tyre can contribute to an increase in range of up to 30 kilometres per battery charge.

In the 21-inch dimension for the ID. Buzz – due to the reduced sidewall height – an additional steel-based reinforcement is used in the bead area. This contributes to an even higher sidewall stiffness. This ensures a particularly dynamic, direct steering feedback. Finally, an independent feature of the 21-inch version is the aerodynamically optimised contour of the rim protection strip, which also contributes to more reach.

First Hankook passenger car tyre with HL signature
With the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev in HL 235/45 R21 104T XL and HL 265/40 R21 108T XL for the ID. Buzz, Hankook presents passenger car tyres with the ‘HL’ load index designation for the first time in its portfolio. The latest generation of powerful passenger cars and SUVs with battery drive is characterised by a significantly higher vehicle weight. This requires tyres that have a significantly higher load capacity at the same inflation pressure. Hankook claims that the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev masters this challenge with aplomb, so that the VW ID. BUZZ can bring its driving dynamics, which are favoured by the low centre of gravity, onto the road without any restrictions.

Klaus Krause, Head of the Hankook Europe Technical Center in Hanover, explained, “With the development of the high load capacity tyre, Hankook is further expanding its original equipment portfolio. The tyre, which is adapted to the higher vehicle weight that is of great relevance for e-transporters, supports the driving characteristics of the VW ID. Buzz.”

SEALGUARD technology
The 21-inch dimension of the Ventus S1 evo 3 ev is equipped with the Hankook SEALGUARD, sealing material as a further comfort and safety feature. This automatically seals punctures of up to five millimetres in diameter in the area of the tyre tread. This technology allows the driver to continue driving even in the event of a nail puncture, for example. A spare wheel or puncture kit therefore no longer needs to be carried in SEALGUARD-equipped vehicles. It provides additional space in the boot, saving weight and eliminating the need for a potentially dangerous roadside wheel change. In addition to their safety benefits, tyres equipped with this technology continue to offer the same level of comfort, as their basic construction is no different from tyres without SEALGUARD.

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Gaurav Kumar has resigned as a whole-time director of Apollo Tyres, the Indian tyre manufacturer, after more than two decades with the company, though he will remain chief financial officer during a transition period.

The Gurugram-based company's board approved the resignation at a meeting on Thursday. Kumar steps down as a director, and consequently as a member of the risk management committee, with effect from the close of business the same day. The company said he had confirmed there was no material reason for his departure beyond that stated in his resignation letter.

Kumar will continue as chief financial officer for such period as is necessary to ensure a smooth transition, after which he will cease to be part of the company's senior management.

In his resignation letter, Kumar said: "It has been terrific to be part of the incredible journey at Apollo Tyres thus far. I have learned, and hopefully contributed in equal measure, and now seek to explore alternative and new challenges. I wish Apollo Tyres the very best for the journey ahead and will always be part of the Apollo Tyres Family." He added that he was grateful to Onkar Kanwar and Neeraj Kanwar for their support during his tenure of more than 22 years at the company.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, said: "Gaurav deserves kudos for the critical role he has played in the growth of Apollo Tyres, both in India and overseas, in the last twenty years. While we do regret losing him, we are conscious of his personal aspirations and wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

The company said it was in the process of appointing a new chief financial officer.

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Shrader Tire & Oil (STO) has announced the appointment of Bob Feldbauer to the role of President, effective 1 August 2026. He will concurrently serve as Chief Operating Officer, while Joe Shrader maintains his position as Chief Executive Officer.

Feldbauer’s ascent follows his arrival at STO in early 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, a role built upon a robust industry resume. His prior engagements include a lengthy stint at the helm of Jack’s Tire & Oil in Utah and a substantial period with Michelin North America, where he handled sales and managerial assignments.

Under the new structure, Feldbauer’s purview widens to encompass both internal fleet management across 14 sites and outward-facing commercial development, including alliances and market expansion. With the founding family’s fourth generation now active within the firm, the succession plan reinforces the enduring principles established when the company opened in 1948.

Shrader said, “Bob has proven exactly what we hoped he would when we brought him on board – sharp operational instincts and a real drive to help this company grow. Putting him in the President seat lets us move faster on the growth plans we’ve been building towards.”

Feldbauer said, “It has been a fast year and a half at Shrader Tire & Oil. I have gained tremendous insight and valuable knowledge about our organisation’s structure, company culture and an understanding of our overall goals and commitments. One thing is clearly obvious – the commitment Shrader employees have to deliver the best customer experience each and every time. I appreciate this and look forward to supporting them as their President and COO.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has unveiled a brand installation at the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) T2 Elevated Road Underpass as the tyre manufacturer seeks to broaden its positioning beyond its traditional Off-Highway business and strengthen awareness of its expanding on-highway portfolio in India.

The 2,000 sq. ft. installation, inspired by the company's "Elevate Your Drive" philosophy, highlights BKT's portfolio across agriculture, construction, mining, earthmoving, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The activation comes as the company expands its presence in India's two-wheeler and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

Designed to move beyond conventional outdoor advertising, the installation features nine illuminated tyre-shaped displays, each 8 feet in diameter, using the tyre itself as the central storytelling element. It opens with a large-format visual featuring BKT brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, followed by a sequence of displays illustrating the company's expanding mobility portfolio. The installation will remain at the airport for 24 months.

Mumbai International Airport handled a record 55.5 million passengers in 2025, providing the company with sustained visibility among business travellers and consumers.

"For BKT, innovation goes beyond product engineering; it extends to how we tell our story. This installation reflects a simple yet powerful idea: our tyre itself becomes the medium through which travellers experience the breadth of BKT's world. As we expand our presence across India's mobility landscape, it is important that consumers see BKT not through a single product category, but as a brand that supports movement across diverse terrains, applications and journeys. Mumbai Airport provides an ideal stage for us to express that transformation in a memorable and distinctive way," said Satish Sharma, Senior President & Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT.

The installation was conceptualised by Infectious Advertising and uses immersive design, sequential storytelling and its airport location to showcase the company's wider mobility portfolio. According to BKT, the activation is intended to connect its established Off-Highway business with its growing presence in India's on-highway mobility market.

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Mumbai-headquartered leading carbon black manufacturer Epsilon Carbon has reported a 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across its upstream transportation operations during FY2025–26. The reduction was achieved through the deployment of an electric and liquefied natural gas freight fleet.

An independent third party certified the emissions data. The reductions achieved in transport logistics equate to carbon absorption figures associated with approximately 29,000 trees. The verified figures allow supply chain partners to include these reductions within Scope 3 emissions reporting frameworks and environmental disclosures.

Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Decarbonising logistics is central to our climate strategy. What makes this milestone meaningful is that the results are independently verified with a 10 percent reduction in CO2e emissions within the upstream transportation category over a single financial year, driven by the adoption of electric and LNG fleets. These carbon reductions strengthen our own sustainability disclosures and those of our customers, and we intend to scale this model across our supply chain.”

Following Phase 1 operations, Epsilon Carbon intends to expand the number of electric and LNG vehicles in its transport fleet during FY 2026–27 to scale low-carbon freight transport across its supply chain network.

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