JK Tyre & Industries has introduced its Levitas Ultra range of tyres. With this launch, the company has entered the luxury car segment, which is a fast-expanding one. The new range is designed for premium cars and was unveiled for the western region by Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre & Industries, in Mumbai today.

With the healthy revival of the economy, the Indian automobile industry is witnessing an uptick in demand of luxury cars, with the market having grown by nearly 50 percent. JK Tyre claims that with the entry of Levitas Ultra, the tyre company is well-poised to capitalise on this growth by timing it with the growing requirements in the market.

Tested extensively in Europe and India, JK Tyre states that these UHP (Ultra High Performance) tyres offer best-in-class functionality across key aspects – utmost comfort, low noise and high durability. The tyres are perfected for Indian road conditions and climate. They are offered in seven sizes, ranging from 225/55 R16 to 245/45 R18 for premium cars. Further, the tyre company plans to enlarge its portfolio of ‘Levitas Ultra’ by introducing it in a 19- to 22-inch tyre range. This is in order to cover the entire gamut of luxury cars. The Levitas Ultra has been rated a five star for fuel savings, according to the tyre company.

Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre & Industries, said, “We have always been committed to providing our customers with cutting-edge technology-driven products. With Levitas Ultra, we are pleased to enter the premium car tyre space for the luxury car owners. These UHP tyres are proof of our unwavering commitment to providing matchless performance across all key parameters of this niche category, including ride and handling, grip levels, noise reduction and braking. The Levitas Ultra range is specially designed for Indian road conditions and has a high potential to become the preferred choice of the country's premium car users."

Advanced technology
The new range boasts of shortest braking distances in dry and wet conditions, offering enhanced safety. As per JK Tyre, a great driving response is assured with Levitas Ultra’s handling characteristics, keeping lateral control and grip in the optimum range. Adaptive contour and a special noise cancelling pattern ensure the lowest in-cabin noise and a relaxed ride. These UHP tyres are formulated with high-grade MFX Polymer, which ensures durability for Indian roads and stability during hard cornering. A super optimised tread pitch sequence provides a smooth commute at a range of speeds, even in wet conditions. The robust layers with considerable thickness offer resistance to perforations.

The Levitas Ultra range of tyres will be available across key cities from 1 April, 2023.

LANXESS, a specialty chemicals company, has successfully placed a six-year-tenor euro benchmark bond with a coupon of 0.0 percent in the European capital market.
The company, with about 14,800 employees in 33 countries, will use the funds to finance the planned acquisition of IFF, a US-based chemical company involved in microbial control.

The new bond is listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange in denominations of EUR 1,000.

Michael Pontzen, CFO, LANXESS, said, “We have secured the first step of financing already quickly after the announcement of the acquisition of IFF Microbial Control and are happy about the very receptive reaction of the capital market to our offering.” (TT)

Goodyear has launched its new RT-3B bead-to-bead tread in US and Canada in sizes 20.5R25 and 23.5R25 for off-the-road (OTR) tyres.

The new retread provides all-around performance for loaders and graders. Joining the existing lineup of premium off-the-road Goodyear tyres, the retread provides up to 60 percent savings compared to a new tyre.

Used extensively in gruelling OTR applications, retreading helps extend the life of tyres while delivering high traction and minimal tread wear. Additionally, retreading promotes sustainability by reducing unnecessary waste.

The new Goodyear RT-3B is cured in a mould and press method to generate low heat through long hours of usage via its 115-level tread depth. Strongly cut-resistant in nature, the centerline lugs and open shoulder provides optimal traction.

Loic Ravasio, General Manager, Global and Americas OTR, Goodyear, said, “We are always focused on delivering high value and low cost of ownership to our OTR customers. The RT-3B is a substantial addition to our retread portfolio providing another great option for operators to help drive efficiency, reduce costs and protect the environment.” (TT)

Anshuman Singhania, Dy. Managing Director of JK Tyre, has been appointed managing director of the company, effective October 21,2020.

Anshuman Singhania joined the Company as an Executive and over the years has been deeply involved in various activities of the Company in different positions, said the company.

Singhania is also Vice Chairman of ATMA

He is a graduate from Oxford Brookes University, UK and an alumnus of London Business School. As a young leader, he started his career from the shop floor as an apprentice and has held several positions in Planning, Production, Product Development, Quality Control, Stores & Purchase, Finance as well as Sales & Marketing. Being a techno-savvy person, he has played a key role in implementing the latest technologies in the manufacturing process at JK Tyre.

Yokohama Off-Highway Tires recently held the groundbreaking and foundation stone unveiling ceremony of its new plant at Atchutapuram, Visakhapatnam - Andhra Pradesh, India.

In the online event, Masataka Yamaishi , President & Chairman of the Board, Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd broke the ground to commence construction work.

Yamaishi San unveiled the Foundation Stone virtually in the presence of Atao Kishi San: Chairman - ATC Tires Pvt. Ltd. and Managing Officer - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., Nitin Mantri – CEO and Anil Gupta – COO and the leadership team at Yokohama Off-Highway Tires.

The new plant will have a daily production capacity of 55 tons (rubber weight), with planned capital investment totalling US$165 million. The plant, which will be the company’s third plant in India, will manufacture its three brands ALLIANCE, GALAXY and PRIMEX brand tyres.

 Yokohama Off-Highway Tires currently has two tyre plants in India—the Dahej Plant in Gujarat and the Tirunelveli Plant in Tamil Nadu.