Maxxis Tyres Introduces Specialised Tyre Range for Premium Cruiser Segment Bikes

Lanxess' Rhein Chemie Site Marks 25-Years Milestone

Maxxis India has introduced an exclusive range of tyres for the cruiser segment for premium bikes. These are Maxxis M6311/M6312 and M6239/M6240. The closed grooves at the shoulder of Maxxis M6311/M6312 minimise the chances of cracking by providing additional support and resistance to the wear and tear forces. Maxxplore Series i.e. M6239/M6240, is specially designed to cater to the needs of riders for the exploration of off-road conditions without compromising speed. It has been built with state-of-the-art advance rubber compound technology that offers higher strength and performance on dry/wet conditions.

These tyres have specially-designed tread patterns to meet the needs for safety and comfort. They are currently available for the replacement market for Royal Enfield Classic 350, Classic 500, Thunderbird 350, Thunderbird 500, Bullet 500, Bullet Electra, Himalayan, Hunter.

Maxxis Maxxceed Series M6311/M6312 gives control while riding. Its curvilinear design supports cornering on wet roads and dispersing water. Steering, leaning, cornering all get an upgrade because of the technologically-advanced design which creates a greater contact area and optimises structural rigidity. The custom designed zigzag pattern on alternate lugs relieves the stress of the tyres. This results in reduced shape distortion, improved performance and enhances the tyre’s total life. 

Both the series are supported by a 5+1 unconditional warranty with Maxxis two-wheeler tyres. This unconditional warranty is a no-questions-asked warranty that applies to all unserviceable and unrepairable tyres, states Maxxis India. Brian Yen, Commercial and Marketing Head, Maxxis India, said, “Over the years, Maxxis has built a strong legacy and excellence in producing the finest tyres in the world. As we progress in the year 2023, we want to strengthen our national footprint.  Maxxceed and Maxxplore series is a testament to our expertise in tyre manufacturing and re-instate our preparedness for the Indian market. We are glad to introduce the M6239/M6240 and M6311/M6312 series of tyres for the replacement market that will set a benchmark for the cruiser segment tyres in a big way. These new ranges of tyres will bring out the zeal and fervour amongst those who long for performance and ensure a great cruising experience for new as well as experienced riders. We have engineered these tyres for enjoyable long distance riding and highway cruising, that gives the right driving force with control while unlocking the performance of their vehicle.”

The tyres are available pan India across all Maxxis dealer outlets.

WACKER Secures Gold Medal In EcoVadis Sustainability Rating

WACKER Secures Gold Medal In EcoVadis Sustainability Rating

WACKER has earned the 2025 Gold Medal from the independent rating agency EcoVadis, marking its continued recognition for sustainable practices and responsible corporate governance. This distinction places the company within the top five percent of all businesses assessed by EcoVadis (over 1,000 companies globally). WACKER's overall score improved from 77 points (in 2024) to 79 points, driven largely by enhanced reporting and concrete actions focused on Scope 3 emissions and ethical standards.

The EcoVadis assessment measures the quality of a company’s sustainability management through a methodology grounded in international frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative, the UN Global Compact and ISO 26000. Performance is scored from 0 to 100 across four core areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement, using 21 specific indicators.

In line with its commitment, WACKER provides its EcoVadis evaluation to customers as a standardised and credible validation of its sustainability efforts. The company has also defined ambitious climate targets, aiming to halve its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 relative to 2020 levels. Progress is already evident, with a 30 percent reduction achieved as of 2024. Looking further ahead, WACKER strives to reach net-zero emissions across its operations by the year 2045.

Peter Gigler, Head of Corporate ESG, WACKER, said, “The result confirms our initiatives in many key areas. It provides our customers with invaluable proof.”

Craig Borman Appointed As Head Of OTR At BKT USA

Craig Borman Appointed As Head Of OTR At BKT USA

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires), a global leader in off-highway tyre manufacturing, has appointed Craig Borman as Head of OTR at BKT USA. The appointment is in line with BKT’s long-term strategy through 2030.

Borman brings with him 20 years of experience across off-road equipment, tyres and rubber tracks. He will play a key role in leading BKT USA's OTR team and expanding the company's presence in this market while increasing awareness of the value and dependability of BKT's range of products.

Borman said, “I’m extremely excited to join the BKT family and to build off the successes that this team has already achieved. I look forward to engaging with our partners, determining how we can accelerate our mutual growth and working towards achieving BKT’s vision of being a recognised leader in the OTR segment.”

Christian Kötz To Succeed Nikolai Setzer As Continental CEO In Planned Handover

Christian Kötz To Succeed Nikolai Setzer As Continental CEO In Planned Handover

The Supervisory Board of Continental AG confirmed a significant leadership transition during its meeting on 17 December 2025. Christian Kötz will be appointed as the new Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2026. He succeeds Nikolai Setzer, who will step down from the Executive Board on 31 December 2025. Setzer's departure follows more than 16 years as a board member, including the last five years in the CEO role, and occurs by mutual agreement as the company reaches a pivotal point in its strategic evolution.

This planned change in leadership aligns with the substantial progress Continental has made in its transformation into a pure-play tyre company. Major structural milestones have been achieved, including the spin-off of Aumovio and the signing of an agreement to sell the Original Equipment Solutions (OESL) business area. Regarding the planned 2026 sale of ContiTech, internal preparations are largely complete. The market outreach phase has concluded, and a structured sales process is scheduled to begin in January 2026, setting the stage for the final step in the corporate realignment.

Kötz’s extensive background within the tyre business, dating back to 1996, positions him to lead this final phase. A member of the Executive Board since 2019, his previous leadership roles within the Tires group sector included responsibility for the passenger car tyre replacement business in the EMEA region, the original equipment and commercial vehicle tyre business units and global research and development for passenger car tyres. His many years of trusted collaboration with Nikolai Setzer are expected to ensure continuity during the transition.

Kötz will lead an Executive Board comprising several key figures. Alongside him and Philip Nelles, who has headed the ContiTech group sector since 2021, are Roland Welzbacher and Ulrike Hintze. Welzbacher joined the board in August 2025 and assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer on 1 October 2025. Hintze was appointed to the board on 1 July 2025, serving as Chief Human Resources Officer and Director of Labour Relations. This board will be responsible for driving the tyre business forward, completing the corporate realignment and, following the sale of ContiTech, integrating the remaining group functions into the tyre organisation.

Wolfgang Reitzle, Chairman of Continental’s Supervisory Board, said, “Nikolai Setzer has been instrumental in shaping Continental, realigning the organisation and paving the way for three strong, independent companies. For this, he has the thanks of the entire Supervisory Board as well as my personal gratitude. With this handover, we are consolidating responsibility for the tyre business, the realignment and the remaining tasks of the group functions in one role. Christian Kötz is one of the most distinguished managers in the global tyre industry. With his extensive experience and passion for Continental, we firmly believe he is the right choice to lead the company successfully into the future.”

Setzer said, “In recent years, we have succeeded in transforming a diverse portfolio of businesses into three strong, independent champions. After 28 years at Continental, now is the right time for me to hand over responsibility to Christian Kötz. I’m extremely grateful for the journey we’ve all shared and proud of what we’ve all achieved together. I firmly believe that the tyre business, ContiTech, Aumovio and OESL have a promising future ahead.”

Kötz said, “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for its trust and am excited about this new responsibility. Continental has been my professional home for three decades. Together with the Executive Board team and all colleagues throughout the company, we will complete the realignment and continue the success story of our tyre business.”

Law Hieling Elected To GPSNR Executive Committee

Law Hieling Elected To GPSNR Executive Committee

Following the 2025 General Assembly, Law Hieling has been elected to the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) Executive Committee to represent the Manufacturer category. His 27-year international career at Michelin, encompassing roles in finance, commercial sales, distribution and his current leadership in natural rubber purchasing, provides a profound, ground-level understanding of the global tyre industry.

This extensive background has given him a clear appreciation for the intricate balance between commercial needs and ecological responsibility. He is committed to leveraging this perspective to help drive the collaborative, transparent and equitable solutions that are essential for a genuinely sustainable natural rubber value chain, benefiting both people and the planet.

Hieling said, “I look forward to contributing to the work of the Executive Committee in advancing responsible practices across the natural rubber sector.”