Here is chit chat with Steffen Braune, Head of Products at TROESTER

Braune, you have been there for a quite long period in the extrusion business already. How has been the journey?

I started my career in the tyre industry more than 10 years ago. I began as a designer but changed very quickly to project engineer in the extrusion business. I was mainly responsible for Indian customers and due to the long period of time, a close relationship was build.

Where do you see your biggest challenge?

With the expansion in 2019, we increased our portfolio and have a huge variety of extrusion equipment for tyre and technical gum production. We are able to serve our customers with the best equipment for their requirements. Nevertheless, we are in the phase to standardise our products in order to have the best and first choice for our customers.

Do you see any trends in regard to your Indian customers?

We see the Indian rubber industry growing not only for their internal market but also in terms of export products to the EU or US (OE and replacement). As those tyres have to be labelled, this is bringing new requirements in terms of product quality and process stability. We can bring our bright experience and solutions as a benefit to our Indian customers, so that their operation is prepared for the correct supply. 

How about new developments to support?

We are optimising our extrusion portfolio every day. The components to be produced are getting thinner and different compounds are used. This has to be handled with care in the whole line supplied. The mechanical parts of the machine have to be perfect. 

Regarding the electrical and software components, we are putting more effort for ‘high sophisticated intelligence’ in our lines. The ‘TROESTER Analysing and Monitoring System (TAM-System)’ is a result of our research efforts in the past years. The system records different information of the extrusion equipment and helps our customers to get more analytics and AI software modules. We see this as the right answer and tool for the need of our customers who have more and more difficulties while finding operators with the skills required. 

Are you doing the same in the equipment supplied for the extrusion of technical gum parts?

Sure, let`s take as an example the extrusion of tubes. In the past years, TROESTER has developed the different heads further. We now have all the heads equipped with a measurement tool and a close loop control in order to have a constant centred wall thickness accuracy below 1/100 mm. By doing so, we have enabled our customers to have a high quality process under control with the reduction of usage of high sophisticated and very expansive compound.

Can you retrofit such systems?

Yes, all such solutions are able to be retrofitted.

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Halfords has signalled a strategic push into the B2B mobility market by naming a new leader for its fleet division. Jessica Jones is set to become Director of Fleet Solutions from the start of April 2026, tasked with accelerating growth in this area. She arrives with considerable expertise in the fleet, leasing and B2B mobility sectors, having spent her career guiding national account teams and forging strong customer relationships that have driven commercial success.

Her background encompasses strategic fleet management, business expansion and the creation of adaptable service models for corporate clients. Prior to this appointment, Jones served as Sales Director at Sixt UK and held the position of Director of National Fleet Sales at ATS Euromaster. Her recruitment underscores Halfords' commitment to developing its fleet services as a core area for expansion.

The company aims to support businesses by utilising its extensive network of garages to provide integrated maintenance and mobility services. These offerings are designed to maximise vehicle availability and assist companies in controlling operational expenditure.

Adam Pay, Managing Director of Garages at Halfords, said, “Fleet is a significant growth opportunity for Halfords, and Jess brings deep sector expertise alongside a strong track record of building high-performing teams and customer partnerships. As fleets face increasing cost pressures and operational complexity, our national scale and service capability position us strongly to support customers. Jess’s leadership will help us accelerate momentum and unlock further opportunities in this important market.”

Jones said, “I’m delighted to be joining Halfords at such an exciting point in its growth. The business combines a trusted consumer brand with a powerful national servicing network, creating real potential in fleet. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and customers to build on the strong foundations already in place and further develop a differentiated, customer-focused fleet offering.”

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Triangle Tyre has significantly strengthened its European off-the-road operations with the appointment of Federico Parmesan as the new European OTR Technical Manager, a position he assumed on 1 March 2026. This strategic appointment represents a key milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to enhance its technical capabilities and expand its market presence across the continent's specialised tyre sector.

Parmesan brings more than three decades of tyre industry experience to his new role, with particular expertise concentrated in OTR and earthmoving applications. His extensive background encompasses not only deep technical knowledge but also a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by dealers and end-users operating in demanding environments. This combination of technical proficiency and practical insight positions him to effectively bridge the gap between product development and real-world application requirements.

In his new capacity, Parmesan will work closely with Triangle's partner network throughout Europe, providing support for both aftermarket and original equipment segments. His responsibilities include strengthening the company's field application expertise and contributing directly to the continued development of the OTR product portfolio. These efforts aim to deliver enhanced value and service to partners across the region.

The appointment reflects Triangle's strategic priority of reinforcing its technical structure to support ambitious growth objectives in the European OTR segment. The company seeks not merely to consolidate its existing market share but to achieve sustainable expansion while elevating support levels for its partners. Parmesan's extensive experience, energetic approach and positive attitude are expected to prove invaluable assets as Triangle pursues these goals and strengthens its position within the competitive European market.

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ATF Tyres, one of India’s leading manufacturers of off-highway tyres, has announced the appointment of Rajesh Vyas as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Vyas brings over 25 years of global experience to the role, having worked across diverse international markets to build high-performance sales teams and enhance distribution networks.

His professional background includes leadership roles in brand positioning and product portfolio expansion within competitive sectors. Prior to joining ATF, Vyas served as Vice President at Rubber King Tyre Group. He also held key positions at Balkrishna Industries Limited as Head of Mining Tyres for India and spent a decade at Apollo Tyres Ltd as Business Head for Off-Highway Tyres.

With the company working to expand its footprint in the agricultural, industrial and OTR segments worldwide, Vyas’s strategic leadership and commercial insight are expected to support ATF Tyres in delivering performance-driven solutions across multiple regions.

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Continental Tire has introduced a fresh and distinctive marketing figure known as the ‘Nod of Confidence’ ambassador to connect with drivers on a deeper level. This initiative is designed to encapsulate the precise moment a customer feels absolute certainty in their purchase decision, visually represented by a simple, affirming nod. It is a symbolic gesture that conveys the reassurance, trust and satisfaction associated with selecting a premium tyre brand.

For years, Continental has been regarded as the smart choice in the industry, a reputation built on a steadfast dedication to superior quality, advanced technology and dependable performance. The company consistently responds to market demands by engineering tyres that deliver exceptional comfort and peace of mind. Recognising that the process of buying tyres can often be complex and filled with uncertainty, this campaign targets the emotional journey of the consumer. It aims to capture that pivotal moment of clarity when a driver moves from questioning and comparing options to confidently confirming they have chosen the best solution for their vehicle and family.

This new ambassador is an extension of Continental's broader mission to simplify and enhance the tyre-buying experience. By blending cutting-edge tread innovations with customer-focused education and support, the brand continues to prioritise driver needs while reinforcing its leadership in the automotive industry.

Brian Beierwaltes, Head of Marketing US PLT, Continental Tire, said, “We understand that today’s consumers are looking for more than just a product, they’re looking for confidence. This creative idea brings our ‘Smart Choice in Tires’ philosophy to life in a simple, relatable way. That nod represents reassurance, expertise and the peace of mind that comes from selecting a brand that consistently delivers on performance, comfort and innovation.”

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