Apollo Tyres Launches Vredestein Superpasso Pro High-Performance Bicycle Tyre

Apollo Tyres Launches Vredestein Superpasso Pro High-Performance Bicycle Tyre

Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the Vredestein Superpasso Pro competition-ready road bicycle tyres. This is the first model in the company’s all-new range of high-performance bicycle tyres scheduled for launch throughout the coming year.

The Superpasso Pro was developed using Apollo Tyres' cutting-edge ‘TriComp’ technology in Europe, which combines several rubber compositions for the tread and sidewall to maximise rolling resistance, puncture prevention and traction in both wet and dry situations. While the tyre's shoulder is composed of a softer composition to improve cornering grip at all speeds, the centre of the tread features a tougher compound to reduce rolling resistance and to prevent penetration. The new Superpasso Pro achieves a 14 percent improvement in rolling resistance, a 23 percent increase in puncture resistance and an eight percent weight reduction when compared to its Vredestein predecessor.

For TLR tyres, the new ‘Active Control’ technology offers a novel design that substitutes a bridging gap for the conventional overlapping centre join. Because of this development, the tyre is lighter and quicker, offering better control, better feedback and unwavering comfort. In order to increase puncture resistance and provide consumers the assurance that they can go farther, the Vredestein tyre also has a reinforced breaker layer. As part of a business collaboration with Apollo Tyres, the Dutch professional cycling team BEAT Cycling Club has put the Superpasso Pro through a rigorous testing process. Three sizes of the new Vredestein tyre are available: 700x25C, 700x28C and 700x32C. Both tubeless-ready (TLR) and tube type choices are available.

Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Superpasso Pro represents a significant leap forward in tyre technology, offering cyclists a product that excels in both performance and durability. With its innovative design and advanced materials, it delivers unmatched speed, comfort and reliability for cyclists of all levels.”

Thijs Zonneveld, Sportive Director, BEAT Cycling Club, said, “As a team that consistently pushes the limits of performance, we’ve been thoroughly impressed by the Superpasso Pro. The advancements in rolling efficiency, grip and durability have been evident in both race-day conditions and intense training sessions, and we’re excited to continue using it in competition.”

CEAT Appoints Rahul Gama as Sr VP of Human Resources

CEAT, the Indian tyre manufacturer, has appointed Rahul Gama as Senior Vice-President of Human Resources with immediate effect.

Gama brings 28 years of global human resources experience spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and the Indian subcontinent. His career has covered the consumer goods, chemicals, agriculture, retail and services sectors.

He previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Pidilite Industries and Global CHRO at Godrej Consumer Products, where he led workforce transformation, international expansion and acquisition integration across multiple geographies.

Earlier roles at Godrej Agrovet, Godrej Chemicals, Marico and Arvind International involved human resources transformation, talent development, productivity improvement and industrial relations.

Gama holds a master's degree in personnel management and a bachelor of commerce in economics.

Apollo Tyres Signs UN Pact For Gender Equality

Apollo Tyres Signs UN Pact For Gender Equality

Apollo Tyres has formally adopted the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a United Nations-led framework promoting gender equality. This step underscores the company's dedication to fostering inclusion within its operations, supply chain and surrounding communities. Internally, this commitment is translating into measurable progress, with permanent female employee representation reaching 11.6 percent this fiscal year, moving towards a goal of 12 percent by FY26 as part of its broader DE&I strategy.

The company's efforts extend beyond its own workforce into wider societal engagement. Through programmes like Project NAVYA, which supports rural women’s livelihoods, and its EK NAAM campaign honouring female leaders, Apollo Tyres actively creates opportunities. In conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026, the forthcoming seventh edition of EK NAAM will spotlight eight exceptional women. By aligning with these global principles, Apollo Tyres aims to help drive a more equitable and sustainable future for all, urging other organisations to participate in this collective movement.

Iochpe-Maxion Secures CDP ‘A List’ Recognition For Actions Against Climate Change

Iochpe-Maxion Secures CDP ‘A List’ Recognition For Actions Against Climate Change

Iochpe-Maxion, a global leader in automotive wheel production and a prominent manufacturer of automotive structural components across the Americas, has been distinguished as a top performer in environmental action by CDP. The organisation’s annual assessment placed the company on its prestigious Corporate ‘A’ List for 2025, reflecting exemplary transparency and climate leadership. This accolade is based on Iochpe-Maxion’s robust transition strategy and verified data disclosure.

CDP’s system, the sole global platform for independent environmental reporting, evaluated thousands of organisations this year. Out of more than 20,000 scored companies, a mere four percent earned an ‘A’ rating. This achievement signals Iochpe-Maxion’s advanced governance and substantial strides in building environmental resilience, positioning it among the world’s leading corporations in climate stewardship.

Continental Launches IceContact 8 Studded Tyre For Extreme Nordic Winters

Continental Launches IceContact 8 Studded Tyre For Extreme Nordic Winters

Continental has launched the new IceContact 8 studded tyre for control and safety on ice, snow and slush Designed for severe winter driving, the tyre is aimed at a wide variety of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs and hybrids, whether electric or conventionally powered, and comes in sizes ranging from 15 to 22 inches. This tyre builds upon the proven legacy of its predecessor, the VikingContact 8, to offer lasting winter performance.

At the core of its design is an innovative twin-stud system. This technology utilises two distinct stud types that work in concert: one is optimised for acceleration and secure braking by biting into the surface, while the other enhances dynamic handling and cornering stability. These studs are strategically distributed across the tread for maximum grip. To bolster durability and performance, the studs are set within larger, deeper tread blocks. This creates a more stable foundation that minimises stud movement and loss, contributing to a longer tyre life. Further enhancing resilience, a specialised chemical bond fuses each stud to the rubber, reducing gaps that could trap debris and compromise the tyre's structure over time.

The tread design itself incorporates an optimised sipe layout for stronger grip and stable handling. A specially formulated compound, featuring a new highly flexible polymer and a softener system, ensures the rubber remains pliable and effective even in extreme cold. This balance of a robust V-shape tread pattern, advanced stud bonding and a cold-adaptive compound guarantees reliable traction and safety throughout the tyre's entire service life. The IceContact 8 is scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2026, making it available for the following winter season.