Japanese tyre major Bridgestone has developed custom Potenza Race tyres for Volkswagen’s new Golf GTI Edition 50, the Golf GTI’s exclusive 50th anniversary model.

The company stated that the tyres are specifically engineered to meet the high-performance capabilities of the fastest and most powerful production GTI to date.

The tyres featuring optimised cavity profile for maximum dry performance, tread pattern designed to perform even in wet conditions have been designed and developed in Europe. It features high-strength and lightweight carcass to reduce rolling resistance.

Bridgestone stated that its bespoke Potenza Race tyres were instrumental in the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50's record-setting performance at the recent 24-hour race at Germany's iconic Nurburgring. The special edition GTI achieved the fastest-ever lap time by a Volkswagen production model, a feat attributed in part to the specially engineered tyres.

The Japanese company is the exclusive tyre supplier for the optional GTI-performance package on the Golf GTI Edition 50. The vehicle comes equipped with 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza Race (235/35 R19 91Y) tyres, distinguished by a unique Volkswagen sidewall marking that underscores their exclusive development for this high-performance model.

Radoslaw Bolkowski, Vice President OE Sales at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “Our bespoke Potenza Race tyres were engineered to extract every ounce of performance from the Golf GTI Edition 50. Seeing them help deliver a record-breaking Nurburgring lap is a brilliant moment for our team and a testament to what’s possible when two performance-driven brands collaborate closely. We're very proud to help Volkswagen make history once again.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone India, a key subsidiary of the global Bridgestone Group and a leader in tyres and mobility solutions, has expanded its premium retail network with the launch of Bridgestone Select Store – M/s Nashik Tyres and Services. The store was inaugurated by Rajarshi Moitra from Bridgestone India, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric tyre retail experiences across the country.

Strategically located in Nashik, the store features modern infrastructure and a premium service setup, positioning it as a one-stop destination for tyres and related services in the region. Recognising that tyres are the sole contact point between a vehicle and the road, Bridgestone emphasises safety, performance and driving confidence through its Select stores. These outlets not only help customers choose the right tyres but also enhance their ownership experience with expert guidance and high-quality services.

With over 900 Select stores nationwide, Bridgestone India has established a premium retail network that goes beyond tyre sales to offer a superior, service-driven experience. The expansion of M/s Nashik Tyres and Services further strengthens Bridgestone’s mission to bring world-class tyre solutions closer to customers, reinforcing its pan-India presence with a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.

Moitra said, “At Bridgestone India, we are committed to redefining the tyre buying experience through our Select stores. As we continue to expand our footprint and enhance manufacturing capabilities our goal is to provide premium products, services and customer experience.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Leading global tyre manufacturer NEXEN TIRE has released its 2024/25 Sustainability Report, demonstrating its commitment to transparent ESG disclosure in line with international standards. This year’s report marks a milestone as it includes consolidated performance data from 10 global subsidiaries, enhancing the company’s enterprise-wide sustainability reporting.

In environmental sustainability, NEXEN TIRE has advanced its carbon management strategy by expanding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions tracking. The company completed a third-party verified inventory covering Scope 1, 2 and all 15 Scope 3 categories, enabling precise identification of carbon hotspots and targeted reduction initiatives. Additionally, the company is accelerating the development of sustainable materials, evaluating 23 renewable and recycled options across 10 categories. Through proprietary technology, NEXEN TIRE now produces tyres containing up to 70 percent sustainable content. Biodiversity efforts have also intensified, with the company adopting TNFD and LEAP frameworks to assess nature-related risks. An ecological survey around its Changnyeong plant identified protected zones and endangered species habitats within a 50-kilometre radius.

On the social front, NEXEN TIRE celebrated a decade without workplace accidents, a result of proactive safety investments, including facility upgrades, risk assessments and 24-hour disaster monitoring. Enhanced fire prevention systems earned the company the Excellence Award at the 1st Safety Culture Innovation Awards.

In governance, NEXEN TIRE strengthened board diversity by appointing a new female independent director, with independent directors now comprising 62.5 percent of the board. The company also expanded its TISAX certification to eight sites, maintaining zero data breaches for three consecutive years. These efforts underscore NEXEN TIRE’s commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “As the industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by electrification, AI and sustainability, NEXEN TIRE is embracing ESG leadership as a core pillar of future competitiveness. Our commitment to responsible innovation and transparency will guide us through the next era of sustainable mobility.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Chinese tyre manufacturer Zhongce Rubber Group Co., Ltd (ZC Rubber) will inject 3.93 billion yuan ($541.3 million) of proceeds from its February initial public offering into wholly owned subsidiaries to fund expansion projects across its production network.

The company’s board approved the deployment of the raised capital through a combination of loans and equity injections to five subsidiaries, according to a regulatory filing. The move represents the full utilisation of net proceeds from ZC Rubber’s IPO, which raised 4.07 billion yuan through the issuance of 87.4 million A-shares at 46.50 yuan each.

Hangzhou Chaoyang Rubber Co Ltd, the group’s largest subsidiary by funding allocation, will receive up to 1.7 billion yuan in loan financing to support its high-performance radial tyre green 5G digital factory project. The facility represents ZC Rubber’s largest single investment among the five planned initiatives.

The company will also provide 850 million yuan to Zhongce Rubber (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. for upgrades in the high-end green tyre industry. At the same time, Zhongce Rubber (Thailand) Co., Ltd. will receive an equivalent amount through a direct capital injection to expand its radial tyre manufacturing capabilities.

Smaller allocations include 352.68 million yuan to Hangzhou Zhongce Qingquan Industrial Co., Ltd. for the production of all-steel radial truck tyres and 180 million yuan to Zhongce Rubber (Jiande) Co., Ltd. for the expansion of its workshop at the JianDe facility.

The funding deployment marks a revision to Zhongce’s original IPO prospectus, which had earmarked 4.85 billion yuan across the five projects. The company has adjusted its plans to align with the actual net proceeds available after deducting underwriting fees and other costs.

Interest rates on subsidiary loans will be benchmarked against comparable bank lending rates, with early repayment options available. The company stated that the funding structure would facilitate project execution while maintaining regulatory compliance through designated account supervision.

Zhongce received approval from China’s securities regulator for its IPO on 26 February, marking the completion of a listing process that positioned the company amongst China’s leading tyre manufacturers seeking to expand production capacity and technological capabilities.

The subsidiary funding initiative received backing from CITIC Securities, the company’s listing sponsor, and external auditors, with both parties indicating no objections to the proposed capital deployment structure.

ZC Rubber's shares have traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange since its February debut, with the company targeting enhanced production efficiency and market positioning through its post-IPO investment programme.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Japan’s Kobe Steel Ltd will invest approximately USD 20.7 million to expand its Indian manufacturing subsidiary, Kobelco Industrial Machinery India (KIMI),  capitalising on surging demand for tyre and rubber machinery driven by the country’s automotive boom.

The steelmaker announced the expansion of KIMI, with completion targeted for fiscal 2027.

KIMI, established as L&T Kobelco Machinery Private Limited in 2010 through a joint venture with India’s Larsen & Toubro, became a wholly-owned Kobe Steel subsidiary in 2019. The Chennai-based facility has since emerged as a key manufacturing hub for rubber mixers and extruders serving the Indian subcontinent.

The expansion comes as India’s automotive sector experiences robust growth, driving demand for specialised machinery used in tyre production.

Beyond rubber machinery, the investment will establish new production lines for non-standard compressors at the Indian facility. This represents a strategic shift for Kobe Steel, which currently manufactures these products across Japan, the United States, China, and South Korea.

The diversification of compressor production to India forms part of Kobe Steel’s broader strategy to reduce geographical concentration risks whilst positioning for growth in emerging energy sectors. The company views the expansion as critical for penetrating Middle Eastern and African markets, with India serving as a cost-competitive manufacturing base.

In preparation for the expansion, Kobe Steel established the Kobelco Machinery Global Capability Centre in Chennai this January, focusing on design and development operations for both tyre machinery and compressor products.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!