In a significant step towards sustainable community development, Bridgestone India has partnered with the Society for Environment and Agricultural Sustainability (Sagest) to establish a women-led Nutritional Fruit Orchard Project in Sulawad Village, Dhar District, Madhya Pradesh. This innovative initiative combines environmental conservation with livelihood creation and improved nutrition for local residents.

The four-acre orchard boasts a diverse collection of more than 1,300 fruit trees representing over 15 varieties. Implemented using eco-friendly agricultural practices, the project has demonstrated remarkable success in its inaugural year, with an impressive 96 percent tree survival rate. Local women have taken leadership roles in managing the orchard, operating a nursery with 1,000 saplings, and producing organic compost and pesticides from garden waste – skills that promote sustainable agriculture while generating income opportunities. When fully mature, the orchard will provide a consistent revenue stream through fruit sales.

The project's impact extends beyond economic benefits, addressing food security through the establishment of 251 household kitchen gardens that supply families with fresh, nutritious produce. Regular educational programmes have successfully raised environmental awareness and fostered a strong sense of community ownership among participants. This holistic programme exemplifies Bridgestone's commitment to creating shared value, demonstrating how corporate-community partnerships can simultaneously advance environmental sustainability, women's empowerment and rural development. The initiative serves as a replicable model for similar regions seeking balanced ecological and socioeconomic progress.

Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said, “True sustainability goes beyond business – it’s about empowering communities and protecting the planet. This project shows how women-led, community-driven action can create long-term impact on nutrition, livelihoods and the environment. It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope, resilience, and a better future. This initiative beautifully demonstrates how community-driven, women-led environmental action can improve nutrition, generate income and protect the planet – all at the same time.”

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Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire Co Ltd has defended the quality of its products after facing criticism over Volkswagen's decision to equip the new Tiguan model with its tyres as standard equipment.

The Shandong-based company, which operates Europe's first Chinese-owned tyre factory in Serbia, issued a statement emphasising its commitment to meeting automotive industry standards and highlighting its partnerships with leading car manufacturers.

"Linglong is fully committed to the quality, reliability and safety of its tyre products. Our highest priority is to guarantee drivers and manufacturers the highest standards in tyre technology," the company said in a statement from its German subsidiary.

The new Volkswagen Tiguan comes equipped from the factory with a Linglong Original Equipment tyre in size 255/45 R19 100V, marking a significant win for the Chinese manufacturer in the premium European market. The Ultra High-Performance tyre was specifically developed according to Volkswagen's requirements and carries a "+" marking on the sidewall, which "stands for a noticeable plus in quality, comfort, performance, and efficiency."

Linglong emphasised that development work took place "in close coordination with Volkswagen, with a focus on criteria such as driving dynamics, safety, comfort, mileage, and emission reduction." The company said it adheres to the same specifications as all other premium original equipment tyres regardless of their origin.

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Building on their successful 2024 collaboration, Goodyear and streetwear brand Anti Social Social Club (ASSC) have reunited through IMG Licensing to launch a bold new capsule collection celebrating racing culture. The limited-edition line blends ASSC's rebellious aesthetic with Goodyear's rich motorsport heritage, paying tribute to the iconic Goodyear Blimp and the brand's century of track innovation.

The collection features adrenaline-charged designs across apparel and accessories. Standout pieces include racing-inspired ‘Catch the Feeling’ tops with driver's seat graphics and international race flags, ‘High Performance’ hoodies showcasing the Goodyear Blimp, and ‘Wet Tyre’ tees with tread-pattern branding. Motorsport enthusiasts can also find spark-generating race car graphics on ‘Sparks’ collection pieces, while the ‘Eagle’ line incorporates blimp imagery across button-ups and swim trunks.

Complementing the apparel are podium-worthy accessories like a dual-branded Zippo lighter, flag-adorned keychain and racing gloves. The crown jewel is the Podium Cap, featuring wreath detailing that channels vintage motorsport victory celebrations. Each piece fuses ASSC's signature irreverence with Goodyear's legacy of high-performance racing technology.

This marks the second collaboration between the tire giant and streetwear disruptor, following their October 2024 drop that similarly celebrated automotive culture through fashion. The new collection continues to bridge the worlds of competitive racing and contemporary street style.

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Maxxis continues its successful partnership with the Nissan Acceleration Team (NAT) for the 2025 racing season, supplying high-performance tyres including the Victra VR-1, Victra VR2, RAZR AT (for Altima) and Bravo HP-M3 (for Versa) models. These tyres will equip NAT's diverse fleet featuring Sentra, Z, Z NISMO and CS23 vehicles across 39 AutoX and RallyX events.

The volunteer-driven team of Nissan engineers and technicians, Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA), founded in 2019, has grown to include Arizona Testing Center (ATC) members while maintaining its winning tradition. NAT enters the season with strong momentum following a dominant 1-2 finish at Detroit's Milan March Madness rallycross event. The team will also showcase its capabilities at September's ZCON convention in Nashville, the premier gathering for Z car enthusiasts.

Mark Lin, OE Account Manager, Maxxis – Canada, said, “We’re proud to partner with Nissan and help this team live their passion for motorsports. Everyone at Maxxis is cheering them on, and we’re delighted that our tyres help them to roar across the finish line in first place.”

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Continental Tires is celebrating Tadej Pogačar's dominant 2025 Tour de France performance, where he claimed both the Yellow and Polka Dot Jerseys. The champion relied on Continental's high-performance Archetype and GP5000 TT TR tyres throughout the gruelling competition, showcasing exceptional climbing ability and endurance.

Continental-equipped riders dominated this year's race, securing eight stage victories – more than any other tyre brand. As cycling's ultimate proving ground, the Tour de France demands peak performance from both athletes and equipment. Continental continues to deliver winning technology, powering champions to victory on the sport's biggest stage.

Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager, Continental, said, "Tadej’s exceptional achievements reinforce our commitment to superior tyre performance. Every tyre is crafted with precision to dominate at the highest level."

Mauro Gianetti, Team Principal, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, said, "Continental’s tyres have given us a real competitive edge. Their speed and reliability are crucial factors in our success."

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