The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has slapped an INR 17,880 million fine on five major tyre manufacturers for indulging in anti-market activities like cartelisation and price parallelism.

According to CCI, the five tyre manufacturers were found sharing price-sensitive information with each other through their association, the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA). A fine amounting to INR 4255.3 million was imposed on Apollo Tyres, MRF Limited was fined an amount of INR 6220.9 million, CEAT Limited received a penalty amounting to INR 2521.6 million, a fine of INR 3099.5 million was imposed on JK Tyre and Birla Tyres received a fine of INR 1783.3 million.

Apart from the fine imposed on the five tyre manufacturers, the ATMA received a penalty of INR 0.84 million and has been directed to disengage and disassociate itself from collecting wholesale and retail prices from the member tyre companies.

The CCI said in a statement that "the five tyre manufacturers and ATMA were held guilty of contravention of the provisions of Section 3 of the Competition Act, which prohibits anti-competitive agreements, including cartels, during 2011-2012. The Commission also found that ATMA collected and compiled information relating to company-wise and segment-wise data (both monthly and cumulative) on production, domestic sales and export of tyres on a real-time basis."

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs initiated the case in 2013-14, arguing that the guilty had increased the prices of products, citing an increase in the price of raw materials. But the manufacturers had not reduced costs when there was a dip in the prices of raw materials.

The fines were imposed as a result of the Madras High Court judgement on 20 January 2022, which allowed the CCI to take final decisions based on the probe findings on major tyre manufacturers for their involvement in anti-market activities. (TT)

As part of the consultation on the simplification of the REACH Regulation, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers' Association (ETRMA) has formally sent its feedback to the European Commission.

The association said it strongly supports REACH's goals of safeguarding the environment and public health, but it also highlights the necessity of consistent, proportionate and predictable regulations to maintain European industry's competitiveness. ETRMA's statement emphasises the necessity of implementing a Regulatory Management Option Analysis (RMOA) framework and demands for REACH to be in line with current and future EU laws.

The key recommendations made by the association include enhancing regulatory coherence and simplification, introducing an RMOA framework, no extension of registration requirements to polymers, reforming the REACH Authorisation process and enforcing a uniform and continuous level playing field in the EU.

European logistics company Vos Logistics has extended its contract with Continental. Continental has been supporting the Dutch company with professional tyre management as part of the Conti360° Fleet Solutions service portfolio since 2016.

Vos Logistics specialises in a broad range of logistics services tailored to individual clients. Bulk commodities transportation and end-customer deliveries are handled by the firm. The logistics company serving all of Europe has been using the Conti360° Fleet Solutions tyre management system for all 1,100 of its trucks since the middle of 2024. Specifically, the company's fleet reliability is maximised by the tight network of over 7,000 Continental partner workshops spread across 25 European nations.

Vos Logistics enjoys complete cost transparency and the benefits of predictive maintenance with the Conti360° kilometre contract and customer-specific information. The freight forwarder equips its fleet with a wide range of high-quality tires to meet the varying operating needs of long-distance and regional shipping. By doing this, Vos Logistics is able to minimise the vehicles' total CO2 emissions, maximise operating safety and utilize the tyres' entire service life.

Pieter Derksen, Purchasing Manager, Vos Logistics, said, “In order to maintain our high level of service in this cost-sensitive market, the operational reliability of the vehicles is of crucial importance to us. Thanks to data-driven maintenance, our tyres are always ready for use, which allows us to focus on our core business. With Continental, we are also working with a partner that shares our values of efficiency and sustainability.”

Jessika Hoeflich, Head of Fleet Solutions EMEA, Continental, said, “The cooperation with Vos Logistics is characterised by mutual trust and shared values. With our customer-oriented Conti360° Fleet Solutions service offering, our broad tyre portfolio and our individual consulting concept, we can optimally meet the complex requirements that Vos Logistics faces in the transport business. We work closely together and support our customers in developing their business sustainably.”

Premium tyre maker Hankook has announced its collaboration with the eagerly awaited 2025 Convoy Truck Shows. Convoy Cymru will take place on 17–18 May, Convoy Truxton on 5–6 July and Convoy in the Park on August 9–10, running alongside the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC).

The SmartFlex AH51 (steering axle) and SmartFlex DH51 (driving axle) for long and regional haul use, which are known for their outstanding grip and mileage performance from the first to the last millimetre of wear; the SmartFlex TH31, the newest generation trailer tyre; and Hankook's newest van tyre, the Vantra Transit, will all be on display at all shows. The company will be showcasing three tyres from its Laufenn brand in addition to the Hankook line: the LF21 all-position tyre, the LF95 trailer tyre and the LZ22 all-weather drive tire. The iON evo SUV EV summer tyre and the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre will also be on show. Along with its related events, the Devon Truck Show, Truck Show Cornwall and Best of the Best, the Convoy Truck Shows will raise money for charities and local community organizations. It will also include an amazing variety of trucks, live music, entertaining fair activities and must-see stunt acts.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "On behalf of Convoy Truck Events and the Devon Truck Show, I'm thrilled to welcome Hankook Tyre UK as sponsors for 2025 across all three Convoy events at Pembrey, Thruxton and Donington Park. Hankook has been a valued partner at the Devon Truck Show for many years, so extending our collaboration across our Convoy-partnered events was an easy decision. We truly appreciate their continued support and are confident they'll see great value in being part of these exciting shows."

Continental is running a promotional offer from 1 May to 31 May 2025 in which customers who purchase four Continental ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres will receive a USD 110 Continental Tire Prepaid Mastercard. Additionally, customers who pay for the four ExtremeContact Sport02 tyres using their Continental Tire Credit Card will earn an extra USD 90 Prepaid Mastercard, for a total refund of USD 200.

The ExtremeContact Sport02 is a ultra-high-performance tyre designed for passenger cars. With its SportPlus Technology, which offers quick handling, improved traction on wet roads and a prolonged tread life, this tyre is perfect for both the street and the racetrack. There are 77 sizes of the tyre available, with rim diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches. The industry-leading coverage offered by Continental Tire's Total Confidence Plan supports the ExtremeContact Sport02.

This is a complete package that includes road hazard coverage, emergency travel interruption coverage, a customer satisfaction trial, a limited warranty, flat tyre roadside assistance and a mileage warranty (if applicable). During a road trip, Continental will assist with qualified expenditures in the event of a mechanical breakdown (maximum benefit of USD 200.00 per day, with a maximum benefit of USD 500.00 per year). In order to qualify for the deal, tyres need to be bought all at once. Only valid between 1 May 2025 and 31 May 2025, or while supplies last, with a qualifying purchase made in the 50 United States, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.