Continental has launched three all-new MTB tyres in order to give riders better performance, longevity and maximum grip on any terrain. Every rider, from XC racers to trail fans, will find the ideal tyre for their preferred terrain thanks to the addition of the new Dubnital, Trinotal and Magnotal tyres to the well-known Gravity line.

Dubnital is designed for dry to moist environments and is best suited for rocky, hardpack and medium-loose soils. It is designed to fulfil the demands of XC and downhill riders seeking maximum speed. Dubnital, a direct successor to the 'Race King', offers unrivalled efficiency, grip and control at high speeds thanks to its cutting-edge tread and innovative rubber compositions. Trinotal, which replaces the popular 'Cross King', is meant to be versatile and perform well in both dry and wet circumstances. The tyre is designed for XC and downhill riders and provides excellent grip and stability, helping them to easily tackle a range of terrains. The all-rounder Magnotal, which replaces the 'Mountain King', is designed for aggressive all-mountain and trail riders and strikes the ideal mix of performance and control. It thrives. Magnotal provides excellent grip for riders in dry to wet situations, tackling hard, loose and muddy soils with ease.

Alexander Haenke, Product Manager – MTB & Gravel, Continental Tires, said: “With the introduction of Dubnital, Trinotal and Magnotal, we are proud to complete the overhaul of our MTB lineup, finally replacing our iconic 'Kings’. The new models now seamlessly fit into the nomenclature and logic of our Gravity range tyres, and give riders the freedom to use our portfolio as a playground to create their perfect setup. We’ve tested these tyres with gold-medal-winning athletes to ensure they perform at the highest level – now it’s your turn to push their limits. While our technology has already been proven in the world of gravity, we’re excited to see how riders take them to new heights across other disciplines”.

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CEAT Limited recently organised a specialised engagement initiative for women fleet owners at its manufacturing complex in Chennai. The programme aimed to foster professional dialogue and knowledge sharing while providing an in-depth look at the intricacies of tyre production and development. Attendees, who came from diverse regions across the country, toured the company’s advanced Chennai facility, which holds a 'World Economic Forum Lighthouse' designation. During the visit, they witnessed key production stages, engaged with technical experts and learned about the quality control, safety protocols and innovative practices integral to CEAT's operations.

This effort brought together 14 women transporters representing various roles and business sizes within the logistics sector, collectively contributing decades of industry experience. The gathering was arranged in collaboration with the Women’s Wing of the All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA), with participants hailing from major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. The initiative was supported by Reema Kothari Jogani, Chairperson of the AITWA Women’s Wing.

While women still form a modest segment of India's transport workforce, their involvement has been steadily rising. This trend is significant in the context of the country's broader economic ambitions, including the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and the goal of a USD 30 trillion economy, where women-led development is seen as a key driver. The logistics industry itself is projected to grow substantially from its 2024 valuation of USD 354 billion to USD 800 billion by 2030.

CEAT is actively working to increase female participation, particularly in manufacturing. Through automation, ergonomic enhancements and lift-assist systems, the company has made physically demanding roles more accessible. These measures have resulted in women comprising 20 percent of the workforce at the Chennai plant. Furthermore, the Nagpur facility, which was the first in Maharashtra to permit night shifts for women, has achieved 28 percent female representation on its shop floor. The company’s focus extends beyond numbers to creating an environment where women are encouraged to lead and excel in roles that have been traditionally male-dominated.

Vishal Pawar, Senior Vice President – Global Sales and Supply Chain, CEAT, said, “Women fleet owners are playing a pivotal role in redefining the boundaries of the transport sector. Their determination and entrepreneurial spirit inspire us. At CEAT, we are proud to create meaningful avenues for them to engage with the industry, build networks and gain deeper exposure to manufacturing and technology. We remain committed to supporting their journey of growth and empowerment.”

Reema Kothari Jogani said, “Building an inclusive logistics ecosystem requires collaboration between industry stakeholders, organisations and entrepreneurs. CEAT’s initiative is a constructive step towards strengthening this ecosystem by enabling women fleet owners to interact with experts, learn from best practices and explore the operational depth of modern manufacturing. These are women who not only run and grow their businesses together but also share a strong sense of camaraderie supporting each other and finding moments of fun along the way. Such engagements help accelerate the participation of women in a traditionally male dominated sector and contribute to long term industry transformation.”

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The ongoing conflict in West Asia presents serious challenges for India’s tyre industry, according to the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), which has called on the government to introduce policy measures to ease the emerging pressures. In a recent submission, ATMA detailed how the geopolitical turmoil is likely to disrupt export activity, drive up raw material prices and strain the sector’s supply chain.

India sends tyres worth an estimated USD 250–260 million to West Asia each year, a trade flow now at risk. The situation is further complicated by potential blockages or delays in strategic maritime passages like the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal, which could slow shipments to Europe, United States and Africa while pushing freight costs higher.

Soaring crude oil prices, currently around USD 100 per barrel, are compounding the problem. Given that crude derivatives account for 60 to 70 percent of the materials used in tyre production, inputs such as synthetic rubber, carbon black and processing oils are becoming significantly more expensive. Import-reliant segments of the supply chain, including natural rubber, chemicals and tyre cord fabrics, are also feeling the strain from disrupted global shipping routes.

ATMA has proposed a range of government interventions to help the industry navigate these headwinds. These include reinstating previous RoDTEP rates, improving Duty Drawback benefits and correcting the inverted duty structure affecting tyres and natural rubber. Easing import restrictions on natural rubber – such as lifting port limitations, removing pre-import conditions and extending the export obligation period to 18 months – has also been suggested. In addition, the association recommends lowering or removing customs duties on other raw materials that are either in short supply domestically or not produced locally.

To maintain continuity in production, ATMA has urged that the tyre industry and its Tier-1 suppliers be classified as ‘Essential’ services. This designation would help secure a steady supply of natural gas and LPG, both vital for manufacturing. Any disruption, the association warns, could ripple through sectors reliant on mobility, including logistics, agriculture and public health services. ATMA remains hopeful that timely government support will preserve the stability and global competitiveness of India’s tyre sector.

Arun Mammen, Chairman, ATMA, said, “For the Indian tyre industry, the combined impact of rising input costs, freight disruptions and export uncertainties could affect competitiveness in international markets. At a time when India is focused on strengthening its export momentum, it is important that the industry receives timely policy support to navigate these challenges."

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Falken Tyre has announced the return of its popular ‘Falken Says Fill Up’ campaign, scheduled to run from 15 March to 31 May 2026 across 20 European markets. The initiative is designed to pair a strong product offering with an appealing customer incentive. Those purchasing a set of Falken summer or all-season tyres of at least 16 inches, excluding those for lorries, will receive a fuel voucher as part of the promotion.

The campaign places particular emphasis on the Falken ZIEX ZE320, a summer tyre developed to meet the demands of contemporary driving. It offers high levels of comfort, precise handling and a well-balanced combination of efficiency and everyday practicality. An enhanced rubber compound contributes to superior wet grip, while lower rolling resistance helps reduce both fuel use and CO₂ emissions relative to the previous model. The tyre is especially suited to frequent drivers and families seeking safety, durability and a smooth experience during long journeys in warm conditions. The summer range also includes the sporty Falken AZENIS FK520, noted for its stability and short braking distances, alongside the newly introduced Falken EUROALL SEASON AS220, an all-season tyre built to perform reliably in fluctuating weather.

In addition to the fuel voucher, Falken is introducing two new giveaways for the 2026 edition. Collaborating with Enders, the company will offer high-end gas grills from the UNIQ PRO 3 IK KITCHEN Cruster line. Furthermore, in partnership with the Professional Darts Corporation, branded dart sets will also be available.

The campaign will be active in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. It is important to note that both the nature and value of the fuel vouchers, as well as the exact timing of the promotion, may differ from one country to another.

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Toyo Tires has introduced the new M165 commercial van tyre, an all-season option specifically engineered with last-mile delivery operations in mind, targeting the challenges of frequent stopping, heavy cargo and urban driving. A key focus of the tyre is to help fleet operators lower operational costs through improved fuel efficiency and promotion of even, long-lasting treadwear.

The M165 addresses the handling characteristics of tall vans by incorporating an e-balance design that enhances stability and minimises sway. This is complemented by a specialised cap compound and sidewall protectors to improve traction and shield the casing from the curb damage common in delivery routes. The tyre’s robust construction is intended to withstand the wear associated with constant acceleration, braking and heavy loads. It will succeed the previous H08+ model in the manufacturer’s commercial lineup.

To ensure durability under stop-and-go activity, the tyre features new compounds that resist uneven wear. The all-season tread pattern integrates interlocking blocks and multi-wave sipes for reliable grip on both wet and dry roads while reducing block movement for greater stability. The advanced casing is engineered to resist damaging heat and support retreadability, thereby extending its usable life.

The Toyo M165 will be available in spring, offered in multiple 16-inch sizes with D and E load ratings, making it suitable for vehicles like the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster and Rivian RCV.

Jordan Vastine, Product Planning and Technical Services Manager, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp, said, “The newly launched M165 commercial van tyre is built with the focus of helping fleets see higher removal miles while reducing irregular wear. We are confident the M165 will complement the already proven Toyo commercial product lineup.”

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