Continental, one of the leading tyre and automotive technology suppliers, has launched its new fuel-efficient, long haul drive tyre – Conti HDL 3 EP - for the United States Market.

The company stated that the new tyre combines high-structure carbon black and silica technology to deliver a well-balanced mix of rolling resistance and durability. It features a polymer matrix-bound silica compound, which enables up to 10 percent better rolling resistance compared to its predecessor and is SmartWay verified for Class 8 long haul tractor trailers.

Shaun Uys, Head of Continental’s Truck Tyre Replacement Business in the US, said, “The Conti HDL 3 EP was purposefully designed with a fleet’s needs in mind – from being built on 3G Casing for maximum retreadability, to its improved rolling resistance and even wear. This premium long-haul tire was designed to help fleets achieve their lowest overall driving cost.”

The Conti HDL 3 EP comes with groove geometry reduces stone retention, and the tyre offers up to 15 percent improved cut and chip resistance, further extending its lifespan.

It is built on Continental 3G Casing that has a 240-245 mm retread width, and features a state-of-the-art belt package that reduces heat, increases durability, and maximises retreadability. It can also be paired with Continental’s ContiConnect Live digital tyre monitoring system.

The tyre will be available for the replacement market in size 295/75R22.5 in load range G, and additional sizes to be introduced by Q1 2025. 

Peugeot Sport has entered into a partnership with Point S, a global leader in independent tyre and car maintenance services, for the Team Peugeot TotalEnergies Hypercar programme in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar and its surroundings will have the Point S emblem for the 2025 FIA WEC season as part of this new collaboration. This partnership demonstrates Peugeot Sport and Point S's shared dedication to driving innovation and producing outstanding results on and off the track.

The Qatar 1,812-km race kicks off the 2025 WEC season on 28 February at the Lusail International Circuit. The PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar will participate in the 6 Hours of Imola and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, two of the most renowned endurance events. Paul Di Resta, Loïc Duval, Malthe Jakobsen, Mikkel Jensen, Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Éric Vergne are among the team's seasoned drivers, who will represent Peugeot Sport's quest for greatness on the international scene.

Jean-Marc Finot, Senior Vice President of Stellantis Motorsport, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Point S as a key partner for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies. This partnership reflects a shared dedication to innovation, performance, sustainability and customer care both in Stellantis and Point S DNA. By joining forces, we will not only meet the challenges of modern motorsport but also create a lasting impact for our fans and customers alike.”

Fabien Bouquet, CEO, Point S International, said, “Our partnership with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies marks an exciting new chapter for Point S. By stepping into the world of endurance racing, we aim to align our expertise in automotive excellence with Peugeot Sport’s legendary status in motorsport. Together, we will demonstrate shared values of precision, innovation and performance, and we are excited to support Peugeot Sport as they push the limits of what’s possible on the track.”

The valedictory function of Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act 1947 and the Rubber Grower’s Conference at Mammen Mappillai Hall, Kottayam will be inaugurated by George Kurian, honourable Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, on 16 January 2025. Members and officials of the Rubber Board, farmers, representatives of rubber stakeholders, labourers, technical experts, legislators and others will all be attending the event.

The occasion will be presided over by Member of Parliament Advocate K Francis George. Member of the Legislative Assembly Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan will be a special guest at the gathering. N Hari, a member of the Rubber Board; G. Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman of the Rubber Board and Bincy Sebastian, Chairman of the Kottayam Municipality, will offer congratulations at the meeting. Dr Jessy M D, Director of Research I/C; Dr T Siju, Rubber Production Commissioner and M Vasanthagesan, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, will also be present at the event.

In his presentation, Vasanthagesan will discuss the important subject of creating a digital platform that links growers and organisations interested in harvesting rubber plants in an unexplored region. A matter of great relevance, the preparedness of the EUDR process for Indian NR exporters, will be explained by Manoj Vembu, Director of TRST01, the Rubber Board's technology partner to implement EUDR in the nation. Additionally, panel discussions on ‘Handholding stakeholders through schemes & policies’ and ‘Sustainable farming practices’ will be held, which will be moderated by Sheela Thomas (Chairperson of Kerala Rubber Limited and former Chairman of the Rubber Board) and James Jacob (Managing Director, Plantation Corporation of Kerala), respectively.

Kolkata-headquartered Himadri Speciality Chemical has announced its financial results for Q3 FY2025 with revenue of INR 11.32 billion, up 7.5 percent YoY, as against INR 10.53 billion for the same period a year ago. The EBITDA came at INR 2.2 billion, as against INR 1.69 billion, and net profit grew by 31.48 percent at INR 1.42 billion as against INR 1.08 billion for the same period last year.

Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, said, “We are excited to share our Q3 and 9M FY25 results, which showcase a strong and sustainable performance across all key financial and operational metrics. We achieved our highest-ever quarterly EBITDA of INR 2.22 billion in December quarter. For the 9M period, our sales volumes grew by 24 percent, reaching 415,679 MT, up from 335,265 MT in the same period last year. This growth was reflected in a 34 percent increase in EBITDA to INR 6.11 billion, and a 35 percent rise in PAT to INR 4.0 billion, further solidifying our upward trajectory. Our balance sheet continues to reflect our financial discipline and resilience, with a net positive cash balance of INR 1.09 billion. This positions us well to capitalise on strategic opportunities and drive long-term value creation.”

“I am pleased to inform you all that Himadri Speciality Chemical has recently been awarded with EcoVadis Platinum medal. This recognition is awarded to the top 1 percent of companies assessed by EcoVadis in the world amongst more than 130,000 assessed companies globally. This distinction reflects the quality of the company's sustainability management system and demonstrates the highest level of corporate governance and a commitment to promoting transparency throughout the value chain. Himadri has reported robust performance across its portfolio of products. Our export portfolio is strengthening, particularly bolstered by the commencement of our high-temperature Liquid Coal Tar Pitch export terminal at Haldia Port in October 2024,” he added.

Furthermore Choudhary announced that the company had earmarked INR 1.2 billion towards expanding its presence in high-value products – including Anthraquinone, Carbazole, Fluorene – from its existing coal tar distillates. The expansion is expected to be completed within the next 18 months.

Furthermore, it sees the booming electric vehicle industry in India to provide new growth impetus. Himadri Speciality Chemical expects the demand for lithium-ion battery, in the cathode active material space, LFP continue to be the leading technology, with graphite anodes dominating the anode technology. The company shared that it has been progressing well on development of these technologies and its LFP cathode project is moving forward as planned.

It is also on track to commence operations and enter the tyre space on the back of its acquisition of Birla Tyres. The commercial production is expected to start soon with ramping up of production being planned over the next two to three years.

Adding to that it is also enhancing carbon black production from its Singur facility from the existing 180,000 MTPA to 250,000 MTPA by Q3 FY2026. This also will see it scaling up its specialty carbon black capacity to more than double at 130,000 MTPA from the present 60,000 MTPA. 

French tyre major Michelin has appointed Vitor Silva as the President of the Africa, India and Middle East (AIM) Region.

Silva has been with Michelin with over 28-years and held several leadership positions in sales, marketing and other functions across North America, Europe and Asia. Till recently, he was the Chief Operating Officer at Euromaster, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Michelin Group, a leading service provider for car, van and truck fleets in Europe. The company operates over 2,500 centres across 18 countries. He also worked in areas across two-wheel, truck, retread and distribution for Michelin.

In his new position, Silva will be based out of Pune, India and will be responsible for bringing growth in AIM region, enhancing customer experience and driving innovations for sustainable mobility.