Electric vehicles manufacturer and advanced mobility solutions creator Fisker has signed an agreement with Bridgestone to provide comprehensive after-sales and maintenance solutions in France and Germany.

After recently selecting Bridgestone as the exclusive tyre partner for its upcoming Ocean all-electric SUV, Fisker has further extended its collaboration with the global company through this move. As part of this new partnership, Bridgestone will leverage its EV-ready retail and service network to provide Fisker’s customers in France and Germany with extensive after-sales services throughout the Speedy, Pitstop and Reiff-ABS networks -- all part of Bridgestone’s extended retail network in Europe.

Speedy includes over 450 locations in France, while in Germany, the combination of Pitstop and Reiff-ABS offers services at more than 300 locations across the country. Fisker will work with Bridgestone to select the most appropriate sites from its extensive service network in France and Germany to meet its customers’ needs.

Henrik Fisker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Fisker, said, “From November 17, 2022, we will start production and deliveries of the Fisker Ocean SUV, with France and Germany among the first European markets to launch. Our partnership with Bridgestone covers multiple areas of business and the ability to make use of their extensive network to provide our own after-sales servicing will be crucial to Fisker’s long-term success.” 

Laurent Dartoux, President and CEO, Bridgestone EMIA, said, “As part of our commitment to help shape a sustainable future of mobility, Bridgestone is supporting the adoption of EVs through a fully integrated
approach. This includes the development of premium tyres and tyre technologies for EVs, along with dedicated fleet and mobility solutions.”
The Fisker Ocean, to be manufactured at the carbon-neutral factory of Fisker’s manufacturing partner, Magna-Steyr, in Graz, Austria and priced (before local incentives) at €41,560 in Germany and €41,900 in France, will have a range of 250 miles to 275 miles per charging and feature a sleek, stylish design, as
well as innovative automotive technology and a sustainable interior made from recycled materials. The range-topping Fisker Ocean Extreme will deliver 350 miles to 390 miles per charging, the company said. (TT)

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Indian tyre maker to pass full benefit of tax cuts to customers from 22 September

CEAT Limited said on Thursday it would reduce prices across its entire tyre range following the Indian government’s decision to cut goods and services tax (GST) rates on tyres, with the full benefit being passed on to customers.

The Mumbai-based tyre manufacturer said new prices would take effect from 22 September, covering commercial, agricultural, passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments.

India’s 56th GST Council meeting approved significant reductions in tax rates for the tyre industry. GST on new pneumatic tyres was cut to 18% from 28%, whilst tractor tyres and tubes will attract a reduced rate of 5%.

“We thank the Government of India and the GST Council for their timely and progressive decision to rationalise tax rates in the tyre sector,” said Arnab Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO of CEAT Limited.

“The reduced GST slabs will greatly benefit the tyre industry and consumers alike. Not only will it lower the cost of owning and operating a vehicle for customers across various segments, but by making tyres more affordable to replace, it will also make our roads safer.”

Banerjee added the move would “spur formalisation and greater compliance, while also fostering sustainable growth in the sector.”

The GST rate cuts represent a significant policy shift for India’s automotive sector, where high taxation has been a longstanding concern for manufacturers and consumers.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been officially recognised as a DX Certified Business Operator by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The designation, which was granted on 1 September 2025, identifies companies that are thoroughly prepared for digital transformation as outlined by the Digital Governance Code.

This certification acknowledges Yokohama Rubber's comprehensive strategy for digital transformation, which is built on three core objectives: advancing business strategy, contributing to sustainability and reinforcing its IT infrastructure. Central to this effort is the company's proprietary AI framework, HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), which drives group-wide digital initiatives. These include improving productivity, innovating processes, developing digital talent and building a global cloud-based IT system. The certification confirms that the company's efforts not only meet METI's stringent criteria but also demonstrate appropriate disclosure of information to its stakeholders.

Moving forward, the company said it will continue to leverage data from its entire value chain to adapt to a dynamic business environment. The company aims to enhance customer value, pursue sustainable innovation and transform its corporate culture to strengthen its competitive position and ensure long-term growth.

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TyresNmore, the automotive aftermarket e-commerce platform owned by RPG Group, has promoted Rakesh Tatikonda to Chief Executive Officer and announced the change with immediate effect.

Tatikonda, who previously oversaw business operations at the Mumbai-based firm, will spearhead the organisation’s expansion and innovation strategy. The appointment advances RPG Group’s ‘Talent First!’ policy, which rewards internal promotions and develops employees.

The new chief executive brings over 15 years of industry experience, having worked across multiple sectors with companies such as telecommunications giant Reliance Jio and IT services provider Infosys. Before joining TyresNmore in 2022, Tatikonda held senior positions at tyre manufacturer CEAT, where he developed expertise in strategy, operations, marketing and digital transformation.

“My aim is to transform automotive aftercare in India by offering seamless, tech-driven, end-to-end mobility solutions delivered with trust, transparency, and convenience right at the customer’s doorstep,” Tatikonda said in a statement.

TyresNmore operates a doorstep service model for tyre and battery replacement across six major Indian cities: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. The platform represents RPG Group’s entry into the growing automotive aftermarket sector, which has seen increased digitisation as consumers seek convenient maintenance solutions.

During his tenure in operations, Tatikonda scaled the business and improved profitability while driving digital transformation initiatives. His track record shows he strengthened operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience in the mobility convenience sector.

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Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent retreader producing high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres for fleets across the UK and Europe, has expanded its UK presence by acquiring Tyrefair in Kinross, Scotland.

This strategic acquisition extends the company's award-winning service further north, ensuring Scottish customers receive the same high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres Vaculug has supplied for 75 years. Since the purchase, the Kinross location has already grown by 25 percent, with an ambitious target to double its business within a year and then double it again.

This move is a key part of Vaculug's 2026 growth strategy, focused on strategic acquisitions that enable better, faster and more sustainable customer service. The acquisition reinforces Vaculug’s long-standing environmental mission, marking a new chapter of sustainable growth with a strengthened Scottish operation.

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