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.

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AZuR partner NEW LIFE has secured official recognition for its educational initiative, NEW LIFE macht Schule (NEW LIFE Makes School), following its inclusion in the national ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) actor index curated by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German UNESCO Commission. This distinction positions the programme among Germany's prominent contributors to Education for Sustainable Development, underscoring its role in cultivating responsible environmental stewardship among younger generations.

Through a complimentary educational offering, the initiative bridges theory and practice by introducing students and trainees to the mechanics of circular economy models, resource efficiency and sustainable corporate conduct. Using tangible examples from mechanical tyre recycling, the programme illustrates how secondary raw materials directly support climate action and resource preservation while also highlighting the commercial and societal advantages inherent in circular systems.

Educators are equipped with an array of no-cost tools, including digital learning modules, project blueprints and vocational case studies tailored for trades such as landscaping, roofing, carpentry, administrative services and soon agriculture. The curriculum prioritises circular economy principles, secondary material flows, climate protection and judicious resource usage, with the aim of nurturing systemic thinking and empowering learners to devise and implement sustainable strategies in their future professions.

For AZuR, this achievement reinforces the conviction that educational institutions play a pivotal role in driving the transition to a circular economy. The recognition not only elevates the profile of NEW LIFE macht Schule among schools and educational bodies but also strengthens AZuR's ongoing commitment to advancing tyre circularity awareness in collaboration with the initiative.

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Bridgestone has expanded its long-term strategy of cultivating skilled professionals within the automotive aftermarket, with the fourth iteration of its development course drawing to a successful close. The programme, which unfolded over three intensive days, reaffirmed the manufacturer’s broader mission to fortify customer partnerships through hands-on education rather than passive instruction.

The latest cohort brought together a dozen delegates from major retail chains and wholesale operations, including Merityre, Tanvic Tyres, ETS and GT Wholesale. Known as the Bridgestone Champions initiative, the course has steadily matured into a flagship offering that transforms external partners into internal advocates, a role that participants are expected to carry forward within their home organisations long after the final session.

A dual-focused syllabus drove the experience, beginning with soft-skills development in areas such as retail marketing, telephone protocols, in-person sales negotiation and client relationship cultivation. The second half pivoted towards hard technical competencies, with considerable time devoted to the evolving ecosystem of mobility, including electric drivetrains and next-generation diagnostic methodologies. The final day relocated to the Delphi Academy in Warwick, a premier IMI-accredited facility, where delegates engaged with advanced hybrid systems and cutting-edge testing equipment under the guidance of sector specialists.

Senior Trade Marketing Manager for the North Region, Mark Fereday, positioned the curriculum as a forward-looking investment, stressing that the goal extends well beyond product familiarity. He pointed to the Warwick visit as a critical moment that exposed attendees to expertise rarely available in conventional retail settings while emphasising that ongoing upskilling remains non-negotiable as vehicle architectures grow more complex. Merityre’s Dan Mould characterised the week as exceptionally constructive, confirming that internal knowledge-sharing sessions are already being planned to elevate his team’s service standards. Similarly, ETS reception staff member Joanne Harrod noted that the technical insights gained would directly inform her daily customer consultations, enabling more precise tyre and service recommendations tailored to individual motoring habits.

Beyond the formal curriculum, the gathering fostered unexpected levels of peer-to-peer exchange, with competitors setting aside commercial rivalries to discuss operational challenges and successful tactics. Bridgestone has already confirmed that two further editions will run in the third and fourth quarters of 2026, maintaining the same structure and ensuring that a broader cross-section of the retail network can participate before the year ends.

Fereday said, “What always stands out is the collaboration. Despite representing different networks and businesses, there is a real willingness among everyone to learn from one another and share ideas. That spirit of togetherness is one of the reasons the programme has been such a success over the past four years.”

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Apollo Tyres has expanded its premiumisation strategy with the inauguration of a super-premium branded retail outlet in Jaipur. The flagship location, situated at Bhagwati Motors Nokha Pvt Ltd on New Sanganer Road in the Mansarovar Area, was officially opened by Rajesh Dahiya, the company’s Vice President and Business Head.

This retail concept transcends the traditional tyre store model by integrating high-end products, expert advisory services and digital technology with a community-centric atmosphere for car enthusiasts. Patrons can benefit from tailored tyre selections aligned with their specific vehicle and driving habits, alongside conveniences such as online scheduling, rapid installation and upscale waiting lounges.

Notable features include curated product ranges and service bundles designed for luxury and performance vehicles, alongside dedicated spaces for automotive hobbyists to participate in brand-driven events. This Jaipur facility represents the second such venture following a similar launch in Bengaluru, with Apollo Tyres planning to establish three to four additional outlets in other major cities shortly.

This new format underscores Apollo Tyres’ commitment to redefining customer engagement in the mobility sector, shifting focus from mere product sales to personalised, experience-oriented interactions. The initiative strengthens the company’s foothold in the premium mobility segment while reinforcing its ongoing journey toward elevated brand positioning across India.

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President and Business Head, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, "The expectation of today’s customers extend well beyond the product itself. With this new retail format, we are creating a premium destination that combines expert advice, convenience and personalised service while building stronger engagement with the automotive community."

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Triangle Tyre has secured a position on the 2026 China Auto New Supply Chain Top 100 list, released in Shanghai on 2 July alongside the Global Automotive Supply Chain Enterprise Competitiveness Analysis Report. The recognition highlights the manufacturer's sustained growth and strong overall capabilities within the domestic automotive sector.

The annual ranking evaluates companies based on business results, technological advancement, global support networks and sustainability efforts. Triangle Tyre's repeated inclusion signals industry acknowledgment of its competitive edge and international reach, reinforcing its commitment to long-term quality development.

Innovation remains central to the company's operations, supported by domestic and United States-based research centres. The firm holds 1,322 patents and has contributed to 155 national standards and 15 international standards. Research spending reached RMB 465 million (approximately USD 68.70 million) in 2025, marking a 7.62 percent increase from the prior year.

Key technological advances include an electromagnetic induction curing process that cuts energy use per unit by over 70 percent, backed by multiple patents including two from United States. The company has also introduced adhesion protection for giant OTR tyres and launched the e-Travel series for new energy vehicles, emphasising range, low noise and safety.

Triangle Tyre supplies over 60 domestic manufacturers and collaborates with global names like Caterpillar and Volvo. Shipments for new energy vehicle tyres rose nearly 40 percent in 2025, while OTR tyre volumes grew more than 20 percent. Exports reach over 180 countries, with overseas production projects currently advancing.

Sustainability achievements include national Green Factory status and energy efficiency recognition from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The company earned an EcoVadis Gold Medal with a score of 81, ranking among the top five percent worldwide. Triangle Tyre continues to integrate renewable materials and reduce emissions while strengthening ESG practices to boost future competitiveness.

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