Hankook has announced that it received the S&P Global Gold Class rating from US financial services provider S&P Global. Hankook said in a statement that it is one of the top companies in the Sustainability Yearbook 2022, which is based on the S&P Dow Jones World Sustainability Index, widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost sustainability indices.  

A press release from the company said 7,554 companies from 61 industries were evaluated for this year’s edition. It said 75 companies received gold, 89 received silver and 106 received bronze awards for outstanding achievement. Hankook said the award underlines its ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and ESG management (environmental, social and corporate governance). A recently announced project to support Indonesian natural rubber producers exemplifies the company’s activities. 

S&P Global awards the Gold Class to only the top one per cent of companies assessed, and besides Hankook, only one other automotive supplier is among them, the release pointed out. Hankook was recognised as the top performer in the sector, achieving the best rating with 78 out of 100 points. The release said 2021 marked the sixth consecutive time the tyre maker appeared in the Dow Jones World Sustainability Index. 

Hankook established an organisation dedicated to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) more than ten years ago. Last year, Hankook established a new ESG committee within the board to strengthen ESG management. 

Through eight subcommittees, the company engages all employees in its vision of sustainability, improving its performance in this area. The company has set challenging goals and cooperates with stakeholders, resulting in a variety of activities that contribute real value to society. 

In 2018, Hankook published its E-Circle statement, which includes a strategy for sustainable material technologies. The company’s sustainable natural rubber policy, which was introduced at the same time, was updated in 2021 in line with the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) guidance. In addition to striving for a more sustainable value chain and reduced environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle, 

Hankook continues to donate to support the mobility of local social institutions. 

Sooil Lee, President and CEO of Hankook, said, “We are proud to receive this prestigious rating for sustainable action. The award is a testament to our commitment to a more sustainable future. To further drive our growth as a global acting tyre company, we plan to strengthen our social, environmental and financial activities globally.” (TT)

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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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Nokian Tyres is expanding its US presence through a new nationwide partnership with American Tire Distributors (ATD). This agreement provides Nokian access to ATD’s vast network of over 110 distribution centres, serving roughly 80,000 customers.

The collaboration will efficiently supply tyre shops with Nokian’s complete product lineup, enabling dealers to broaden their inventory. Both companies bring 90 years of experience and a shared dedication to innovation, safety and sustainability. This partnership will offer drivers more choices, supported by Nokian’s award-winning Tennessee factory and ATD’s technology-driven logistics.

This enhanced distribution capability ensures that consumers will have greater access to a full spectrum of high-performance tyres, meeting diverse driving needs and conditions. The alliance strengthens both brands' market positions by combining premium products with an unparalleled delivery system, ultimately improving service for dealers and drivers alike across the country.

Chris Ostrander, SVP, North America, Nokian Tyres, said, “The partnership with ATD enables us to reach more tyre shops and more drivers than ever before. ATD’s robust distribution network, customer service and responsiveness strengthen our agility to serve both new and existing customers.”

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