Hankook Tire has announced the renewal of its official websites in 26 countries to provide users with a more user-friendly, interactive digital experience.  

The company said in a release that the renewal of the multi-regional and multilingual websites was carried out to strengthen the platform’s function as a sales hub. With the Korean and North American websites currently reopened, a total of 30 websites across 26 countries have been renewed. 

Jimmy Kwon, Vice President of Hankook Tire’s Brand Lab, said, “We are making our best efforts to further provide accessible, satisfactory consumer-oriented services to users all over the world, which will ultimately refine our competitiveness in the global market. The renewal of corporate websites in diverse languages is a part of it. Through the content we provide that is optimised for the digital age, we hope everyone can experience Hankook Tire’s industry-leading technology and premium brand value.” 

The company said one of the most notable improvements was the mobile-friendly user interface and user experience (UI/UX). The platform was designed to offer users faster, more accurate search results specifically catered to their purpose of visit, made possible by analysing the company’s previous global and local web traffic. The main menu has been simplified, and easier directory to Hankook’s social media channels, as well as to its global and local sites, is provided. 

The renewed global website is restructured to enhance Hankook’s brand identity by shedding light on its corporate message, with branded content featured at the top corner of the landing page where it should be instantly visible. More interactive and user-engaging story-telling content are to be published, including an introduction page for Hankook’s sub-brands, including the iON, Ventus, and Dynapro, it said. 

The company said the 26 domestic websites will serve as sales and customer service hubs to support marketing and sales activities in each region. Search tools have been improved in order to help consumers easily find suitable tyres for their vehicles, and consumers will be able to easily obtain information about shops nearby or at the selected location. A link for the online store will also be readily accessible for online shoppers. 

Furthermore, products are presented in a more dynamic and interactive way. For its flagship products in particular, Hankook has employed a full 3D view optimised with the Parallax Scrolling technique for convenient browsing of immersive features. (TT)  

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd has strengthened its position as a leader in sustainable tyre technology and a conscientious partner in India's green industrial journey by commencing production of its ‘UX Royale Green’ passenger car tyres at its Chennai Tyre Plant using ISCC Plus-certified sustainable raw materials.

Developed in August 2023, the UX Royale Green is made with 80 percent sustainable, recycled and renewable materials and was put to rigorous evaluation and testing. The sustainable tyre is the product of more than 10 years of diligent study conducted by the Global Tech Centre of JK Tyre. The company's research and development team has been concentrating on creating sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based products. The certification confirms the usage of traceable, ethically obtained renewable and recycled raw materials and is given under the internationally recognised International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC +) system. Certified raw materials for the UX Royale Green include steel wire, recycled polyester, recovered carbonaceous black, bio-attributed polymers, renewable oils and recycled rubber powder. All of these products are sourced using circular methods.

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, said, "The commencement of sustainable tyre production represents a defining step in JK Tyre’s journey toward environmentally responsible innovation. We are pleased to set new industry benchmarks that balance high performance with ecological responsibility. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to driving responsible mobility – anchored in green technology, circular economy principles and the delivery of world-class, low-impact products. At the same time, innovation, quality and safety continue to be foundational to our operations."

Apollo Tyres has launched the ‘Apollo Tyres Healthcare Express’, a mobile medical unit designed to monitor the health of truckers and the surrounding community. C Thomas Mathew, Unit Head, Chennai Plant, Apollo Tyres Ltd, flagged off the unit, which would service major transport hubs within a 50-km radius, including Madhavaram, Manjambakkam and Poonamallee, serving a population of over 10,000 truckers.

For a small consultation charge of INR 10 per visit, this mobile medical unit will offer essential healthcare services to the trucking community. It will provide a wide range of services, such as general medical care, screenings for certain diseases and preventative and awareness programmes. Additionally, it will increase knowledge of important health concerns including HIV/AIDS, STI prevention, vision care, tuberculosis and non-communicable illnesses like diabetes and hypertension. A team consisting of a medical officer (MBBS), a pharmacist, an optometrist, outreach workers and a project coordinator will run Apollo Tyres' Healthcare Express.

Over 12 million people have benefited from the Apollo Tyres Foundation's healthcare initiative for the trucking community since it began in 2000. The organisation reached out to more than a million people in order to raise awareness during the Covid-19 outbreak. In partnership with local authorities, it also made it easier for over 10,000 people to get tested for Covid-19 and for over 150,000 people to get vaccinated.

World-class cyclist and multiple Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar has joined Continental as its new global ambassador.

This new collaboration with one of the best contemporary cyclists is a logical continuation of Continental's longstanding reputation as a reliable brand in both the automotive and cycling industries. The long-term relationship will place special emphasis on fostering mutual respect and understanding between bikers and drivers. Pogačar and Continental are both dedicated to enhancing communication between drivers and boosting everyone's safety.

In 2024, Pogačar, 26, created history by winning several Monument races and placing first in the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Road World Championships. Only two riders in history have accomplished this feat. In addition, he earned victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Strade Bianche. He is committed to developing future cycling talent in Slovenia and abroad through his foundation and the ‘Pogi Team’ development squad.

For many years, Continental has maintained a strong presence in the cycling industry. Not only do all of the support cars of the Tour de France use Continental car tyres, but numerous elite teams, including the 2024 winning squad, also use Continental bike tyres. Additionally, Continental is a major sponsor of the Giro d'Italia, providing its automobile tyres to all official support vehicles to increase safety on the difficult 3,000-kilometre course.

Pogačar said, "Top performance is not only the result of talent, but also of the pursuit of continuous development. Continental and I share the ambition to always make the most of our possibilities – both in terms of sport and development. So this partnership was an obvious choice. As a professional cyclist, I know how crucial it is to trust your tyres. Without the right equipment, I wouldn't have become the rider I am today.”

Egemen Atış, Head of Strategy, Analytics & Marketing at Continental Tires EMEA, said, "Tadej Pogačar and Continental both stand for exceptional performance but above all for safe driving. Risky manoeuvres, misjudging situations and thinking only of oneself doesn't win races. Tadej’s ability to see the bigger picture, alongside his extraordinary talent, makes him not only the best cyclist in the world at the moment, but also the perfect partner for Continental."

Indian tyre manufacturer Apollo Tyres Ltd reported a 3% increase in annual revenue to INR 261.23 billion for fiscal year 2024-25, while its net profit fell 35 percent from the previous year.

The company, which markets its products under the Apollo and Vredestein brands, saw its operating profit decline to INR 35.71 billion for the full year, compared with INR 44.47 billion in the previous fiscal year.

For the fourth quarter ended March 31, Apollo Tyres posted a revenue of INR 64.24 billion, up 3% year-on-year, while quarterly net profit dropped to INR 1.85 billion from INR 3.54 billion in the same period last year.

"We acknowledge that our performance over the past few quarters has not met industry benchmarks and our own expectations. After a thorough internal review, we have identified the key challenges that contributed to this underperformance," said Onkar Kanwar, Chairman of Apollo Tyres.

"With targeted strategies now in place to address these issues, we are confident in our ability to deliver stronger results in the coming quarters," he added.

Apollo Tyres, which has manufacturing facilities in India, the Netherlands and Hungary, distributes its products in over 100 countries.