Hankook Tire has further solidified its commitment to sustainable manufacturing with the recent International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS awarded to its Daejeon plant. This globally recognised certification validates the use of bio-based and recycled materials and ensures supply chain transparency, representing the company’s third such achievement following earlier certifications at its Geumsan and Hungary facilities. At the Daejeon site, the substitution of fossil-based synthetic rubber with bio-circular polymers has substantially lowered the environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle.

This milestone reinforces Hankook Tire’s comprehensive ESG strategy, which now encompasses original equipment, replacement and motorsport tyre production. A notable example is the supply of high-performance rally tyres, incorporating up to 31 percent sustainable materials, for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship. The company’s sustainable innovation is also evident in products like the iON evo tyre for the Porsche Taycan, which uses 45 percent recycled and recyclable materials without compromising performance. Similarly, the iON GT replacement tyre for the European market integrates up to 77 percent certified materials and has earned top EU Tyre Label ratings.

Beyond product development, Hankook Tire is pioneering future mobility solutions, showcased by a concept tyre with 81 percent sustainable materials presented at IAA Mobility 2025. In electric motorsport, as the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula E, the company has earned the FIA’s highest environmental accreditation and is set to introduce the iON Race tyre containing 35 percent sustainable materials.

To accelerate these efforts, Hankook Tire is pursuing open innovation through collaborations with technology partners such as ROTOBOOST and Solvay, focusing on advanced materials like turquoise hydrogen-based carbon black and circular silica. The company is also engaged in national research consortia to validate carbon-reduction technologies and enhance the commercial readiness of sustainable alternatives, consistently aiming to merge high performance with ecological responsibility across its global operations.

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Bridgestone India has reconstructed and revitalised the government school in Kuti village, near the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Madhya Pradesh, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project directly serves a marginalised community of tribal groups and migrant labourers from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Previously, the school operated in a perilous and crumbling structure, lacking even basic facilities for its 175 students, despite the steadfast efforts of three teachers. The new, purpose-built campus now provides structurally safe and vibrant classrooms, dedicated child-friendly spaces and access to essential amenities.

This transformation is set to dramatically improve student enrolment and daily attendance by replacing a hazardous environment with one that is secure and conducive to learning. More than just infrastructure, the initiative instils a renewed sense of dignity and aspiration in both students and their families, who work primarily as daily-wage labourers, vegetable vendors and construction workers.

Executed in collaboration with the district administration and education department, this effort reflects Bridgestone India’s core mission of driving long-term social impact through strategic community partnerships. By focusing on critical gaps in educational infrastructure for displaced and underserved populations, the company fosters an environment where children can truly thrive and communities can build a more hopeful future.

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Marking a significant milestone, the Nokian Tyres facility in Oradea, Romania, produced its one millionth tyre of the year on 20 December 2025, thereby reaching its annual production target. This new factory, inaugurated in September 2024, began deliveries in March and is dedicated to supplying passenger car tyres for the European market.

Its inaugural year saw the production of premium models like the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 2 winter tyre, upholding the company’s 90-year legacy of safety and sustainability. The product range expanded this year with the launch of two further tyres for Europe: the Seasonproof 2 all-season and the Powerproof 2 summer tyre, with more new products planned for future manufacture at the site.

Distinguished as the world’s first full-scale zero-CO2-emissions tyre factory, the Oradea plant operates entirely without fossil fuels, employing cutting-edge production technology. Upon its anticipated completion around the end of 2027, it will become Nokian Tyres’ largest global production facility, accounting for roughly 40 percent of total capacity. It represents the company’s third major manufacturing hub alongside its existing factories in Nokia, Finland, and Dayton, US. Currently, the Romanian operation employs over 500 people, underscoring its important role in Nokian Tyres’ strategic European production network.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am very proud of our entire team for their hard work in reaching this milestone. It is a strong testament to our commitment to customers across Europe, enhancing our service level and delivering innovative products that ensure safety and comfort for drivers in all conditions.”

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Magna Tyres Group has agreed to acquire Telescope Tyres Group, extending its footprint in Australia and strengthening its position in the Australasian market.

The transaction, announced on 22 December, will see Magna Tyres take ownership of the Australian tyre and service specialist, which operates multiple branches across regional New South Wales. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close in January 2026.

The acquisition expands Magna Tyres’ regional presence in Parkes, Dubbo, Gunnedah and Cowra and adds Telescope Tyres’ on-site, mechanical and fleet services to Magna’s international product portfolio. The group said the combination would deliver operational synergies, including improvements in logistics, supply chain efficiency and service reliability.

Telescope Tyres will continue to operate under its existing brand in the near term. Its management team and employees will remain in their current roles, with the business supported by Magna Tyres’ global systems and network.

Michael de Ruijter, Chief Executive of Magna Tyres Group, said, “Australia is a vital market in our international growth strategy, and Telescope Tyres is a highly respected name with a strong local reputation. Their customer focus and service quality align perfectly with Magna’s values. Together, we will build a stronger, more capable business that can serve customers with even greater efficiency and reliability.”

Nathan Johnston, Managing Director of Telescope Tyres Group, said the transaction marked “an exciting new chapter” for the company, adding that Magna Tyres’ global resources would support future growth while preserving Telescope’s local identity.

Aldo Gismondi, managing director of Magna Tyres Australia, said, “The Telescope acquisition strategically positions MTA on the East Coast given the acquisition of Fennell Tyres International on the West Coast of Australia in 2021 and brings consolidated revenue to 75–80m annually.”

Following completion, Magna Tyres said it would invest in technology, training and infrastructure and explore further opportunities to expand its network across Australia and New Zealand.

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The rugged landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh once again took centre stage as the JK Tyre Orange 4X4 Fury International wrapped up successfully, emerging as a major highlight of the Orange Festival of Adventure and Music, held from 18 to 21 December 2025. Spanning the districts of Namsai, Lohit, Lower Dibang Valley and East Siang, the event reinforced the state’s growing stature as a destination for high-endurance motorsport and adventure tourism. Enthusiasts from across India were joined by international teams from Thailand and Malaysia, reflecting the rally’s expanding global appeal.

Over three demanding days, 50 specially prepared off-road vehicles battled a constantly changing terrain shaped by the Lohit, Dibang and Sisiri rivers. Competitors faced a mix of riverbeds, forest tracks and sandbanks that tested mechanical resilience and driver strategy alike. Teams competed in Pro-Modified and Stock categories, each supported by two vehicles to ensure continuity during long endurance stages, recoveries or breakdowns. The format encouraged collaboration while maintaining intense competition, turning every obstacle into a test of teamwork and resolve.

The rally began with a dramatic prologue stage on 17 December, run entirely in darkness within the Bereng River. This challenging opener immediately set the tone for the expedition, with standout performances led by seasoned off-roaders, including the reigning Rainforest India Challenge leader, who established early momentum. The official ceremonial flag-off followed on 18 December at the Golden Pagoda in Namsai, led by senior state officials, marking the formal start of the international challenge.

Beyond motorsport, the event seamlessly blended adventure with culture and entertainment. The Orange Music Festival ran alongside the rally, drawing large crowds with performances by leading national artists as well as prominent regional musicians. The festival recorded peak attendance exceeding 15,000 visitors in a single day, underlining its wide appeal.

Backed by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and JK Tyre, the event showcased a shared vision of promoting adventure sports, youth engagement and sustainable tourism across the state.

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