JK Tyre Achieves Top-Tier CareEdge ESG 1+ Rating

JK Tyre Achieves Top-Tier CareEdge ESG 1+ Rating

JK Tyre & Industries Limited has reinforced its leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards by achieving a top-tier rating of CareEdge ESG 1+. This prestigious accolade, supported by an impressive overall score of 81.2, places the company well above the industry average.

The high rating is a direct result of the firm's exceptional management of ESG risks, which is demonstrated through superior disclosures and robust policies. Key to this performance is the company's strategic focus on proactive carbon and energy management, backed by sophisticated monitoring systems and major investments in renewable energy and decarbonisation technologies.

Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.  said, “It gives me immense pride that our company JK Tyre has been rated CareEdge ESG 1+, the highest ESG rating for the 3rd consecutive year. This is a recognition of our unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, ethical business practices and social responsibility in addition to a key driver to long-term value creation, risk management and operational resilience. We have achieved the industry leading ESG score of 81.2, which is a strong validation of our disciplined approach to integrating sustainability into our core business and financial strategy.”

Alliance Debuts Agri Star II Row Crop Tyre At Agritechnica 2025

Alliance Debuts Agri Star II Row Crop Tyre At Agritechnica 2025

Alliance, a leading global brand of agricultural and off-highway tyres, introduced the Agri Star II Row Crop tyre, a significant new product extending its proven technology into the specialised row crop segment, at the Agritechnica 2025 show. This launch represents a strategic expansion of the successful Agri Star II series, which has achieved remarkable commercial success with one million units sold since its 2020 debut. Building on this momentum and driven by farmer feedback, the company has adapted its core Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) for the specific demands of row crop equipment, such as sprayers.

The new tyre is engineered as a comprehensive solution for the high-speed, multi-terrain nature of contemporary farming. It is designed for reliable performance both on the road and in the field, offering enhanced traction, greater longevity and improved road handling, all supported by a 7-year warranty. Central to its performance is the proprietary Stratified Layer Technology, which constructs each lug with two distinct layers to maintain consistent performance throughout the tyre's life. This design not only boosts braking and roadability but also helps protect crops by minimising soil compaction.

Further ensuring durability, the tyre features a robust build with integrated stubble guards and advanced, wear-resistant compounds to defend against common hazards like cuts and cracks. Its enhanced speed rating of up to 70 kmph meets the demands of modern, efficient farm logistics. To provide a tailored fit for a wide array of machinery, the Agri Star II Row Crop will be available in a comprehensive selection of sizes, ranging from 24 to 54 inches.

This product introduction reinforces Alliance’s ‘Always By Your Side’ brand philosophy and its 70-year legacy of agricultural innovation. By delivering a customised solution for the row crop category, the company aims to solidify its market position and continue addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers worldwide.

Angelo Noronha, President & CEO, Yokohama-ATG, said, “At Alliance, we take pride in our ability to adapt and innovate based on customer feedback. The Agri Star II Row Crop tyre is a testament to our commitment to empowering farmers with solutions that address their specific challenges. By bringing our proven SLT technology to the row crop segment, we aim to set new standards for performance and reliability in this category.”

Valedictory Function Concludes Vigilance Awareness Week At Rubber Board

Valedictory Function Concludes Vigilance Awareness Week At Rubber Board

The valedictory function for Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 at the Rubber Board served as a significant culmination to the week-long campaign, held from 27 October to 2 November. The event, which aligned with the Central Vigilance Commission's directives, aimed to champion integrity and galvanise a collective stand against corruption in public life.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Honourable Principal District and Sessions Judge for Kottayam, Manoj M, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the severe detrimental effects of corruption on a developing economy, stating that it fundamentally undermines the constitutional values of justice and rights. He elaborated that corruption extends beyond bribery to include misappropriation, misconduct and nepotism, all of which erode the foundation of public institutions.

M Vasanthagesan, IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, set the tone by welcoming the gathering and underscoring that the fight against corruption is a shared duty which must begin with individual accountability. A highlight of the function was the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions held for students and Board employees during the observance week. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sreevidya P, the Assistant Vigilance Officer, formally bringing the awareness campaign to a close.

Vredestein Tyres Opens First Retail Outlet In Coimbatore

Vredestein Tyres Opens First Retail Outlet In Coimbatore

Vredestein, the premium European tyre brand from Apollo Tyres Ltd, has strengthened its Indian market presence with the launch of its first exclusive retail outlet in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This strategic initiative was executed in partnership with Sri Subham Tyres and Alignment, which will host the new store. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the proprietor of the host dealership alongside senior members of the Vredestein India Team, marking a significant milestone in the brand's expansion.

The brand, renowned for its heritage in the luxury segment, initially entered the Indian market in 2021. Its product line for India is domestically manufactured at Apollo's advanced production facilities and is specifically engineered for the country's premium and luxury passenger vehicles. The new Coimbatore outlet features a modern design and an extensive, immersive display of Vredestein's latest tyre range.

The products are intelligently organised by driving style and performance characteristics, assisting customers in selecting the ideal tyres for diverse needs, from robust off-road exploration to ultra-high-performance road driving. This customer-centric retail approach underscores Vredestein's commitment to not only expanding its footprint but also enhancing the driving experience for discerning Indian consumers through its cutting-edge technology and high-quality products.

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President – Commercial, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, "Coimbatore’s thriving community of auto enthusiasts makes it an ideal market for our tyre brand. Vredestein’s new store is designed to serve the city’s discerning motorists, offering a premium range of high-performance tyres for luxury cars and superbikes. Through superior products and exceptional service, we aspire to become the go-to destination for driving enthusiasts, building enduring relationships and accelerating sales growth."

MESNAC Breaks Ground On Cambodia Plant In Latest Southeast Asia Expansion

MESNAC Breaks Ground On Cambodia Plant In Latest Southeast Asia Expansion

MESNAC Union Technology (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China’s MESNAC Co., Ltd., has broken ground on a new manufacturing facility in the Qilu (Cambodia) Special Economic Zone in Svay Rieng Province, marking the company’s second major investment in Southeast Asia.

Executives from the Qilu Special Economic Zone, MESNAC Chairman and President Guan Bingzheng, and representatives from the tyre sector attended the 30 October ceremony.

Zhou Chuanhai, General Manager of MESNAC Union Technology, said the ceremony underscored the company’s growing international ambitions. “The opening of the MESNAC Vietnam factory and the groundbreaking of the Cambodia factory jointly demonstrated the bold and hardworking spirit, and pragmatic executive force of the MESNAC Union Technology team,” he said. The two projects, he added, “further confirmed the company’s firm determination to expand overseas and serve global tyre enterprises.”

Zhou said Cambodia’s location at the heart of Southeast Asia offered “unique geographical advantages and vast market potential”. He added that the company would continue to uphold its mission “To advance rubber industry to a higher level,” while strengthening its global production and service network to offer more efficient integrated solutions for tyre manufacturers.

The ceremony concluded with guests witnessing the official launch of the project.

The new Cambodia plant follows the commissioning of the firm’s Vietnam facility and forms part of MESNAC’s push to scale up its presence in the region. The company said the investment will expand manufacturing capacity, improve service capability in Southeast Asia and support a more comprehensive product offering for global tyre clients.