The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards for the year 2025 were presented by JK Tyre at the Levitas Lounge in New Delhi. Mahindra Thar Roxx won the title of Indian Car of the Year 2025, whereas the Aprilia RS 457 was unanimously selected as the Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2025.

Prominent journalists, members of the automobile community and leaders of the industry graced the occasion. Since it was ICOTY's 20th anniversary, this year's event was very noteworthy. The awardees were given their prizes by Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, ICOTY Chairman Dhruv Behl, IMOTY Chairman Kartik Ware, and distinguished jury members.

The ICOTY jury established the ‘Premium Car Award’ in 2019 to address the expanding availability, acceptability and appeal of a broad variety of luxury vehicles from different manufacturers in the Indian market. Mercedes-Benz E-Class was acknowledged as the deserving champion for 2025. Given the changing automotive industry and the government's growing emphasis on electric cars, the 'Green Car Award' was instituted in 2021 to recognise the manufacturers' contributions to the mobility of the future. The 2025 Green Car Award was given to MG Windsor.

A rigorous examination procedure was applied to the cars and motorcycles nominated for this year's ICOTY and IMOTY awards. The candidates were assessed in four categories by 28 jurors with over 400 years of combined work experience from top auto magazines. In order to identify the winners, the judges thoroughly examined each vehicle's features, taking into account elements including cost, fuel economy, design, comfort, safety, performance, usefulness, technological innovation, value for money and suitability for Indian driving conditions.

Dr Singhania said, "The ICOTY and IMOTY Awards stand as a testament to the remarkable achievements in India's dynamic automotive landscape. These esteemed accolades celebrate excellence and innovation, reflecting the industry's unwavering commitment to progress. Over the years, the Indian automotive sector has demonstrated remarkable strides, solidifying its position as a global leader. At JK Tyre, we are proud to contribute to this legacy and recognize the dedication and ingenuity that drive this industry forward.”

Behl said, “The 20th edition of ICOTY is certainly a memorable one. ICOTY, the Green Car Award by ICOTY and the Premium Car Award by ICOTY are, far and away, the most coveted awards in the Indian automotive industry. Over the past two decades, ICOTY has set itself apart as being the most credible and respected awards in the industry. The 21-member ICOTY jury has a cumulative experience of 408 years, and it’s an absolute honour for me to be Chairman of such an illustrious jury. I’d like to congratulate all the winners for bringing cutting edge technology and design to our roads in their respective segments.”

Ware said, “The 18th edition of IMOTY saw competition as tough as it's ever been. The finalists were some of the best machines India has ever seen, their capabilities ranging across the wide spectrum bookended by performance and innovation and everything in between that a motorcycle must possess. However, there can only be one winner, and the Aprilia RS 457 is a deserving one for the special feelings it brings to Indian riders. A big thanks to my fellow jury members for making my first time out as IMOTY chairman as smooth as possible. And an equally big thanks to JK Tyre for supporting IMOTY since its inception. One more fantastic motorcycle joins the ranks of IMOTY winners!”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Sector, M&M Ltd, said, “We would like to thank the esteemed ICOTY 2025 jury for honouring the Mahindra Thar ROXX with this coveted award. This recognition reaffirms the global benchmarks of design, engineering and manufacturing excellence we have pursued. The Thar ROXX represents a passion for charting new adventures – an ethos that resonates with enthusiasts everywhere. We remain deeply grateful to our customers, whose love and trust continue to fuel our commitment to deliver unforgettable driving experiences.”

Diego Graffi, MD and CEO, Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, said, “In a year graced by exceptional motorcycles, the Aprilia RS457 has emerged as a true standout. The IMOTY 2025 jury has bestowed upon the Aprilia RS457 the title of 'Indian Motorcycle of the Year’, a resounding affirmation of its unwavering commitment to speed, agility and Italian design. We are immensely proud to witness the Aprilia RS457 receive this well-deserved accolade. This recognition serves as a powerful testament to the dedication and passion exhibited by our team in crafting a motorcycle that truly embodies the spirit of Aprilia – speed, agility and Italian design.”

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “The Long Wheelbase E-Class remains the most desirable luxury sedan for the discerning Indian luxury car customer. Highly advanced and personal than ever before, the Long Wheelbase E-Class is an unmatched combination of luxury, sheer comfort, ground-breaking technology, digital intelligence and superior driving dynamics, making it the unanimous choice as India’s most admired luxury sedan. The coveted ICOTY Premium Car of the Year is a firm testament to the Long Wheelbase E-Class’ unparalleled luxury stature in the luxury car market. I dedicate this honour to the entire Mercedes-Benz India team, who made multiple 'India-specific' enhancements to the car, making it highly suitable for the Indian conditions, exceeding even the most demanding customer requirements. The ICOTY Premium Car of the Year honour for the Long Wheelbase E-Class salutes the innovation, pioneering spirit and brand legacy that customers associate Mercedes-Benz with, inspiring us to create superior customer experience."

Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus, JSW MG Motor India, said, "The MG Windsor is the right product at the right time with the right pricing and packaging. It is certainly a disruptor in the segment, redefining consumer perceptions about EVs. The strong sales momentum since its launch highlights the evolving preference of consumers. The MG Windsor ticks all the boxes of their consideration sets, especially the value for money it delivers. The MG Windsor is all the more special to us because it has been successful in debunking myths around higher acquisition cost of EVs through path breaking initiatives such as Battery-As-A-Service and lifetime battery warranty. The interplay of all these factors has helped MG Windsor to emerge as the Green Car of the Year at the coveted ICOTY 2025. I would like to thank all our customers for their unwavering support, the esteemed jury at ICOTY and everyone at JSW MG Motor India who have worked relentlessly to make this achievement possible."

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Pirelli is all set for the winter season with its winter tyre range that is renewed over the past two years. The newly launched Scorpion Winter 3 joins the P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and the Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers. The range is available with Pirelli Elect technology for electric vehicles. Independent tests by European organisations have placed Pirelli winter tyres at the front in safety-related areas, while the Cinturato All Season SF3 has recorded four victories and six additional podium finishes.

Winter tyres or suitable equipment are required from 15 November to 15 April. Most winter driving occurs on dry and wet roads. Below 7°C, winter compounds offer more grip than summer compounds, and the tread pattern helps counter aquaplaning and generate traction on snow. Sidewall markings indicate capability: M+S identifies a product for challenging surfaces, while 3PMSF certifies testing in harsh conditions. An appropriate winter driving style includes increased safety distance, avoiding sudden acceleration and reducing brake use in favour of engine braking.

The Cinturato Winter 3 took first place in the 2026 ADAC winter tyre test in size 225/50 R17 against 16 models, earning a highly recommended rating with the best wet score and the highest assessment for driving safety. It won the AvD test in size 225/45 R17 against 15 tyres with a very good rating. It also finished first in the Auto Bild comparison in size 205/55 R16 on a Volkswagen Golf against 14 tyres with an exemplary rating. Podium finishes followed in tests by Auto Express, Auto Bild Allrad and Tyre Reviews, giving six podium finishes in seven tests, including three victories.

The Scorpion Winter 3 debuted with a victory in the alVolante comparison in size 235/60 R18 on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, ranking first among six winter tyres. Its wet performance, shortest braking distance, fastest lap time and progressive reactions set it apart. It was judged consistent and predictable on snow and balanced on dry roads.

In the annual Auto Bild super comparative test, the P Zero Winter 2 finished on the podium with an exemplary rating, thanks to precise driving behaviour in wet and dry conditions and braking performance on both surfaces. The Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2 are available with Pirelli Elect technology on dedicated fitments for Europe's electric vehicle fleet. Elect addresses low rolling resistance for range, acoustic comfort, longer tyre life, grip for immediate torque and a reinforced structure for battery weight.

All-season tyres suit drivers mainly in urban areas covering up to 20,000 km per year without frequent heavy snowfall. Higher mileage, regular mountain travel or high-performance cars generally call for winter tyres. The Cinturato All Season SF3 carries the 3PMSF marking and has four victories in comparisons by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir, plus six additional podium finishes. The new Scorpion All Season SF3 extends the approach to SUVs.

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Nokian Tyres will withdraw its sponsorship of the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship should Russia be permitted to compete, the company has confirmed. The decision follows a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that cleared Russian national teams to return to international ice hockey. Nokian Tyres stated that continuing the sponsorship under such circumstances would conflict with its values. Tiina Frazer, SVP of Brand, Marketing and Communications, explained that while the 2026 tournament cooperation proved highly successful, the company felt compelled to act on its principles regarding Russian participation.

The tyre manufacturer had been named an Official Sponsor for both the 2026 and 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships in late 2025. Its 2026 involvement included the ‘Carve the Corners’ contest, running from 6 February to 20 March, which offered fans in the United States and Canada a chance to win a trip to the tournament. The 2026 event, held from 15 to 31 May, featured 64 games with 16 top national teams competing for the title and stands as the world’s largest annual winter sports event.

Frazer said, “Our sponsorship agreement with the IIHF covers the 2026 and 2027 World Championships, and our cooperation around the 2026 tournament was very successful. However, under the current circumstances, continuing the sponsorship if Russia participates would not be aligned with our values. We have therefore decided to end our sponsorship of the 2027 World Championship should Russia be allowed to take part.”

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA), the world's largest fully integrated natural rubber company, has been honoured at the Intelligent Industry Awards 2026, an accolade bestowed by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). The award was formally received on 30 October 2026 at Bangkok's S31 Sukhumvit Hotel by Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul, accompanied by Akarat Mattayangkul, Factory Manager of the Huai Nang Branch, and Poowanart Laoprasert, Factory Manager of the Loei Branch.

Three of the company's production sites earned recognition under the award. The Loei and Huai Nang branches in Trang Province were cited for their technically specified rubber (TSR) operations, while the Kanchanadit Branch in Surat Thani Province was acknowledged for latex production. Evaluators placed weight on technology deployments that yield demonstrable outcomes, alongside sustained organisational development spanning operational processes, personnel, energy and sustainability.

Research and development form a central pillar of STA's strategy, merging its natural rubber know-how with digital tools and artificial intelligence. Among its flagship efforts is the Sri Trang AI Machine (SAM), which harnesses AI to bolster analysis and decision-making in production. The company also runs an ‘AI Clinic’ that invites staff from every department to pitch ideas, exchange experiences and obtain expert advice on embedding AI in routine tasks, thereby streamlining workflows, aiding decisions and lifting operational efficiency while nurturing a culture of technological learning.

The accolade underscores STA's drive towards Industry 4.0 through digital adoption, automation, innovation, workforce development and prudent resource management. It represents a further milestone in Sri Trang Group's evolution, reinforcing its emphasis on technology, people and resource efficiency as it continues to champion the sustainable development of Thailand's rubber sector.

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Professor James Busfield of Queen Mary University of London has been awarded the prestigious IRCO Medal by the International Rubber Conference Organisation (IRCO) in recognition of his longstanding contribution to international rubber conferences. The honour was presented by IRCO Executive Chairman Michael Clayton at IRC 2026 in Aichi, Japan, immediately before Busfield delivered his plenary lecture. The IRCO Committee unanimously approved the award at its meeting in Bangkok on 2 December 2025.

His involvement with the organisation spans more than a decade, having represented the United Kingdom on the IRCO Committee since 2013. He chaired and organised IRC 2019 in London, attracting 550 delegates, and led the organisation of RubberCon events in Manchester in 2014 and Edinburgh in 2023, the latter welcoming over 310 participants from 26 countries. A frequent plenary and keynote speaker, he also regularly involves postgraduate students in these international gatherings, providing opportunities to showcase their research and build professional connections.

Left to right: Michael Clayton, Executive Chairman of IRCO; Professor James Busfield, Queen Mary University of London; and Professor Mikihito Takenaka, Congress Chair of IRC2026 AICHI and Professor at the Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University.

Beyond his international conference work, Busfield has headed the Elastomer Group at the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) since 1995. Under his leadership, the group has delivered more than 100 meetings and conferences for the rubber sector while introducing hybrid events to expand global accessibility. At Queen Mary, he serves as Professor of Materials, National Teaching Fellow, Deputy Head of School and Head of the UK's largest soft matter research group. His career began in automotive suspension engineering before he completed his doctorate under Professor Alan Thomas.

Busfield's research encompasses rubber friction, fatigue, fracture, recycling and smart materials, supported by more than 190 peer-reviewed publications and industrial collaborations with Bridgestone, Continental, Aston Martin F1 and Schlumberger. Elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2020, he has also received the Colwyn Medal (2009), the American Chemical Society Rubber Division's George Stafford Whitby Award (2021) and the IOM3 T B Marsden Medal (2024).

Michael Clayton, Executive Chairman of IRCO, said, “James never travels alone. At every conference he brings his students, and gives them the chance to present, to meet people and to begin their careers in our industry. He is incredibly generous with his time, and one of our industry's most engaging speakers. Professor Busfield is an incredibly worthy recipient of the IRCO Medal.”

Professor James Busfield said, “It is a great honour to receive the IRCO Medal. IRCO has coordinated the International Rubber Conference and RubberCon events for about 60 years, and I have been fortunate to have been a part of that community for about half of that time. I enjoy greatly participating in these conferences and value the opportunity to meet the global rubber experts, discuss with them new innovations and together help to move the discipline and our industry forward. My thanks are extended to all of those from the global rubber community who have worked to make our IRCO events so successful.”

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