(From right) Ho Taek Lim, Managing Director of Hankook Tire Hungary plant, and Won Hwang, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Hungary.

Hankook Tire has been honoured with a Ministerial Commendation by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources of Korea. The honour was conferred at the 2025 Outstanding Overseas Investment Contributors Awards, an event hosted at the Korean Cultural Center in Budapest, Hungary, designed to recognise firms that enhance national competitiveness through global investment. During the ceremony, the company's leadership detailed its achievements to an audience of diplomatic officials and fellow Korean businesses operating in the region.

The award celebrated Hankook Tire's excellence across four critical areas. Economically, its strategic manufacturing base in Rácalmás, Hungary, established in 2008, has become a significant contributor to the Korean economy through consistent profit repatriation. The company has also acted as a catalyst for other Korean enterprises, enabling market entry for supply chain partners while securing its own strategic alliances within Europe, thereby strengthening the collective agility and global standing of Korean industry.

Beyond commerce, the company's deep local social commitment was highly recognised. The Hungarian plant is a cornerstone of the regional economy, having multiplied its local workforce to approximately 3,000 employees and maintaining this stability even through periods of global economic uncertainty. This commitment extends through extensive community outreach, including the long-term donation of tyres to enhance public and private mobility safety, alongside targeted investments in local infrastructure, social welfare and youth scholarships.

Furthermore, Hankook Tire serves as a central pillar for the Korean business community in Hungary. By holding leadership roles in major business associations, the company facilitates essential dialogue and practical cooperation, helping to resolve common challenges and support the sustainable operation of Korean enterprises in the market. Through this powerful combination of economic performance, social integration and community leadership, Hankook Tire exemplifies the impactful role of responsible overseas investment in fostering mutual growth and strengthening international ties.

Ho Taek Lim, Managing Director of Hankook Tire Hungary plant, said, “As a representative company with deep roots in Hungary, Hankook Tire is committed to fostering unity within the Korean community and supporting the successful establishment of Korean companies entering the market. Through close collaboration with local institutions, we will continue enhancing the competitiveness of Korean companies in Europe while advancing Korea’s national interests.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced the Vredestein Comtrac 2+, a new summer tyre engineered for light commercial vehicles. Set for a European launch in January 2026, this premium model will be available in 21 sizes for rims from 15 to 17 inches, including extra-load variants for heavier demands. It builds upon its predecessor with significant advancements in durability, efficiency and overall performance, aiming to lower the total cost of ownership for fleet operators.

A key innovation is a fourth-generation polymer compound, which boosts abrasion resistance by 13 percent. This advancement extends tread life, reduces replacement frequency and minimises the release of microplastics from wear. The tyre’s construction includes a reinforced bead area and a robust carcass for enhanced stability and reliability under heavy loads, improving vehicle uptime. Safety in wet weather is addressed through a specialised silica filler and an efficient tread pattern designed to prevent aquaplaning by rapidly dispersing water.

Furthermore, the Comtrac 2+ achieves a seven percent reduction in rolling resistance, improving fuel economy for conventional vehicles and helping to extend the driving range of electric and hybrid vans. Every aspect of the tyre is crafted for maximum longevity and cost efficiency, supporting business operations with fewer interruptions. The product also meets the stringent requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation, aligning with contemporary environmental and sustainability standards.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial EMEA, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “With the Comtrac 2+, we set out to address the changing demands of today’s light commercial vehicle operators, whether independent trade professionals or major fleet managers. Our R&D Team has engineered the tyre to deliver longer tread life, lower rolling resistance and a safer, more comfortable ride that drives greater efficiency – all at an accessible price point.”

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MRF Tyres has once again proven its motorsport pedigree by securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Team Title. The official accolade was presented at the season-ending FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent, where Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Arun Mammen collected the trophy. This gala represents the pinnacle of the international motorsport calendar, formally recognising champions from across the discipline.

This victory marks the team’s third ERC crown, following previous successes in 2022 and 2023. It was earned through a campaign defined by remarkable consistency and adaptability across diverse rally stages. Strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination between the team’s personnel, engineers and driving crews were fundamental to this achievement, highlighting the programme’s overall strength and the reliability of its products.

The company has extended its appreciation to every individual who contributed to this result. The recognition at such a distinguished forum reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence and cements its position as a leading force on the global rally stage.

Mammen said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires), a global leader in Off-Highway tyre manufacturing, has reinforced its commitment to India’s healthcare and sports development by enabling the establishment of a world-class Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Centre at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Mumbai through its CSR arm, the BKT Foundation. Spread across more than 15,000 square feet within the hospital premises, the facility represents a significant addition to public healthcare infrastructure while responding to the growing needs of India’s evolving sports ecosystem.

Designed to serve athletes from diverse disciplines, the centre is expected to emerge as one of western India’s most comprehensive rehabilitation hubs within the public healthcare system. With the ability to support more than 1,000 athletes each year and facilitate over 500 specialised surgical procedures, it aims to accelerate recovery, enhance performance and help sportspersons prepare for competition at national and international levels.

Clinical leadership of the facility rests with Dr Roshan Wade, sports specialist and additional professor in the Orthopaedics Department, who will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physiotherapists, rehabilitation experts and nutrition professionals. Together, they will deliver integrated and end-to-end care under one roof, addressing both injury management and long-term physical conditioning.

The centre houses a fully equipped operation theatre complex with three advanced surgical rooms, a 20-bed inpatient ward and ICU-backed post-operative care. Its rehabilitation wing features high-end technologies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, zero-gravity and underwater treadmills, virtual reality-based recovery systems and a specialised gait analysis laboratory. Outpatient services are supported by consultation rooms, in-house imaging such as X-ray and scannogram facilities and a wide range of interventional therapies.

The inauguration on 14 December 2025 was attended by senior leadership from BKT, municipal authorities and KEM Hospital, underscoring strong public–private collaboration. With an investment of approximately INR 200 million and a multi-year agreement ensuring equipment upkeep and infrastructure support, the project reflects BKT Foundation’s broader vision of strengthening healthcare capacity while nurturing India’s sporting potential.

Arvind Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director, BKT, said, “At BKT, we believe progress truly happens when communities move forward together. ‘Growing Together’ is more than a motto for us. It guides our decisions. By creating this centre with KEM Hospital and the BMC, we want to make world-class treatment accessible to every athlete. We are confident this facility will help many sportspersons return stronger.”

Vijayalaxmi Poddar, Chairperson, BKT-CSR committee, said, “This project reflects the values BKT stands for – Care, Dignity, Accessibility and Empowerment. Our goal was to create a space where healing is dignified and where every athlete feels supported at every stage of recovery. We want our youth to believe that their dreams are achievable, and we stand with them as they pursue excellence.”

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INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION MEETS ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE WITH TROESTER ROBOTICS

In today’s evolving industrial ecosystem, manufacturing is no longer just about physical output. Modern factories must simultaneously manage a range of challenges – from efficiency and flexibility to sustainability and quality control. Traditional automation systems often fall short, while smart, integrated and data-driven solutions are now the foundation of next-generation production strategies.

TROESTER Robotics emerged from this vision, formed in 2025 through a strategic acquisition. That year, TROESTER GmbH & Co. KG, a renowned German engineering company with over 130 years of heritage, acquired Turkey’s dynamic automation firm SC Otomasyon. This union brought together two strengths: deep engineering experience and practical implementation agility.

What resulted was more than just a new company – it became a transformative platform that doesn’t just produce automation systems but redefines the way production itself is designed and executed.

Today, TROESTER Robotics delivers durable, scalable and intelligent automation solutions across industries, with a strong focus on rubber and tyre production. These systems are built to improve precision, consistency, safety and operational sustainability.

Founded in 1892 in Hannover, Germany, TROESTER has become a global benchmark in the field of rubber, cable and plastics processing. With extrusion systems, full-scale production lines and advanced process engineering, TROESTER is known worldwide for engineering excellence and trust.

SC Otomasyon, on the other hand, earned its reputation in Turkey through flexible project execution and on-site know-how – delivering tailored automation projects in sectors such as glass, automotive and end-of-line applications. Notably, its success in rubber and tyre manufacturing drew international attention.

Through the acquisition and integration under TROESTER Robotics, this unique combination of capabilities has been elevated to serve global markets. It reflects the perfect synergy of depth and agility, tradition and innovation and global vision with local adaptability.

AUTOBOOKER: A NEW STANDARD IN TREAD HANDLING

Autobooker, developed by TROESTER Robotics, directly addresses a common bottleneck in tyre production: the handling and stacking of precut rubber treads.

Due to the nature of rubber – its sticky surface, flexibility and weight – manual operations are not only labour-intensive but also prone to inconsistencies such as misalignment and uneven stacking. This leads to increased cycle times and compromised product quality.

Autobooker was designed to solve these challenges in a compact robotic cell that automatically identifies and handles treads of various profiles and sizes while delivering repeatable and balanced stacking with minimal operator intervention. The system easily integrates into existing production lines with its compact structure and adapts to different production scenarios without the need for reprogramming. Most importantly, Autobooker ensures not just speed but precision and consistency in its operations.

Unlike traditional systems, Autobooker is not just a robot – it is a stabilising element of the production line, enabling a more consistent, reliable and efficient flow.

BEYOND MACHINES: AN INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION ECOSYSTEM

Autobooker is just one part of the broader technology ecosystem developed by TROESTER Robotics. Across various stages of tyre and rubber manufacturing, the company continues to build systems that prioritise productivity, safety and quality. One of the systems is Green Tyre Spraying Cells, which are robotic spray units that ensure uniform surface coating, reduce VOC emissions and minimise operator exposure. The Robotic Creel Loading Systems are designed to automate the placement of heavy steel and cord rolls; these systems significantly improve ergonomics and workplace safety.

Another solution, the End-of-Line Palletizing Solutions, enables fast, reliable palletising of finished tyres with minimal human involvement, increasing throughput and reducing handling errors. All TROESTER Robotics systems are equipped to communicate with MES and ERP platforms, enabling smart factory integration. This ensures the production process is not only automated but also traceable, measurable and optimised in real time.

DELIVER A VISION, NOT ONLY MACHINES

At TROESTER Robotics, automation is not just about hardware – it’s about engineering precision, industry insight, global standards and future-focused thinking. Every system installed is designed to standardise quality, minimise waste, reduce operator dependency and boost competitiveness while laying a solid foundation for digital transformation.

For TROESTER, every solution is a chapter in its customer’s production story. The company says, “We’re not just writing that story for today – we’re building it for the factories of the future.”

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