MRF Ltd introduced its visionary theme called 'Muscle in Motion' at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. This theme underscored MRF’s relentless commitment to innovation, excellence and its transformative role in shaping the future of mobility across a wide spectrum of applications.

The theme reflects MRF’s unparalleled market leadership, engineering expertise and steadfast dedication to innovation. It highlights the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge mobility solutions that enhance vehicle performance, foster progress and redefine the transportation industry. 

The company showcased its innovative prowess with several remarkable exhibits. These include the Aeromuscle tyre range, developed for the Sukhoi aircraft and the LCA Tejas, alongside tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles featuring acoustic foam technology (AFT) to enhance EV performance. Other highlights include an ERC-Type Rally Car equipped with MRF Gravel tyres, high-performance studded tyres engineered for extreme rally conditions and snow-application tyres tailored for harsh winter environments. The company’s flagship truck radial S3C8 tyre and a range of products exported globally further underline MRF’s comprehensive portfolio.

The legacy

MRF’s reputation as India’s leading tyre manufacturer is built on decades of industry leadership with 37 years of dominance in the market. In the fiscal year 2023–24, the company achieved a record turnover of INR 254.86 billion with double-digit growth recorded for the six months ending April and October 2024. This stellar performance propelled MRF’s global ranking to 11th place among the world’s top tyre manufacturers, according to the Global Tire Intelligence report dated November 28, 2024.

The company continues to cater to millions of customers across India and globally, offering the widest range of tyres, from go-kart models to specialised products for aircraft. MRF is at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) innovation, setting benchmarks in tyre technology and motorsports. Its engineering excellence has positioned the brand as a leader in global motorsports and a pioneer in EV-specific solutions that drive advancements in sustainable mobility.MRF’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its operations, with 10 advanced manufacturing facilities across India contributing to the nation’s Net Zero emission target by 2070. The company has established phase-wise targets to enhance its sustainability performance, focusing on clean energy adoption, manufacturing efficiency, and resource optimisation. MRF’s vision for the future includes embedding sustainability into its business practices, ensuring long-term environmental and operational excellence.

Innovation in the EV space remains a cornerstone of MRF’s strategy. The company’s advanced EV-specific tyres are designed for efficiency, durability, and performance, supporting a range of key EV models in India, including the Maruti EV, Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra EV, and two-wheelers like the Honda Activa Electric, Bajaj Chetak, Hero Moto Vida, and Ather Rizta. MRF’s partnerships also extend to electric motorcycles such as the Ultraviolette F77 and Revolt, electric buses like those from JBM and Olectra, and commercial EVs including trucks and three-wheelers from leading manufacturers.

Motorsports excellence is another hallmark of MRF’s legacy. The company’s high-performance tyres are synonymous with motorsports in India supporting Formula cars, rallying, motocross, motorcycle racing and go-karting. Globally, MRF’s dominance is evident with titles in the European Rally Championship (ERC) in 2022 and 2023, multiple victories in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), and four consecutive wins in the Italian Gravel Championship. MRF’s philosophy, “Tyres We Race Are the Tyres You Buy,” ensures that innovations born on the racetrack translate into superior durability, performance, and safety for everyday drivers.

MRF’s expertise extends beyond automotive applications as seen in its Aero Muscle Tyres developed for fighter jets. These tyres meet stringent aviation standards, showcasing MRF’s engineering capabilities and its leadership in sectors beyond traditional automotive boundaries.

The 'Muscle in Motion' theme epitomises MRF’s steadfast dedication to innovation, quality and sustainability. As a beacon of progress in mobility solutions, MRF invites attendees of Bharat Mobility 2025 to witness its vision for a future defined by cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance.

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India will once again be represented at the world's most formidable rally raid as veteran racer Sanjay Takale prepares for his second attempt at the Dakar Rally in 2026. This event, renowned as the ultimate endurance challenge, will see Takale draw upon his disciplined approach and decades of international racing expertise across both motorcycles and cars. His participation underscores a continued, though rare, Indian presence on this global motorsport stage.

Takale’s previous campaign was historically successful, culminating in an 18th-place overall finish. Framing his upcoming effort as an evolved chapter, he is focusing on intensified preparation and strategic refinement. This return is fuelled by over 35 years of accumulated track insight and a sharpened competitive perspective.

In addition to his driving career, Takale’s role as Director of aerpace Industries allows him to champion broader national ambitions in engineering and mobility. He consistently frames motorsport as a dynamic proving ground for core industrial principles like precision, systemic endurance and meticulous execution.

Ultimately, Takale's journey back to the Dakar starting line symbolises India's growing footprint in international motorsport. It is a narrative built not on fleeting speed but on profound experience, resilience and a dedicated pursuit of excellence under the world's most extreme racing conditions.

Takle said, “My first Dakar was an extraordinary experience. Dakar changes you once you race it; you are never the same. It challenges you mentally, breaks you down and teaches you resilience, discipline and the true meaning of fighting back. I emerged not just as a stronger driver but as a different person altogether. This year, my focus is clear to return, finish the rally again and significantly improve my position. I will once again be competing for my team, aerpace Racers, with technical support from Compagne Sharenne, France. I am proud to represent India as the only four-wheeler entry for the second consecutive year. My goal is simple: to see the finish line and to finish stronger.”

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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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