Nokian Tyres will celebrate the 90^th anniversary of its innovation the - winter tyre. The company states it invented the world’s first winter tyre in 1934, and 90 years later it has continued to be the pioneer of safe winter driving. The winter tyre continues to be reinvented to meet the demands of modern drivers and changing conditions.

The company invented the world’s first winter tyre to tackle the harsh Finnish winter. Prior to the invention there were no tyres suitable for winter driving: tyres had a smooth surface and required snow chains on top of them for grip in winter. The winter tyre on the other hand featured a rough tread pattern for grip and traction, and the tread pattern was also designed open enough to clean itself of snow while driving, enabling a safe journey on winter roads.

The world’s first winter tyre Kelirengas, weather tyre, was mostly designed for trucks, and two years later, in 1936, a further improved design specifically for passenger cars, Lumi-Hakkapeliitta, Snow-Hakkapeliitta, were introduced. To meet the demands of slippery roads, caused by the increased number of vehicles and ploughing, Lumi-Hakkapeliitta featured small suction cups to prevent slipping on icy surfaces. Nearly 90-years later, the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta is one of the world’s best-known winter tyre brands.

In the early 1960s, studs were introduced into the design, creating yet another innovation for safe winter driving.

Nokian Tyres states that winter tyre continue to be one of the most important pieces of safety equipment for winter driving is as relevant today as it was 90 years ago. The modern winter tyre features a mix of about 100 different raw materials, roughly three times more than the winter tyre in the 1930’s, including both renewable and recycled raw materials.

Teemu Soini, VP – Innovations and Development, Nokian Tyres said, “The winter tyre taught us that we can ensure safety by keeping ahead of the challenges. As the world keeps on changing, so do the challenges. In these 90 years, the weather conditions have changed, new materials have been innovated, and product development has taken leaps towards creating more and more sustainable tyres.” 

“The two main areas of our innovation and development are safety and sustainability, and especially in winter tyres safety is a priority,” added Soini.

The modern winter tyre relies on decades of product development and innovation work. Continuous testing in real winter conditions for example in Nokian Tyres’ test centre in Finnish Lapland makes sure that the tyres from the inventor of the winter tyre will be able to safeguard drivers in all conditions.

Marko Saari, VP – Product Management, Nokian Tyres said, “Different driving conditions call for different types of winter tyres, as winter conditions vary greatly depending on the area and its climate: in Central Europe, winter has more rain, whereas in Scandinavia roads are covered in snow or ice. That’s why Nokian Tyres tailors its winter tyres according to the conditions of the area they are meant to be driven in.”

In addition to the varying winter driving conditions, development in vehicle technology affects the development of winter tyres.

“For example, tyres for EVs need to carry heavier loads because of the extra weight of the battery and instantly respond to the high-torque power. Our starting point is that all our products make driving safe no matter what car you drive. Testing has remained a key to ensure tyre performance to meet the needs of modern drivers,” says Saari.

At present, Nokian Tyres manufactures winter tyres for the Nordic market and for North America in its factory in Finland, and tyres for Central Europe will be manufactured in its factory in Romania.

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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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