India is also getting a rousing applause for its efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Given the population load and weak public health infrastructure, it was feared that the pandemic might result in high levels of casualties or morbidities. A sustained sensitization programme coupled with the selfless services of thousands of corona warriors, has managed to keep the casualties low in India when measured in the context of its population.

However, this piece is not about waxing eloquent on the revival of the Indian economy or how we have taken the challenge of Coronavirus pandemic head-on or the way we have set a global benchmark in coming out with vaccines with single minded focus.

In fact, it is about our continued apathy to deal with another, and no less detrimental, challenge that has been rearing its head for years on end. Yes it’s about India’s poor track record of road safety where India continues to have the dubious distinction of largest number of road fatalities in the world. So much so that even during the April- June’20 period when a lockdown was imposed across the country, India lost as many as 20732 precious lives in road crashes.

Two recent pieces of news have been especially troubling. The number of fatalities due to collisions with parked vehicles on roads has more than doubled in the past three years. From 2317 such fatalities in 2017, the number has gone up to 5086 in 2020.

The use of retro reflective tapes on all commercial and transport vehicles is mandatory to obtain fitness certificate as per Motor Vehicle rules. However, leave alone cautionary signs to alert other drivers about parked or punctured vehicles, several parked trucks do not even have retro reflective tapes making stranded vehicles in the middle of the road a huge safety hazard especially at night.

Similarly, the usage of high beam continues to be very common in India. The purpose of the high beam is to provide a clear view to the driver at places where there is no immediate source of light. Under normal driving conditions low beams perfectly serve the purpose. However, as shown by a survey, as many as 74% drivers do not care if they are using dippers correctly. The other person can be blinded (for a few seconds) from direct exposure to a high beam or the glare in the rear-view mirror.

I would strongly urge the readers to visit #DimTheLights campaign being run by Apollo Tyres, an ATMA member. The campaign hopes to reduce the danger of accidents by encouraging drivers to use the high beams on their cars responsibly.

Generally, there is an attempt on the part of the Governments to soft pedal the uncomfortable data. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case here and the Government plans to take road safety in a mission mode.

Speaking at the National Road Safety Council meeting in January this year, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari minced no words when he stated “ Please publish all data on road deaths every month. Let everyone get exposed how they have failed. Let people pull us up, question us about failures and then only everyone will work… This is one area where we need immediate action. We can’t wait”.

The action is evident. For the first time, the National Highways Authority of India has promulgated a policy of heavy fines on contractors for accidents and deaths caused by structural defects in design, construction or maintenance of the stretches maintained by them. Such agencies will also not be allowed to bid for any NH project for three years.

Deaths due to Coronavirus are estimated at 1.5 lakh in the last one year in India. That’s roughly equal to road fatalities in road crashes year after year.

India has launched vaccination against Coronavirus in double quick time. Similar zeal is required to tackle the issue of road safety on a war footing. Would 2021 be different?

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Michelin has announced a strategic collaboration with BLAST, the organiser behind the 2026 Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS), which serves as the premier global tournament for the popular video game Rocket League. Through this agreement, Michelin becomes an official partner of one of the most energetic and widely viewed eSports properties on the international stage.

Rocket League itself enjoys immense global popularity, attracting several million active participants on a monthly basis. The RLCS season consistently draws tens of millions of views across the world, underscoring its significant reach. This move allows Michelin to deepen its involvement in the competitive gaming sector by associating with a high-profile series known for its passionate following.

The game’s core dynamic involves vehicles competing in a fast-paced arena where precision, control and rapid execution are paramount. These very attributes closely align with Michelin’s established heritage in mobility solutions and high-performance engineering, particularly its extensive background in motorsport. The partnership therefore represents a natural extension of the brand’s core principles into a digital environment.

By entering the world of the RLCS, Michelin seeks to enhance its connection with younger demographics and solidify its relevance within the digital spaces that are increasingly defining future trends and cultural habits. This initiative builds on a foundation of over 25 years during which Michelin has cultivated partnerships within the gaming and automotive simulation spheres, consistently applying its technological know-how to support both realism and superior performance in virtual driving experiences.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has entered into a new agreement to serve as the official tyre supplier for BMW M Motorsport, the division responsible for the brand's global racing endeavours. This collaboration will debut at the prestigious Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and throughout the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie in 2026.

This renewed partnership revives a historical connection between the two companies, who previously worked together on the same iconic circuit from 1980 to 1990. During that initial decade-long stint, their combined efforts secured two overall victories. After an interval of nearly four decades, they are reuniting for the current season to compete in the premier SP9 class, fielding the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. For this campaign, Yokohama will equip the vehicle with its high-performance ADVAN racing tyres, with the shared objective of capturing another overall win.

Beyond its tie-up with the BMW team, Yokohama Rubber continues its longstanding commitment to the Nürburgring. It will provide its tyres to numerous leading teams contesting both the endurance series and the 24-hour event this season. The company is focused on achieving an overall championship victory for a vehicle equipped with its YOKOHAMA brand tyres.

Franciscus Van Meel, CEO, BMW M GmbH, said, “We are excited to welcome YOKOHAMA as Official Partner of BMW M Motorsport for our Nürburgring programme. YOKOHAMA’s technical expertise and motorsport passion strengthen our drive for maximum performance and precision. Their support allows our team to focus fully on what defines BMW M Motorsport: pushing the limits on every lap. We look forward to a strong endurance season.”

Team: Schubert Motorsport
Class: SP9
Car: BMW M4 GT3 EVO
Tyres:
ADVAN A005 (for dry conditions); Sizes: front 300/680R18, rear 330/710R18
ADVAN A006 (for wet conditions); Sizes: front 300/680R18, rear 320/710R18

Race Schedule (as of date of this release)
March 14 (Sat): NLS Round 1
March 21 (Sat): NLS Round 2
April 11 (Sat): NLS Round 3
April 18 (Sat) –19 (Sun): Nürburgring 24-Hour Race (Qualifiers) , NLS Rounds 4 & 5
May 14 (Thu) –17 (Sun): Nürburgring 24-Hour Race
June 20 (Sat): NLS Round 6
August 1 (Sat): NLS Round 7
September 12 (Sat) –13 (Sun): NLS Rounds 8 & 9
October 10 (Sat): NLS Round 10

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Hankook Tire has introduced the Laufenn X FIT AT2, a new addition to its all-terrain tyre lineup aimed at drivers who require durability and adaptability without compromising on everyday driving comfort. Positioned as an affordable option, this tyre is engineered to handle a mix of on-road and off-road conditions while delivering long-lasting value.

Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, the X FIT AT2 brings several performance upgrades. It features enhanced traction across varied landscapes, a 15 percent improvement in tread longevity and reliable handling in different weather conditions. The tyre is designed to fit a broad spectrum of light trucks and SUVs, with availability ranging from 15 to 22 inches to accommodate popular vehicle models in the market.

This launch reflects Laufenn’s ongoing strategy to diversify its offerings as it strengthens its presence in over 100 countries. Since its introduction in Europe, the brand has consistently expanded its range for both passenger vehicles and commercial applications, responding to shifting consumer needs. The X FIT AT2 reinforces this direction by providing a balance of rugged capability and composed road manners for those who frequently transition between highways and rougher terrain.

Engineered for resilience, the tyre incorporates a reinforced structure, including select sizes with three-ply sidewalls to resist cuts and impacts. Its tread design features directional and lateral grooves that enhance water dispersion and grip on slippery or loose surfaces. Additional protective elements such as offset shoulder blocks and rim guards help shield against debris and curb damage. A two-step deep sipe pattern promotes uniform wear, contributing to extended usability.

Certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, the X FIT AT2 offers dependable performance in dry, wet and snowy winter conditions. It comes with warranty coverage tailored to its sizing, offering 60,000 miles for P-metric versions and 50,000 miles for LT-metric options. With this release, Laufenn continues to round out its portfolio alongside existing lines such as the S FIT, G FIT and I FIT series.

KC Jensen, Vice President – U.S. Passenger Car and Light Truck Sales, Hankook Tire America Corp, said, “The X FIT AT2 represents the next step forward for the Laufenn brand as we continue to deliver practical, dependable solutions for everyday drivers who also want the freedom to explore off-road. Building on the success of the original X FIT AT, this second-generation tyre offers a stronger blend of durability, versatility and everyday comfort at an accessible value.”

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Comerio Ercole is set to make a significant impact on the global stage in 2026 with its participation in two major industry exhibitions. The company will showcase its latest advancements at both Chinaplas 2026 and Tire Technology Expo 2026, highlighting a comprehensive portfolio designed to enhance precision, productivity and sustainability in polymer processing.

At Tire Technology Expo, Comerio Ercole will present integrated systems tailored for the tyre industry, focusing on high-performance rubber calendering and digital intelligence. A flagship solution is the TRIPLE 4-roll calendering unit. Its innovative "S" configuration provides remarkable flexibility by enabling the processing of both textile and steel cord, as well as the production of rubber sheeting, all within a single line. The system’s capability for simultaneous lamination ensures high precision and product stability while minimising defects. Downtime is a critical factor in tyre production, and the patented FASTEEL system directly addresses this. By automating the steel cord change process, it dramatically reduces changeover time from hours to minutes, allowing the line to continue running during preparation and thereby maximising plant availability and operator safety. Following the calendering process, the SUPERCUT system guarantees clean, precise transversal cuts for both steel and textile-reinforced rubber, integrating guillotine and high-speed rotary blades to minimise waste and streamline downstream winding.

Simultaneously, at Chinaplas 2026, taking place in Hall 2.1 at Stand C85, the company will place a strong emphasis on its patented HYDROPLUS concept for PVC and plastic calendering. This technology suite is engineered to deliver micrometric precision and robust process stability through advanced hydraulic controls. Central to this is HYDROGAP, a system that achieves exceptional thickness uniformity with high-resolution gap positioning. Complementing this are HYDROSAFE, which ensures rapid roll separation for ultimate protection, and HYDROTHERM, a feature that intelligently compensates for thermal expansion to maintain precise gap settings during fluctuating operational temperatures.

Beyond mechanical innovation, the company is driving digital transformation with its CELEMETRY and MINERV-AI platforms. CELEMETRY focuses on sustainability by converting production data into actionable insights for environmental reporting and energy optimisation. MINERV-AI captures and standardises operational expertise through artificial intelligence, supporting more effective maintenance protocols, training procedures and overall operational consistency. Through these combined efforts at both exhibitions, Comerio Ercole is demonstrating a holistic approach to advancing the plastics, rubber and tyre industries.

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