The auto wholesales for February 2025 are out, and the industry has posted numbers in the red. The latest automotive wholesales data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) for February showed that a total of 1.82 million units were sold last month, which was 7 percent lower as compared to 1.94 million units sold for the same period last year and 8 percent lower than that of January 2025 sales.

The de-growth was primarily driven by a slowdown in sales of two-wheelers, especially motorcycles, which dropped by 13 percent YoY.

In the passenger vehicle space, SUVs continued to drive demand, registering a healthy growth of 9 percent with sales coming at 208,795 units, compared to 191,435 units a year ago. Passenger cars, on the other hand, reported sales of 110,966 units, which was 4 percent lower compared to the same period last year.

Three-wheeler sales came to 57,788 units, which was 5 percent higher compared to 55,175 units sold last year. The sales were driven by passenger carriers and goods carriers in the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) segment, as compared to a negative growth witnessed by the E-rickshaw and E-cart segment.

Going forward, all eyes are on the Holi and the Ugadi festivals, which is expected to provide a positive fillip to the monthly sales.

Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM, stated that the “Upcoming festivities of Holi and Ugadi in March is likely to continue to drive demand, thereby closing FY 2024-25 on a reasonably positive note."

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The Goodyear Blimp has redefined its century-long legacy of hovering over major pop culture moments by hosting a first-of-its-kind music festival inside an airship hangar. Dubbed BANGR at the HANGR, the event marked the brand’s second annual birthday celebration, transforming the massive space into a high-energy bash.

Festivalgoers experienced a series of exclusive attractions, including a ride aboard the Wingfoot One blimp itself. A headlining DJ set from Noizu was delivered from a stage built with Goodyear tyres, while guests also browsed signature merchandise and attended an after-party in a uniquely blimp-worthy atmosphere.

The event featured an eclectic roster of attendees, from nostalgic mascots to local sports icons. Participants included the Care Bears, puppies from Kind Paw Rescue wearing Fi GPS wearables, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, an inflatable Flo from Progressive, Rainforest Cafe’s Cha! Cha! The Tree Frog, Geoffrey from Toys“R”Us and Vita Coco’s Coco Man.

Swensons Drive-In also made an appearance, alongside Ohio-based sports mascots such as Chomps from the Cleveland Browns, Flash from Kent State University and Zippy from the University of Akron. From chaotic dance floor moments to oversized photo opportunities, the birthday celebration was a blend of fun and charm as intended by the high-flying guest of honour.

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Hankook Tire moved to accelerate its market expansion in the United Arab Emirates by hosting the ‘Laufenn Partner Event’ on 21 May. The company collaborated with its official UAE distributor, Gulf Coasts Co L.L.C., a well-established player in the Middle Eastern automotive sector.

Over 150 regional wholesalers, retailers, dealers, fleet customers and executives from Hankook Tire’s Middle East and Africa Division attended the gathering. The event served to share strategic plans for growing Laufenn’s presence in the UAE, leveraging Gulf Coasts’ advanced logistics and technical workforce to solidify Hankook’s business influence.

The programme highlighted Laufenn’s high-performance passenger car and SUV tyre lineups, including the new EV-compatible LK12 model, which promises improved performance, handling, stability and longer mileage. A brand session unveiled the strategic roadmap for the UAE, followed by a business conference aimed at maximising partner collaboration.

Jong Woo Kim, Vice President and Head of the MEA Division at Hankook Tire & Technology, said, "Based on the strong distribution synergy with Gulf Coasts, we will rapidly expand Laufenn's footprint in the UAE market. By delivering Laufenn's value-conscious strategy, which is anchored in Hankook Tire's global top-tier technology and strict quality standards, we are committed to driving sustainable, mutual growth alongside our local partners."

Hamed Ghaedi, Managing Director, Gulf Coasts Co L.L.C, said, "We are tremendously excited to lead the official distribution of Laufenn, a global brand engineered by Hankook Tire. Moving forward, we will fully activate our channels, combined with our robust sales force, to maximise Laufenn's market visibility and deliver meaningful commercial outcomes across the UAE."

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Sun Auto Tire & Service has advanced its strategic expansion in the Midwest by opening a new Plaza Tire Service location in Collinsville, Illinois. This addition strengthens the company’s footprint on the east side of the greater St. Louis area and represents Sun Auto’s 17th store in the state.

With more than six decades of service in the Midwest and a reputation as the Quick Change Artist, Plaza Tire Service continues to emphasise trust and dependable service. Situated at 1501 Golfview Drive near the Orchards Shopping Center and just off Belt Line Road, the new Collinsville store reinforces Plaza Tire Service's commitment to delivering best‑in‑class automotive service and top tyre brands backed by Sun Auto’s price match guarantee.

Sun Auto Network continues to grow nationwide through both strategic acquisitions and new‑build locations, now operating over 575 stores across the country.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Operations, said, "The greater St. Louis market remains a priority in our growth strategy. This location enhances Plaza Tire Service regional coverage and reinforces our commitment to covering customers in the Midwest."

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Continental has officially transferred ownership of its French service and distribution arm, ContiTrade France, to the investment firm ASC Investment. The planned sale, first revealed by the company in December 2025, has now been completed. Under ASC’s management, the business is expected to gain flexibility and operate more nimbly, helping it retain existing clientele while attracting new customers with a specialised tyre and service lineup.

The deal encompasses over 130 corporate BestDrive outlets, two retreading centres and all associated administrative support for the tyre and repair business, employing approximately 1,200 people. Although sold, all service points will stay within Continental’s BestDrive France network through franchise arrangements. Both sides have chosen to keep the purchase price and other financial specifics confidential.

ASC Investment, with offices in Luxembourg and Munich, focuses on European corporate carve-outs and succession opportunities. Its leadership team brings decades of industry experience, aiming to boost performance in acquired companies through operational refinements rather than structural overhauls.

Véronique Giraud, head of Continental’s tyre business in France, said, “We are proud to support a franchise network of more than 200 BestDrive outlets throughout France. With our strong brand and longstanding expertise in the tyre and vehicle services business, we remain fully committed to supporting all our franchisees, helping them grow their businesses and realise their full market potential.”

Frederic Hierl, Managing Director, ASC, said, “We would like to thank Continental for its trust and excellent collaboration over the past few months, as well as for its confidence that we are the right partner for the long-term development of 130 BestDrive branches in France. Having signed a long-term franchise agreement, we look forward to being a reliable, agile partner for our customers and suppliers while continuing to be an important partner for Continental France in the years ahead.”

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