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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Iochpe-Maxion, a global leader in automotive wheel production and a prominent manufacturer of automotive structural components across the Americas, has been distinguished as a top performer in environmental action by CDP. The organisation’s annual assessment placed the company on its prestigious Corporate ‘A’ List for 2025, reflecting exemplary transparency and climate leadership. This accolade is based on Iochpe-Maxion’s robust transition strategy and verified data disclosure.

CDP’s system, the sole global platform for independent environmental reporting, evaluated thousands of organisations this year. Out of more than 20,000 scored companies, a mere four percent earned an ‘A’ rating. This achievement signals Iochpe-Maxion’s advanced governance and substantial strides in building environmental resilience, positioning it among the world’s leading corporations in climate stewardship.

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Continental has launched the new IceContact 8 studded tyre for control and safety on ice, snow and slush Designed for severe winter driving, the tyre is aimed at a wide variety of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs and hybrids, whether electric or conventionally powered, and comes in sizes ranging from 15 to 22 inches. This tyre builds upon the proven legacy of its predecessor, the VikingContact 8, to offer lasting winter performance.

At the core of its design is an innovative twin-stud system. This technology utilises two distinct stud types that work in concert: one is optimised for acceleration and secure braking by biting into the surface, while the other enhances dynamic handling and cornering stability. These studs are strategically distributed across the tread for maximum grip. To bolster durability and performance, the studs are set within larger, deeper tread blocks. This creates a more stable foundation that minimises stud movement and loss, contributing to a longer tyre life. Further enhancing resilience, a specialised chemical bond fuses each stud to the rubber, reducing gaps that could trap debris and compromise the tyre's structure over time.

The tread design itself incorporates an optimised sipe layout for stronger grip and stable handling. A specially formulated compound, featuring a new highly flexible polymer and a softener system, ensures the rubber remains pliable and effective even in extreme cold. This balance of a robust V-shape tread pattern, advanced stud bonding and a cold-adaptive compound guarantees reliable traction and safety throughout the tyre's entire service life. The IceContact 8 is scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2026, making it available for the following winter season.

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Hankook Tire has released a new brand film to mark its official sponsorship of Saudi Arabian football club Al-Ittihad FC. This initiative is designed to bolster the company’s premium status and deepen brand connection within crucial Middle Eastern and African markets, where passion for both football and motorsport is rising rapidly.

The cinematic piece creatively merges intense racing sequences, featuring high-performance cars on Hankook tyres, with actual match footage of Al-Ittihad athletes. This parallel highlights a shared dedication to peak performance, symbolising the solid partnership between the brand and the club. Through the use of striking tyre-tread visuals and immersive driving acoustics, the film reinforces Hankook’s identity as a trusted, high-end partner that champions a winning spirit. The content is being distributed globally via Hankook’s official social media platforms.

This move is part of Hankook’s broader global sports marketing strategy, which includes partnerships with major events like the UEFA Europa League, the Ballon d’Or awards and the TGL simulation golf league. The company’s involvement in premier FIA-sanctioned motorsport events held in Saudi Arabia, such as Formula E and the World Rally Championship, has already significantly raised its profile across the region.

Moving forward, Hankook Tire intends to leverage its alliance with Al-Ittihad to create more avenues for consumer engagement. The objective is to consistently underscore the brand’s world-class technological expertise and reinforce its position as a premium global leader.

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The BKT Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Balkrishna Industries Ltd., has been formally recognised on the Wall of Giving at Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital. This honour acknowledges the foundation’s sustained philanthropic support, which has made a concrete difference in advancing the hospital’s work in cancer treatment and research. The Wall of Giving specifically celebrates donors whose ongoing commitments have created enduring benefits for the institution and, most importantly, for patients and their families.

Guided by its ‘We Care’ motto, the foundation concentrates its efforts on healthcare, education and essential services. Its support for Tata Memorial Hospital has included funding critical palliative care programmes for children and providing advanced medical equipment. These donations, encompassing ultrasound devices, anaesthesia equipment, video bronchoscopy processors and dual-energy CT scanners, have directly strengthened diagnostic and treatment services. This has expanded access to high-quality, affordable cancer care for a broader patient population.

This accolade marks a significant milestone in the BKT Foundation’s wider mission to generate measurable social impact through dedicated and long-term engagement, both within India and internationally.

Sunita Rao, General Manager – Fundraising, Tata Memorial Hospital, said, “BKT’s steadfast commitment and ongoing support over the years have played a pivotal role in extending both our services and institutional capabilities, expanding access for patients in need and enabling several transformational initiatives at the hospital. We are deeply grateful for the company’s trust in the hospital and for the continued support in providing high-level technologies and machinery at the service of the Indian community of people.” 

Vijaylaxmi Poddar, President & Chairman, BKT Foundation, said, “This acknowledgment reflects a shared commitment to care, dignity and healing and reinforces the value of sustained partnerships in advancing healthcare for those who need it most. It is truly inspiring to see how our efforts are strengthening cancer care and expanding access for patients in need, and we are honoured for the opportunity to walk this journey.”

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