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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Michelin has added three new accolades from the JD Power 2026 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study, securing the highest ratings from drivers across the Passenger Car, Performance Sport and Luxury segments. This achievement raises the brand’s total to 106 JD Power Awards since the research programme began.

The study gathered insights from over 38,244 vehicle owners, who evaluated satisfaction based on tyre wear, ride quality, appearance and traction with handling. These four key areas form the foundation of how original equipment tyres are assessed in the annual benchmark.

For more than five decades, JD Power has provided automotive manufacturers, retailers, lenders and insurers with essential data and advanced analytics to support confident decision-making. By applying proprietary intelligence and deep industry expertise, the firm continues to help partners strengthen performance and better understand customer interactions with brands and products.

Matthew Cabe, president and CEO of Michelin North America, Inc, said, “Michelin’s enduring leadership in tyre performance and customer satisfaction is driven by our unwavering commitment to excellence. Earning three new JD Power Awards reflects the passion and precision our teams bring to every product we design. Every mile and every moment, drivers can trust Michelin to deliver long‑lasting tyres and uncompromising quality.”

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Facing mounting pressure on the industrial sector, the German rubber industry is demanding that the federal government adopt a crisis-mode approach. Michael Klein, President of the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), issued the warning in Frankfurt am Main, criticising policymakers in both Germany and Europe for inaction while manufacturing firms, especially mid-sized companies, are already operating at maximum alert and fighting for survival.

Klein expressed strong support for the ‘Enough with the snail's pace!’ initiative launched by the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI), which calls for accelerated reforms. He also aligned with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s view that economic policy must move more swiftly. According to Klein, the wave of site closures and production relocations underscores the severe strain on Germany as an industrial hub. He stressed that all nationally controllable competitive disadvantages must now be eliminated without delay.

To achieve this, Klein proposed tangible steps such as lowering the national CO₂ price and temporarily suspending national emissions trading, alongside a significant and immediately noticeable reduction in bureaucratic burdens.

Addressing broader economic pressures, the wdk president warned of additional strains from the conflict involving Iran. He pointed to surging fuel prices driving up transport costs and disruptions to global container shipping routes, which are increasingly jeopardising supply chains across sectors, including the rubber industry. With multiple crises converging, Klein cautioned that without swift countermeasures, Germany’s status as a production location faces further irreversible damage.

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Cooper Tires, a subsidiary of Goodyear, has unveiled a completely reimagined global brand identity aimed at increasing visibility, sharpening consumer recognition and reinforcing its position within a fiercely competitive market. The refresh speaks directly to drivers who rely on durable, dependable tyres.

Drawing on more than a century of building trust with those who expect peak performance, the new look merges Cooper’s established legacy with a contemporary aesthetic. The result conveys strength, intentionality and assurance. Central to the update are refined brand marks, an updated colour palette and a modern design approach tailored to stand out in both physical retail spaces and digital environments.

The evolution pays homage to two symbolic figures. One returns to Cooper’s history: a knight’s helm, first adopted in the 1940s following the brand’s Armored Cord tyre innovation, now reimagined with sharper lines to lead Cooper forward. Joining it is the American grey wolf, native to Ohio where Cooper is rooted. Representing adaptability, resolve and readiness for any terrain, the wolf reflects the brand’s character and the mindset of its drivers. Both icons will appear prominently across major brand materials.

The updated colour system balances heritage with visibility. Valor Green nods to Cooper’s history of crafting products for rugged conditions and natural landscapes, symbolising endurance and expertise. A heritage orange accent recalls the brand’s early days, adding energy and distinction. The overall palette draws inspiration from nature, a core element of Cooper’s identity.

Additional updates span typography, photography and illustration. Developed with Publicis P1T Crew and creatively led by BBH USA, the rollout begins in March 2026 with global website and social media updates, along with select paid media campaigns. Retail point-of-sale materials will follow gradually to ensure a consistent worldwide experience.

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Titan International, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of off-highway wheels, tyres, assemblies and undercarriage products, has announced a decision to consolidate its North American manufacturing footprint. This strategic move will result in the closure of the company’s facility in Jackson, Tennessee, by the end of October 2026. The consolidation reflects Titan’s ongoing efforts to optimise operations and improve capacity utilisation across its existing network.

Production currently performed at the Jackson site is expected to be transitioned to other Titan facilities over the coming months. The closure will affect approximately 140 employees. Titan has committed to supporting these team members throughout the transition, working closely with local leadership to provide assistance that includes severance packages, continuation of benefits and job placement support.

Despite the Jackson closure, Titan will continue to operate a robust network of manufacturing facilities across North America. This network ensures the company remains well positioned to serve customers across a diverse range of off-highway end markets, including outdoor power equipment, powersports, agriculture, construction and earthmoving.

Paul Reitz, President and CEO, Titan International, said, “The decision to consolidate production and close the Jackson facility is difficult knowing the impact it has on our team members and their families. Titan continues to take deliberate actions to improve its operating efficiency while maintaining the flexibility and scale required to serve our customers.”

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