By Sharad Matade

What prompted you to acquire the TyreXpo series? How does the TyreXpo compliment Tarsus' events?

Our approach at Tarsus has always been to pursue growth through a careful blend of strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Since being acquired by Charterhouse Capital Partners last year, we have set ourselves some ambitious growth targets and have been focused on opportunities that will enable us to accelerate the pace of growth.

TyreXpo presented an attractive opportunity for us – we already have a strong automotive and aftermarket event portfolio in China and Southeast Asia, along with a strong footprint in the region. TyreXpo is well respected within the market and we could see plenty of scope to further develop the Singapore show in particular, especially through increased focus on our customer’s customers and bringing key international buyers to the show.

The acquisition comes at a time when the global automotive industry is going through a tough time. Many expos and events in the industry are either getting postponed or even cancelled? How do you see this as a challenge?

It’s vital that events and tradeshows continuously evolve to meet the needs of the industry and the customers that they serve. We pride ourselves in staying close to the markets we operate in, listening to the key operators and delivering events that meet our customers’ objectives. Whilst it’s true that many of the more established automotive shows have faced challenges in recent years, we have also witnessed the automotive sector increasing its presence at other “non-traditional” shows such as CES in Las Vegas. This really demonstrates that the industry wants to be where the customers are and that’s what we will deliver at TyreXpo going forward; along with really great content and a highly focused environment that’s conducive to doing business.

How different will TyreXpo be from the past, and what will be the focus?

The focus will be on delivering a show that truly meets the industry’s needs. We will actively recruit key buyers to attend the show as well as placing lots of emphasis on event content, working in tandem with relevant associations, media and partners to deliver thought-leading content for the exhibitors and buyers. We’re also moving TyreXpo Asia to a fantastic venue – the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

A significant challenge for any organiser is to get visitors from diversified regions/ markets. We also see growing numbers of expos and other events across the globe. What will be your efforts to get visitors from different markets for the TyreXpo?

We plan to focus investment on a best-in-class hosted buyer programme to attract the top 150 tyre buyers from across the globe as well as developing an innovative affiliate programme to encourage personal recommendations and invitations. Interested buyers can find out more about the hosted buyer programme on our website.

What are the challenges in organising expos for the auto industry?

In our experience the challenges in organising B2B events are the same across most industries. We operate globally, in numerous verticals including aviation, medical, labels, travel and housewares – and our approach is the same irrespective of the industry we are delivering events for – there can be numerous shows competing for the same “dollar” so we always focus on our customers’ ROI and delivering quality, relevant buyers. Ultimately that is how the value of an event is always measured and ensures customers come back to us year after year.

How do you evaluate the global tyre market?

Undoubtedly the tyre industry is facing a challenging time and is being affected by rubber prices, US-China trade relations and the current Covid-19 situation impacting production. Nonetheless, we consider the tyre industry to be a particularly resilient one and the demand for tyres is typically quite well insulated against economic downturns. Overall, we are very optimistic about the market; the outlook for consumption along with growth in both applications and end users looks very promising.

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Hankook Tire is embarking on a new venture as the inaugural Official Tire and Founding Partner of the U.S.-based simulation golf league Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL), beginning with its second season. This alliance is built upon a common dedication to cutting-edge technology, a principle that defines both organisations. The league itself, a brainchild of sports executive Mike McCarley and golf icons Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, represents a forward-thinking approach to the sport. It utilises a custom-built, tech-centric arena to fuse simulator golf, live action and data-driven insights, creating a fast-paced and accessible format that is rapidly attracting a global audience.

This partnership will see Hankook Tire’s global branding integrated across multiple platforms to enhance its premium status. The company will achieve this through prominent LED signage within the SoFi Center, targeted television commercials and extensive visibility during the live broadcasts of TGL Season 2. The objective is to deliver a distinctive brand experience that bridges the gap between mobility and sports, engaging golf enthusiasts of all ages across North America and international markets.

The sporting action will commence with TGL Season 2 on 28 December, running through March 2026 for a total of 15 rounds. The league will feature six teams: Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, Jupiter Links Golf Club, Los Angeles Golf Club, New York Golf Club and The Bay Golf Club. These teams, staffed by 24 active PGA Tour golfers, will compete in an intense race for the championship title.

Sanghoon Lee, Co-CEO, Hankook Tire, said, “We are delighted to join TGL Season 2 as a global partner. Through our partnership with TGL, which is reshaping the landscape of sports entertainment, Hankook Tire will further enhance its innovative technology and premium brand value, solidifying its position as a global leader in the mobility industry.”

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Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO), a part of Bridgestone Americas, has achieved a significant milestone with the full accreditation of its technician training curriculum by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This distinction, which places BSRO among a select few automotive service providers, confirms that its internal training programmes meet the institute's rigorous standards for educational quality and effectiveness.

The accreditation process was both extensive and intensive. To qualify, BSRO embarked on a four-year internal assessment and invested USD 3 million to revitalise its company training centres with the latest technology and equipment. This preparation culminated in an 18-month evaluation by ASE, which scrutinised 53 distinct training activities and involved more than 3,500 employees. The review thoroughly assessed all aspects of the programme, including the curriculum, training facilities, instructional equipment, instructor qualifications and, crucially, student outcomes.

This achievement has direct and meaningful implications for both technicians and customers. For the technicians working across more than 2,200 Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works stores, this accredited curriculum provides a seamless pathway to earning individual ASE certifications. These certifications are widely recognised as a gold standard in the industry and are linked to greater career longevity and higher wage potential. For customers, this structured, high-quality training ensures that BSRO stores can consistently maintain and enhance the rigorous standards of trusted service they expect.

Marko Ibrahim, President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, said, “Achieving ASE accreditation positions BSRO as an industry leader in automotive training and education. This significant milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, elevating the quality and consistency of our training programme and empowering our technicians with industry-recognised credentials. The impact is already clear, and I could not be prouder of our team for their dedication to building a better skilled, more reliable workforce.”

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The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has officially rebranded as Tyres Europe. This new identity establishes a clear, dedicated focus on representing the European tyre manufacturing industry. The association aims to champion a competitive and innovative sector that advances safe, smart and sustainable mobility.

This strategic name change is designed to immediately clarify the organisation's mandate for all EU stakeholders, especially within a new political cycle and evolving market. Tyres Europe will engage in constructive, evidence-based policy discussions, advocating for the industry on key legislation including the EUDR, ESPR, Euro 7 and substance regulations. It will also push for an active industrial policy to bolster the competitiveness of Europe's tyre manufacturing base.

The association has elected Livio Magni of Pirelli as its new President and Paolo Pompei of Nokian Tyres as Vice-President for a two-year term. An official launch event is scheduled for 18 November in Brussels, featuring a strategic update from leadership and keynote speeches from high-level representatives of the European Commission and Parliament on Europe's mobility value chain.

Livio Magni, Tyres Europe President & Pirelli CEO Region Europe, said, “The tyre industry is a strategic pillar for Europe’s mobility, prosperity and safety. Through Tyres Europe, we will continue to work closely with policymakers and key stakeholders to ensure a predictable business environment that enables manufacturers to invest, innovate and compete in Europe. As an industry, we remain committed to driving innovation to deliver products that are increasingly safe and environmentally responsible.”

Paolo Pompei, Tyres Europe Vice-President and President & Nokian Tyres CEO, said, “Our sector is investing in capacity, efficiency and R&D to serve European mobility, reliably. Tyres Europe is committed to advocating for industrial policies that empower manufacturers to deliver greater value to society and to be recognised for their performance.”

Adam McCarthy, Tyres Europe Secretary General, said, “Tyres are as essential to vehicle performance as batteries and semiconductors and face multiple cross-cutting challenges that reflect the broader industrial transition. Tyres Europe will keep engaging with EU institutions to build coherent, workable rules that deliver real-world outcomes across competitiveness, circularity and innovation.”

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The Rubber Board organised a mass run in Kottayam town on Monday, bringing together its employees, their families, and college students as part of a nationwide fitness campaign now in its sixth year.

The Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 drew participants from Baselius College and CMS College alongside Rubber Board staff, forming part of a month-long initiative running from  2-31 October across India.

Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Fit India Freedom Run was conceived to commemorate two significant dates in India’s calendar—Independence Day on 15 August and Gandhi Jayanti on 2 October. The programme seeks to promote walking and running as accessible routes to improved health and physical fitness amongst the general population.

This year’s edition has adopted the theme of “Swachhata and Swasthiya” (Cleanliness and Health), reflecting the government’s emphasis on hygiene as a cornerstone of healthy living. The dual focus aligns with broader public health messaging that connects environmental cleanliness with individual well-being.

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