TATNEFT to help Kazakhstan to build tyre production plant

TATNEFT to help Kazakhstan to build tyre production plant

TATNEFT and the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed an agreement on the principles of participation in the development of the mechanical engineering industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The document was signed by Roman Sklyar, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Nail Maganov, General Director of PJSC TATNEFT, Andrey Lavrentyev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC Allur Group of Companies and Directors of the companies participating in the joint venture TOO KamaTyresKZ.

The agreement contains measures of state support for the project to create a modern high-tech production of automobile tyres in the Republic of Kazakhstan, including co-financing of the project, the provision of tax preferences, as well as the implementation of a set of measures to protect the tyre products market in the Republic of Kazakhstan and support the domestic manufacturer, as well as a number of measures to protect the rights and interests of TATNEFT as a foreign investor.

The TATNEFT and Allur joint project implementation provides for the construction of one and the only factory in Kazakhstan for the production of passenger car, light truck and commercial vehicle tyres with a capacity of 3 million passenger and light truck tyres and 500 thousand commercial vehicle tyres per year. Taking into account related industries the start of production in 2022 will create more than 1,150 jobs.

The car tyres will be sent to the primary assembly of cars produced in Kazakhstan, the secondary market, as well as for exporting to neighbouring countries.

The document was signed in the elaboration of the Agreement of Intent on the implementation of a project for the production of automobile tyres within the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which was earlier concluded between PJSC TATNEFT and JSC Allur Group of Companies, as well as an investment agreement between TATNEFT, Allur Group of Companies and Akimat of Karaganda region of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Nail Maganov, General Director of PJSC TATNEFT, “Our joint project to create a tyre production in Kazakhstan is successfully developing.  A huge amount of work has been done Since signing the Investment Agreement in September this year: the engineering design work is underway, tenders for the main technological equipment are being arranged. We are planning to go to the construction site in the spring.

We have signed an agreement today aimed at creating a favourable investment climate and protecting the rights and interests of investors in the Republic of Kazakhstan. I am sure that this agreement will become an incentive for further large-scale strategic partnership in other areas, including the involvement the development of high-viscosity oil fields, using equipment, materials and technologies developed in Tatarstan.

A common understanding of the developing industrial cooperation between Kazakhstan and Tatarstan importance is the key to the success of our cooperation and allows us to solve the most diverse and complex tasks at the highest technological and organizational level".

 

Smithers Earns ISO 17025 Accreditation For Texas Proving Ground

Smithers Earns ISO 17025 Accreditation For Texas Proving Ground

Smithers, a renowned provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, has announced that its proving ground at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas, has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation.

Operated on behalf of Discount Tyre, the facility’s accredited scope currently covers wet grip testing and tyre buffing, with plans to expand accreditation to include rolling resistance and pass-by-noise testing. The site boasts diverse paved and off-road test surfaces for comprehensive tyre performance validation. Additionally, it complies with UNECE Regulation No. 117 for Wet Grip and Pass-by Noise standards. This accreditation underscores Smithers' commitment to delivering high-quality testing services in the tyre industry.

Sean Connolly, Director of Test Track Operations at Smithers Winter Test Centre/Pearsall Test Track, said, “The tyre industry is currently focused on a variety of sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the rate of tread wear to extend the life of the tyre. Understanding tyre performance at varying levels of tread wear is critical for tyre manufacturers looking to get the most out of their designs.”

Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division, North America, said, “We’re incredibly proud that our existing processes and procedures meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation. Accurate data, on time, is central of the Smithers promise on a global scale, and we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations with exceptional service as well.”

Michelin Launches Maiden Experience Store In Nashik, It’s Biggest Facility In India

Michelin Experience Store

Michelin, a leading tyre technology company, has launched its first Michelin Experience Store in India, in partnership with Bharat Tyres. The facility spread across 25,000 sqft is located in Adgaon on the Mumbai-Agra highway, Nashik and is Michelin’s largest store in the country.

It is designed not only to provide a premium experience, but also showcases the company’s global legacy through the Michelin Wall. Customers will also be to experience the Heritage Wall that visualise the heritage of both Michelin and its local dealership partner.

The Michelin Experience Store also has a Display Zone that showcases Michelin’s innovations in electric mobility, materials science and environmental responsibility.

The dealership also includes service areas for cars and trucks, PPF coating, precision wheel alignment, advanced balancing services, innovative puncture repair solutions, professional car detailing and a wide array of car accessories. 

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are proud to unveil Michelin’s first Experience Centre in India. The sole purpose of this store is to go beyond traditional tyre retail and provide customers an immersive experience of the brand, of our dealer partners and of the technological prowess of our tyre solutions that are safe and sustainable. Nashik, a key hub with growing premium vehicle ownership, is the first of many such centres that will further strengthen our footprint in the western region while providing state-of-the-art experience and services to evolving customers.”

Finnish Olympic Champion Sami Jauhojärvi Is Radar Tyres’ Official Brand Ambassador

Finnish Olympic Champion Sami Jauhojärvi Is Radar Tyres’ Official Brand Ambassador

Radar Tyres, the flagship brand of Omni United, has appointed Sami Jauhojärvi, Olympic gold medallist and one of Finland’s most celebrated cross-country skiers, as its official brand ambassador.

Jauhojärvi's sporting excellence – built on resilience, performance and a profound connection with nature – mirrors Radar Tyres' commitment to delivering premium-quality tyres across all seasons and terrains at accessible prices. The brand's comprehensive range includes Summer, All Season, Winter and specialist Ice tyres, designed to meet diverse driving needs with reliable performance.

This collaboration represents a strategic alignment as Radar Tyres expands its European and UK presence. Jauhojärvi will serve as brand ambassador, featuring in marketing campaigns, digital initiatives and local events while sharing his expertise to support Radar Tyres' mission of making high-performance tyres available to all drivers.

G S Sareen, Founder and CEO of Omni United, said, “We’re excited to welcome Sami to the Radar family. Sami’s authenticity, credibility and strong connection with his audience make him an ideal partner for us. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and performance – the same qualities we build into every Radar tyre. As we continue to grow our brand across Europe, partnerships like this play a key role in building deeper connections with consumers. We’re excited to build on this momentum with more such collaborations in the near future.”

Jauhojärvi said, “I am thrilled to represent Radar Tyres, a brand that has a remarkable mission to make premium quality and performance accessible to all and also has deep-rooted values of giving back to society via various initiatives it has undertaken over the years such as supporting breast cancer research. I’m sincerely surprised about the performance and silence of my Radar Tyres and happy to deliver this feedback to all the people.”

Kenda Tires Celebrates Dan Vanden Heuvel's Hall Of Fame Nomination

Kenda Tires is celebrating Dan ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Vanden Heuvel's nomination to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, recognising his legendary 49-year career as both a champion racer and community leader.

Since entering his first race at age 15 in 1977 at Crandon International Raceway, Vanden Heuvel has become one of off-road racing's most respected figures. His aggressive driving style earned him 20+ Pro-Class wins, five Crandon World Championships and a PRO-2 title. As owner of Flying Dutchman Racing, he mentored numerous drivers including his son Mikey, who secured Kenda Tires' historic first PRO-2 victory.

Beyond competition, Vanden Heuvel's greatest impact comes from his tireless community work. He co-founded the Midwest Off-Road Racing Association, created the Short Course Kart Series for young racers and established the MORR Injured Driver Fund with his wife Nancy. His hands-on approach – from building tracks to mentoring drivers – has shaped generations of off-road enthusiasts.

Now as Kenda Tires' Product Display Manager, Vanden Heuvel continues supporting the sport, assisting drivers across multiple series while representing Kenda at events nationwide. His dedication embodies the brand's values of community and passion for motorsports.

The formal induction ceremony will be held on 2 November 2025 in Las Vegas. This honour celebrates not just Vanden Heuvel's remarkable racing achievements but his enduring legacy as an ambassador who has profoundly influenced off-road culture.

Brandon Stotsenburg, VP of Automotive Division, Kenda Tires USA, said, “Dan is more than a legend – he is a mentor, a servant-leader and the beating heart of the off-road community. He helped deliver Kenda’s first PRO championship and still shows up for others every single weekend. We are honoured to have him represent Kenda and even more proud to call him family.”