TRAC Launches Industry Leadership Awards

Yves Kerstens appointed as Bekaert CEO

The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada has announced the launch of its inaugural Industry Leadership Awards. 

The association said the awards recognise outstanding individuals and companies for their dedication and commitment to excellence in the tyre and rubber industry, including end-of-life tyre management businesses and other businesses focused on sustainability. The awards are designed to celebrate achievements and give individuals and organisations a platform to showcase their contribution to the industry, increase their professional profiles, and stand out from the competition, the association said in a release. 

The nominations are open until 15 April, 2022, in four categories. Anyone can nominate a deserving individual or organisation and self-nominations are also accepted. Corporate nominees must have a physical presence, e.g., office or facility, in Canada. Nominated individuals can be domiciled anywhere. 

The awards ceremony will take place in conjunction with TRAC’s Annual General Meeting of Members on 15 June, 2022. 

The Leader of the Year award honours an individual who is widely recognised as one who has made important contributions to their business, community, and the tyre and rubber industry at large, the release said. S/he will currently own or manage a successful and innovative business in the tyre and rubber sectors, including end-of-life tyre management businesses and other businesses focused on sustainability in the industry. Besides, they contribute their time and resources to community and/or organizations dedicated to creating positive social impact.  

The Young Leader award is aimed at showcasing inspirational and dedicated young (under 40) leaders who demonstrate industry leadership in management, innovation, technology and/or sustainability within their organisation or community. 

The Lifetime Achievement award is aimed at individuals with illustrious, long-term track records of successfully contributing to their business and industry and who have made outstanding achievements and contributed enduring legacies to the tyre and rubber industry and to the community at large. They are widely recognised by their peers as industry leaders, builders, and supporters, the release added.  

Meanwhile, the Sustainability award is intended for individuals or organisations who have positively contributed to the sustainability efforts of the tire and rubber industry in an environmental, social, or economic manner, including end-of-life tyre management businesses, and other businesses focused on sustainability in the industry. (TT)

Hankook Launches Dynapro AT2 Xtreme All-Terrain Tyre

Hankook Launches Dynapro AT2 Xtreme All-Terrain Tyre

Hankook Tire has launched the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme, a premium all-terrain tyre engineered for demanding applications across camper vans, off-road vehicles and construction transporters. This versatile all-season performer delivers uncompromising traction, durability and comfort across diverse surfaces and weather conditions. Available in 15 sizes from 15 to 17 inches, it covers the core 4x4 segment while complementing Hankook's existing Dynapro lineup that extends up to 20-inch variants.

Positioned strategically between the road-oriented Dynapro HPX and rugged Dynapro MT2, the AT2 Xtreme strikes the perfect balance for adventure-seekers who need everyday practicality. Its innovative design features aggressive shoulder blocks with deep sidewall protection to withstand off-road hazards while maintaining on-road refinement. The advanced tread pattern incorporates multi-directional sipes and grooves that provide exceptional snow traction, earning the tyre 3PMSF winter certification with the mountain/snowflake symbol.

Engineered for quiet comfort, the AT2 Xtreme utilises graduated block edges and stabilising tie-bars between tread blocks to minimise noise and enhance stability. Hankook's breakthrough ‘Max Mileage’ technology employs a specialised compound with functionalised polymers and temperature-resistant particles for optimal silica distribution, delivering superior grip and extended tread life compared to previous generations. This advanced material science, combined with the tyre's robust construction, ensures reliable performance in extreme conditions while achieving remarkable mileage – making the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme a smart choice for drivers who demand year-round capability without compromise.

Jongho Park, President of Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme, we are strengthening our position in the growing all-terrain segment by delivering a reliable, robust and comfortable solution for vehicles that switch between on-road and off-road use.”

Ryan Reed Joins Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company As VP For Investor Relations

Ryan Reed, Vice-President, Investor Relations, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

USA-based the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has further strengthened its management team with the appointment Ryan Reed as the new Vice-President, Investor Relations.

In his new role, Reed will report to Christina Zamarro, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

He brings over 15 years of experience in investor relations, corporate development, financial planning and analysis. Reed, till recently, served as the Vice-President, Corporate Development, Investor Relations and FP&A at Wabash National.

Reed holds a bachelor’s in economics from Baldwin Wallace University and a master’s in economics & finance from the University of Leeds. The executive has also worked at Parker Hannifin as Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Economist. He formally begins his innings at Goodyear on 14 July 2025.

"Ryan brings a deep understanding of financial markets, strong leadership and communications skills. I look forward to his contributions in this key role," said Zamarro.

Webfleet Receives Three European Fleet Awards

Webfleet Receives Three European Fleet Awards

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, has earned three prestigious awards across Europe this month. In Germany, its AI-powered tool Fleet Advisor was recognised as the ‘Rising Star’ at the Baugewerbe Produkt des Jahres 2025 awards. Meanwhile, in Poland, Fleet Advisor – which leverages generative AI to deliver swift, insightful answers to critical fleet-related queries – secured the ‘Fleet Derby 2025’ award in the Digital/AI Innovation in Management category.

Additionally, in Spain, Webfleet received the ‘Award for Excellence in the Road Transport Industry’ from Cadena de Suministro, a leading logistics publication, honouring its 25-year legacy of innovation and transformative contributions to the mobility sector. These accolades highlight Webfleet’s continued leadership and technological advancement in fleet management.

Jan-Maarten de Vries, President of Fleet Management Solutions at Bridgestone, said, “Together, these awards highlight the strength of Webfleet’s dual commitment to cutting-edge innovation and customer-driven progress.”

Passenger Vehicle Forum To Be Held On 2nd September In Pune

PVF

The 3rd Edition of the Passenger Vehicle Forum (PVF), a leading forum focussing on the passenger vehicle segment, is scheduled to take place on 3 September 2025, at Hyatt Regency, Pune.

This 2025 edition of PVF will focus on a wide area of topics such as – software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and E/E architecture transformation, electrification, hybridisation & future powertrains, connected, autonomous & smart mobility technologies, sustainability, alternative fuel, customer behaviour, retail transformation and aftermarket innovation.

The idea is to understand the present and future trends reshaping the passenger vehicle industry.

The event is expected to bring together over 300 senior decision-makers, more than 60 speakers and over 40 solution providers to debate, discuss and plan the way forward.

Since its debut, the Passenger Vehicle Forum is amongst one of the key platforms that brings together various stakeholders – OEMs, auto component manufacturers, mobility providers and policy influencers, all under one roof.