Since the coronavirus pandemic struck us in 2020, we have been adjusting ourselves to the new normal. No concerts, no sporting events, no festivals, no large gatherings, no fun! Well, not exactly. With the lifting of the lockdown, the roads are already loaded up with vehicles and people are trying to escape the chaos to find peace and solitude in nature. A long bike ride is a perfect escape from the bustling city streets and hectic schedules of everyday life.

Tyres are a vital part of the journey and ensuring that they are in top condition before hitting the road for a long road trip is a must. A good set of tyres also mean that the rubber is in good condition which helps with the ride quality of the vehicle.

Before you leave home, Maxxis Tyres recommends these simple steps to protect your vehicle and prepare for a delightful road trip experience: -

• Checking Tyre Air-Pressure: It is imperative to always check the tyre air inflation pressure of your vehicle in advance, as correct air pressure plays a key role in balanced braking, maximum grip and maximum tyre life. The part of the tyre in contact with the road is called the 'footprint'. Incorrect tyre pressures will cause a lack of traction, rapid wear and shorter tyre life. Ensure your tyres are filled with recommended air pressure as per your requirements – load- Solo/Dual Riding. Recommended air pressure can be checked by going through the ‘Vehicle Owner Manual’ or ‘Tyre Information’ sticker placed over the vehicle (fuel Tank/chain Set). Always make sure to use valve caps as it protects the valves not only from dirt and dust but also prevents air leakage.
• Checking for adequate Tread Depth: Proper tread depth helps to prevent tyres from aquaplaning/skidding and makes riding safer especially during wet weather conditions. Therefore, it is always advised to check the tyre tread depths of your vehicle. All we need to do is compare the tyre tread’s depth with ‘TWI: Tread Wear Indicator – Bars’ found in-between the tread grooves. If the tread depth has or nearly reached the TWI – raised bar height, then the tyre needs to be replaced and it will not be safe to ride, especially for longer routes where we require more traction due to high speed.
• Continuous Inspection of Tyre's Age: You can always check your vehicle’s tyres' age by simply searching for the four-digit -manufacturing code found on their sidewall. The first two number tells us the manufacturing week and last two numbers tell us the manufacturing year. Tyres are recommended to be replaced if they are more than 10 years old, no matter how much tread depth is left.
• Find and fix slow air-leakages: If you find your vehicle’s tyre deflating after every second day or every week, it may be due to slow gradual air leakage caused by minute cuts, rim bends, faulty puncture repairs, damaged valve or stem etc. This should be checked and resolved before you start your journey.
• Visual Inspection for cuts/damages: Visually inspect your vehicle’s tyres for any kind of crack or cut or bulge. If you find any, it is advised to show and discuss with a tyre expert of the nearest authorised dealer counter.
• Carry Emergency Tools: For emergencies, you should always carry a tyre inflator or a plug-in puncture repair kit to deal with issues involving tyre punctures.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been selected as the official tyre supplier for the groundbreaking FIA Extreme H World Cup, the world's first hydrogen-powered motorsport series. The company will supply its GEOLANDAR brand of tyres for the championship, which is scheduled to commence next month in Saudi Arabia. The company will also continue to supply GEOLANDAR tyres for the Extreme E off-road electric vehicle series, which holds its final event on 4–5 October in Saudi Arabia.

Central to both the Extreme H and Extreme E series is a shared mission to advance sustainability and equality. The championships serve as dynamic platforms to promote environmental awareness and demonstrate cutting-edge technologies while also enforcing a strict mandate for gender parity by requiring each team to field one male and one female driver. The Extreme H series will feature eight international teams operating the Pioneer 25, a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell vehicle capable of generating 550 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.5 seconds. The global significance of this new championship is expected to draw a worldwide television audience across multiple continents.

As the predecessor to Extreme H, the Extreme E series utilised the high-performance all-electric Odyssey 21 vehicle. All teams competing in the new hydrogen series will also participate in this final Extreme E event, marking the conclusion of the electric championship as it transitions towards a hydrogen future.

In alignment with the environmental principles of these series, Yokohama Rubber will provide a specially developed prototype tyre based on its GEOLANDAR X-AT model. This tyre has been engineered with a significantly increased ratio of sustainable materials, comprising 38 percent renewable and recycled content. It has also been fortified with enhanced durability characteristics to withstand the unique demands of heavy hydrogen-powered and electric off-road racing vehicles.

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Hankook Tire is advancing its future mobility leadership through strategic open innovation and collaborative design projects. This effort was showcased at the company’s recent Design Innovation Day 2025, held at its Pangyo Technoplex headquarters. The event serves as a platform to present new solutions integrating sustainability, innovation and design while reinforcing partnerships with global technology leaders.

A major focus was the unveiling of two key outcomes from Hankook’s ongoing Design Innovation Project. The first was ‘Sustainable Concept Tyre’, an embodiment of the company’s ESG vision. Developed using advanced 3D printing technology, it is constructed from renewable and recycled materials. Its distinctive organic design was realised in collaboration with Harvestance using specialised engineering software.

The second reveal was the WheelBot 2, a multi-directional mobility platform developed with robotics startup CALMANTECH. This advanced robotic wheel system, equipped with tri-axial spherical tyres, demonstrates new possibilities for movement. Its potential was illustrated through a live demonstration of the PathCruizer, a two-seater pod concept powered by the WheelBot technology.

Beyond product reveals, the event highlighted Hankook’s commitment to knowledge sharing, featuring a presentation on 3D printing advancements from LG Electronics. These collaborations are central to Hankook’s strategy of strengthening its technology leadership. Since 2012, the company has partnered with world-renowned design universities and technology firms, consistently earning prestigious international design awards and solidifying the premium stature of its global brand.

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Indian tyre maker to pass full benefit of tax cuts to customers from 22 September

CEAT Limited said on Thursday it would reduce prices across its entire tyre range following the Indian government’s decision to cut goods and services tax (GST) rates on tyres, with the full benefit being passed on to customers.

The Mumbai-based tyre manufacturer said new prices would take effect from 22 September, covering commercial, agricultural, passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments.

India’s 56th GST Council meeting approved significant reductions in tax rates for the tyre industry. GST on new pneumatic tyres was cut to 18% from 28%, whilst tractor tyres and tubes will attract a reduced rate of 5%.

“We thank the Government of India and the GST Council for their timely and progressive decision to rationalise tax rates in the tyre sector,” said Arnab Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO of CEAT Limited.

“The reduced GST slabs will greatly benefit the tyre industry and consumers alike. Not only will it lower the cost of owning and operating a vehicle for customers across various segments, but by making tyres more affordable to replace, it will also make our roads safer.”

Banerjee added the move would “spur formalisation and greater compliance, while also fostering sustainable growth in the sector.”

The GST rate cuts represent a significant policy shift for India’s automotive sector, where high taxation has been a longstanding concern for manufacturers and consumers.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been officially recognised as a DX Certified Business Operator by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The designation, which was granted on 1 September 2025, identifies companies that are thoroughly prepared for digital transformation as outlined by the Digital Governance Code.

This certification acknowledges Yokohama Rubber's comprehensive strategy for digital transformation, which is built on three core objectives: advancing business strategy, contributing to sustainability and reinforcing its IT infrastructure. Central to this effort is the company's proprietary AI framework, HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), which drives group-wide digital initiatives. These include improving productivity, innovating processes, developing digital talent and building a global cloud-based IT system. The certification confirms that the company's efforts not only meet METI's stringent criteria but also demonstrate appropriate disclosure of information to its stakeholders.

Moving forward, the company said it will continue to leverage data from its entire value chain to adapt to a dynamic business environment. The company aims to enhance customer value, pursue sustainable innovation and transform its corporate culture to strengthen its competitive position and ensure long-term growth.

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