TyreSafe Collaborates With RED Driver Training To Promote Road Safety Among New Drivers

TyreSafe Collaborates With RED Driver Training To Promote Road Safety Among New Drivers

TyreSafe has entered into a partnership with RED Driver Training, one of the UK’s leading driving schools, as its first dedicated driving school supporter.

TyreSafe's goal to increase road safety, especially for new drivers starting their adventures as road users, has reached a major milestone with this partnership. In order to promote lifetime habits that lead to safer roads, TyreSafe hopes to increase its efforts to teach new drivers the value of tyre safety and maintenance by collaborating with RED.

By providing thorough driving instruction throughout the UK through a robust network of RED franchised driving instructors, RED Driver Training plays a crucial part in helping thousands of students annually get their driving licenses. RED offers advanced driving experiences in addition to training, such as their well-liked ‘skidpan’ sessions, which assist new drivers in successfully navigating hazardous situations. In order to guarantee that students have the information and abilities necessary to drive safely and responsibly, they also assist them with a dedicated theory and practical test preparation app.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said “We are thrilled to partner with RED Driver Training, an organisation that shares our commitment to road safety and education. New drivers are at a crucial stage in forming safe driving habits, and through this partnership, we have an incredible opportunity to instil the importance of tyre safety from the very beginning of their journey on the roads. Together, we hope to create a generation of drivers who understand the vital role tyres play in road safety.”

Colin Paterson, Head of Marketing at RED Driver Training, said “At RED, our goal is to equip new drivers with the skills, confidence and knowledge to stay safe on the roads, and tyre safety is an integral part of that. Joining forces with TyreSafe allows us to enhance our offering and emphasise the critical role tyres play in keeping drivers and passengers safe. We’re proud to be TyreSafe’s first driving ‘school’ supporter and look forward to working together to make a real difference. Our ‘Learn to Drive with RED’ app makes us more than just a normal driving school, and in co-operation with TyreSafe, we are keen to explore the creation of collaborative video content and more.”

TVS Srichakra Posts Higher Quarterly Profit Amid Labour Code Charge And Grant Income

TVS Srichakra Posts Higher Quarterly Profit Amid Labour Code Charge And Grant Income

TVS Srichakra reported higher standalone and consolidated profits for the quarter to December 2025, supported by revenue growth and grant income, despite exceptional charges linked to labour reforms and voluntary retirement costs.

Quarterly performance

Standalone revenue from operations rose to INR 8.50 billion in the December quarter, from INR 7.47 billion a year earlier. Total income stood at INR 8.52 billion.

Standalone profit before tax, after exceptional items, was INR 1.90 billion, compared with a loss of INR 0.36 billion in the same quarter last year. Net profit after tax was INR 1.42 billion, against a loss of INR 0.31 billion a year earlier.

Standalone earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were INR 6.05 billion, representing a margin of 22.5 percent.

On a consolidated basis, revenue from operations rose to INR 9.17 billion, from INR 8.03 billion a year earlier. Profit before tax, after exceptional items, was INR 1.71 billion, compared with a loss of INR 0.56 billion. Net profit attributable to owners of the group was INR 1.12 billion, against a loss of INR 0.60 billion.

Nine-month performance

For the nine months, standalone revenue from operations increased to INR 24.77 billion, from INR 22.71 billion a year earlier. Net profit after tax was INR 4.81 billion, up from INR 2.64 billion.

Consolidated revenue from operations for the nine months rose to INR 26.62 billion, from INR 24.35 billion. Net profit attributable to owners of the group was  INR 3.51 billion, compared with INR 1.10 billion in the previous year.

Exceptional items and regulatory impact

Exceptional items included recognition of grant income of INR 1.88 billion under an investment promotion capital subsidy sanctioned by the Government of Tamil Nadu in November 2021. The grant is to be received over 12 years in equal annual instalments, subject to conditions, and has been accounted for under Ind AS 20 using the income approach.

The company also recognised incremental estimated obligations of INR 1.17 billion on a standalone basis and INR 1.21 billion on a consolidated basis under the new labour codes, mainly on account of employees past services. The codes became effective from November 21 2025, though supporting rules are yet to be notified.

Under a voluntary retirement scheme, the company spent INR 0.13 billion in the quarter and INR 0.51 billion in the nine months.

During the nine-month period, subsidiary Super Grip Corporation incurred severance expenses of INR 0.04 billion.

Sailun Group Unveils Next-Generation CV Tyre Range In China

Sailun Group Unveils Next-Generation CV Tyre Range In China

Sailun Group introduced its latest range of commercial vehicle tyres in China in January 2026, presenting a diversified portfolio tailored to the global market. The offering includes the MAXAM premium line, electric vehicle tyres designed for trucks and buses, advanced tubed options for heavy-duty applications, the SR135 for medium-to-long-haul general freight and two metric series: the SR195 for car transporters and the SR330 engineered for heavy haulage. Together, these products address a broad spectrum of operational requirements across the commercial transport sector.

Each new tyre is developed on Sailun’s proprietary third-generation technology platform, which integrates advances in materials, processes and manufacturing techniques. This platform represents the culmination of more than two decades of research and industrial expertise, serving as the foundation for enhanced performance and durability. Sailun reinforces its commitment to its founding mission of tyre excellence through continued investment in technological progress and robust supply chain coordination.

The expanded product line underscores the company’s growing capabilities in high-end, new energy and heavy-duty segments while strengthening its overall commercial tyre strategy. Prior to release, all tyres underwent comprehensive road testing across various regions and real-world operating scenarios. The resulting data confirmed marked improvements in tread life, load resilience and consistent dependability under diverse conditions, validating the performance objectives set during development.

Pirelli’s Hardest Compounds Dominate As McLaren’s Norris Tops Opening Day Of 2026 F1 Pre-Season Testing

Pirelli’s Hardest Compounds Dominate As McLaren’s Norris Tops Opening Day Of 2026 F1 Pre-Season Testing

Pirelli’s hardest slick compounds dominated the opening day of 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, with teams restricted to the C1, C2 and C3 slick compounds best suited to the Sakhir circuit’s demanding surface. The first of six scheduled days of running ahead of the season opener in Melbourne on 8 March saw track activity unfold under markedly warmer conditions than last year, with ambient temperatures ranging from 25 to 32°C and track temperatures peaking at 43°C – a stark contrast to the sub-15°C conditions experienced in Manama a year ago.

Over eight hours of running, 18 drivers completed a total distance of 6,183 kilometres. The C3 compound proved the most heavily utilised, accounting for more than half of all laps with 603 tours totalling 3,262 kilometres. The C2 followed with 382 laps covering 2,067 kilometres, while the C1 was used for 156 laps and 844 kilometres. A single set of Intermediate tyres was also permitted and fitted by Haas driver Esteban Ocon for two installation laps at the session’s outset. In total, 11 sets of C1, 29 of C2 and 40 of C3 were deployed across the field.

Sergio Pérez, driving for Cadillac, recorded the longest uninterrupted stint on the hardest compound with 30 laps. Max Verstappen achieved the longest run on C2 with 31 laps, while Ocon logged 25 consecutive laps on the C3 to lead that category. Verstappen also posted the quickest time on the C1 compound with a lap of 1:35.631.

Lando Norris finished the day fastest overall, his 1:34.669 set on the C2 placing him at the top of the timesheets. He was followed by Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, both of whom set their best laps on the softer C3 compound, trailing by 0.129 and 0.521 seconds, respectively. Eight different teams appeared in the top 10 positions. Isack Hadjar, Fernando Alonso, Liam Lawson and Ollie Bearman did not participate in any running.

Michelin Profit Falls As Volumes Weaken But Cash Flow Remains Strong

Michelin Profit Falls As Volumes Weaken But Cash Flow Remains Strong

Michelin reported a fall in earnings for 2025 as weaker volumes and a stronger euro offset gains from pricing and product mix, while free cash flow remained robust and debt declined.

Sales fell 4.4 percent to €26 billion in 2025, according to the company’s full-year results. Tyre volumes declined by 4.7 percent, with more than 80 percent of the drop linked to original equipment markets, particularly truck and agricultural tyres in North America.

Segment operating income amounted to €2.9 billion at constant exchange rates, representing 10.9 percent of sales and down 1.5 percentage points year on year . On a reported basis, segment operating income was €2.7 billion, compared with €3.4 billion in 2024. Net income fell 12 percent to €1.7 billion.

Free cash flow before mergers and acquisitions reached €2.1 billion, while net debt declined to €2.3 billion from €3.1 billion, reducing gearing to 13.0 percent.

Florent Menegaux, Managing Chairman, said: “In 2025, several markets where the Group operates were affected by heightened competition, new and very unstable customs tariffs, and an unfavourable regulatory environment, which weighed on our volumes. In this context, our teams responded with exemplary engagement, by closely adjusting the steering of our operations. We also strengthened our financial position, continued to adapt our industrial capacities, and accelerated our product plan. The Group's growth momentum in Polymer Composite Solutions, boosted by our recent acquisitions, confirms our ability to position ourselves in these high value-added activities. We remain committed to continuing to deploy our Michelin in Motion 2030 strategy”.

The automotive and two-wheel division reported sales of €14.3 billion, down 2.5 percent, with an operating margin of 11.7 percent, compared with 13.1 percent in 2024. The share of 18-inch and larger tyres in Michelin-branded passenger car sales rose to 68 percent.

Road transportation sales declined 8.7 percent to €6.0 billion. The operating margin narrowed sharply to 4.7 percent from 9 percent, reflecting a 20 percent contraction in North American original equipment markets, where manufacturers reduced output after stockpiling trucks .

Specialty businesses generated sales of €5.7 billion, down 4.4 percent, with an operating margin of 13.5 percent. Mining and aircraft tyres recorded growth, partly offsetting continued weakness in agricultural and construction original equipment markets.

The group said non-tyre businesses, including Polymer Composite Solutions and Michelin Connected Fleet, made a positive contribution to sales and operating income.

For 2026, Michelin expects tyre markets to remain broadly stable over the year, with a slight contraction in the first half and relative improvement in business-to-business original equipment markets in the second half. The company is targeting growth in segment operating income at constant exchange rates and scope, and more than €1.6bn in free cash flow before mergers and acquisitions.