The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has expanded its FLAME GUARD series of flame-retardant conveyor belts with the launch of the FLAME GUARD ECO, which offers improved energy-saving performance. This is in line with the company’s medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2024–2026 –Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026) – and aims to solidify its leading share in Japan’s conveyor belt market.

FLAME GUARD ECO is aimed at coal transport lines at ports and thermal power plants, which need conveyor belts that are flame-retardant for fire safety. To enhance energy-saving efficiency, Yokohama Rubber created a new rubber compound utilising technology acquired during the development of its ECOTEX conveyor belts, which have reached world-class power-saving performance. As the belt moves over the rollers, this lessens rubber deformation, which is a component in energy loss. Power usage and running resistance are thereby decreased. FLAME GUARD ECO reduces energy expenses and its environmental effect by lowering carbon dioxide emissions while simultaneously improving operational safety by combining flame resistance and energy economy.

With its self-extinguishing safety feature, the FLAME GUARD series provides flame retardancy with improved wear resistance, resistance to heavy oils and resistance to medium and high temperatures, making the belts suitable for a variety of operating requirements. The FLAME GUARD ECO variant also reduces resistance during roller passing for increased efficiency.

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Maxxis has launched its 2026 King of the Hammers campaign with a dominant display at the Desert Challenge, signalling a week of strong potential. The event served as a powerful opening act, with Maxxis drivers securing multiple podium finishes across several competitive UTV classes. Notably, a standout performance came from Dustin ‘Battle-Axe’ Jones, who captured second place in the UTV Pro Modified category. He navigated the brutal desert landscape without any tyre issues on his RAZR XTs, demonstrating both control and speed. The rising talent Chaden Minder further highlighted the tyre's capabilities, driving to second place in UTV Open and an impressive third place overall in the Desert Challenge. His error-free run was supported by the notable traction and resilience of his RAZR XT tyres. Additional strong finishes came from Sierra Romo, who placed within the overall top 10 and took eighth in UTV Open, and Todd Zuccone, who earned third in UTV Pro Stock Turbo.

All eyes now turn to defending champion Kyle Chaney, whose historic overall victory in a UTV at last year's Race of Kings redefined expectations. He returns to defend his title and pursue further history by competing in both the 4400 and 4900 classes. His early form appears promising, having already qualified third overall and in the 4900 class for the upcoming UTV Hammers event. The qualifying session for the 4400 class is set for Wednesday, with the main UTV Hammers Championship race following on Thursday.

For fans following remotely, the entire spectacle from Johnson Valley, California will be broadcast on YouTube. The week's intense schedule continues Tuesday with the Every Man Challenge Qualifier and POWER HOUR. Wednesday features the Race of Kings Qualifier and Power Hour, leading into Thursday's UTV Hammers Championship. Friday hosts the Every Man Challenge race, building towards the week's premier event, the Race of Kings, on Saturday.

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Tyres Europe has released replacement tyre sales data for the Q4 and full year 2025. According to the report, demand across Europe remained subdued. Secretary General Adam McCarthy noted that the consumer tyre segment, which includes passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles, experienced a five percent decline in the final quarter compared to the same period in 2024, contributing to an overall annual decrease of two percent. This downturn is attributed to ongoing macroeconomic pressures, including weak consumer confidence, minimal growth in miles driven and increased competition from imports throughout the year.

The transition towards all-season tyres accelerated, with summer tyres seeing a particularly sharp seven percent drop, while winter tyres fell by two percent, a decline exacerbated in the fourth quarter by milder weather conditions compared to the previous year. The Truck & Bus segment also weakened, with quarterly and annual declines of two percent and four percent, respectively, mirroring soft freight activity and subdued industrial output, alongside pressure from imports. Agricultural tyre sales were steady in the fourth quarter but finished the year four percent lower, indicative of persistent caution in farm sector investment.

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Celebrated French cyclist Romain Bardet is entering a profound partnership with Michelin to serve as the strategic ambassador for its Gravel segment. This alliance is founded on a mutual commitment to pioneering innovation and sustainable performance within the discipline. Both Bardet and the Michelin Group share deep roots in France’s Auvergne region, reinforcing a natural cultural and geographical synergy that underscores a joint pursuit of excellence.

Beginning in 2026, Bardet will dedicate his racing calendar almost entirely to international Gravel events, aiming for podium results at competitions like the UCI Gravel World Series. His recent decisive win at a major Gravel event in Australia already signals his strong competitive potential in this arena. In his role, Bardet will initially compete on existing Michelin products such as the MICHELIN Power Gravel.

From 2027 onward, his involvement will deepen to actively co-develop future Gravel product ranges. By providing real-time feedback from diverse terrains and race conditions, Bardet will enable Michelin’s technical teams to refine and optimise product development directly from the field. This collaboration strategically merges elite athletic insight with engineering expertise to advance Gravel cycling innovation on a global scale.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd reported a 12 percent increase in consolidated revenue for the third quarter of the 2025–26 financial year, supported by double-digit growth in both its Indian and European operations.

For the three months ended 31 December, 2025, the tyre maker recorded revenue from operations of INR 77.43 billion, compared with INR 69.28 billion a year earlier. Operating profit rose 25 percent to INR 11.86 billion, while net profit increased 40 percent to Rs 4.71 billion.

For the first nine months of the financial year, revenue rose seven percent to INR 211.35 billion, up from INR 197.00 billion in the corresponding period last year. Operating profit for the period increased 12 percent to INR 30.74 billion.

Net profit for the nine months stood at INR 7.41 billion, compared with INR 9.37 billion a year earlier. The company said the figure included an estimated pre-tax restructuring cost of INR 5.45 billion, disclosed as an exceptional item.

Onkar Kanwar, Chairman of Apollo Tyres Ltd, said the company delivered double-digit volume growth across geographies and market segments during the quarter.

“My compliments to the team for delivering double-digit volume growth across geographies and market segments in the past quarter,” he said. “India recorded its best quarterly performance to date, driven by strong growth across replacement, exports and OEM channels. Our European Operations also performed in line with the broader market. Encouragingly, demand momentum remains healthy, and we expect this trajectory to sustain going forward.”

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