It was in 1993, the first edition of the K.M. Philip Gold Medal was instituted to recognise and honour contribution of individuals that have made a mark in the Indian rubber industry. The biennial award is presented under the aegis of the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA). Since 1993 and till 2019, AIRIA has given this award to 13 distinguished individuals for their contribution towards the growth of the Indian rubber industry.

Philip had played a key role in establishing the Indian Rubber Manufacturer Research Association (IRMRA), helping it grow into a leading research laboratory associated with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Under his vision, IRMRA became a critical institution for tyre testing for both Indian and foreign manufacturers.

The K.M, Philip family feels that the award has served its purpose. Hence as a gracious closure and a finale event, the foundation has decided to honour three individuals/institutions/bodies with the  distribution of the final K.M. Philip Gold Medal in the following three categories –

K.M. Philip Gold Medal Research and Development Award

This award recognises individuals or institutions for their contributions to research and development in the rubber industry, with a particular emphasis on innovations that promote environmental sustainability.

K.M. Philip Gold Medal Entrepreneur/Businessman for the MSME Industry Development Award

The award recognises entrepreneurs who have achieved notable success in building a business from the ground up (greenfield projects) or elevating a first-generation enterprise to a global standard. The recipient should have led their industry to a prominent position in its product segment, with a preference given to those who have reduced their business's carbon footprint.

K.M. Philip Gold Medal for Institution and Rubber Industry Brand Builder Award

The award acknowledges individuals or institutions that have significantly contributed to the growth, recognition, and brand value of the Indian rubber industry and its institutions. The recipient must have initiated and executed initiatives that enhanced the industry’s overall reputation, including infrastructural institutions.

Philip is often referred to as pioneer in the rubber industry. From founding AIRIA to receiving a National Award, his legacy continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.

The past winners of the K.M. Philip Gold Medal include –

1. Late Manu M Patel (1993): Rendering services through development work, introduction of usage of synthetic rubber, technical service and training etc.
2. Late W G Desai (1995): Rendering services through pioneering work in reclaim rubber, technical services and training, standardisation, assistance in growth of SSI etc.
3. Late Shri S V Lathia (1997): Successful research work carried out to manufacture products, previously imported, thus saving in foreign exchange and for outstanding work in social and rural development work.
4. Late R K Jain (1999): pioneering efforts and developing work in promotion of exports, import substitution, technical upgradation and setting high standards in growth of SSI etc.
5. Prof Anil K Bhowmick (2001): pioneering research into the chemistry of polymers and incorporation of these new developments into technologies and outstanding contribution to imparting education to Indian rubber technologists.
6. Dr Raghupati Singhania (2003): Pioneering efforts to usher in radial tyre technology to India, his foresightedness in setting up state-of-art R&D center HASETRI, his commitment to industrial growth through his leadership in numerous group companies etc.
7. Dr R K Matthan (2005): pioneering efforts in technology transfer, establishment and commissioning of TSR factories, his continued association with technical development and usage of new forms of natural rubber, development of ultra safe\catheters, his continued association with IRI, IRMRA, Cochin university etc.
8. Late Anil Sampat (2007): For his pioneering work in conceiving and successfully organising IRE and providing a platform to the rubber industry to expose its latest technology and to facilitate two way technical exchange and trade, his entrepreneurial qualities in rubber, footwear and textile industries etc.
9. Late R K Raman (2011); His pioneering efforts in establishing world class facility MIL Industries for manufacture of rubber lining coupled with using cold bond process for first time in India, developing advanced technology applications of rubber products in Aerospace industries etc.
10. R V Gandhi (2013): pioneering efforts in developing wide range of reclaim rubbers made from natural and synthetic elastomers, establishing GRP as the largest and most respected manufacturer of reclaim rubber in the world and putting India at the forefront of export of reclaim rubber, his initiative in developing global specifications for reclaim rubber under the aegis of ISO TC 45, his contribution to the cause of education, empowerment of women and training in ethical values etc.
11. Late M F Vohra (2015): For pioneering efforts in developing Zenith Rubber into a global scale manufacturer and supplier of quality rubber sheeting and allied rubber products and exporting 80% to developed markets, for his pioneering his leadership efforts at CAPEXIL in removing impediments to exports of rubber products thereby enabling double digit annual growth of rubber products exports, etc.
12. P K Mohamed (2017): For his pioneering efforts and contribution to high technology in core processes in tyre manufacturing, his pivotal role in standardising tyre dimensions, his passionate commitment to IRI and other technical bodies etc.
13. Arvind Poddar (2019): For his pioneering efforts in evolving BKT from a family enterprise into one of the largest technologically sophisticated companies in the Off-Highway Tyre segment, for his commitment to use green technology, for being recipient of several Government of India Awards for R&D etc.

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KraussMaffei has appointed Xinting Ren as Managing Director of its extrusion business, effective 1 September, 2026, combining the role with his existing leadership of the group’s China operations.

Ren succeeds Ralf Benack, who left the company at his own request on 31^st August , ending a tenure of about two years.

The company said the dual appointment is intended to strengthen integration between its extrusion activities and international operations.

Ren has led KraussMaffei China for the past three years, overseeing cross-technology activities in the Chinese market. Before joining the group, he held several management roles in the chemical industry, including Assistant General Manager at KraussMaffei Company Limited, now operating as Sinochem Equipment Technology Qingdao Co., and most recently served as general manager of Shanxi China Coal Pingshuo Energy Chemical Co., Ltd.

Benack took over leadership of KraussMaffei Extrusion in 2024 and was responsible for the group’s global extrusion business. During his tenure, the company focused on operational processes and customer orientation, reducing delivery times and further developing the Technology Center at its Laatzen site.

The facility now offers 26 pilot lines for development and customer projects, and the company said it also expanded its extrusion technology portfolio.

From September, responsibility for the extrusion business and management of the China business will be combined under Ren’s leadership.

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Nokian Tyres plc has introduced a new premium summer tyre, the Powerproof E, designed for Central and Southern European markets, with A-class ratings in all three European Union tyre label categories across its full range.

The company said the tyre achieves top grades for rolling resistance, wet grip and external rolling noise, reflecting a development approach aimed at balancing efficiency, safety and comfort within a single product.

“Whether the priority is maximizing range and efficiency or achieving confidence and comfort in wet conditions, drivers should not have to compromise on safety. The new Nokian Tyres Powerproof E is designed to deliver outstanding performance in the areas that matter most to drivers,” said Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice-President for Passenger Car tyres in Central Europe.

Samu Lepistö, development manager at the company, added: “Achieving A-class ratings in all three EU tire label categories across the entire range is a significant result. These characteristics are all important to today's drivers yet improving one can often affect another. Nokian Tyres Powerproof E was developed to deliver balanced performance across all three areas.”

The tyre incorporates what the company calls Motion Control Technology, combining tread design, compound development and structural engineering to support efficiency and wet-weather performance.

Depending on size, between 40.9 percent and 42.8 percent of the tyre’s material content consists of recycled and renewable inputs, including rice husk ash, recycled carbon black and recycled steel.

Production takes place at the group’s factory in Oradea, Romania, which opened in 2024 and operates with zero direct carbon dioxide emissions, powered by renewable energy.

The Powerproof E is designed for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and crossover vehicles, including electric, hybrid and internal combustion models. It will be available in sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches for the 2027 summer season in Central and Southern Europe.

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Continental Tire Canada has appointed Frank Buntinx as its new Managing Director, effective 17 August 2026. In this executive capacity, he assumes comprehensive oversight of the organisation’s entire Canadian tyre portfolio, which encompasses passenger and light truck vehicles, commercial truck lines and specialised tyre segments. His leadership will guide the strategic direction and operational performance across these diverse business units.

A native of Belgium, Buntinx brings over two decades of tenure with Continental, having commenced his career there in 2003 within logistics and supply chain management. Over the years, he has accumulated a broad commercial skillset through successive roles in marketing, pricing strategy, business analytics, fleet operations and sales. His professional trajectory later elevated him to senior leadership positions in the Benelux region, where he directed marketing efforts and subsequently headed Fleet Solutions and Truck Tires, thereby acquiring multifaceted management expertise.

This transatlantic appointment signifies a pivotal career transition for Buntinx, offering him the chance to infuse the Canadian market with an international vantage point. His arrival is anticipated to bolster Continental’s regional presence, leveraging his extensive cross-functional background to navigate the complexities of the domestic tyre industry and drive organisational growth.

“I am truly excited to join Continental Tire Canada and begin this new chapter. Continental has built a strong business and reputation in the Canadian market, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to build on that success, strengthening Continental's position while supporting the growth and success of our customers,” said Buntinx.

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Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., which operates the Dunlop brand, will discontinue the supply of karting tyres by the end of 2027 as part of a strategic review of its business and allocation of management resources.

The company said it would continue supplying products to existing customers until December 31, 2027.

Dunlop has produced karting tyres since 1976, supplying products homologated by the Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA (CIK-FIA), under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, as well as tyres accredited by the Japan Automobile Federation.

The company said its products had supported a wide range of users, from recreational drivers to young drivers aiming to compete at higher levels, and had contributed to the development of karting participation.

It added that the decision followed a review of its medium- to long-term management strategy and changes in the business environment.

The group said it would continue to contribute to motorsport activities, while expressing appreciation to customers and organisations that had supported its karting tyre business.

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