In association with Manchester United, Apollo Tyres has launched the second edition of the 'United We Play' football talent programme in India. 

Dimitar Berbatov, a Manchester United legend, has launched the grassroots program, set to begin in February 2022 and run until April 2022. Five candidates, selected by football coaches from Apollo and Manchester United, will receive the opportunity to visit the iconic Old Trafford stadium in Manchester and will get a chance to participate in a training session.

The second season of United We Play will be held in 19 Indian locations in a hybrid format that will include ten virtual workshops and masterclasses in 12 markets and an on-ground leg in eight areas in two parts, with a potential reach of over 6,000 aspiring players. Indian coaches will go through a development programme with Manchester United Soccer School coaches before conducting the first round of trials to choose the best players from each market. Manchester United Soccer School coaches will conduct the second tryouts, shortlisting approximately five prospects.

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Service (India, SAARC and Oceania), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, "We have been associated with football for a long time now and initiatives like United We Play, is our attempt to give aspiring Indian footballers a global platform to showcase their talent with a club like Manchester United. At Apollo Tyres, we were really encouraged to see the response to the first edition and are happy to announce the second edition of the programme which promises to be much bigger and better. It will surely be exciting to see the kind of footballing talent that comes to the fore this year."

Apollo Tyres has been hosting online masterclasses, which have been complemented by skill tests with prizes on offer. Online sessions with Denis Irwin were organised prior to the launch to introduce participants to the Manchester United training philosophy.

Mike Neary, Head, Manchester United Soccer Schools, said, "The Club is delighted to be working with Apollo Tyres on the second season of ‘United We Play.’ The popularity of football in India is ever increasing and it is encouraging to see the number of young players who are keen to learn more about the game. Apollo are at the forefront of this and have been a huge advocate of grassroots football. (TT)

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Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd, has been appointed to another term as Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA). This industry body represents India's automotive tyre sector at the national level. Meanwhile, Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director of Bridgestone India Private Limited, has assumed the role of Vice Chairman. In a separate leadership transition, Sanjay Chatterjee, formerly Assistant Director General, has been promoted to Director General of ATMA. He takes over from Rajiv Budhraja, who is set to retire on 31 March 2026.

Mammen’s educational background includes graduation from Madras Christian College and an MBA from Ashland University in United States. His professional development was significantly enhanced by extensive training with B F Goodrich Tire & Co. and Uniroyal Goodrich Tire & Co. during his time in US, an experience that proved highly beneficial in his subsequent career. He was appointed Managing Director of MRF Ltd in 2004 and later became Vice Chairman and Managing Director in 2017.

His initial tenure as ATMA Chairman began at a pivotal moment last year, coinciding with the organisation's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Established in 1975, ATMA stands as one of the country's most prominent national industry associations, representing an automotive tyre industry valued at over INR 1 trillion. The association's membership encompasses major Indian and international tyre manufacturers, who collectively account for more than 80 percent of India's total tyre production.

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Giti Tire has secured the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for the second consecutive year, positioning it within the top one percent of companies globally evaluated for sustainability. This ongoing distinction underscores the organisation's dedication to ethical operations, environmental stewardship and the generation of sustainable value throughout its worldwide activities.

The EcoVadis framework appraisals in four principal domains: environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethical conduct and sustainable procurement. This methodology offers a thorough benchmark for corporate sustainability. Earning Platinum recognition for two straight years indicates that Giti's environmental, social and governance efforts are not only effective but are also demonstrating ongoing enhancement.

Complementing this accolade, Giti’s manufacturing sites in Anhui and Fujian, China, recently secured ISCC+ certification. This dual achievement illustrates the company's holistic sustainability strategy. This approach encompasses corporate governance and operational excellence while also ensuring the responsible procurement of materials essential for developing next-generation tyres.

As the worldwide mobility industry moves towards more environmentally friendly solutions, Giti is persistently investing in advancements aimed at minimising ecological impact, all without compromising the safety, durability and performance expected by consumers. These milestones reinforce Giti's goal to emerge as a prominent contributor to sustainable mobility within the international tyre sector, offering conscientious products and methods that support its customers, collaborators and communities.

Francois Petiot, Director, International QA Centre, said, “Reaching the top is difficult – but staying at the top of the mountain is even harder. This achievement shows not only our commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices and continuous improvement but also the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved.”

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Agricultural machinery specialist Emyr Evans marked four decades in business by restoring the first new tractor it ever sold. The Massey Ferguson 3065, originally purchased in late December 1995 for New Year delivery, has been beautifully brought back to life. It now rides on the latest MICHELIN AgriBib 2 tyres, supplied and fitted by Saracens, a trusted partner and part of the Michelin Quality Centre network. The tyres fitted are 340/85 R24 on the front and 420/85 R34 on the rear.

Emyr Evans founded the company with his wife Gwenda in 1986, starting with used tractors before becoming a Massey Ferguson dealer for Anglesey and Gwynedd in 1996 from their base in Gaerwen. By 2002, their territory had expanded to cover all of North Wales to the Cheshire border, prompting the opening of a second depot in Denbigh. Over the years, the business has grown by adding major franchises including JCB, Fendt, McHale, Pottinger and Bailey. Today, their sons Gwynedd and Berwyn manage the two depots.

The restored tractor is a significant piece of the company’s history, representing the last of Massey Ferguson’s 3000 series of versatile mid-range tractors. It was originally sold to a farmer in Anglesey and had worked there ever since. Despite its coastal location near the Irish Sea, it remained in working order but required dedicated care and attention.

The choice of modern Michelin tyres highlights the evolution in agricultural technology. The current AgriBib 2, with its improved tread pattern featuring 45-degree lugs, offers enhanced traction, durability and a higher load index to cope with the increasing weight of modern machinery. Comparing it to the Bib’X M18 from the 1990s illustrates this progress. For example, a 16.9 R34 Bib’X M18 carried a maximum load of 2,060 kg at 40 kmph, while the equivalent AgriBib 2 now carries 3,075 kg, an increase of over a tonne per tyre.

The restored Massey Ferguson 3065 is being showcased along with a collection of vintage tractors at the company’s 40th Anniversary Open Days (11 and 12 March) at their Denbigh depot on the Colomendy Industrial Estate.

Berwyn Evans, Director at the business, said, “The tractor was sold to a farmer in Anglesey and has been working there ever since. Due to the location by the Irish Sea, it needed some TLC but was still in working order. As the tractor is now 30 years old, it’s been a challenge tracking down replacement parts but a worthwhile one. When it came to fitting new tyres to this special tractor, the only choice was Michelin, which is king in the agricultural world.”

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Bridgestone Central Europe has announced leadership changes effective 1 March 2026, with Francesco Landolfo stepping into the role of Business Unit Director Commercial CER. He will oversee operations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Landolfo takes over from Christoph Frost, who guided the commercial division for eight years and was instrumental in embedding the company’s premium approach throughout the region. Frost transitions to a new capacity as Director of Retread Business for Bridgestone EMEA, where he will manage the Bandag retreading enterprise across Europe.

Christoph Frost, Director Retread Business Bridgestone EMEA.

Waqqas Ahmad, Vice President Commercial Europe, highlighted that these moves are vital for advancing the premium strategy in Central Europe and within the retread sector. He noted that both individuals possess the necessary expertise and forward-thinking mindset to deepen client connections and reinforce the brand’s upmarket standing

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