JK Tyre Launches ‘Levitas Ultra’ Premium Car Tyres

Christina Zamarro Becomes Goodyear Tire CFO

JK Tyre & Industries has introduced its Levitas Ultra range of tyres. With this launch, the company has entered the luxury car segment, which is a fast-expanding one. The new range is designed for premium cars and was unveiled for the western region by Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre & Industries, in Mumbai today.

With the healthy revival of the economy, the Indian automobile industry is witnessing an uptick in demand of luxury cars, with the market having grown by nearly 50 percent. JK Tyre claims that with the entry of Levitas Ultra, the tyre company is well-poised to capitalise on this growth by timing it with the growing requirements in the market.

Tested extensively in Europe and India, JK Tyre states that these UHP (Ultra High Performance) tyres offer best-in-class functionality across key aspects – utmost comfort, low noise and high durability. The tyres are perfected for Indian road conditions and climate. They are offered in seven sizes, ranging from 225/55 R16 to 245/45 R18 for premium cars. Further, the tyre company plans to enlarge its portfolio of ‘Levitas Ultra’ by introducing it in a 19- to 22-inch tyre range. This is in order to cover the entire gamut of luxury cars. The Levitas Ultra has been rated a five star for fuel savings, according to the tyre company.

Anuj Kathuria, President (India), JK Tyre & Industries, said, “We have always been committed to providing our customers with cutting-edge technology-driven products. With Levitas Ultra, we are pleased to enter the premium car tyre space for the luxury car owners. These UHP tyres are proof of our unwavering commitment to providing matchless performance across all key parameters of this niche category, including ride and handling, grip levels, noise reduction and braking. The Levitas Ultra range is specially designed for Indian road conditions and has a high potential to become the preferred choice of the country's premium car users."

Advanced technology
The new range boasts of shortest braking distances in dry and wet conditions, offering enhanced safety. As per JK Tyre, a great driving response is assured with Levitas Ultra’s handling characteristics, keeping lateral control and grip in the optimum range. Adaptive contour and a special noise cancelling pattern ensure the lowest in-cabin noise and a relaxed ride. These UHP tyres are formulated with high-grade MFX Polymer, which ensures durability for Indian roads and stability during hard cornering. A super optimised tread pitch sequence provides a smooth commute at a range of speeds, even in wet conditions. The robust layers with considerable thickness offer resistance to perforations.

The Levitas Ultra range of tyres will be available across key cities from 1 April, 2023.

Hankook Tire Europe Appoints Richard Bezzant As Truck And Bus Marketing Director

Hankook Tire Europe Appoints Richard Bezzant As Truck And Bus Marketing Director

Hankook Tire Europe GmbH has appointed Richard Bezzant as the new Marketing Director Truck and Bus with effect from 1 August 2025.

The British-born marketing and sales expert started his career with Michelin in UK in 2003. He brings with him more than two decades of experience in the tyre business for buses and trucks. Following a five-year period in leadership roles in France, he most recently served as Marketing Director for UK and Ireland, where he was responsible for developing and managing the complete marketing strategy across all business divisions.

Bezzant said, “My goal is to support growth opportunities for Hankook in the European truck and bus sector and expand them further. I am confident that we will be able to build on what has been achieved so far and continue to expand the business with innovative products and services. I am glad to be working with a great team to pursue our goals.”

Jang Hyuk Moon, Vice President – Marketing Department, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With Richard Bezzant, we have appointed an industry-leading expert for our truck and bus marketing activities. With his decades of experience, we will consistently expand our business in the commercial vehicle sector and strengthen our market position in Europe in the long term.”

Apollo Tyres Appoints Denis Virelli As Key Account Manager For Car Dealership division

Apollo Tyres Appoints Denis Virelli As Key Account Manager For Car Dealership division

Apollo Tyres Ltd has strengthened its German operations with the immediate appointment of Denis Virelli as Key Account Manager. In this role, he will oversee the Car Dealer Channel and OEM business. This strategic move highlights the company's focused investment in Germany, identifying car dealerships as a pivotal area for regional growth.

Virelli brings extensive relevant experience from the automotive sector, including a background in tyre sales and a proven track record in senior positions within the car rental industry. His expertise encompasses sales, quality management and leadership of customer service teams. His appointment is a direct reflection of Apollo Tyres' commitment to deepening its partnerships and driving expansion within the important German market.

Alexandra Matuko, Head of Cluster Central Europe at Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “As Key Account Manager, Denis will play a key role in shaping and further developing our dealership business. His proven track record in sales and his deep understanding of customer needs make him a valuable addition to our team.”

Anshuman Singhania Honoured As CEO of the Year At National Management Summit

Anshuman Singhania - JK Tyre

Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, has been awarded the 'CEO of the Year' by the Top Rankers Management Club. The accolade was presented at the 25th National Management Summit, held in New Delhi on 23 August 2025.

The award recognises Singhania’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision, which have been pivotal in steering the company toward sustained growth and innovation. Under his guidance, JK Tyre has reinforced its position as a leader in radial tyre technology, expanded its global presence and strengthened its dedication to sustainability and customer focus.

In his acceptance speech, Singhania expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honoured to receive this recognition from the Top Rankers Management Club. This award reflects the collective commitment of the entire JK Tyre team, whose efforts continue to drive our progress. I would like to thank my colleagues, industry partners and stakeholders for their unwavering support in our journey of growth and transformation.”

He has been a key figure in modernising the company, leveraging new technologies and expanding its presence in both domestic and international markets. The 'CEO of the Year' award, presented by the Top Rankers Management Club, celebrates leaders who demonstrate a clear vision for organisational excellence and industry transformation.

Hana RFID Appoints Jason Chang As New Asia Sales Director

Hana RFID Appoints Jason Chang As New Asia Sales Director

Hana Technologies, Inc. (Hana RFID) has strengthened its leadership in the Asian market with the appointment of industry veteran Jason Chang as Sales Director for Asia. Based in Shanghai, he will be responsible for managing key customer relationships and driving strategic growth throughout the region.

Chang brings a wealth of relevant experience to the role, with over 15 years in the RFID sector following a successful career in IT. His proven track record includes significant tenures at leading firms like Xerafy, Stora Enso and Beontag. His accomplishments range from pioneering the development of innovative flexible anti-metal tags to launching groundbreaking RFID-based retail solutions that gained widespread adoption in China and Europe. He has also demonstrated a strong capacity for growth, most recently achieving remarkable business expansion in the APAC market.

This appointment is a strategic milestone for Hana RFID, underscoring its commitment to supporting global customers with high-performance technology and expert, on-the-ground leadership. This move highlights Hana RFID's focused strategy on deepening its regional support and providing partners with sophisticated RAIN RFID inlay and embeddable tag solutions, backed by local expertise.

Mike Hetric, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Hana RFID, said, “The appointment of Jason Chang is a significant step forward in improving local availability and supporting our key partners in Asia. Jason’s track record in driving innovation, his deep market knowledge and his commitment to customer success will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in this dynamic region.”

Chang said, “I’m excited to be part of the Hana RFID team, which is recognised in the market as both a key player and a trusted partner for an ever-growing network of label converters, service bureaus and system integrators. I look forward to working alongside our partners in Asia to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service.”