Michelin has achieved notable recognition at the 2026 Tire Technology Expo in Hannover, Germany, securing four major awards that underscore its leadership in innovation, sustainability and technical expertise. The accolades span breakthrough research, product excellence, environmental advancement and individual career achievement, reflecting the company’s comprehensive approach to advancing mobility both on Earth and in space.

The prestigious Concept of the Year award was presented to the Michelin Lunar Airless Wheel, or MiLAW, developed for NASA’s upcoming Artemis lunar missions. This wheel represents over two decades of research into airless tire architecture, cutting-edge polymers and additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. Engineered to endure the moon’s extreme environment, it must withstand abrasive terrain, intense radiation and temperatures ranging from minus 240 to plus 100 degrees Celsius while ensuring reliable traction and durability. The project demanded advanced digital simulation and rigorous testing, and the resulting innovations are already influencing Michelin’s terrestrial developments, particularly in applications where robustness under challenging conditions is essential.

The MICHELIN Primacy 5 Energy tyre earned the Tire of the Year award. This summer tyre has achieved a triple-A rating on the European Union label for wet grip, energy efficiency and noise while also being recognised as the most durable tyre in its category. It has been selected by approximately 20 major global automakers for integration into more than 50 upcoming vehicle models, well ahead of its commercial launch. Designed to meet heightened expectations for safety, electric vehicle compatibility, emissions reduction and sustainable materials, the tyre exemplifies Michelin’s response to evolving market demands.

The BioButterfly programme, a collaborative effort involving Michelin, IFP Energies Nouvelles and Axens, with backing from the French Agency for the Environment and Energy Management, received the Environmental Achievement of the Year – Industrial Contribution award. Following over 12 years of research and an investment exceeding EUR 80 million, an industrial demonstrator at Michelin’s Bassen site successfully proved a method for producing bio-based butadiene from bioethanol. The resulting elastomers meet tyre industry specifications while offering a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil-fuel-derived alternatives. This breakthrough marks a major step towards establishing a sustainable supply chain for bio-based materials in tyre manufacturing.

Pascal Prost, a Senior Fellow at Michelin, was honoured with the Tire Tech 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for his 35-year career dedicated to advancing tyre technology. His work has consistently addressed complex and often conflicting performance requirements, particularly in the areas of low rolling resistance and eco-design for passenger and two-wheel vehicle tyres. Beyond his technical contributions, Prost has fostered collaboration across internal teams, academic institutions and automotive partners. His recognition highlights not only his personal dedication but also the collective expertise and innovative spirit present throughout the Michelin organisation.

Together, these four honours illustrate the breadth of Michelin’s capabilities, from fundamental research and product engineering to environmental stewardship and long-term talent development. They affirm the company’s commitment to creating safer, more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions for a wide range of environments.

Philippe Jacquin, Executive Vice President – Research & Development for Michelin and member of the Group Executive Committee, said, “Receiving four awards at Tire Technology Expo is testament to the collective strength of our teams and to the scientific, technological and environmental depth of our innovations. From the Moon to the road, and thanks to Michelin’s deep know‑how in polymer composites, we once again demonstrate our ability to push boundaries, create new experiences, transform research into real‑world solutions and accelerate the emergence of next‑generation materials. These awards honour not only our advances but also the daily commitment of everyone at Michelin who innovates to improve everyday life and drive mobility forward – for people today and for future generations.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nokian Tyres has announced the appointment of Ville Mansikkamäki as Senior Vice President for Heavy Tyres, effective by 1 October 2026. The executive, who holds an Executive MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Logistics, will also join the company’s management team. Based in Nokia, Finland, Mansikkamäki will report directly to President and CEO Paolo Pompei.

Mansikkamäki joins the Finnish tyre manufacturer from Ponsse Plc, a global producer of cut-to-length forest machines, where he served as Vice President for Europe. His background includes senior business leadership roles at CNH, Valtra and AGCO, bringing extensive experience in heavy equipment and logistics.

He succeeds Tron Gulbrandsen, who has been managing Nokian Heavy Tyres on an interim basis. Gulbrandsen will continue his regular duties as Senior Vice President for Passenger Car Tyres in the Nordics.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am pleased to welcome Ville Mansikkamäki to Nokian Tyres. His deep expertise in machinery industry and strong international leadership background will significantly support the continued development of our heavy tyres business. I would like to thank Tron for his leadership and valuable contribution to Nokian Heavy Tyres.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kumho Tire USA has appointed Carolina Wagner as its new Vice President of Marketing, a move aimed at reinforcing the company’s brand strength and competitive edge across the passenger, light truck and commercial vehicle segments in United States.

Wagner will take charge of all marketing operations for Kumho Tire USA, including brand strategy, product marketing, digital outreach, demand generation and sales support. Working alongside executive leadership and the sales team, she will focus on aligning marketing efforts with the firm’s ambitious growth objectives in the American market.

With over 25 years of executive experience at global tyre companies such as Continental Tires the Americas and Goodyear, Wagner has led growth and brand initiatives across the tyre, mobility, SaaS and material handling sectors. Her career began in Rio de Janeiro, advancing through leadership roles in Brazil and Latin America before moving to United States. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidade Santa Úrsula and an MBA from IBMEC Rio de Janeiro.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "Carolina's arrival marks a pivotal moment for Kumho Tire. Her deep expertise in the tyre industry, combined with her proven ability to build integrated marketing strategies that deliver measurable results, makes her the ideal leader to drive our next chapter. We are confident that she will be a key force in taking Kumho Tire's brand positioning to the next level."

Wagner said, "I am incredibly excited to join Kumho Tire and work alongside the executive leadership team to continue elevating the brand in the US. The company has tremendous growth potential with high-quality new products on the roadmap that deliver on its performance without compromise mantra. I'm excited to execute integrated, data-driven strategies to increase brand awareness and ultimately fuel growth."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mahatma Gandhi University’s School of Polymer Science and Technology has announced the opening of admissions for its Executive M.Tech programme in Polymer Engineering and Nanotechnology for the 2026–27 academic year, targeting working professionals and industry-sponsored candidates seeking advanced technical specialisation.

The programme will be conducted at the Convergence Academia Complex, located on the second floor of the university campus at Priyadarshini Hills, P.O. Kottayam, Kerala. The university, which is graded as a Category 1 autonomous institution by the University Grants Commission (UGC), is positioning the course as an industry-aligned offering designed to bridge academic research and industrial application.

Admissions are currently open, with the last date for submitting applications set as 30 April  2026.

Designed For Industry Professionals

The Executive M.Tech programme is tailored specifically for working professionals, reflecting the growing demand for flexible, advanced education pathways within technical industries. Sponsored candidates from organisations, as well as direct applicants with relevant professional experience, are eligible to apply.

Candidates must hold either an M.Sc. or B.Tech degree in relevant science or engineering disciplines. While preference will be given to employed candidates, others may also be considered subject to seat availability.

The programme offers a total of 24 seats, including 20 allocated for Indian candidates and four reserved for international applicants, signalling the university’s intent to attract a diverse cohort.

Interdisciplinary Focus

The curriculum emphasises an interdisciplinary approach, combining Polymer Engineering, Nanotechnology and Materials Science. This structure reflects broader shifts within manufacturing and materials industries, where cross-domain expertise is increasingly critical.

Courses will be delivered by a mix of academic faculty and industry practitioners, ensuring exposure to both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. The university highlights that this dual approach is aimed at equipping professionals with practical insights alongside advanced technical knowledge.

Programme Highlights

Among the key features of the course are its focus on industry relevance and its alignment with evolving technological demands. The programme is structured to support professionals in enhancing their capabilities without stepping away from their careers.

The university notes that the course is particularly suited to those looking to deepen expertise in polymer science and nanotechnology while remaining engaged in industrial roles.

Application Process

Applications for the programme must be submitted online via the official application form:
https://forms.gle/yfTeeevAVLzmuK8P9

Prospective candidates can access additional information through the School of Polymer Science and Technology’s website at spst.mgu.ac.in.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TVS Srichakra Limited has assumed contractual rights and obligations from its US subsidiary under an agreement with Bristol Motor Speedway LLC.

The Madurai-based company said in a regulatory filing that it executed an assignment and assumption agreement on April 10, 2026 with Super Grip Corporation and Bristol Motor Speedway. Under the arrangement, TVS Srichakra takes over all rights, duties and obligations previously held by Super Grip Corporation under a suite licence agreement dated February 16, 2024 and a sponsorship agreement dated April 5, 2024.

The company will pay USD 1,033,250 in instalments over the remaining term of the agreements. No consideration is payable to Super Grip Corporation for the transfer.

The original terms of the licence and sponsorship agreements remain unchanged, and the arrangements are set to run until December 31, 2028.

TVS Srichakra said the move was intended to enhance the visibility and reach of its brands in global markets.

Super Grip Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, while Bristol Motor Speedway is an unrelated third party. The assignment between TVS Srichakra and Super Grip Corporation qualifies as a related party transaction and has been conducted on an arm’s length basis.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!