The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, the apex body representing automotive tyre manufacturers in the country, has announced its new leadership structure.

The apex tyre body has elected Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF as the new Chairman of ATMA and Hiroshi Yoshizane, MD, Bridgestone India as the new Vice-Chairman of ATMA.

The appointment comes at a crucial juncture as ATMA celebrates 2025 as its Golden Jubilee year.

Mammen hold a graduate degree from the Madras Christian College and MBA from the Ashland University, US. He became the Managing Director of MRF in 2004 and Vice Chairman and Managing Director in 2017.

He believes that the Indian tyre industry should strive to be a major global manufacturer in the next decade and he will work on policy enablers to make the industry more competitive and technologically superior for meeting the needs of developed countries.

ATMA highlighted that given the global push towards carbon emission, there is a clear need to reduce carbon footprint in manufacturing and supply chain among others. The tyre industry on its part is already investing towards regenerative and recycled raw materials, along with using clean energy and reduction in water usage in manufacturing.

Furthermore, the INROAD Project as an industry initiative is expected to further add 200,000 hectares of new rubber plantation in the next two years.

“Over the next five years, focus needs to be given to upgradation of quality and training of the stakeholders,” added Mammen.

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Finnish industrial automation company Cimcorp is set to release a feature-length documentary this autumn chronicling its five-decade history and examining the sector’s future trajectory.

The film, entitled “The Future of Automation”, traces the company’s evolution from its origins within the Rosenlew Corporation in the 1970s to its current position as a specialist in automotive, tyre and grocery retail automation technologies.

“To foresee and prepare for the future, we must understand the past. It is through reflecting on our journey that we find the tools to shape tomorrow. This documentary is a tribute not only to the innovation and perseverance of Cimcorp but to the evolution of automation itself,” said Veli-Matti Hakala, Chief Executive of Cimcorp.

The documentary features contributions from current and former employees, as well as external industry figures, including Mirka Leino, principal lecturer at the RoboAI Research Centre at SAMK Pori, who discusses developments in robotics and machine vision systems.

Erik Rosenlew, son of Gustav Rosenlew, who established Cimcorp whilst serving as chief executive of Oy Rosenlew Ab from 1969, provides commentary on his father’s contribution to the automation sector.

The film covers notable milestones, including the development of cathode-ray-tube automation in the 1980s and the company’s Dream Factory concept for the tyre industry. It also examines Cimcorp’s expansion into lithium-ion battery automation and sustainable intralogistics solutions, as well as its integration into Murata Machinery.

The documentary incorporates archival material and addresses emerging technologies anticipated to influence the next 50 years of industrial automation, including artificial intelligence applications and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Cimcorp, now part of Japanese parent company Murata Machinery, serves clients across multiple industrial sectors globally.

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Chinese manufacturer to showcase OTR products at the world’s largest farm machinery fair

Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire will make its debut at Agritechnica with a dedicated stand next month, marking the company’s first direct presence at the world’s premier agricultural machinery exhibition.

The Zhaoyuan-based company will occupy nearly 150 square metres in hall five at the trade fair, which runs from 9-15 November in Hanover, focusing predominantly on off-the-road products for the agricultural sector whilst also displaying tyres for commercial vehicles and passenger cars.

Central to Linglong’s exhibition is the new Spring Ultra Flex model in size VF 900/60 R32, a combine harvester tyre featuring what the company describes as a low-profile, stable tread pattern designed to distribute heavy loads evenly across the contact patch. The manufacturer claims the tyre offers 40 per cent higher load capacity than standard sizes, complemented by flexible sidewalls intended to improve ride comfort.

The display will also feature the company’s FL300, LR400, LR650 and LR7000 product profiles, catering to various agricultural applications.

Beyond product presentation, Linglong has emphasised the networking dimension of its trade fair participation. The company’s German and international sales teams will be available throughout the event for customer discussions, operating from both the main stand and a separate hospitality area branded the “Linglong Lounge”.

As part of visitor engagement activities, Linglong plans to conduct a prize draw offering a signed Chelsea FC jersey, the current FIFA Club World Cup holders. Linglong Tire has sponsored the London football club since last season.

Agritechnica represents a significant platform for agricultural machinery suppliers, with approximately 2,700 exhibitors from 52 countries occupying some 39 hectares of exhibition space. The biennial event serves as both a showcase for new technology and a forum for addressing future challenges in crop production, drawing decision-makers from across the global agricultural industry.

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Radar Tires has named Anthony Paparone as its new Associate Vice President of Strategy and Analytics. Bringing over two decades of tyre industry expertise, Paparone offers a comprehensive background in strategic leadership and operational management.

His career includes significant leadership experience across various sectors, including sales strategy, pricing, dealer training and retail operations. He is recognised for his data-centric approach, consistently employing analytics, automation and process improvements to create innovative solutions that boost business efficiency and foster growth. In his new role, his primary objective will be to strengthen Radar's data infrastructure and utilise advanced analytics to refine the company's strategic initiatives and enhance its competitive standing throughout the United States.

Rob Montasser, Vice President – Sales, Radar Tires, USA, said “We’re thrilled to have someone of Anthony’s experience and knowledge join our team. His passion for leveraging data to drive smarter, faster decisions aligns perfectly with our strategic goals. Anthony’s leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale and strengthen the Radar brand.”

Paparone said, “I’m incredibly excited to join the Radar Tires team. There’s tremendous opportunity to take our data game to the next level and turn insights into action. I look forward to working with the team to build scalable, data-driven systems that support growth and deliver real value for our partners and customers.”

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Bridgestone has initiated a planned CEO succession to propel the corporation towards its 2031 centennial. The board has selected Yasuhiro Morita, a seasoned executive with a background in international tyre operations and global strategy, to assume the role of global CEO on 1 January 2026. He will succeed Shuichi Ishibashi, who will retire from his executive position on 31 December 2025 and formally depart from the board after the annual shareholder meeting in March 2026.

Morita, a company veteran since 1996, brings extensive international experience from roles in Europe and Asia. His more recent positions as Global Chief Administration Officer and Global Chief Strategy Officer have given him broad oversight, encompassing areas from finance and sustainability to digital transformation and supply chain management. This background will be crucial as he leads Bridgestone following a period of significant restructuring.

This leadership transition is framed as a strategic accelerator, intended to build upon a recent foundation of business restructuring and product enhancement. The company aims to leverage Morita's extensive experience to drive its next chapter of sustainable growth and strengthen long-term corporate value. The complete 2026 global management team will be detailed upon finalization of the plan.

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