Nokian Tyres has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in winter driving: the world’s first studded winter tyre capable of automatically adapting to temperature shifts. Named the Hakkapeliitta 01, this new product marks a significant milestone for the company, which originally invented the winter tyre in 1934 and introduced the legendary Hakkapeliitta line 90 years ago in 1936. This latest evolution fulfils a longstanding ambition to create a studded tyre that can respond dynamically to changing road conditions.

At the heart of this development is the patented Double Action Stud Technology, which enables what the company calls On-Demand Grip. This system allows the studs to automatically toggle between two modes depending on the temperature. When activated, the studs provide maximum safety and powerful traction on icy and snow-covered surfaces, offering drivers complete confidence in severe winter weather. Conversely, when the system deactivates, the tyre delivers precise handling on bare, dry roads while minimising road wear. This dual functionality ensures a stable and accurate driving experience, effectively addressing the primary concerns of studded tyre users: noise and surface wear.

The Hakkapeliitta 01 is engineered for passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs and carries both the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake and Ice Grip certifications, underscoring its severe winter weather credentials. The technology represents the fruition of a visionary concept first proposed by the company in 2014. Since then, extensive global research and development have taken place, involving thousands of prototypes tested in diverse environments, from indoor laboratories to the company’s Arctic test centre in Finland and its facility in Spain.

The result is a tyre that delivers measurable improvements across several key areas. Compared to its predecessor, it reduces road wear by up to 30 percent. Safety has also been enhanced, with ice grip improved by up to 10 percent and wet grip by up to five percent. Furthermore, noise levels have been reduced by as much as one decibel, contributing to a quieter and more comfortable journey. In line with a commitment to sustainability, the tyre’s tread compound incorporates renewable materials, including natural rubber, bio resin and bio-based oils derived from sources like pine resin and canola oil.

The new product range will be available to consumers in the autumn of 2026, with primary markets in the Nordic countries and North America. Production will take place at the company’s factory in Nokia, Finland. A conference call is scheduled for today (2 March 2026) at 4:15 p.m. EET, during which company leadership and winter tyre specialists will present the new tyre and answer questions. A recording of the event will be accessible online for the following twelve months.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “The new Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01 represents one of our company’s biggest innovations since we introduced the first winter tyre more than 90 years ago. This new winter tyre achieves what was previously thought impossible: a studded tyre that responds to temperature changes to deliver ultimate safety while protecting the road.”

Mikko Liukkula, Nokian Tyres Development Manager who oversaw the tyre’s years-long evolution from concept to reality, said, “With the new Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01, we set out to rethink what a studded winter tyre can be. We didn’t want to compromise between superior ice grip and low road wear, which is a common trade-off in winter tyre development. Instead of a compromise, we developed a solution where grip adjusts automatically to the temperature, delivering maximum safety when it’s needed and more controlled, gentler road contact when it’s not. This helps drivers account for winter weather that is less predictable than ever, while navigating new regulations related to tyres’ impact on the road.”

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SI Group has promoted Robert Kaiser to Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing, concurrently appointing him to the company’s Executive Leadership Team. The global developer and manufacturer of performance additives, process solutions and chemical intermediates has tasked the executive with spearheading market-focused growth efforts and enhancing the synergy between client demands and the firm’s enduring strategic vision.

Kaiser’s elevation follows a distinguished tenure with the organisation that began in 2014, during which he assumed progressively significant roles in strategic marketing and business development. His contributions have been instrumental in refining the company’s product portfolio and market positioning, as well as fostering interdepartmental cooperation on pivotal expansion projects. His professional background also includes commercial leadership stints at AkzoNobel and Arizona Chemical, now part of Kraton Corporation.

The newly appointed Senior Vice President holds a Master of Business Administration from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. With his extensive commercial acumen, Kaiser is poised to drive alignment and execute the company’s long-term objectives in his new executive capacity.

David Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer, SI Group, said, "Robert has consistently demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership and a deep understanding of our markets. His ability to turn information into actionable insight has been instrumental in strengthening our commercial organisation and advancing our strategic priorities. We look forward to the unique global perspective and market-centric lens he will bring to our Executive Leadership Team.” 

Kaiser said, “I am honoured to join the Executive Leadership Team. Our customers are navigating an increasingly complex business environment, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this role at a time when SI Group has the global footprint and strong foundation needed to create value for our customers and the markets we serve. I look forward to working with colleagues across SI Group to deepen customer relationships and continue advancing our commercial strategy.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has extended its partnership with Cricket Australia for a further three years, remaining the naming rights partner of the Golden Cap awards in the Big Bash League (BBL) until the end of the 2028-29 season. The renewal takes the partnership beyond a decade, making it one of the league's longest-running commercial agreements.

BKT has been an Official League Partner of the Big Bash League since 2018. The companies said the extension reflects their continued commitment to supporting the growth of Australian cricket while enhancing the experience for players and fans.

Over the course of the partnership, BKT has developed a strong presence across the Big Bash Leagues through its association with the tournament and fan engagement initiatives. The renewed agreement, the companies said, reflects a long-term relationship built on community engagement and a shared commitment to Australian cricket.

Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director of BKT, said: “The extension of the partnership with the BBL has continued to evolve since 2018, bringing us to achieve significant milestones together. Australia remains a strategic market for BKT, and cricket is one of the country's most popular and passionately followed sports, bringing together millions of fans every year. That’s why we are pleased to continue supporting one of the world's most exciting cricket competitions through the 2028/29 season. We look forward to building on the success we have achieved together and creating lasting value for our stakeholders, partners and fans around the world.”

Alistair Dobson, General Manager of the Big Bash Leagues at Cricket Australia, said: “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with BKT, who has been such a fantastic supporter of the Big Bash for nearly a decade. The BKT Golden Bat and BKT Golden Arm caps have long been popular with players and fans and a great way to celebrate the world-class batting and bowling across both the BBL and WBBL. BKT Big Bash Tipping also adds to the fan experience, giving fans another avenue to engage with the leagues and challenge their friends, families and workplaces. We’re looking forward to continuing to build on our strong relationship with BKT as this partnership extends beyond a decade in the coming years.”

The companies said they would continue to work together as the partnership enters its second decade, with a focus on innovation, fan engagement and the long-term development of Australian cricket.

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JK Tyre & Industries has appointed Pushpak Barik as Vice President – Replacement Business, reinforcing its domestic leadership team as the company looks to strengthen its presence in the replacement tyre market, according to a report.

In his new role, Barik will lead the strategic growth of JK Tyre's replacement business, with responsibility for expanding the company's replacement market portfolio, optimising channel performance and strengthening its retail footprint across India.

Before joining JK Tyre, Barik served as Head of Sales – Commercial Mobility at TVS Motor Company, where he led initiatives to accelerate business growth in the commercial mobility segment.

He brings extensive industry experience, having held leadership positions at Continental, Ashok Leyland, Bajaj Auto and Tata Motors. His expertise spans sales leadership, channel development, commercial mobility, strategic partnerships, network expansion and business transformation.

JK Tyre said Barik's experience in driving profitable growth, strengthening distribution networks and expanding market presence will support the company's next phase of growth in the replacement business.

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Nokian Tyres has announced the promotion of Tiina Frazer to Senior Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Communications, effective 1 August 2026. In addition to her new executive role, she will join the company’s Management Team, operating from the headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, and reporting directly to President and CEO Paolo Pompei.

Frazer originally joined the Finnish tyre manufacturer in September 2025 as Vice President for the same functional area. Her professional background includes a tenure as Vice President of Brands and Marketing at HKFoods Finland Oy, along with prior senior leadership roles at Lumene, Roche Pharmaceuticals and Fiskars, bringing extensive cross-industry experience to her expanded responsibilities.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am delighted to welcome Tiina to the Nokian Tyres Management Team. Her experience in building impactful brands make her an excellent addition to our team as we continue to strengthen our premium position in our key markets.”

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