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THE SATREADS ARCHIVE

Stories

Tyre industry intelligence, market reporting, and editorial analysis — curated for Southern African professionals.

South African Manufacturing Sector Under THREAT
Southern Africa

South African Manufacturing Sector Under THREAT

Is the system failing local producers? The closure of the Goodyear Kariega plant in Uitenhage last year that resulted in more than 900 job losses, was met with profound shock. No one expected the closure of a manufacturing icon that had operated in South Africa for more than 70 years. Sadly, Goodyear is not an […]

Local tire manufacturers face mounting challenges
Southern Africa

Local tire manufacturers face mounting challenges

NDUDUZO CHALA ON WHY EVEN PLAYING FIELD REMAINS INEQUITABLE When anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports became effective in 2023, the local tyre makers had hoped their implementation would make for a more even playing field. But just how effective did this protection measure prove to be? And what other factors may be threatening their survival? […]

Apollo Tyres Earns EcoVadis Gold, SBTi Validation for Climate Targets
International

Apollo Tyres Earns EcoVadis Gold, SBTi Validation for Climate Targets

The company said the results reflect efforts in environmental stewardship, ethical governance, and responsible sourcing across its global operations. Apollo Tyres announced two sustainability milestones. The first is an improved EcoVadis Gold Rating and validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its near-term and net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets. Apollo Tyres said the […]

Industry in transformation – visible at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026

Industry in transformation – visible at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026

How artificial intelligence is changing the workshop routine Cologne, May 2026: artificial intelligence has arrived in the workshop sector. What was long considered future technology is today increasingly becoming a practical tool in the daily business of tyre dealers and automotive businesses. While in many places people are still discussing chances and risks, the first […]

Yokohama Rubber Develops AI-Driven Tire Mold Design System

Yokohama Rubber Develops AI-Driven Tire Mold Design System

The company developed the system under its HAICoLab AI utilization concept. Yokohama Rubber announced it developed a proprietary AI tire mold design system. The system uses finite element method (FEM) simulations and the company’s AI technology and is designed to supplement staff knowledge and streamline mold design, it said. It provides data on how mold design […]

Automechanika Johannesburg hosts Cairo roadshow to strengthen ties with Egyptian automotive sector

Automechanika Johannesburg hosts Cairo roadshow to strengthen ties with Egyptian automotive sector

Automechanika Johannesburg has successfully hosted a roadshow in Cairo as part of its ongoing international outreach efforts, supporting engagement around both Automechanika Johannesburg and Automechanika Frankfurt. The event formed part of the 2026 promotional programme and combined a roadshow with a press conference in the Egyptian capital. Held on 6 May 2026 at the Kempinski […]

Apollo Tyres Introduces Apterra HT5: A Premium Highway Terrain Tyre for the Evolving SUV Segment

Apollo Tyres Introduces Apterra HT5: A Premium Highway Terrain Tyre for the Evolving SUV Segment

Apollo Tyres has introduced Apterra HT5, a premium highway terrain tyre designed specifically for the core SUV segment, where urban sophistication meets highway dominance. Built for India’s diverse SUVs like Fortuner, Endeavour and Scorpio, Apollo Apterra HT5 delivers strong grip, long life, comfort and durability — performing reliably on highways and in demanding driving conditions. […]

Toward Sustainable Natural Rubber: Bridgestone and Three Universities Launch Joint Genetic Analysis Project on Para Rubber Trees

Toward Sustainable Natural Rubber: Bridgestone and Three Universities Launch Joint Genetic Analysis Project on Para Rubber Trees

The Collaboration Aims to Help Stabilize Natural Rubber Supply through the Creation of a Marker assisted Early Selection Technology Bridgestone Corporation (Bridgestone) today announced that it has launched joint research with Universitas Indonesia, Public University Corporation Yokohama City University (Yokohama City University), and Public University Corporation Maebashi Institute of Technology (Maebashi Institute of Technology) for […]

Nexen Tire Posts Record Q1 2026 Revenue on Growth in Europe, North America

Nexen Tire Posts Record Q1 2026 Revenue on Growth in Europe, North America

Despite slowing global demand and geopolitical risks, the company said it achieved its highest quarterly revenue on record. Nexen Tire announced first-quarter (Q1) results, reporting revenue of KRW 838.3 billion ($569 million) and operating profit of KRW 54.2 billion ($36.79 million). Despite slowing global demand and geopolitical risks, the company said it achieved its highest quarterly […]

Conti Urban HA 5 NXT Wins the “2026 International busplaner Sustainability Award”

Conti Urban HA 5 NXT Wins the “2026 International busplaner Sustainability Award”

Hanover, Germany, April 15, 2026. The jury of the “International busplaner Sustainability Award” has awarded the Conti Urban HA 5 NXT first place in the “Tires and Tire Management” category. The award recognizes “innovative and sustainable vehicle models and components as well as services in the bus industry.” The jury presented the awards on the […]

Final Call as Asia’s Leading Automotive Platform Opens soon

Final Call as Asia’s Leading Automotive Platform Opens soon

With less than a month to go, over 7,000 trade professionals and 150 international exhibitors from over 80 countries and regions are set to visit Bangkok for the 15th edition of TyreXpo Asia Bangkok 2026, which will be staged alongside the inaugural AutoMROtive 2026. The twin shows will take place from the 13th to 15th […]

Bridgestone Launches Extra-Large Agricultural Tyres, Including 44- and 46-Inch Sizes

Bridgestone Launches Extra-Large Agricultural Tyres, Including 44- and 46-Inch Sizes

Bridgestone, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, is expanding its premium agricultural offering to meet the demands of the latest generation of high horsepower tractors. The Bridgestone VT-TRACTOR range now includes six additional extra-large (XXL) sizes, spanning 38–46-inch rim diameters and introducing enhanced features and performance. Bridgestone’s new VT-TRACTOR XXL tyres deliver […]