For the second time, agricultural tractors are the stars of the TV adventure Xtractor. BKT as sponsor of an expedition whose destination has not been disclosed yet -  a journey to discover unknown landscapes and cultures, while bringing attention to a sector of paramount importance for the entire planet, namely the farming sector. Travel, agriculture, and technology are the ingredients of an adventure involving a crew leading a convoy of 4 latest-generation McCormick tractors - ready to face the most unexpected events that they will encounter along the way of this docu-reality series. BKT will be in the front line, alongside 7 tractor drivers, and will equip their vehicles with state-of-the-art tires that offer performance, resistance, and strength never seen before, while respecting the land on which they travel.

Xtractor, the TV format produced by Identity, continues its journey to the far end of the world. Following the 2015 first edition in Australia, when tractors covered approximately 8,500 km in 50 days across the limitless spaces of the Outback, in April 2018 the adventure is ready to set off again. 16 people, 4 tractors with a total of 1,000 horsepower and 3 off-road vehicles will turn their engines on for a second exciting expedition with a destination that is still classified. BKT tires could not miss this opportunity, with arduous trails and gripping missions to complete. Resistance, adaptability to roads and terrain, flexibility, traction and reliability – these are the benefits offered by the BKT tires to face and win the upcoming challenges day after day. Even the toughest ones.

It is not just about adventure. The new edition of Xtractor stands out for its humanitarian nature as well – the tractor convoy will engage in agricultural projects involving local communities they meet along the way, in need of any help they can get to develop their economy. Adding to the good intentions of the project, Xtractor will be collaborating with Amref, one of the largest non-profit health organizations at international level.

The 7 tractor drivers are Carabinieri – belonging to the Commando Force Unit for the Protection of Forest, Environmental, and Agri-food Resources and to the 1st Parachute Regiment “Tuscania”, who are arguably significant players as they show how the Carabinieri (the Italian Corps of Police and Armed Forces) share the core values of the Xtractor project.

The project's goals and humanitarian motivations are a perfect match for BKT's philosophy. The Company's focus has always been the community well-being through a number of projects under way, such as the BKT Foundation that promotes several social initiatives - from supplying surgical and healthcare equipment to hospitals in Aurangabad and Mumbai to providing financial support to ensure free education to 800 female students in a school in Rajasthan.

The BKT Foundation is also actively supporting projects of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, fostering the nutrition and education of children belonging to lower income classes in 10,000 schools across India.  Most recently, BKT has also signed an agreement with the freestyle football champion Iya Traorè - a native of Guinea. BKT has provided a school of the IYA Foundation, active in the champion's native country, with the supplies students need and has donated medical equipment to small local hospitals.

“Xtractor is a real adventure for us,” Lucia Salmaso, CEO of BKT Europe, states. “It gives us the opportunity to talk about a topic that we hold dear - global agriculture – as well as another topic that we hold even dearer: solidarity. Two years ago, we were in the front line in the Australian edition, but we are now excited to know that Xtractor is spreading a humanitarian message.”

Lucia Salmaso

There are many reasons why the Company has decided to sponsor Xtractor: promoting solidarity projects, focusing on agriculture, but also proving their tires' strength and resistance under the most extreme conditions. Once this adventure is over, dealing with daily challenges in agricultural settings, best suited to tires, will be a breeze.