We have recently seen Indian cricket’s top prolific player and arguably one of the best batsmen India has produced call it quits as a captain. He first called it quits from the captaincy of his IPL franchise team Bangalore Royal Challengers, then after the T20 World Cup left captaincy for the Indian T20 squad. The BCCI did not want to have two captains for the white ball team, so he also lost the captaincy. After the series loss to South Africa, India should have won as this was not the formidable team South Africa once was. Unfortunately, it did not pan out that way, and India lost the test series 2-1.

Virat Kohli has built a very different attitude as a leader, who showed himself as a fitness freak. Kohli made changes to win at all costs and did not look at the individual feeling compared to his predecessor MS Dhoni whose nickname was Captain Cool. 

As the name suggested, Dhoni was very calm and composed, tactical, and better at communicating with his teammates.

Both of them quit as captains; however, the manner is different. Dhoni groomed Kohli, discussed with him various tactics, so it was natural and easier for Kohli to become the captain. However, now in the current scenario, the BCCI is unsure who should lead the team. Should they pick up Rohit Sharma as a captain, or should they blood someone young? The silver lining is that whoever comes in can always rely on Kohli for some tips and advice as he is still there in all the three formats of the game.

Unlike sports, owners of companies do not have the luxury of saying ‘I QUIT’. They have built their company and products/services with a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears. The reality and market situation is different compared to the sports team. Be it a tyre company, retreader, raw material or machinery supplier, it is crucial to forming the second line of defence, and this is something Covid has taught us. Many of our dear friends in the automotive, rubber, and tyre industries have lost due to Covid. If the second line is not given the proper guidance, structure, and support, it will be difficult for the next person to take up the baton.

A rolling tyre is everchanging. It is responding to the inputs from the driver, from the vehicle, from the pavement and even from the environment.

As change is the basis of a tyre, why is change strongly resisted by so many?

As the tyre rotates around the contact patch, there are changes in shape of the tyre. As the tyre responds to steering or braking inputs, there are further shape changes; hit a bump or corner in the road and there are further shape changes.

The tyre responds with solid service, providing the driver of the vehicle with dependable responses if the tyre has been appropriately maintained. The reliable service is very much dependent upon the inflation pressure being appropriate for the load and speed the tyre is supporting. This can only be supplied by the humans responsible for the maintenance at this point of tyre development.

Which then leads to the question: If service is so critical, and change is the basis for a tyre’s performance, then why are humans so reluctant to change?

When you pass a trucking stop, note how many drivers are still using a lump of pipe to ‘gauge’ their tyres inflation levels, or at the supermarket car park look at the condition of the tread faces, noting the irregular wear patterns

Then consider why the basic requirement of adequate tyre maintenance has been and is still so hard to change from the ‘tyres don’t exist’ mentality to ‘tyres keep me safe and improve my economics’.

Looking at the highways and freeways, we still observe the ‘gators’ of shredded tyres. The poor tyre has had enough abuse and has gone end of life and disintegrated. NO, these are not just retreaded tyres, most are actually virgin (first life) tyres that have surrendered due to a lack in inflation pressure or overload.

The tyre OEMs work hard to provide a safe and efficient product for the road industries, but once the tyre leaves the shop, there is little if any control the tyre OEM has. The end user assumes all responsibility for the tyre’s performance.

The Clinton (USA) administration recognised this in 2004 with the introduction of the TREAD Act, requiring real-time tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS) to be fitted to passenger vehicles. The EU and other jurisdictions have subsequently followed mandating TPMS, the EU for heavy goods vehicles in 2022 and 2023.

The recognition of the lack of service applied by the end user was the foundation of the TPMS installations; maybe an alert light on the dash will prompt some (now overdue) attention to the tyre’s inability to continue providing the reliable service they are known for.

Supermarkets have introduced self-service check outs, which much to the chagrin of many shoppers, have continued to be used. The shopper is performing the service of the goods provider; airports are seeing the same, so there is evidence that change can happen (for good or bad or other trumped up reasons). There is no doubt many other examples, including the interweb, where all sorts of self-service industries have been created. Many such examples are failing; the quest for ‘new’ is fraught with hazard. The basic tyre has not been changed, more so refined and undergoes constant evolution.

So the question remains, why are tyres on the bottom of the heap when human required service is involved? Could it be that tyres work too well? Do we need to return to the manual checkout style of service to enable tyres to receive the service they require?

Change is not doing what we did yesterday and expecting a different result; someone once muttered that’s the definition of insanity. At the same time, there is little use in trumped up changes for the sake of change, that can be easily evidenced in politics.

Change for change’s sake without any direction is akin to driving on a severely underinflated tyre; you really have no idea of what it will do or where it may take you and how long it will last. Like so many aspects of life, balance is required. For a tyre, that balance is the level of inflation for the load and speed to be experienced; if the pressure is not appropriate, then the end user’s experience may not be what was expected.

Our planet Earth is facing a continuing evolution, which for all intents and purposes seems to be increasing in momentum, like a runaway tyre heading downhill complete with the bumps launching the tyre onto a tangential path. How are we (collectively and individually) going to face these changes is a point of great consternation but a moot point for many.

Our tyre OEMs invest huge sums in testing of tyres both virtually and physically, yet all this effort can be undone at the end user level by lack of knowledge, lack of interest, lack of care or option D (all of the above), which contribute to the detriment of the tyre’s performance.

How do we, as an industry, expand what we understand to be the basic principle of the operation of a tyre (i.e. continuous change) to incorporate the attitude and approach of the end users of the product our industry produces to enhance their safety and economic benefit?

This is a serious test of our industries’ ESG policies, abilities and the desire to provide the highest possible public service.

Stay TyreSafe

As we wrap up the fiscal year 2024-25, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the performance of the Indian tyre industry in the year gone by. Since recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry has maintained a steady upward trajectory, though the momentum has slackened. Challenges such as rising raw material costs and subdued domestic demand posed hurdles, yet the sector saw resilience through growth in exports and strategic expansions by key players.

The industry’s revenue growth in FY 2024-25 has been modest, with projections indicating a 5-6 percent increase much like the previous year. At the same time, natural rubber, constituting nearly 40 percent of the raw material mix for tyre production, saw a price surge due to global shortages caused by adverse weather in major producing nations like Thailand and Vietnam. This sharp rise, coupled with the modest ability to pass on costs to customers, significantly impacted production costs and profitability for tyre manufacturers.

EV adoption is accelerating in India, leading to new challenges and opportunities for tyre manufacturers. EVs exert higher torque and weight, requiring specialised tyres with greater durability. Manufacturers are focusing on developing energy-efficient tyres that reduce rolling resistance, thereby extending EV battery range. Leading tyre companies have introduced EV-specific tyres to cater to this emerging market. While EV penetration is still in its early stages, it is expected to reshape the tyre industry’s R&D priorities in the coming years.

Notwithstanding domestic challenges, the Indian tyre industry achieved notable success in the export market. Tyre exports grew by 11.7 percent in value, reaching INR 121.31 billion during the first half of FY 2024-25. This surge is attributed to investments in research and development, leading to the production of advanced tyres that meet international standards.

However, exports, which constitute around 25 percent of the industry’s sales, are facing headwinds due to weak demand in key markets like North America and Europe, coupled with supply chain disruptions and increased freight costs.

With growing environmental concerns, sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing have become key priorities. Companies are exploring bio-based alternatives for rubber compounds and recycled raw materials to reduce their carbon footprint. The focus on tyre recycling and circular economy models is increasing. Government policies promoting sustainable mobility and lower emissions are expected to further accelerate these trends.

Government intervention, especially the Make in India push, continues to play a critical role in tyre industry’s growth. The extension of countervailing duties on Chinese radial tyres helped provide a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. The government’s emphasis on strengthening the manufacturing sector through the National Manufacturing Mission, enhancing logistics infrastructure and expanding road networks as outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26 will have a significant positive impact for the tyre industry.

Companies are going for strategic capacity expansions focusing on high-margin segments like radial truck tyres and premium passenger car tyres. The investment in automation and digitisation to improve production efficiency in the face of cost pressures is a key running theme among top players.

High raw material costs, global demand uncertainty and slow domestic OEM growth will remain concerns in the near term. However, the Indian tyre industry continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability, paving the way for steady growth in the coming years. The continued focus on technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and prudent financial management is expected to steer the industry towards a stable and growth-oriented future.

Rajiv Budhraja is Director General of the New Delhi-based tyre industry association, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).The views expressed here are personal.

Are tyre failure or lack of control really the driver’s fault or could a better tyre survive?

Catastrophic tyre blowouts occur unexpectedly and pose a significant risk to drivers and passengers. After a tyre blowout, steering becomes difficult to control, the vehicle pulls sharply to the side, fishtailing, and loses stability and control at high speeds.

After a tread detaching, wobbling and vibration in the wheel occurs while pieces of tread are flying off the tyre. When the tyre rotates, a dull noise is produced, which makes traction and vehicle control impossible, especially on wet roads. The sidewall is visibly bulged or split, and the vehicle sags sideways after a tyre blowout. Maintaining control is then difficult, especially when cornering.

Bead unseat or bead burst, overheating and melting, impact breaks, explosive failure in commercial tyres can be added on this list. What about cases where a driver can survive a cornering manoeuvre due to insufficient sidewall stiffness and lateral grip, or could they survive hard braking with a tyre that offers a much shorter stopping distance on wet roads?

Are these failures or lack of control really the driver’s fault or could another tyre survive and you would have the best outcome if you could save your car and your life without being charged as a reckless driver?

Premium tyres are generally safer and offer significantly better performance in almost every metrics.

Tyres are regulatory base tested before releasing to market. If the conducted tests based on legal requirements would be enough safe, customers in the market shouldn’t be faced with unexpected results. In fact, it reminds us the differences of premium tyres! What differences ‘Premium Tyres’ create?

Premium tyres are generally safer and offer significantly better grip in all conditions. They last longer, thus retaining their original performance and generally reducing fuel consumption. They are quieter overall and provide more driving pleasure. Their initial cost proves to be a significant advantage in the long run, as the comprehensive benefits lead to long-term cost savings.

Premium tyres are pushed to their limits in dedicated testing facilities, tested under extreme conditions so intense that most of us will never experience – but for which we all need to be prepared. This is an extremely rigorous process that goes beyond the requirements of European tyre labelling, which is limited to wet braking, fuel consumption and exterior noise levels.

‘Content Marketing’ with relevant sharing through blog posts, videos, infographics and pop-ups takes advantage of sales.

Today, social media is widely accessible for news and tyre test results. This allows drivers to rely on real-world differences from comparison tests of different brands and expert advice to find the right tyres for their budget, rather than relying on external influences.

When considering trends in the tyre industry, the topic of ‘Sustainability’ is becoming increasingly important. The use of bio-based materials will become more widespread. Furthermore, ‘Sensors, IoT technologies and Cloud Systems’ significantly support smart tyre concepts, while drivers can access information about the vehicle and surrounding traffic.

Electric cars, on the other hand, pose a challenge due to their differences. More importantly, current advances in the safety and performance of ultra-high-performance tyres particularly in terms of pattern and compound design are so fine. Their optimal performance in terms of grip, handling, braking, smoothness, rolling resistance and durability are well suiting for electric cars.

Online Retail and ‘Direct-to-Consumer Sales’ are least but never last trends that influence the popularity and ways customers are reached. E-commerce sites offer many opportunities. ‘Content Marketing’ with relevant sharing through blog posts, videos, infographics and pop-ups takes advantage of this. Key product features and benefits are presented in a visually appealing format, helping to increase customer loyalty online and in direct sales.

The safety requirements of each target service and regulatory compliance concerns vary considerably from tyre to tyre. Therefore, testing must be conducted under different conditions. Most cases of loss of control depend heavily on the success of the tests conducted during the design phase.

Of course, compliance with legal regulations is important, and some factors vary from country to country. Therefore, every tyre must meet legal standards, and product compliance is ensured through testing.

Tyre manufacturers conduct extreme tests, or ‘endpoint tests’, to explore the limits of tyre performance, which help to differentiate their products in a highly competitive marketplace.

Transparency about tyre performance is important to inform buyers. Choosing tyres for a specific vehicle and application must be clearly understandable to customers. Consumer confidence is therefore important, and thorough and rigorous testing must be planned and conducted to meet requirements. The data provided must be shared via social media and magazines.

Continuous improvement is essential to meet changing customer needs and technological advances. Tests provide important information for the design and materials of new tyre models. Only the results of carefully conducted tests can help designers achieve further improvements.

 Tyre manufacturers conduct extreme tests, or ‘endpoint tests’, to explore the limits of tyre performance. In addition to durability and high-speed testing, track tests that exceed standard testing limits and protocols are conducted. These unique tests often demonstrate their commitment to performance and safety and help differentiate their products in a highly competitive marketplace.

By extreme tyre tests, manufacturers can promise superior performance and safety, thus establishing a selling point in a competitive marketplace.

Tyres undergo rigorous testing under extreme heat and cold conditions, including temperatures well above normal operating temperatures, including plus or minus 40°C. This allows us to understand how tyres behave under thermal stress, wear, tread separation and subsequent failure modes that can occur in extreme environments.

High-speed and endurance testing is primarily conducted in-house at speeds significantly above typical highway speeds, reaching over 200 km/h for extended periods, depending on the tyre’s speed rating. Furthermore, it is possible to evaluate very high threshold performance in terms of stability, wear and potential failure due to centrifugal forces, ensuring tyre integrity at extreme speeds.

In ‘Heavy Load Tests’ testing, tyres are subjected to loads far beyond normal operating conditions, simulating, for example, use on heavy commercial vehicles or overloaded passenger cars. These tests allow the behaviour of tyres under abnormal loads to be determined by evaluating their durability, temperature rise and long-term wear. These tests can be critical for commercial and high-performance vehicles.

‘Abrasion Tests’ simulate extended use on highly abrasive surfaces such as gravel, sand or even artificial surfaces. Tyre durability in harsh environments can be tested, providing concrete results from innovations in tyre compounds, especially for off-road and high-performance tyres.

Other examples of extreme tyre tests include ‘Aquaplaning Tests Beyond Normal Wet Conditions’ conducted in great water depths and under varying pressure conditions; ‘Puncture Resistance Tests’ under extreme conditions; ‘Extreme Terrain Simulation Tests’ on special tracks such as mud, snow or rocky terrain and ‘Fatigue Tests and Life Cycle Analysis’ to check whether performance deteriorates over time.

The ‘Environmental Simulation Chambers’ as internal equipment allow for the simulation of chronic exposure to factors such as UV radiation, ozone and humidity, as well as the evaluation of how external elements contribute to rubber degradation over time. This ensures that the tyre can withstand prolonged exposure to environmental stress without sacrificing performance.

These advanced or extreme tests allow tyre manufacturers to better understand the limits and capabilities of their products. By providing empirical data from these rigorous evaluations, companies can promise superior performance and safety, thus establishing a selling point in a competitive marketplace.

Today’s highly competitive environment requires market differentiation. Superior performance indicators can increase the market appeal of tyres by sharing test results and differentiating a brand’s products. In today’s highly competitive environment, only extensive testing can help brands stand out from the crowd.

The future of mobility is poised for a revolutionary transformation driven by emerging technologies and changing consumer demands. With an increasing shift towards electrification, autonomous driving and connected ecosystems, the automotive industry is evolving rapidly. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more mainstream, reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability. At the same time, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data analytics are enabling smarter vehicles that can adapt to real-time conditions, enhance safety and provide seamless user experiences. Additionally, the integration of shared mobility solutions, such as ridesharing and autonomous fleets, promises to reshape urban transportation, making it more efficient and reducing congestion. As sustainability becomes a central focus, the future of mobility will also involve the development of greener materials, eco-friendly technologies and circular economy practices that minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency, paving the way for a cleaner, smarter and more connected world.

As the automotive world embraces transformative trends like electrification, sustainability and digital connectivity, Apollo Tyres stands at the forefront, driving innovation with its cutting-edge R&D. With a legacy of pioneering breakthroughs, Apollo’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility is grounded in a holistic approach that blends advanced technologies, sustainability and performance excellence.

Historically, Apollo Tyres has consistently delivered products tailored to diverse market demands. Its R&D operations in India and Europe synergise global expertise to innovate solutions for traditional and electric vehicles. Today, Apollo leads the industry with adaptable tyre platforms and technologies designed to meet the unique requirements of EVs, featuring low rolling resistance, noise reduction, traction and durability enhancements. Innovations such as real-time tyre sensors and noise-cancelling technologies further define the company’s reputation for excellence.

Looking ahead, Apollo Tyres is championing a sustainable future through material innovation and digital transformation. The company integrates renewable and recycled materials, collaborates with leading universities to explore eco-friendly alternatives and advances tyre retreading and circular economy principles. These efforts culminate in passenger vehicle prototype tyres composed of 75 percent sustainable materials, showcasing Apollo’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, digital tools such as virtual prototyping and AI-powered analytics accelerate R&D cycles, ensuring responsiveness to emerging trends.

Apollo Tyres envisions a mobility landscape where tyres transcend their functional role, becoming integral to vehicle connectivity and safety. By leveraging intelligent technologies like Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems and sensor-enabled diagnostics, Apollo is redefining the tyre’s role in connected ecosystems. Through relentless innovation, Apollo Tyres not only aligns with the future of mobility but actively drives it forward. The R&D vision is to create value to customers by developing products and technologies that are best in class in performance while being profitable to business and sustainable to environment.

THE STRATEGY FOR 2026 IS BUILT ON THE FOLLOWING THREE PILLARS

1. 1. Developing advanced tyre technology tailored for traditional and electric vehicles.
2. 2. Embracing circular economy principles by integrating renewable and recycled materials.
3. 3. Harnessing AI and virtual development tools to accelerate innovation in testing and material science.

Apollo’s investment in R&D has grown to around 2 percent of revenue. With a relentless focus on innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction, Apollo is poised to continue its journey as a global leader in the tyre industry.

GLOBAL R&D TEAM: A SYNERGISTIC APPROACH

Our global R&D operations are strategically located in Chennai, India and Enschede, The Netherlands. These two centres integrate local expertise with advanced global technologies, addressing diverse market needs. Whether it’s the tropical climate and varied road conditions in India or the high-performance demands of European consumers, our R&D team tackles challenges with a unified approach. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced material research facility, raw material, predevelopment and simulation technologies, design, testing, advanced engineering, intellectual property, process and product development, Apollo Tyres delivers innovative tyre designs that address both regional and global demands.

ADVANCED MATERIAL RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATIONS

At Apollo, sustainability begins with material innovation. We are replacing conventional tyre components with eco-friendly alternatives. Collaborations with leading universities explore nano cellulose as a sustainable substitute for carbon black. Partnerships with Tyromer have revolutionised the quality of recycled rubber through cutting-edge devulcanisation techniques. On top we have signed collaboration projects with Asian premier institutes on bio degradation of ELT. Additionally, we promote natural rubber sustainability through plantation certifications, traceability programmes and education initiatives, achieving ISCC certification in our plants. Our material research extends to bio-based and recycled raw materials that enhance material sustainability. Advanced analytical tools enable precise characterisation of smart materials, supporting breakthroughs in polymer and filler technologies. Our tailored compounds ensure low rolling resistance, high traction and noise reduction, while delivering superior performance across all applications.

PREDEVELOPMENT AND VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING TECHNOLOGIES

Innovation is the heartbeat of Apollo Tyres. Our predevelopment teams integrate groundbreaking technologies, setting new benchmarks in the industry. FOAM technology exemplifies this spirit, reducing cavity noise for EVs without compromising on durability. This technology addresses the evolving needs of OEMs. Our sustainability-driven initiatives include ultra-low rolling resistance tyres with a rolling resistance coefficient of just 5.5 kg/tonne. Lightweight Truck Bus Radial tyres with a 10 percent weight reduction highlight our focus on environmental stewardship and performance innovation. Across all R&D locations, our focus on high performance drives tyre innovation. Advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and real-world simulations help optimise tyre designs for diverse terrains. Detailed aerodynamic analyses further enhance fuel efficiency in vehicles, ensuring superior grip, handling and noise reduction. By leveraging virtual prototyping, we accelerate development cycles, optimising characteristics like rolling resistance, grip, comfort and noise.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Our Intellectual Property (IP) teams has played a crucial role in safeguarding and advancing the prosperity of our company. Our IP team is tasked with recognising, securing and utilising our intellectual property assets to strengthen our competitive edge and generate lasting value for our stakeholders.

The following are some of the key achievements:

• 1. 25 patent applications were filed in FY24.
• 2. A total of 200+ active patents across geographies.
• 3. 29 design registrations filed in FY24.
• 4. A total of 300+ design registrations across geographies.

Our Intellectual Property (IP) team has cultivated an innovative culture within our organisation by encouraging employees to adhere to best IP practices, leading to the creation of high-value patents and designs. Consequently, we have generated new intellectual property assets and bolstered our product development capabilities.

ADVANCED TESTING EXCELLENCE

Testing is integral to ensuring the safety, performance and durability of our tyres. Our test facilities feature cutting-edge equipment that validates products under diverse conditions:

Flat-Trac Machine: This sophisticated tool measures force and moment properties, aiding in the design of high-performance tyres.

Anechoic Chamber: Simulating various road conditions, this chamber evaluates tyre noise levels, ensuring quieter and more comfortable rides. We have developed dedicated testing protocols for EVs, focusing on rolling resistance and noise reduction. The newly established Cut and Chip track at NATRAX, Indore, is designed to test tyres under extreme conditions, evaluating durability, uptime and grip. Through experiential drives, we showcase our technological prowess to fleet owners, business partners and media.

INTEGRATING TYRES INTO FUTURE MOBILITY THROUGH ADVANCED ENGINEERING

Apollo Tyres is at the forefront of revolutionising mobility through advanced engineering aligned with key megatrends like sustainability, connected vehicles and autonomous driving. Our intelligent tyres, equipped with sensors, telematics and software, enable seamless communication of vehicle conditions. Tyre Pressure Monitoring Solutions (TPMS), deployed in our tyre as service AVOLVE programme, enhance safety, reduce fuel consumption and provide remote diagnostics. The tyre of tomorrow will not just be a component but a critical element in the vehicle’s connectivity and safety systems.

ADVANCING INNOVATION THROUGH STRATEGIC COLLABORATION

Our R&D endeavours are grounded in robust partnerships with prestigious academic institutions that include both Indian and European universities. Apollo Tyres is also participating in consortium research on pre-competitive technologies. It is also worth mentioning that Apollo Tyres is also actively engaging with our supplier partners and customers to deliver cutting-edge technologies, products and services. 

ADDRESSING TECHNICAL CHALLENGES AND INDUSTRY TRENDS

The automotive sector is undergoing rapid regulatory changes, including Europe’s Green Deal and Euro 7 standards. These developments demand stricter compliance with emission and mileage requirements, accelerating the adoption of EVs. Apollo’s R&D efforts address these challenges by focusing on sustainable materials and advanced technologies. Circular economy initiatives, such as tyre retreading and recycling-friendly compounds, reduce waste and maximise resource efficiency. Our development of passenger vehicle prototype tyres containing 75 percent sustainable materials underscores our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

CONCLUSION

Apollo Tyres’ unified R&D operations in India and Europe are more than innovation hubs; they are the pillars of the company’s vision to lead in technology and sustainability. By addressing global challenges and leveraging cutting-edge tools, Apollo Tyres continues to shape the future of mobility, delivering technology excellence with operational excellence to customers worldwide.