Michelin India Technology Centre has been operating for over five years. Could you highlight how the centre has been playing its role in research and development for Michelin's domestic and international markets?

The centre has grown over the years in terms of developing competencies and delivering products and solutions to businesses in the local market, region and globally. The agility and flexibility in delivery of solutions to sustainable mobility is one of our key strengths. The product solutions that are developed in conjunction with other regional teams have the cutting edge, keeping Michelin ahead of the curve. The gender and domain diverse team at the centre has brought unique dimensions to meet customer aspirations specific to different vehicle platforms. There are forward looking concepts and products that are being developed in different life cycle stages by the team in India that have upgraded their skills due to their world class training. Our teams are also exposed to global norms and developments in mature markets, thus enabling them to bring in such perspectives while developing products in the domestic market. 

What will drive the Indian truck and bus tyre market in future?

This is very interesting and all of us have seen a reset of a new normal due to Covid-19 in ways we are conducting the different facets of our businesses. The Indian market is smart, agile and ahead in their thought process compared to some of the other markets. The digital solutions, smarts, AI and services will drive the Indian truck and bus tyre market. Customers, whether they own transportation fleets or personal vehicles, want the worry-free ‘fit and forget’ tyre solutions. At Michelin, we have many such services, charging cost per kilometre to customers, which have been deployed in mature markets as well as in India, allowing our customers to focus on other aspects of their business models or personal routines.

The other driving factor will be ‘smarts’ in the tyre industry. The embedded chips in tyres for V2X interfaces are a huge opportunity for the mobility ecosystem with a vast application playfield that includes monitoring tear wear, tyre rotation periods, driver behaviour, inputs fed to active integrated suspensions for ride comfort, adjusting speed depending on terrain for safety and ergonomics of driver comfort as well as cargo movement.

Advanced materials will change the game with growing percentages of recycled rubber in tyre design and manufacturing. These will be an enabler in reducing carbon footprint of a vehicle and the holistic ecosystem including tyre dust. Faster curing materials, self-sealing tyres are around the corner in India. There are pilots and that will be the real ‘aah-ha’ moment for the industry and consumers. 

The centre also has a material testing lab. Sustainable raw materials are growing focus of tyre companies. What are the activities of the centre in the material testing space?

Materials, we believe, will be the strategic edge of our products and solutions as mentioned earlier. The centre does leverage material testing, monitoring various aspects of product development. The automation of test data for faster evaluation and upstream design actions is an important aspect with regard to speed to market. This is something that our teams are good at creatively innovating at the centre and the lab downstream.  

How do you distinguish the product requirements for developed and developing countries?

It is not the product but the solutions and services that are adapted for different regions. This is decided based on local regulations and norms, and the ecosystem and the infrastructure available there to support it. Product development also considers the tech savviness in the totem poles of the customers. The smartness in deploying the right solutions at the right price, at the right time will continue to be a distinguishing and winning factor for us across the globe.

MITC joined hands with IIT Bombay and ARAI. According to you, how will the new mobility shape in India, and how are you preparing, through R&D work, to offer the customised products in India?

This is one amazing aspect of India that we believe can be leveraged to the advantage of the Indian ecosystem. The Indian competitiveness for delivering ‘more customer value with lesser resources’ will help Michelin progress with these engagements. We will have students exposed to mature markets, working with global academia and experienced Michelin engineers to straight-on take the lead in their careers and solution mindset. We are confident that these and such partnerships are the diving boards to our collective growth. To use the cricket analogies, we are here to play well, in both the T20 and the test matches, and we are building teams that can switch on and off the pace between such situations due to their exposure, mentoring and talent acceleration.    

Will you be open to more partnerships in India?

The power of Collective Intelligence is second to none when it comes to delivering smarts to our customers through such valuable partnerships. The centre is already working with few of the academic institutions in India and is in discussions with the right-minded players that are on the same page. We have a clear understanding of ‘where to play’ as it forms our evaluation matrix when we are exploring start-ups, incubation parks and innovation accelerators. We will continue this journey as it helps with the step-change in the Indian ecosystem on many aspects of mobility and related solutions that are beneficial to all stakeholders.

According to you, what are the more significant challenges for scientists and engineers in the tyre industry?

Challenges are to find, train and retain individuals with the right kind of skill-sets. The gestation period to train and get an engineer to deliver high quality smart solutions requires patience and commitment. The more experienced scientists and engineers are at cross roads to delegate to the pipeline of talent that graduates out of our engineering institutions in their early professional journey. The infra and technical power needs to grow in India since the AI solutions and digitalisation can be catapulted very well in an existing innovation mindset for deployment. The race to get to the senior positions without developing a depth in domains is a challenge and not sustainable for growth in the long term. Talent in AI and data analytics tied to tyre and mobility domains is growing, but this talent is enticed by other non-mobility industries, creating a churn and dampening the speed to market and ability to provide attractive solutions and products to our customers. (TT)

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Continental has expanded its ContiTread product line by introducing the HDL 5 EP, a new long-haul drive retread engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern fleet operations. This next-generation offering is designed to deliver consistent performance while simultaneously improving fuel economy and reducing the overall cost per kilometre for commercial carriers.

The retread incorporates a five-rib tread architecture that ensures reliable traction across extended highway routes. Its specially optimised contact patch, working in conjunction with V-shaped grooves, promotes uniform rubber wear, thereby prolonging the service life of the tread and enhancing the return on investment for each retreading cycle. The tyre is currently produced in sizes 220, 230 and 240, all featuring a uniform tread depth of 21/32.

By focusing on increased durability and operational uptime, Continental positions the HDL 5 EP as a sustainable and intelligent choice within its broader ContiTread portfolio. The tyre aims to provide a practical solution for fleets seeking to balance high performance with long-term efficiency in challenging over-the-road environments.

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Galaxy, a leading global brand of construction, earthmoving and material handling tyres, has announced its entry into the rapidly expanding UTV and ATV market. The company is launching two flagship product lines, the Hulk PSX and the Everest PSX, which build upon the firm’s century-long heritage in engineering high-performance tyre solutions.

The new tyres are specifically engineered for off-road and utility applications, promising superior durability, extended service life and enhanced traction on challenging surfaces. Both ranges also prioritise puncture resistance, stability and ride comfort, catering to a diverse array of recreational and operational needs.

The Hulk PSX is positioned for off-road enthusiasts, featuring a durable compound for longevity, tough sidewalls to resist cutting and a radial construction that supports high-speed performance. Its design includes shoulder blocks for improved cornering, a deep tread for traction, and a high tread-to-void ratio for stability, with various sizes available for 12- and 14-inch rims.

Conversely, the Everest PSX targets utility-focused users, offering resistance to cuts and abrasions, reduced vibration through pattern continuity and strong wet-surface grip. It includes rim protection and puncture-resistant features to ensure durability and is offered in multiple sizes for 12-, 14- and 15-inch rims to suit a wide range of UTV configurations.

Dyutiman Chattopadhyay, Chief Technology Officer, Yokohama-ATG, said, “Building on its 100+ years legacy, Galaxy’s entry into the UTV/ATV category is a strategic step in strengthening its presence globally. These tyres are designed to meet the evolving needs of customers seeking performance, reliability and durability in extreme conditions.”

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Bridgestone has issued a comprehensive advisory for motorists confronting the perils of summer heatwaves, which present significant challenges for both drivers and their vehicles. The combination of scorching tarmac, fully laden holiday luggage and extensive motorway travel can subject tyres to extraordinary strain. In response, the tyre manufacturer has outlined essential precautions to enhance road safety during elevated temperatures.

When temperatures climb beyond 30 degrees Celsius, the company emphasises the need for drivers to prioritise personal wellbeing. Adequate hydration and regular respite are paramount, as excessive heat can impair concentration and slow reaction times. Experts suggest scheduling a break at least every two hours, while seeking shaded parking areas is recommended to curb heat accumulation inside the vehicle.

Beyond passenger comfort, Bridgestone highlights critical technical considerations for hot weather. Tyres are particularly susceptible to added stress, prompting the company to urge pre-trip inspections. Prior to lengthy excursions, tyre pressure should be checked when cold, as heavier holiday loads require adjustment. Under-inflation can exacerbate heat generation, adversely affecting wear, stability and braking distances, with specific pressure guidelines often available for laden vehicles.

Driving behaviour requires modification under these conditions. High speeds on hot road surfaces generate significant additional heat within tyres, a risk that escalates with a full vehicle or trailer. Bridgestone counsels motorists to moderate speed and adopt a smooth driving style. A visual inspection for cracks, bulges or embedded debris is also imperative, as high temperatures intensify the effects of damage, with older tyres being especially vulnerable.

The advisory also addresses unpredictable summer weather, where heatwaves can abruptly give way to thunderstorms and heavy rain. The sudden shift from hot tarmac to a wet surface places tremendous demands on tyres and drivers. Maintaining sufficient tread depth and equipping the car with high-performance summer tyres is essential for effective water dispersal and control during these sudden changes.

Bridgestone points to its Turanza 6 tyre as a solution for these demands, offering excellent wet grip and short braking distances on wet roads. This premium touring tyre also provides enhanced driving comfort, improved mileage and optimised fuel efficiency. Motorists can therefore navigate changeable summer weather with heightened confidence and peace of mind.

Andy Mathias, Head of Marketing, North Europe, said, “The high temperatures we are currently experiencing in many parts of Europe pose particular challenges for drivers and vehicles. This makes it all the more important to pay special attention to road safety. With well-maintained tyres, regular checks and anticipatory driving, motorists can significantly improve their own safety and that of their passengers.”

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) is broadening its international footprint with a new European project group focused on tyre retreading. An inaugural online meeting for this initiative is scheduled for 22 July 2026, marking the first step in creating a pan-European network uniting companies, research bodies and sector specialists.

Retreading extends the lifespan of premium tyre casings, conserving raw materials and reducing CO₂ emissions while supporting Europe's circular economy. The sector faces regulatory shifts, including the ESPR Regulation, the Digital Product Passport and heightened traceability mandates.

The AZuR project group will serve as a permanent forum for retreaders, tyre makers, equipment suppliers, research institutes and associations. The agenda prioritises innovation, digitalisation, legislation, best practices and joint ventures, with the kick-off session defining the group's mission, thematic focus and structure.

The online meeting via Microsoft Teams on 22 July from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CEST invites existing AZuR partners and new European stakeholders. Retreaders, manufacturers, academic institutions and associations are encouraged to participate and shape the platform from its inception.

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