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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Sailun Group made its first substantial appearance at BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2026, which opened on September 15 in India. The company attended the event with its MAXAM brand and a selection of core products, holding detailed talks with construction equipment manufacturers, industry customers and partners from around the world. These discussions focused on emerging trends and new opportunities shaping the sector.

Recognised as one of the most influential construction equipment trade shows in India and South Asia, the exhibition spans construction machinery, mining equipment, off-highway vehicles and related value-chain industries. It provides a key platform for global companies to present innovations, connect with industry resources and build regional partnerships. For Sailun, the event marked a significant step in strengthening brand presence and advancing localized development in the Indian market.

The company displayed a broad range of tread patterns, including the MS401, MS308, MSV01 and MS701+, suited to mining, infrastructure development, construction and material transportation. These products are designed for varied equipment configurations and operating demands, reflecting Sailun’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its OTR tyre portfolio and address complex conditions.

Sailun’s booth drew numerous OEMs, distributors, contractors and industry customers. Teams discussed product performance, equipment compatibility, application scenarios and specific requirements while exploring market development, product supply and long-term cooperation. The professional portfolio and solutions for demanding conditions earned strong recognition, raising market awareness of Sailun and MAXAM.

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Gislotica, a manufacturer of machinery for the tyre industry, has joined APIB as a supplier member, strengthening its links with the rubber sector and expanding its engagement with industry participants.

The company also took part in an APIB panel recently, providing an opportunity to exchange views with professionals and businesses across the sector.

Membership of APIB is intended to help Gislotica build relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and other industry partners, while sharing knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Gislotica considers collaboration across the industry essential to driving innovation, developing technological solutions and supporting growth. The company plans to continue developing machinery solutions that address the needs and challenges of its partners.

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Prinx Chengshan marked a significant double milestone this October by hosting the 2026 Prinx Chengshan International Dealer Conference in Rongcheng, Shandong Province, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Chengshan Group's manufacturing operations. The event drew over 100 international dealer representatives from Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, underscoring the company's determination to strengthen its global footprint, build a premium brand, and pursue shared success through collaboration.

Che Hongzhi, Chairman of Chengshan Group, reflected on how five decades of perseverance have forged a distinctive corporate culture and rich brand heritage rooted in integrity, craftsmanship and mutual success. This foundation, he noted, has enabled steady and sustainable growth in global markets, while the steadfast support of partners has given Prinx Chengshan the confidence to expand worldwide through deeper, higher-quality collaboration.

Jiang Xizhou, President of Prinx Chengshan, analysed the core competitive advantages built over 50 years across products, services and supply chain development. He outlined a strategic shift from price competition toward value competition, translating the company's ‘product plus service’ philosophy into tangible benefits for market partners. Vice President Che Jing added that five decades of weathering challenges alongside partners have yielded both cultural heritage and practical experience, with five key growth engines – including tyres for new energy vehicles and speciality tyres – set to drive further upmarket movement and comprehensive value-chain support for international dealers.

The conference gave partners comprehensive insight into Prinx Chengshan's research and development capabilities, product portfolio and supply chain system. Li Chongbing, Director of the R&D Center, stressed that continuous innovation remains the only path to future growth. Wang Hongdian, Director of the Marketing Center, detailed comprehensive solutions and upcoming plans for passenger, commercial and specialty tyres, while Sun Yaping, Director of the Supply Chain Management Center, used case studies and data to demonstrate resilience in fulfilling orders amid international trade challenges.

Dealer representatives from Brazil, Thailand and Puerto Rico addressed attendees, sharing local market achievements and praising the company's overseas competitiveness while congratulating Chengshan Group on its manufacturing anniversary. International dealers also toured the showroom and six laboratories, including noise testing and static performance facilities, holding in-depth discussions on product upgrades, regional expansion, supply chain coordination and after-sales service improvements that helped remove communication barriers and build consensus.

Looking ahead, Prinx Chengshan intends to collaborate with partners worldwide under an open and inclusive global outlook, building a new ecosystem in which resources are shared, strengths are complementary, risks are jointly managed and benefits are distributed among all stakeholders.

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DUNLOP is set to appear at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, using its exhibition to highlight the brand’s diverse character. Located in pavilion 7.1 at stand D27, the company will occupy 105 square metres with a display combining current tyres, a historic racing vehicle and interactive features. The event runs from 12 to 18 October 2026.

Visitors will be able to view several products from the current portfolio, including the DUNLOP SPORT MAXX RACE 2 in 325/30R21, the DUNLOP BLUE RESPONSE TG in 245/40R18, a winter tyre in 255/45R19 and the DUNLOP ALL SEASON 2 in 225/45R18. Together, these exhibits illustrate the brand’s coverage of different driving needs and showcase some of its best-selling lines.

A special emphasis will also be placed on DUNLOP’s motor-racing heritage. A historic Porsche from 1984 will form part of the stand, bringing a sense of tradition to Paris and helping connect past racing achievements with contemporary technology through the overall exhibition concept.

Beyond tyres, DUNLOP will offer insights into its sporting activities and present tennis, padel and squash rackets. Two driving simulators running Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 5 will further engage attendees, allowing them to test their skills and compete for best times on DUNLOP tyres.

Laurent Crampette, Sales Manager – France, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, said, “The Paris Motor Show is one of the most important shows for automotive industry in Europe and a great opportunity for DUNLOP to present itself once again. France is an important market for the brand and the show gives us the opportunity to hold talks with visitors and industry partners. With our appearance, we want to show everyone what DUNLOP stands for today: a mix of contemporary tyre solutions, a longstanding motor-racing tradition and close links with the world of sport.”

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