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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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an educational initiative at Gergeti School for students in grades 8 through 10. The session was designed to foster awareness about sustainable development among the younger generation.

The programme, titled ‘A Sustainable Future: Environment, Transport and Energy’, centred on the impact of daily human activities on the planet. Discussions emphasised the critical need for proper waste segregation, resource conservation and the adoption of renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental degradation.

A significant portion of the event focused on the hazardous nature of waste tyres, used oils and batteries. Students were informed about the severe consequences of improper disposal, including contamination of natural resources, and were shown how recycling can recover valuable materials. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility was also introduced, highlighting the legal and ethical duties of manufacturers and importers to manage their products' lifecycle. Tegeta Green Planet’s role in assisting companies with these obligations was a key point of the presentation.

The interactive session encouraged active participation through group discussions and practical exercises. Students collaborated to solve environmental challenges, reinforcing their learning through real-world applications. All attendees received certificates and gifts at the conclusion of the event. This visit is part of a broader, ongoing effort by both organisations to promote responsible consumption and environmental stewardship in educational settings, aiming to empower students to make informed, sustainable choices in their everyday lives.

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA), the world's largest fully integrated natural rubber enterprise and a leading Thai rubber glove manufacturer, has announced a significant strategic diversification through its subsidiary, Sri Trang Rubber and Plantation Company Limited. The new initiative, named the ‘Sri Trang Palm Growing a Sustainable Future’ project, represents a major step in bolstering the group's long-term business resilience and expanding its operational portfolio.

The project entails a substantial investment exceeding THB 60 million (approximately USD 1.80 million) to pilot oil palm cultivation across a total of 1,461 rai of land, which will accommodate approximately 28,072 trees. These planting areas are strategically located across five key provinces, including Chonburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Surat Thani and Songkhla. The group is implementing its Asset Optimisation strategy, integrating modern agricultural technologies and adhering to its core ESG principles to guide the project's development, with the first harvest anticipated to commence by 2029.

This foray into the palm oil sector is designed to strengthen the Sri Trang Group’s overall business capabilities and enhance portfolio resilience, laying a robust foundation for sustainable long-term expansion. The initiative seeks to maximise the use of existing resources and operational networks while capitalising on new business opportunities, all while maintaining a strong commitment to community, social and environmental responsibility.

A formal kick-off event was held on 19 June 2026, in Sadao District, Songkhla Province, to mark the project's official commencement. The ceremony saw the active participation of company executives and employees, who together planted the first palm tree, symbolising the group's dedication to building a sustainable new venture and generating lasting value for both society and the environment.

Veerasith Sinchareonkul, Chief Executive Officer, Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited, said, “The ‘Sri Trang Palm Growing a Sustainable Future’ project reflects the Group’s commitment to leveraging organisational potential and optimising the use of the Group’s resources, based on the Asset Optimisation concept. This involves developing the Group’s land to create long-term added value while growing responsibly alongside our communities and creating lasting value for society and the environment. For Sri Trang, this project is not just about expanding into a new cash crop but a significant step in creating shared value for all sectors. It promotes employment, creates jobs, supports the local economy and lays the foundation for stable and sustainable growth in the future. The palm trees planted through this initiative symbolise the Group’s intention to grow alongside the community and pass on a sustainable future to society in the long term.”

Udom Pruksanusak, Chief Executive Officer (Plantation), Sri Trang Rubber & Plantation Company Limited, said, “Sri Trang prioritises a systematic approach to developing its palm oil business, from site selection and the use of quality seedlings to plantation planning and modern agricultural management. In the first phase of planting, the largest proportion of the initial investment has been allocated to Songkhla Province, accounting for 43 percent of the total planting area, as it is suitable in terms of climate conditions, rainfall patterns, infrastructure readiness and connection to the Group's operational and logistics network, which will help maximise the efficiency of plantation management.

“In addition, the project operates under the ESG principles, focusing on sustainable land management, soil and water conservation and the application of technology and innovation, such as geographic information system (GIS), drone technology for agricultural operations, digital field monitoring systems and data-driven decision-making, to maximise operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and support the sustainable development of surrounding communities. The Group expects to begin commercial harvesting within approximately three years, or around 2029, and will closely monitor the growth trends of the palm trees, the productivity of the selected palm varieties and the overall performance in order to consider development guidelines and opportunities for further expansion of planting areas.”

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Maxion Wheels has graduated the first Indian cohort of its Formare vocational education programme and launched a second intake, marking the expansion of the initiative into Asia.

The programme, introduced in India in 2024 through a partnership between the Iochpe Foundation of Brazil and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), combines classroom education with practical manufacturing training for students from underprivileged communities.

Twenty-six students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, with 23 completing the programme and receiving a diploma in Manufacturing Technology. Those who continue for a third year at SPPU will be eligible for a university graduation certificate.

According to Maxion Wheels, 87 percent of the graduates will begin their professional careers at the company's Pune operations.

"The graduation of our first Formare class in India is a proud and meaningful achievement, both for our students and for Maxion Wheels," said Sutheep Ratnabhas, President of Maxion Wheels' Asia Business Unit. "This programme reflects our belief that investing in education and skills development can transform lives while strengthening our communities and our business. We are especially encouraged and fortunate to see these young professionals beginning their careers with us."

The company also inaugurated the programme's second cohort, comprising 27 students, including six women, who account for 22 percent of the intake.

The ceremony at SPPU was attended by Mark Sinar, Vice President, Global Human Resources and Safety & Sustainability at Maxion Wheels, Rahul Vaidya, Managing Director of Kalyani Maxion Wheels, university representatives and the families of graduating and incoming students.

Graduates described the programme's impact on their personal and professional development.

"Formare has given me the confidence, skills, and opportunity to build a better future for myself and my family," said Aman Mulla. "I am proud to start my career with Maxion Wheels and excited for what lies ahead."

Abha Kamble said: "This programme opened doors I never thought possible. The combination of learning and hands-on experience has prepared us for real-world challenges."

Originally established by Brazil's Iochpe Foundation, the Formare programme has operated for more than three decades and has trained more than 28,000 young people. Maxion Wheels said it plans to introduce the programme in Türkiye later this year.

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Continental has transformed its European Roadshow into a long-term customer engagement platform, scheduled to traverse the continent through 2027. The initiative delivers the company’s newest commercial vehicle tyre technologies, trailer solutions and digital services directly to fleet operators. Following successful kick-off events in the Czech Republic and Denmark, the mobile tour is set to visit Norway and Finland, with further destinations to be announced.

This expanded programme underscores Continental’s strategic commitment to deepening customer ties through direct interaction. The initiative directly addresses critical fleet management concerns, including total cost of ownership, operational efficiency and the ongoing digitalisation of transport logistics. The company aims to position itself as a partner in solving real-world operational challenges.

Central to the roadshow is the Showtruck, a mobile consultation and demonstration hub that allows fleets to experience Continental’s portfolio within their local markets. Attendees navigate themed stations that link product innovations to practical fleet applications and everyday operational hurdles. A primary focus is the Generation 5 tyre portfolio, engineered for enhanced mileage, reduced rolling resistance and superior durability, alongside trailer tyre options and a preview of the upcoming Conti Efficient Pro HT 5.

The roadshow also highlights ContiConnect, a digital tyre monitoring system that supplies real-time data and actionable intelligence to support predictive maintenance and increase operational transparency. Traveling thousands of kilometres across Europe through 2027, the platform engages fleet operators, logistics firms, dealers and industry partners. By merging products, digital services and technical expertise, Continental reinforces its dedication to efficient, digitally connected transport solutions, with additional tour dates to be revealed.

Ivonne Bierwirth, Head of Marketing Communications – EMEA, Continental, said, "Fleet operators are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, control operating costs and meet evolving industry requirements. The Roadshow allows us to engage directly with customers and demonstrate how our tyre technologies, digital solutions and expertise can help them address these challenges in their daily operations."

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