Tyre Technocrats extends its tyre management services to 27 locations across the country with its clientele comprising Tata Steel, Hindustan Zinc, Reliance, Gainwell, Larsen & Toubro, Essel Mining, Ultratech and others. The company also serves big players in Andhra Pradesh’s mining sector.

The tyre retreading market in the country has come a long way. From roadside retreaders resorting to conventional processes to major players bringing in imported machinery for more scientific operations, tyre retreading is no more an idea of the past. The glorious journey has been witnessed by a few from its starting days – Tyre Technocrats is one such retreader. The company also acts as a distributor for major tyre OEMs in the country. 

Founded in 1972 by Biman Das Talreja, Tyre Technocrats was initially associated with retreading truck tyres. Speaking about the company’s journey, Director Sahil Talreja said, “Our retreading operations started under the banner of Widget Tyre Retreaders while simultaneously serving as the dealer for CEAT tyres. Following the success in trucks, we forayed into OTR tyre retreading in 1984. Back then, the supply of OTR tyres was limited, and that affected the country’s mining sector. New tyres had to be imported, which was not feasible for many players in the sector.”

“Taking cognizance of the situation, we started retreading all sizes of tyres, striking a balance between supply and demand,” he said, adding, “From 1990, the company started distributing new wheels of Goodyear and continues distribution across the country.”

The company also has MRF, Bridgestone, Apollo and BKG tyres in its distribution portfolio. 

Explaining why the company didn’t take any franchise of retreading company, Talreja said, “Retreading companies in India, who work on the franchise model, are restricted to truck tyres. The companies retread 1020 and 1120 variants of tyres under the franchise model, which is an old concept. But our primary focus has always been OTR tyres with 95 percent of business dependent on this segment.”

Presently, Tyre Technocrats retreads tyres between 20 and 63 inches alongside the 1020 and 1120 models at its plant located in Udaipur. The company resorts to both cold and hot retreading processes to ensure quality and tyre life. 

The company uses both imported and indigenous machinery at its plant. According to the executive, Tyre Technocrats has imported two of its machines from Italy and Turkey. The Italian machine works on computer numerical control and can retread tyres ranging from 25 to 63 inches. The company uses auto clay machines, moulders to ensure quality for its customers. 

Talreja also informed that the company has its own testing lab to produce the tread rubber used in its processes. The company started production of pre-cured tread rubber in 1986. Presently, Tyre Technocrats manufactures 100 tonnes of tread rubber a month and retreads 1,100 rubber wheels. 

Speaking about the testing lab and ensuring the quality of pre-cured tread, the director stated, “The research and development facility, located within our main plant, is responsible for compounding and manufacturing the pre-cured tread rubber according to the requirements of the fleets that serve the mining sector. We have established eight parameters that ensure quality in our pre-cured tread.”

The company has been marketing its treads for the last two years and banks on customer satisfaction. Its manufacturing facility at Madri Industrial Area spans 180,000 square feet and features a state-of-the-art testing lab. 

Speaking on the facility’s eco-friendliness, Talreja explained, “The industry’s pollution footprints are a result of the carbon mixing. To reduce the carbon footprint, we have installed a machine for 100 percent closed manufacturing that emits 0.2 percent waste per 100 kg of rubber. Hence, the wastage is negligible. The plant has solar panels installed, which contributes to 60 percent of the power consumption.  

Commenting on the present scenario in the country’s retreading market, Talreja explained, “Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the retreading market is gradually gaining momentum. But due to the inflation in rubber prices and the Russia-Ukraine war, the market is volatile. The prices of raw materials are increasing with each passing month. The price hike is also double of what it was six months ago. Even OEMs are refraining from hiking prices.”

“Again, the availability of raw materials like chemicals and synthetic rubber used in retreading, which was being imported from open markets in Europe and China, has been impacted heavily, creating a dearth. This has mainly been fuelled by a shortage of shipping containers and the exorbitant prices demanded by freight lines,” he added. 

Apart from its extensive business footprint in India, Tyre Technocrats also runs operations in Zambia. Speaking on the same, Talreja pointed out, “We are not into retreading in the East African country but extend tyre management services to KCM mining owned by Vedanta Group.” 

Talking about tyre management services, the executive informed, “We are the pioneer in India when it comes to tyre management services. We started operations in 2003 with Tata Steel in Jamshedpur. Since then, we have continued to successfully extend the service to different companies. The service comprises supplying new tyres to companies, their maintenance and providing manpower at the locations. Under the scheme, we are responsible for removal, fitment, checking inflation levels, check-ups etc. pertaining to tyre life and performance at the sites.”

“The worn-out tyres are brought back to our facility for retreading and again fitted in the dumpers. A team is always present at the client’s site to look after the tyres,” he added. 

The company extends its tyre management services to 27 locations across the country with its clientele comprising Tata Steel, Hindustan Zinc, Reliance, Gainwell, Larsen & Toubro, Essel Mining, Ultratech and others. The company also serves big players in Andhra Pradesh’s mining sector. The company has a vast presence in the Indian mining sector . 

“We have recently forayed into haul road maintenance wherein we develop tyres for underground mining operations. We have our own loaders, compactors, graders used in the operations and also supply tyres on a cost-per-hour basis. We also manufacture patches for cut repairs,” Talreja informed. 

Speaking on the company’s future plans, Talreja informed, “We are entering into manufacturing of solid tyres. We have installed the machinery and the production unit is also nearing completion. We will start operations post-July.”  

Tyre Technocrats has an employee base of 1,200. 

Apollo Tyres, one of the leading tyre makers in the country, has extended its strategic partnership with Manchester United Football Club, one of the world’s most iconic football teams, for an additional three years.

The partners stated that the renewal of the enduring partnership highlights a mutual commitment to excellence, innovation and shared values. This 12-year alliance has been instrumental in connecting both entities with millions of passionate fans globally, yielding highly engaging campaigns and delivering significant value, both in the realm of sport and business.

Since its inception, the partnership Apollo Tyres' stated has propelled its brand equity, leveraging Manchester United's unparalleled global visibility and deep emotional connection with its loyal fanbase. This association has not only bolstered Apollo Tyres' reputation and amplified consumer trust but also solidified its standing as a premier tyre manufacturer.

The renewal follows the recent visit of Manchester United's first-team players, Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire, to Mumbai. Their visit marked the official launch and commencement of activities for the fifth season of the ‘United We Play’ programme, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with fans in India.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and MD, Apollo Tyres, said, “We are thrilled to continue our association with Manchester United, a club that embodies passion, performance and global reach. Our partnership has been instrumental in amplifying our brand equity by aligning with a club that represents passion and perseverance. Together we will strive to create even more exciting experiences for fans, leverage new opportunities in digital and on-ground engagement, and strengthen our brand presence across key markets. We are also excited to expand our impact through a grassroots football initiative that aims to nurture young talent and promote access to the sport at the community level.”

Omar Berrada, CEO, Manchester United, added, “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Apollo Tyres, a valued and long-standing member of the Manchester United family. During our 12-year relationship, we’ve not only created impactful global campaigns but also delivered meaningful initiatives at the grassroots level, from youth development to sustainable infrastructure.”

“As we move into this next chapter, we look forward to continuing on our shared legacy -- driving further engagement with our fans around the world and creating lasting value both on and off the pitch,” added Berrada.

Nokian Tyres plc has been awarded the prestigious Key Flag symbol by the Association for Finnish Work for its flagship Hakkapeliitta winter tyres and Hakka summer tyres.

The Key Flag, a nationally recognised emblem, is granted to products manufactured or services produced in Finland that contain a minimum of 50% domestic content based on break-even cost.

“We are proud of our Finnish heritage and our northern knowhow which is represented in our premium Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta and Nokian Tyres Hakka products,” said Ville Nikkola, Head of Sales, Finland at Nokian Tyres. “The Key Flag symbol is a sign of Finnish work and very well known among consumers. We are extremely happy to be able to present it next to our tyres manufactured in Finland for Nordic drivers.”

The Hakkapeliitta winter tyres and Hakka summer tyres are both developed and produced at Nokian Tyres’ factory in Nokia, Finland. The company’s global research and development centre is also located at the site, and both products undergo rigorous testing in Finland, including winter trials at the Ivalo test facility in Lapland.

This recognition is the latest in a series of Finnish quality accolades for the company. Nokian Tyres has previously received the Key Flag for its heavy machinery tyres, wheels, and retreading materials. Additionally, its truck and bus tyres carry the Design from Finland label, underlining their Finnish design pedigree.

Founded in 1898, Nokian Tyres began manufacturing tyres in 1932. The company introduced the world’s first winter tyre in 1934, followed by the first Hakkapeliitta-branded passenger car winter tyre in 1936. Since then, the brand has become a hallmark of Nordic winter driving.

“The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta winter tyres, as well as the Nokian Tyres Hakka summer tyres,, are designed to withstand the challenges of their northern home: the harsh winters with ice and snow as well as the summer months from the first sub-zero mornings of the spring to the heavy rainfalls of autumn,” Nikkola added.

Nokian Tyres emphasised that both product lines are still made in the same factory in Nokia as their early predecessors. Over the decades, the plant has been modernised and now runs on electricity sourced entirely from CO2-free sources. Most of the steam used in the facility also comes from CO2-free fuels. Since 2015, the factory has sent no waste from tyre production to landfill.

The company has further strengthened its sustainability credentials by obtaining the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS for the Nokia passenger car tyre plant. The certification enables the integration of sustainable raw materials into tyre production at the facility.

“The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta winter tyres are already a legend of Nordic winter roads and are, just like the Nokian Tyres Hakka summer tyres, still made within the same factory walls in Nokia as their predecessors in the 1930s,” Nikkola concluded.

Hankook Tire is gearing up to electrify the 2024/2025 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the series returns to Jakarta on 21 June for Round 12 of Season 11.

After a one-year absence, the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit (JIEC) will once again host the high-speed spectacle, set against the vibrant backdrop of Ancol’s shoreline. The 2.37-km track, celebrated since its debut in Season 8, blends high-speed straights, sweeping turns and a technical final section – inspired by the rhythmic flow of Java’s traditional Kuda Lumping dance. The challenging layout, combined with Jakarta’s intense tropical heat, will test drivers’ skill, endurance and tyre strategy to the limit. Powering every team will be Hankook’s GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre, purpose-built for Formula E’s cutting-edge electric race cars. Its advanced tread design and specialised rubber compound ensure superior grip, stability and heat resistance – key to handling Jakarta’s demanding conditions.

Sustainability remains a core focus, with the tyre incorporating 35 percent eco-friendly materials, including natural rubber and recycled fibres. Designed for extended durability, each tyre is fully recovered post-race and processed through Hankook’s recycling programme, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to reducing motorsport’s environmental footprint while pushing the boundaries of electric racing performance.

Maximilian Günther, the DS Penske driver and winner of 2023 Gulavit Jakarta E-Prix (Race 10), and most recently, the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix (Race 3) and 2025 Hankook Shanghai E-Prix (Race 10), said, “Jakarta delivers a unique blend of technical complexity and extreme climate. It’s a true proving ground for drivers and tire management. The enhanced grip of the GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre allows us to push harder through technical sectors without sacrificing traction. We’ve already observed gains during simulator sessions, and we’re optimistic about translating that into on-track performance.”

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has signed a Mizuho Eco Finance (Mizuho Environmentally Conscious Finance) loan agreement with Mizuho Bank, Ltd. on 17 June, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainable growth and decarbonisation.

This environmentally conscious financing programme supports companies transitioning to a decarbonised society by evaluating their climate-related initiatives and disclosures. Yokohama Rubber qualified for the loan after achieving high scores in Mizuho Bank’s environmental assessment, which examines corporate efforts in emissions transparency, greenhouse gas reduction and long-term sustainability goals.

The company has committed to reducing CO₂ emissions by 40 percent by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. These targets, along with Yokohama Rubber’s focus on emissions reduction across its supply chain, contributed to its strong evaluation. Under its sustainability slogan, ‘Caring for the Future’, the company integrates social responsibility into its business strategy, aiming to create shared value by addressing global environmental challenges.