JK Tyre & Industries, one of the leading tyre makers in the country, expects a strong pickup in demand for FY2025–26. The company, in addition to strategic capacity expansions, is upbeat about attaining growth across both domestic and international markets, despite prevailing global uncertainties.

It may be recollected that the tyre major had announced a CAPEX towards capacity expansion of INR 14 billion last year, which will see an additional INR 2.5 3 billion earmarked for maintenance capex. The board-approved capex will be directed primarily towards expanding truck and bus radial capacity, with production slated to begin in early 2025. Notably, the company plans to roll out all-steel light truck radials from July and commence passenger vehicle radial production by September 2025, targeting a 15–20 percent capacity increase over the next six to 12 months.

In a post-earnings call, Anshuman Singhania, MD, JK Tyre & Industries, said, “We anticipate robust demand across OEM and replacement markets in FY2026, driven by a recovery in sentiment and product launches. In the OE segment, we expect mid-single-digit growth in truck tyre demand, recovering from last year’s muted performance amid general elections. Stronger single-digit growth in the passenger vehicle segment, buoyed by a pipeline of new model launches. High single-digit growth in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segment. And mid-single-digit growth in the tractor category, underpinned by forecasts of a normal monsoon. Replacement demand trends are also encouraging.”

Export business

Even as United States export tariffs remain a challenge, with a 25 percent duty on truck and passenger radials and 10 percent on other categories, Singhania stated that JK Tyre has managed a 4 percent QoQ rise in exports. The company continues to target key international markets including North America, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe.

Meanwhile, the company’s Mexico-based Cornell facility remains a vital export hub and is undergoing expansion to support future demand.

JK Tyre is also making strategic long-term investments to secure raw material supply. Out of 200,000 hectares identified in the Northeast for natural rubber cultivation, about 70,000–75,000 hectares have already been developed. On the cost front, Singhania stated that raw material prices declined by 2–2.5 percent in the last quarter and are expected to stabilise moving forward.

Financial Performance

In Q4 FY2025, the company reported revenue of INR 37.8 billion, EBITDA of INR 3.84 billion, EBITDA margin of INR 10.2 percent and profit after tax of INR 1 billion.

Singhania also explained that despite a challenging year on the back of muted growth in truck segment, which constitutes a large chunk of the company’s OE business, along with high raw material prices and inventory costs, it was able to reduce its net debt of INR 40 billion, down from INR 43 billion in December 2024. However, there was a marginal uptick compared to March 2024 due to increased working capital requirements stemming from raw material and inventory costs. JK Tyre continues to maintain a healthy balance sheet, with debt-to-equity and debt-to-EBITDA ratios within manageable levels — currently at 2.2, which going forward the company aims to bring down to a targeted corridor of 1.5–1.8.

Inorganic Growth and Global Watch

Responding to a query on the company’s plans for inorganic growth, Singhania reiterated its intent to pursue inorganic growth opportunities. Having previously expanded through acquisitions, the company is now actively scanning global opportunities, particularly in Europe and the United States, where plant shutdowns and cost pressures may create strategic openings.

In Southeast Asia and China, market allocations are already in place, though timelines for activity vary by region.

Despite global headwinds, Singhania remains optimistic about overall demand. "We do not see any structural shifts that could dampen industry momentum," noting that key sectors such as cement, mining and steel remain aligned with long-term growth outlook.

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HS HYOSUNG Group has officially released its inaugural Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone since the conglomerate’s establishment. The comprehensive document provides a transparent overview of the organisation’s Environmental, Social and Governance management activities, detailing both ongoing initiatives and notable accomplishments across its operations.

The publication consolidates ESG data from the holding entity, HS HYOSUNG Corporation, and extends to major subsidiaries such as HS HYOSUNG USA, Inc., HS HYOSUNG TOYOTA Co., Ltd. and HS HYOSUNG GLOBAL LOGISTICS VINA CO., Ltd. Furthermore, the report incorporates the ESG performance of key affiliates, including HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS Corporation and HS HYOSUNG INFORMATION SYSTEMS Corporation, ensuring a holistic representation of the group’s sustainability efforts.

Central to the report is the introduction of the group’s sustainability vision, ‘Rooted in Value, Growing Together’, which is supported by three strategic pillars: Growth Value, Shared Value and Trusted Value. To guide its strategy, the group synthesised double materiality assessments from various units, identifying five Group-wide priorities: customer satisfaction, occupational health and safety, compliance, eco-friendly portfolio and climate change response. The report systematically details the management frameworks, current progress, key achievements and forward-looking plans for each of these critical areas.

An HS HYOSUNG official said, "Publishing our first Sustainability Report as we celebrate the second anniversary of HS HYOSUNG makes this milestone especially meaningful. Going forward, we will continue to respond proactively to a changing business environment while creating greater value and building stronger trust with our stakeholders."

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an environmental awareness session at Edison School ‘Novatsia’, drawing the participation of approximately 60 students. The gathering was designed to illuminate the core tenets of the green economy, renewable energy and circular economic models, aiming to instil a robust sense of environmental stewardship among the younger generation.

The initiative sought to cultivate a collective sense of duty regarding the preservation of natural resources and the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Attendees were briefed on the deployment of modern technologies and innovative strategies to mitigate ecological footprints while also exploring the corporate sector's role in fostering a sustainable future. The discourse underscored that sustainable development transcends mere environmental conservation, integrating economic vitality and social equity.

Tegeta Green Planet’s representatives delved into the specifics of the Extended Producer Responsibility system and the intricacies of managing particular waste streams, alongside the foundational principles of the circular economy. Concurrently, Shine Energy’s team elaborated on the pivotal function of renewable sources in the ongoing energy transition, highlighting the societal and ecological advantages of solar power and other clean energy alternatives. The session was notably enriched by the proactive engagement of 10th-grade students.

These students delivered presentations on Earth Day, tracing its historical origins, its evolution into a global movement and the critical importance of individual action in resource preservation. The dialogue reinforced that every societal member contributes to this balanced vision. Tegeta Green Planet and Shine Energy remain committed to expanding such educational projects across various institutions, viewing them as essential to nurturing an environmental culture and responsible behaviours that are fundamental for the well-being of future generations.

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The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has launched National Tire Safety Week 2026, a public education campaign running from 29 June through 4 July. This year’s initiative, themed ‘Driving Safety, Full Circle’, introduces a new storytelling platform called Full Circle, which emphasises the essential role of tyres in everyday American life. The campaign underscores the critical importance of regular tyre maintenance for overall vehicle safety.

To illustrate this message, the association has released Full Circle Moments, a series of short videos depicting common scenarios where tire performance is paramount. The series features five distinct vignettes, including an infant’s secure journey home from the hospital, a parent’s lesson in driving for a teenager, the durability required for a family road trip, the traction needed during a heavy rainstorm and the stopping power necessary for sudden braking. These videos are being distributed via USTMA’s official website and social media channels.

The campaign also provides motorists with a practical maintenance guide, urging them to remember the acronym ‘P.A.R.T.’, which stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. Drivers are advised to conduct these checks at least monthly and prior to embarking on extended summer road trips. According to the association, investing a few minutes in these simple inspections can significantly reduce the risk of highway incidents.

Furthermore, National Tire Safety Week marks the official launch of the Full Circle digital platform, which is structured around five core pillars: safety, sustainability, innovation, economic impact and advocacy. The site offers evidence-based narratives about the tyre industry’s dedication to reliable mobility and environmental stewardship, including efforts to repurpose tyres. The initiative is supported by all major USTMA member companies, including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and several other leading tyre manufacturers.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Every drive home, every family road trip, every race to an emergency by a first responder happens on tyres. Proper tyre maintenance plays a critical role in safety on the road, and we must all do our part to protect the people and moments we value most. National Tire Safety Week is our reminder that caring for our tyres is simple and essential, and that behind every safe mile is an industry working to make mobility safer, smarter and more dependable.

“Tyres are essential to nearly every part of modern life, yet they’re easy to take for granted. Full Circle embodies the depth of our industry’s commitment to the communities we serve. It’s a story of an industry committed to continuous progress with safety at the forefront, and we’re proud to keep driving it forward.”

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NEXEN TIRE made a prominent appearance at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026, where it underscored its dedication to the digital evolution of mobility in partnership with the Global Data Service Organisation (GDSO). The company’s presence at the event highlighted its active role within the organisation, a commitment that has been ongoing since January 2024.

As a GDSO member, the tyre manufacturer is contributing to the establishment of unified digital standards that promise to transform tyres into intelligent, data-centric assets over their entire lifespan. The push for standardised and reliable tyre data is expected to foster greater transparency, operational efficiency and novel value creation across the broader mobility sector. This digital infrastructure is designed to enable advanced services, improve vehicle connectivity and bolster road safety while promoting sustainable transportation.

Through its GDSO collaborations with industry partners including Michelin and Devel, NEXEN TIRE is advancing technologies for lifecycle tracking and digital identification. These innovations aim to revolutionise tyre maintenance and management, ultimately benefiting manufacturers, fleet operators, regulators and drivers by creating a more integrated and efficient mobility ecosystem.

Gianluca Lo Vercio, Chief of (EU) Standard & Regulation Unit at NEXEN TIRE and member of the Board of Directors of GDSO, said, "The future of mobility will depend on reliable and standardised data exchange across the entire value chain. Through its active participation in GDSO, NEXEN TIRE is contributing to the development of digital standards that will support greater transparency, efficiency and innovation in the tyre industry and beyond.”

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