Does post-pandemic lockdowns prompt any priority change for ATMA? Will there be a campaign for greater health safeguards for tyre company workers?

Tyre companies have been at the forefront of maintaining safety standards based on guidelines /advisories during last one year. Tyre companies were perhaps the first to shut down operations when the call for lockdown was given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. It needs to be appreciated that Tyre is a continuous process industry. Sudden shutdown results in huge losses in terms of wastage of raw material and other Work in Progress inventories. Restarting operations involves picking up several pieces involving significant effort. Being a continuous process industry, we could have argued for waiver from the lockdown. However, in appreciation of the real intent of the lockdowns and Tyre Companies being responsible Corporate citizens, aimed at safeguarding lives, went for a shutdown. ATMA has already issued Covid Compliant Standards for the benefit of all tyre plants. Health if its employees including workers has always been a priority with ATMA members, and this will continue to be so going forward.

How do you plan to take cheap tyre import issue to the next level?

Government has introduced certain much-needed measures by curbing indiscriminate import aimed at making the country ‘Aatmnirbhar.’ As we have observed, the imports from China that accounted for the lion’s share in tyre imports in India, have come down significantly after import curbs were initiated. However, it is also being observed that the percentage share of some other countries in total tyre imports in India has gone up substantially. As per the latest tyre import official data, Thailand has displaced China as the largest source of Truck & Bus radial tyres (TBR). Nearly 50% of TBR imported in India in the first three quarters of FY21 are from Thailand. Even in Passenger Car Radials (PCR) imports in India, Thailand has come to account for largest share of 35% in the Apr-Dec’20 period. We are taking up with the Government for all such indiscriminate imports about which the Government has exhorted various sectors to strengthen their domestic manufacturing capacities and capabilities, especially in the automotive space. We are also keenly looking at the measures to further boost domestic production under the PLI scheme for Automotive Sector.

As the automotive sector shows signs of resurgence, how do you foresee the growth of tyre business in India?

After two years of downward trend, things are looking up for the Auto sector in India. Different surveys point to 14 to 18% growth for the Auto sector in FY22. Tyre Industry’s growth is closely linked to Auto sector’s performance and the economic graph. Since economy is also projected to grow at upwards of 10% by different agencies, we expect growth in tyre demand to be in sync with economic and auto sector’s growth. Hopefully tyre imports will remain in check and the growth in demand will be met by Indian manufacturing. The focus on Infrastructure investment by the Government, should lead to higher demand generation in the automobile sector.

The proposed Scrappage Policy is expected to see an increase in new tyre sales. How do you foresee the development? Do you think a similar policy could be implemented for tyres as well?

The new vehicle scrappage policy is a welcome move since it is aimed at phasing out unfit and polluting vehicles from the roads paving the way of boosting the demand for new and environment-friendly vehicles No doubt, the new policy has potential to kick start the revival of the Indian auto sector and the entire automotive value chain including tyres.

The policy with in-built incentives should boost the demand for new and environment-friendly vehicles. It would lead to recovery in Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles and its positive demand on tyres which have remained under stress for long and, in the process, also give a fillip to Truck & Bus tyre segment.

Regarding scrappage policy for tyres, any initiative that leads to replacing of worn-out tyres beyond their useful and safe life will be a welcome move. Over the last few years, ATMA & its technical arm Indian Tyre Technical Advisory committee (ITTAC) have been intensely involved in creating awareness on Tyre Care & Road safety through On-ground activations, Tyre clinics, Safety seminars, Mass media messaging, Social media campaigns, Participation at expos, Launching of safety calendars, Animation films and other possible interfaces urging the motorists to replace worn out and poorly maintained tyres before it is too late. Tyre industry is willing to partner in any initiative that leads to replacement of risky worn-out tyres and make the road usage and conditions safer.

The Budget has also focused on bigger infrastructure development and promotion of public transport. What is your take on the readiness of Indian tyre manufacturers to exploit the bigger opportunities?

Tyre industry is ahead of the demand curve. An unprecedented amount of over Rs 50,000 crore was invested across 4-5 years before the pandemic in creating new capacities and R&D. The new capacities are now coming on stream and are geared to meet increased demand borne out of Infra development and other growth drivers. As a vibrant part of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, Tyre Industry has been conscious of its responsibility to the nation and has been investing heavily in new capacities building and research & development. India is one of the few countries that are self-reliant in manufacturing of practically all varieties of tyres.

How does ATMA look to support the uncertainties in the Natural Rubber sector? While looking for easier availability options like new rubber alternatives, will there be any further steps to support the NR sector?

A well-developed and competitive domestic NR sector is very close to Tyre Industry’s heart. The fact remains that domestic production of NR is short of its requirement by over 40%. Rubber Board has certainly made sincere efforts to increase the production and productivity of NR in the country; however significant production- consumption gap continues to exist.

A project for supporting development of new rubber plantations in North East and improving quality of processed forms of rubber has been finalised under the guidance and active mentoring of Mr Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister for Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The project is designed to implement the scheme for developing 200,000 hectares (ha) of rubber plantations in the North Eastern States with financial participation by major tyre companies, represented by ATMA with technical support and coordination by the Rubber Board.

While the NR project looks towards long-term availability of NR, for the short term, Tyre Industry has urged the Rubber Board to help the industry tide over the imminent crisis. (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

MAXAM Tire has further expanded its off‑the‑road tyre portfolio by adding a new 45/65R45 size to the MS406 E4/L4 series. This larger variant is specifically engineered for heavy loader applications, offering operators an additional high‑performance solution that prioritises strength, longevity and cost efficiency over the long term.

The tyre’s deep E4/L4 tread pattern is designed to deliver strong traction while resisting wear and cuts, even in severe working conditions. This aggressive yet durable design helps loader fleets boost productivity, as the tyre maintains grip and reduces downtime. Over its service life, users can expect a lower cost per operating hour.

To withstand harsh job sites, the MS406 incorporates a thick undertread that provides enhanced puncture protection. Its robust casing not only endures heavy use but also supports excellent retreadability, further extending the tyre’s usable life and improving overall return on investment. A wide, flat footprint contributes to superior stability, ensuring dependable performance and operator confidence when the vehicle is under substantial loads.

With this new size addition, MAXAM Tire continues to strengthen its off‑the‑road product line, giving customers another valuable option that balances durability, traction and long‑term operating efficiency in demanding loader environments.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “With the addition of the 45/54R45 size, we’re continuing to respond directly to market needs while expanding access to a proven loader tyre. Our focus is always on delivering market-leading value and tyres that perform in real-world conditions while helping customers control operating costs.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, will face the demanding Croatia Rally from 9 to 12 April 2026. This event marks round four of the season and takes place in and around the port city of Rijeka. Among the most gruelling rallies on the calendar, it will feature both the Ventus Z215, engineered for precise dry handling and cornering stability, and the Ventus Z210, designed to deliver superior traction and rapid water evacuation in wet and unpredictable conditions.

The 2026 route spans roughly 300.28 kilometres across 20 special stages, with the service park relocated to the historic Grobnik Circuit. The course covers four counties, including shakedown stages on the island of Krk and technical tests through the Lika-Senj highlands. Drivers must contend with extreme grip variations along the Adriatic coast, from abrasive volcanic tarmac in the mountains to smoother, dustier sections near the sea, the latter becoming dangerously slick with even light rain.

Throughout the event, Hankook will operate its Brand World marketing booth inside the service park, reinforcing its unified global premium image. The booth will offer interactive experiences such as a motorsports history zone, racing simulator, tyre fitting activities, merchandise sales and a photo zone, giving fans an immersive brand encounter. Meanwhile, intense competition is expected: while Toyota GAZOO Racing has a strong history in Croatia, both Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team and M-Sport Ford World Rally Team aim to exploit the new coastal terrain to challenge for the podium.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited has earned a total of 23 CSR-DIW awards, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to operating with ongoing responsibility towards society, local communities and the environment. In 2025, the Department of Industrial Works honoured the company under the CSR DIW to MIND for Sustainability programme, which recognises industrial factories that enhance their social and community responsibility for sustainable coexistence.

Among these accolades, five facilities received the CSR DIW Award for maintaining these high standards continuously for a decade, while another 18 facilities received the CSR DIW Continuous Award for consistently implementing responsible practices, collectively celebrating industrial organisations that serve as models for industry growing in harmony with communities under the principle of good industry coexisting sustainably.

These achievements reflect how the Sri Trang Group balances economic, social and environmental priorities, allowing the industrial sector to work alongside communities effectively and advancing Thailand’s rubber industry towards a sustainable green future. The group has steadily carried out community focused and socially responsible initiatives across six key areas, including youth development, arts and local traditions, livelihood and career support, environmental management, workplace health and hygiene as well as disaster relief and assistance for vulnerable groups.

This recognition further underscores Sri Trang Agro Industry’s role as a leading organisation that drives sustainable industrial practices while consistently creating lasting value for society, communities and the environment.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone has announced its participation in the 41st Space Symposium, the largest space conference in United States, taking place in Colorado Springs from 13 to 16 April 2026. The company’s exhibit will be hosted within the Japanese Space Industry pavilion organised by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marking its third consecutive year at the event since 2024. A key focus of Bridgestone’s presence is its ongoing development of lunar rover tyres, a project that embodies the company’s belief that ‘tyres carry life’.

Since 2019, Bridgestone has advanced research on lunar rover tyres and pursued co-creation with international partners to commercialise space mobility technology. In 2024, the company collaborated with Astrobotic Technology, followed by a basic agreement with ispace in 2025. These efforts aim to generate new value in the rapidly evolving space mobility sector.

At the symposium, Bridgestone will demonstrate tyres for small and medium lunar rovers, first unveiled in 2025, by mounting them on a mobility vehicle. Attendees can see and touch the tyres, experiencing their high traversability on simulated lunar challenges like fine sand and rocky ground. Through this showcase, Bridgestone seeks to expand its space business network and foster co-creation opportunities, ultimately supporting safe lunar mobility and humanity’s exploration goals.

The lunar rover tyre project applies Bridgestone’s AirFree technology, an exploratory business under its 2024–2026 Mid Term Business Plan. By refining this technology in the extreme lunar environment, the company aims to eventually bring those innovations back to Earth, enhancing conventional tyres and contributing to broader social value.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!