The benefits of this are multiple. First of all, they don’t need to offer the full range of sizes to stake their claim as a racing tyre manufacturer. And I need to stress I’m talking about road car racing, not F1 racers, as those tyres are basically rocket science at this point. Many Chinese factories seem to have launched their racing tyre range for a very specific purpose, as they only have a few sizes, and sometimes very odd ones. For example, I saw a factory with just three different sizes for their racing tyre pattern, and one of them was 255/55R18. Just in case you want to rock your BMW X5 on the racing track, maybe? I can’t help but giggle at the image of drifting SUVs. Secondly, they don’t even need to be very good at it, or to be able to make very innovative products. It’s much easier to develop a product for a very specific purpose and just make it ‘good enough’, without engaging in the top five percent where all the heavy investment and R&D is needed to churn out those milliseconds that make all the difference for the top performers. Actually, when catering to the segment that just wants to burn tyres – drifters, for example – the usually all-important grip factor suddenly becomes negligible. And offering a budget option is attractive to those burning tyres on their own bill.

Design wise also racing tyres are very different from regular car tyres, in that they’re basically slicks with a flashy looking single lightning groove from close to the centre to the edge. Hard to make that design truly unique, but that also means that nobody can be blamed when designing something a bit too similar to something already on the market. Function before looks in this case, I’m sure. And in terms of rubber compounds, there are usually two or three different ones, depending on specific client needs, and they’re made to order. The hardest compounds are naturally for the drifters, and the softer ones for track racing.

But, in spite of the designs being simple, compounds not challenging to make, and the fact that the size range doesn’t need to be extensive, launching a racing tyre range still somehow reflects positively on all the regular passenger car tyres in the manufacturer’s range. As if the fact that they can design and produce tyres for high-performance racing machines also means that their standard range offers better handling or on-road performance to vehicles run by weekend warriors or others who might drive a station wagon, but really are race car drivers at heart.

That is, of course, if the Chinese budget manufacturers used this in their global marketing strategy – and in most cases, had one to begin with. The days where Chinese tyres could be sold on price alone are over, as output has far exceeded demand, but it’s striking to see how few have actually invested in their future market shares. For the layman, trying to name five major Chinese tyre manufacturers (or any of their brands) would be a tall order. Trying to name any that produce racing tyres would be even harder. Even for those inside the industry, very few know how many produce racing tyres or other specialised tyre products, because they often produce for a single client and don’t use this in active marketing. And no, a ‘sales manager’ posting a picture on LinkedIn doesn’t count. The brands and tyre manufacturers in China that will prevail are those able to build a global marketing strategy and naturally possess the skills to stay at the front of product development and gradually move out of the ultra-budget segment. The rest will learn the hardship of selling cheap tyres on price alone when China isn’t cheap anymore. (TT)

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Apollo Tyres has expanded its premiumisation strategy with the inauguration of a super-premium branded retail outlet in Jaipur. The flagship location, situated at Bhagwati Motors Nokha Pvt Ltd on New Sanganer Road in the Mansarovar Area, was officially opened by Rajesh Dahiya, the company’s Vice President and Business Head.

This retail concept transcends the traditional tyre store model by integrating high-end products, expert advisory services and digital technology with a community-centric atmosphere for car enthusiasts. Patrons can benefit from tailored tyre selections aligned with their specific vehicle and driving habits, alongside conveniences such as online scheduling, rapid installation and upscale waiting lounges.

Notable features include curated product ranges and service bundles designed for luxury and performance vehicles, alongside dedicated spaces for automotive hobbyists to participate in brand-driven events. This Jaipur facility represents the second such venture following a similar launch in Bengaluru, with Apollo Tyres planning to establish three to four additional outlets in other major cities shortly.

This new format underscores Apollo Tyres’ commitment to redefining customer engagement in the mobility sector, shifting focus from mere product sales to personalised, experience-oriented interactions. The initiative strengthens the company’s foothold in the premium mobility segment while reinforcing its ongoing journey toward elevated brand positioning across India.

Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President and Business Head, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, "The expectation of today’s customers extend well beyond the product itself. With this new retail format, we are creating a premium destination that combines expert advice, convenience and personalised service while building stronger engagement with the automotive community."

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Triangle Tyre has secured a position on the 2026 China Auto New Supply Chain Top 100 list, released in Shanghai on 2 July alongside the Global Automotive Supply Chain Enterprise Competitiveness Analysis Report. The recognition highlights the manufacturer's sustained growth and strong overall capabilities within the domestic automotive sector.

The annual ranking evaluates companies based on business results, technological advancement, global support networks and sustainability efforts. Triangle Tyre's repeated inclusion signals industry acknowledgment of its competitive edge and international reach, reinforcing its commitment to long-term quality development.

Innovation remains central to the company's operations, supported by domestic and United States-based research centres. The firm holds 1,322 patents and has contributed to 155 national standards and 15 international standards. Research spending reached RMB 465 million (approximately USD 68.70 million) in 2025, marking a 7.62 percent increase from the prior year.

Key technological advances include an electromagnetic induction curing process that cuts energy use per unit by over 70 percent, backed by multiple patents including two from United States. The company has also introduced adhesion protection for giant OTR tyres and launched the e-Travel series for new energy vehicles, emphasising range, low noise and safety.

Triangle Tyre supplies over 60 domestic manufacturers and collaborates with global names like Caterpillar and Volvo. Shipments for new energy vehicle tyres rose nearly 40 percent in 2025, while OTR tyre volumes grew more than 20 percent. Exports reach over 180 countries, with overseas production projects currently advancing.

Sustainability achievements include national Green Factory status and energy efficiency recognition from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The company earned an EcoVadis Gold Medal with a score of 81, ranking among the top five percent worldwide. Triangle Tyre continues to integrate renewable materials and reduce emissions while strengthening ESG practices to boost future competitiveness.

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Liberty Tire Recycling, a portfolio entity under the global infrastructure investor I Squared Capital, has announced a significant expansion of its Gulf Coast footprint. The company has finalised the acquisition of three key regional players: All American Tire, Colt Tire Recycling and Genan, Inc., the United States subsidiary of Genan A/S. This strategic move consolidates Liberty’s position across Texas and Louisiana, establishing what is now the most comprehensive tyre recycling network in the area.

The unified operations of these three firms are set to dramatically increase Liberty’s existing capacity for rubber processing and tyre collection. By integrating their assets, Liberty aims to offer a seamless suite of services, encompassing collection, processing and the supply of recycled materials. This expansion is a direct response to the escalating demand for sustainable end-of-life tyre management from retailers, manufacturers and municipal governments throughout one of the nation’s most rapidly developing regions.

Each acquired company brings specialised strengths and seasoned leadership to the combined entity. All American Tire, founded by Tom and Jodi Parker in Fort Worth, is a dominant force in collection and crumb rubber production within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Colt Tire Recycling, established by Kip and Sydney Vincent in Louisiana, is recognised for its collection leadership and innovative applications of recycled rubber in civil engineering. Meanwhile, Genan’s Houston facility is renowned for its advanced processing technology, producing high-grade rubber granules for demanding sectors like automotive parts and playground surfacing. Thomas Boehme of Genan will assume a new role with Liberty to spearhead continued US growth.

To ensure operational continuity and customer stability, senior management from All American, Colt and Genan will transition to Liberty. This integration of experienced leadership is intended to guide the future development of each business. As North America’s premier tire recycler, Liberty processes hundreds of millions of tyres annually. This latest expansion bolsters its circular-economy mission by increasing the availability of recycled rubber for infrastructure, manufacturing and high-value applications across the continent.

Thomas Womble, CEO, Liberty Tire Recycling, said, "We have always been about bringing together proven partners who have built something that enhances Liberty – and All American, Colt and Genan do just that. We look forward to combining our expertise with their proven success to provide customers across the Gulf Coast with expanded capabilities, stronger regional service and new opportunities for sustainable end-of-life tyre management."

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Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has announced the acquisition of Gummiverkstan i Torsby, a well-established service point located in west-central Sweden. The transaction strategically bolsters Citira’s presence along the vital E45 and E16 transport corridors through the Värmland region, adding a key facility to its growing network.

Under the leadership of Karl-Johan Axelsson, Gummiverkstan has built a solid reputation over the years for reliably servicing both heavy vehicles and passenger cars within the Torsby area. The business experienced consistent growth, driven by a steadfast commitment to its loyal local clientele and a focus on dedicated automotive care.

As part of the agreement, Gummiverkstan will maintain its current operations, retaining all staff and continuing at its existing premises while gaining access to Citira’s broader resources to facilitate further expansion. Axelsson will transition into a new role as a co-owner of Citira, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment for the future.

Urban Tibbelin, Head of Sweden at Citira, said, "Gummiverkstan i Torsby is an important addition to our presence in Värmland. Karl-Johan and his team have earned a standing in Torsby that only comes from doing the job well, year after year, and that local trust is exactly the foundation we want to build on. We're glad to have them with us.”

Axelsson said, "It has been a privilege to look after Torsby's vehicles for as long as I have, and joining Citira means me and my team get to keep doing exactly that. With the addition of their backing to serve our customers well for many years to come, I'm confident we will only get better as part of the group.”

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