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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JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has reinforced its commitment to the construction and mining sectors with the launch of four new off-the-road (OTR) tyres at the CII EXCON 2025 trade fair in Bangalore. The products, unveiled by Dr R Mukhopadhyay, Director of R&D, expand the company’s specialised portfolio, focusing on application-specific performance for demanding environments.

A key introduction is the all-new SKY GRIP tyre, designed for Aerial Work Platforms and Boom Lifts. The size 355/55D625 tyre aims to provide enhanced stability and superior traction for equipment operating at elevated heights, ensuring safer mobility for articulated and telescopic boom lifts across diverse terrains in construction and industrial settings.

The launch also includes three critical variants for heavy machinery. For backhoe loaders, the 14.00-25 GTL PLUS promises durability and stability during excavation. The 23.5-25 GTL PLUS variant is engineered for wheel loaders, offering improved traction on demanding surfaces. Addressing the extreme conditions of underground mining, the 14.00-20 VEM AS-UG features a reinforced casing and a specialised compound to withstand abrasive environments and the rigorous duty cycles of shuttle cars.

From pioneering India's largest OTR tyres to developing advanced technologies, JK Tyre continues to strengthen its portfolio, providing reliable and high-performance solutions tailored to support diverse industrial operations.

Srinivasu Allaphan, Director – Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries, said, “India is witnessing a transformative phase in infrastructure development, and JK Tyre remains committed to support this journey. With the launch of our new OTR range at EXCON, we are strengthening our support for equipment that powers critical infrastructure, enabling greater productivity, durability and operational safety across the country’s construction, mining and industrial projects.”

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Eurogrip, a premier two- and three-wheeler tyre brand from TVS Srichakra Ltd., is exhibiting its premium portfolio at Automechanika Dubai 2025 from 9–11 December. The brand's presence at this major global aftermarket trade show marks its third participation. Featured products on display at Stand Z5 - H26 in the Dubai World Trade Centre include the new Trailhound range, comprising the Wild, STR and SCR models, and the Protorq Max prototype.

The showcase also highlights Roadhound, Protorq Extreme, Bee City, Bee Sport, Climber XC, Terrabite DB+ and Beamer VS tyres, alongside popular patterns like Badshah, Badshah LX, Jaya LX and Auto 150. This diverse lineup is the result of advanced research, performance-focused design and sophisticated tyre technology.

T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer, TVS Srichakra Ltd., said, “Automechanika Dubai continues to be a significant platform for us as we continue to strengthen Eurogrip’s global presence. The expo is a great opportunity for us to engage with partners and customers across the globe, particularly the West Asia, Africa and key Gulf countries. We are delighted to be displaying our high-quality performance-oriented tyres.”

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Galaxy, the off-highway tyre brand owned by Yokohama Off-Highway Tires, has introduced two additions to its construction and mining portfolio at Excon 2025 in Bengaluru, underscoring rising competition in India’s heavy-equipment tyre market.

The manufacturer unveiled the LDSR 500, an all-steel radial tyre for wheel loaders and dozers, and the RTSR 300, a model for rigid dump trucks used in mining and large construction sites. The launches reflect growing demand for tyres engineered to withstand higher loads, harsher terrain and longer operating cycles in India’s infrastructure sector.

Galaxy’s LDSR 500 features a non-directional pattern and deep tread intended to improve stability and extend service life. The RTSR 300 is designed for heavy-load haulage across varied surfaces and incorporates an open-shoulder pattern to aid traction and self-cleaning. Both tyres will be available in compounds tailored to specific applications.

Dyutiman Chattopadhyay, Chief Technology Officer at Yokohama-ATG, said the company aimed to broaden its range of advanced radial and solid tyres for the domestic market. “At Galaxy, we take pride in our customer-centric innovations and are excited to display an array of all-steel radials and large solid tyres that deliver improved wear characteristics and superior & trouble-free performance on tough terrains,” he said. “Our highly automated, state of the art facilities are well-equipped to manufacture customized tyre solutions for the Indian customers and we look forward to serving them.”

Anuj Thakar, Senior Vice-President for India and SAARC at Yokohama-ATG, said India remained a priority region. “India is a key growth market for us and it is a great pleasure to participate in the country’s biggest construction expo,” he said. “Our presence at Excon reflects our commitment to our customers in the region as we continue to provide the best tyre solutions for varied construction needs.”

The Galaxy stand also features several existing products aimed at mining, construction and material-handling fleets. These include the Mine Rock-XT, a nylon-casing tyre for use in both mining and construction; Hulk, a skid-steer tyre engineered for puncture resistance; and the LHD 510 SDS, designed with a deep groove for higher traction and lower heat build-up.

Other models on display include the Giraffe XLW, intended for backhoe loaders; the Yardmaster Radial, used on forklifts; and the LDSR 300 for loaders and articulated dump trucks.

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Goodyear has reversed an earlier plan to divest its farm tyre operations in India, opting instead to retain the business following the conclusion of a strategic review by its US parent company. The decision marks a shift in strategy for the US tyre group, which had been evaluating options for the division amid a broader restructuring programme.

Goodyear India disclosed the development to the Bombay Stock Exchange recetently, noting that the board had “took note of the communication received from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., USA, i.e. the ultimate parent company that it has concluded the previously announced strategic review of its Farm Tire business in India and at this time has made the decision to retain ownership of the business.”

The review, initiated earlier this year, followed a sustained period of mixed performance in India’s agricultural equipment sector, where tyre demand is closely linked to tractor sales and rural income trends.

Retention of the business suggests the company sees continued strategic value in India’s agricultural market, one of the world’s largest for tractor production and a key geography for tyre manufacturers seeking stable demand cycles. The farm tyre segment, although subject to monsoon-driven fluctuations, offers long-term potential due to mechanisation trends and government support for rural development.

Goodyear India remains majority owned by the US group and manufactures a range of tyres for passenger vehicles and agricultural machinery. The company did not outline next steps for the farm division but said the communication from its parent should be taken on record.

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