However, as is evident now, we were caught unawares. Mutated strain of the virus took India in its stride as we were yet to work out a robust vaccination strategy. To curb the spread and manage the health emergency getting out of control in view of paucity of beds, oxygen and ventilators, a large number of states-imposed lockdowns and other restrictions which continue till date. 

As is normal under such circumstances, the economy bears the brunt and that is what seems to have happened. The fragile economic recovery seen in the second half of FY21 seems to have gone derailed. Consumer confidence has hit a new low as shown in a recent survey. Different rating agencies and multilateral organizations have downwardly revised the growth projections for the current fiscal year. From a bullish 11-13% growth (in view of base effect), the projections are now for growths in single digits only.

Needless to say, the pitch for economic revival is queered.  But, curiously, as Covid infections come off from the peak levels and the recovery rates go up, a new kind of confidence is building up. The infection rates are coming down with as much alacrity as they had peaked.

Certainly, there is no room for any complacency as premonitions of a third wave have already been made. However, the vaccination strategy to inoculate a large number of Indians by the end of the year holds much hope. It has been observed that those countries that have already inoculated over 50% of their population have witnessed much less morbidity and mortality rates.

What also holds out hope are a range of high frequency indicators which show the resilience of the Indian economy and the entrepreneurship that shines through whenever an opportunity is provided. The economic growth in the fourth quarter of last fiscal has been better than expected. From a contraction of 24.4% and 7.4% in the first and second quarters, the economy turned around in the third one with 0.5% growth and ended the year with 1.6% growth in Q4.

There are a range of other indicators too. Industrial performance measured by IIP grew by 22.3 percent in March. Merchandise exports grew by 197 percent in April. The output of eight core infrastructure sectors grew by robust 7% in March. Manufacturing PMI has remained at a high of over 55 in March and April. GST revenue collection set a new record of Rs. 1.4 lakh crore in April.

If the tyre  production data for FY21, as released recently, is anything to go by, Tyre Industry will continue to put the wheels of economy in motion against all odds. No doubt, Tyre Industry's overall numbers are down in FY21. However when looked closely, there is ample evidence that points to the resilience  in the sector. Truck & Bus (T&B) tyre production, the bellwether of economy has turned in better performance in FY21 over FY20. And this despite the fact that April’20 was a washout in view of nationwide lockdown. Both T&B and Passenger Car tyre production touched significantly higher figures in March this year with T&B tyre production crossing 20 lakh numbers, a historic high.

FY21 will also go down as a landmark year when Radial Truck & Bus tyre production equalled that of Bias tyre production. Tyre exports from India have charted an upward trajectory in the second half of previous fiscal as the stability was achieved in the exports markets.

Forecast of a normal monsoon (third in a row) and the upcoming festive season can provide much-needed impetus to the economy if vaccination drive accelerates and Covid appropriate measures are followed strictly.

No doubt, the situation is still in a flux, and it is too nascent to gauge the true impact of the second wave on economic growth.  But ramping up the vaccination drive and inoculating the entire adult population as early as possible will help.

And there is a major shift again in the vaccination policy. As this column gets on the editor’s desk, the federal government has decided to provide free coronavirus vaccines to states for inoculation of all above the age of 18.

FY 21 could not live up to the expectations that most Indians had. Hope the next year will. (TT)

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European startup competition LOOP THE TYRE 2026 is now actively seeking innovations to fundamentally reshape the tyre industry’s future. The initiative from the Alliance for the Future of Tyres (AZuR) challenges entrepreneurs, researchers and students to develop circular economy solutions that ensure end-of-life tyres become a source for new materials rather than waste. The application window is open until 15 May 2026.

The programme specifically targets concepts that maintain the value of critical raw materials like rubber, steel and carbon black in continuous loops. Desired innovations span a broad spectrum, from advanced retreading, repair technologies and sustainable material alternatives to novel recycling processes and digital systems for tyre lifecycle management. The goal is to support ideas that demonstrably reduce emissions, minimise resource consumption and keep products in use longer.

Winning entrants stand to gain significant momentum for their projects. Three selected concepts will each be awarded EUR 6,000 in prize funding. Beyond financial support, winners receive two years of complimentary partnership within AZuR, offering direct access to its network of over 80 industry and scientific partners. This is coupled with prominent presentation opportunities at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 trade fair, dedicated media coverage and inclusion in expert forums – a comprehensive package designed to transform prototypes into market-ready solutions.

Eligibility extends to early-stage startups, academic teams and individual innovators from fields such as environmental technology, engineering, IT and design. Applicants must submit a detailed project description or pitch deck by the deadline for evaluation by a jury of industry and research experts. As an example of the potential impact, AZuR cites the success of past participant BEAR Machines, which developed a tyre regrooving system that extends product life and cuts CO₂ emissions with support from the alliance’s network.

Ultimately, LOOP THE TYRE 2026 is conceived as a catalyst for systemic change. By bridging the gap between groundbreaking ideas and established industry players, AZuR aims to accelerate the transition from a linear disposal model to a closed-loop ecosystem where every tyre contributes to a sustainable cycle of reuse and recovery.

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TyresNmore, RPG Group’s auto-tech commerce platform, has officially entered the offline retail space with the inauguration of its inaugural physical experience centre in Bengaluru’s Kasavanahalli area. This strategic move extends the brand's commitment to convenience, transparency and trust into a tangible, customer-focused environment. The centre is designed to meet the needs of drivers seeking personalised, efficient and comfortable service, providing a modern retail setting for planned vehicle maintenance.

Customers at the new facility can explore a comprehensive selection of products from leading brands. This includes tyres from major manufacturers such as CEAT, Apollo and Goodyear, batteries from Amaron and Exide, alongside premium alloy wheels from brands like Neo. This curated assortment ensures that every vehicle owner can find the right fit for their specific requirements.

Beyond product sales, the centre delivers advanced automotive services performed by expert technicians. Utilising high-accuracy, state-of-the-art equipment, the outlet offers precision wheel alignment, road force balancing and nitrogen tyre inflation. These technical services aim to enhance driving safety, comfort and overall vehicle longevity, contributing to a superior ownership experience.

Fundamentally, the establishment of this experience centre underscores TyresNmore’s dedication to building a robust, omnichannel service ecosystem. By integrating expert consultation, professional care and precision automotive solutions under one roof, the brand reinforces its promise of reliability and excellence, ensuring customers receive seamless and trustworthy support for all their automotive needs.

Rakesh Tatikonda, CEO, TyresNmore, said, “Our mission has always been to transform automotive aftercare in India by offering seamless, tech-driven, end-to-end mobility solutions delivered with trust, transparency and convenience. Having established ourselves as a leader in doorstep fitments via our online platform, moving into physical retail is a natural evolution to enhance customer experience. This channel diversification allows us to offer premium services and accessories that require a specialised touchpoint for car & bike enthusiasts. Bengaluru has always been a key market for us, and this experience centre allows us to bring our 'customer-first' philosophy into a physical space, delivering precision and transparency at every step.”

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Rubber Development Division of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities Malaysia at the ANRPC Secretariat. Led by Peter Dennis of Malaysia’s Rubber Development Division, the group met with ANRPC Secretary-General Dr Suttipong Angthong and his team.

The discussions centred on essential industry issues, particularly the vital importance of achieving stable rubber prices for the benefit of producers and the broader market. Conversations further delved into analysing recent market trends and their consequences for global production and trade dynamics.

This engagement highlighted the ongoing necessity for cooperative action to address sectoral challenges, advance sustainability and ensure resilient growth in the face of variable economic conditions.

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Bridgestone Americas has unveiled its latest flagship winter tyre, the Blizzak IcePeak, which will launch nationwide in May 2026. This new tyre is distinguished as the first from Bridgestone to achieve both the rigorous 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake and Ice Grip certifications, marking a significant advancement in winter performance. Designed to cater to a broad range of vehicles – including sedans, minivans, CUVs, SUVs and trucks – the IcePeak will replace the Blizzak WS90 and DM-V2 models. It will be available in 107 sizes, ultimately covering approximately 97 percent of the US light-duty vehicle market, with the majority of sizes ready at launch.

The tyre’s development centres on delivering superior winter traction alongside improved durability and efficiency, leveraging the company’s ENLITEN technology. This integration aims to lower rolling resistance for better fuel economy and extend tyre wear life, offering long-term cost savings for drivers. Internal testing indicates the IcePeak surpasses the wear life of its predecessors while maintaining effective traction. Its compatibility extends to conventional, hybrid and electric vehicles, emphasising its modern engineering.

Key to its performance is a suite of specialised technologies. Bridgestone’s patented MultiCell compound is engineered to enhance stopping power on ice, a claim validated by the official Ice Grip certification. This certification requires performance on ice to exceed a standard reference tyre by at least 18 percent in braking tests. For snow traction, the tyre employs optimised tread blocks and full-depth 3D sipes to create additional biting edges, helping vehicles gain grip and reduce spin.

Building upon the Blizzak lineage, which spans nearly four decades of innovation, the IcePeak introduces refined design elements. Its optimised compound is formulated for added durability across multiple winter seasons without sacrificing grip. A newly unified global tread pattern incorporates several critical features: strategically placed sipes are angled to maximise the gripping edge, protrusions on tread blocks prevent water intrusion on ice and micro-grooves help clear the thin water film that forms on icy surfaces. Together, these features aim to provide drivers with reliable control in wet, snowy and icy conditions, advancing the brand’s reputation for winter safety and performance.

Ian McKenney, Senior Product Manager, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Our Blizzak tyre lineup moves from strength to strength, continually raising the standard for impressive winter weather control. With the application of ENLITEN technology, we are able to expand the tyres’ performance envelope in all directions while also delivering greater durability and reduced rolling resistance, while promoting a focus on enhanced sustainability.”

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