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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In a major step to advance its global manufacturing footprint, China’s Triangle Tyre has unveiled plans for a new facility in Cambodia. The company will invest CNY 3,219 billion (approximately USD 462 million) to construct a tyre plant in Svay Rieng Province, with construction slated to commence in March 2026. This project represents a cornerstone of the firm’s international expansion strategy and a deepening engagement with the Belt and Road Initiative.

The future facility is designed to produce six million high-performance passenger car tyres and one million commercial vehicle tyres annually. It will employ proprietary manufacturing technologies developed by Triangle Tyre. Output from the Cambodian plant is primarily destined for key international markets, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Establishing a local, wholly-owned subsidiary will facilitate the project's implementation and ongoing operations. Company officials position the investment as a strategic move to optimize global supply chain and sales networks while enhancing overall market competitiveness. Financial projections indicate the project is expected to generate average annual revenues of approximately CNY 2,585 billion (approximately USD 371 million) upon reaching full production, with an estimated investment return rate of 15.1 percent.

This overseas capacity expansion is viewed as a direct response to China’s ‘Go Global’ policy. It aims to secure new market opportunities and sustainable profit growth, thereby strengthening the company’s position for long-term development in the global tyre industry.

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Hankook Tire commences its second year as the exclusive tyre supplier for all classes of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), beginning with the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo from 22 to 25 January. This 94th edition of the legendary event, covering 339 kilometres across 17 special stages in Monaco and France, is renowned for its unpredictable Alpine conditions. The challenge of rapidly changing surfaces, from tarmac to snow and ice, makes tire selection and performance absolutely critical to competitive success.

For this demanding opener, Hankook will provide its advanced Ventus Z215 tarmac tyre, engineered for precise handling and cornering stability on dry roads. To tackle winter conditions, the company will supply its Winter i*cept SR20, available in both studded and non-studded versions to ensure exceptional traction and control on snow and ice. These products incorporate the brand's latest motorsport technology, developed in collaboration with participating manufacturers to meet the championship's rigorous demands.

Beyond the technical partnership, Hankook plans to enhance its fan engagement throughout the 2026 season. Initiatives include operating ‘Brand World’ marketing booths at service parks for events like the Croatia Rally and Vodafone Rally de Portugal, alongside hosting ‘Stage Hospitality’ at select regional rallies. These efforts are designed to offer unique brand experiences to spectators and partners, solidifying Hankook's premium global image. The company will also leverage its official digital channels to share real-time updates and rally content with a worldwide audience.

The 2026 WRC calendar comprises 14 rounds spanning Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. Having established its technological leadership since becoming the exclusive supplier in 2025, Hankook aims to build on its proven record of consistent performance under extreme conditions, supporting another fiercely competitive championship.

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Continental has enhanced its gravel range with the introduction of the Terra Adventure Graphite-Reflex, a tyre engineered for visibility and extended exploration. This new model incorporates a Graphite Reflective sidewall strip, certified to the R88 standard, to dramatically improve rider visibility during low-light and night-time riding. This key safety feature empowers cyclists to venture further with confidence, bridging the gap between gravel and cross-country mountain biking without compromising performance.

The tyre builds on a foundation of proven off-road technology, featuring a fast-rolling, open tread pattern derived from Continental's mountain bike expertise. This design ensures reliable traction across diverse surfaces, from soft soil to hardpack. Reinforced shoulder knobs provide secure cornering, while a specific 3-3-4 centre stud arrangement offers stability under braking and smooth handling over mixed terrain. Underpinning this capability is Continental's Grip Compound and protective Trail Casing, which work in concert to deliver durable, all-condition performance.

Fully tubeless-ready and hookless rim compatible, the Terra Adventure Graphite-Reflex is available in multiple widths to suit different riding preferences. Ranging from a speed-oriented 45 mm option to a plush 55 mm version, each tyre is constructed to offer long-distance durability and consistent control, making it a versatile choice for riders who demand both safety and uncompromising capability on their adventures.

Alexander Haenke, MTB and Gravel Product Manager, Continental Tires, said, “With the new Terra Adventure Graphite-Reflex, we’re expanding our gravel tyre portfolio for riders who want to venture further with greater confidence. By integrating R88-certified Graphite-Reflex, we’re improving low-light visibility and offering riders extra peace of mind on extended or unpredictable routes. Whether you’re tackling dark-season gravel rides or pushing through late-night bikepacking miles, Terra Adventure Graphite-Reflex adds a meaningful safety advantage without compromising style or performance. At Continental, we’re dedicated to creating products that align with every rider’s adventure – and with this new addition, the journey can continue long after the sun goes down.”

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The Rubber Division, American Chemical Society has announced the recipients of its 2026 Science and Technology Awards, recognising seven researchers for contributions to elastomer science, sustainability and manufacturing innovation.

Dr Rabindra Mukhopadhyay has been named winner of the Sustainability in Elastomers Award, which recognises advances that reduce environmental impact and improve material compatibility across the elastomer value chain.

The Sustainability in Elastomers Award, sponsored by ACE Laboratories, was established in 2018 as the Bioelastomer Award and later expanded to reflect broader sustainability goals. It carries a USD 3,000 prize, an engraved plaque and travel support.

Dr Mukhopadhyay is Chairman of the Indian Rubber Institute and Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Hari Shankar Singhania Elastomer and Tyre Research Institute. He also serves as Director (R&D) at JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. He is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Indian National Academy of Engineers, the Institution of Engineers India, the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists and the Indian Institute of Quality.

He is a Visiting Faculty Member at a number of Indian universities, including the Indian Institute of Technology, and serves as a Senate Member of the Indian Institute of Technology (Patna). He is also a Member of the Academic Advisory Board of Techno India NJR Institute of Technology, a Member of the Governing Council of the Rubber Skill Development Centre, and a Member of the Advisory Board of Certification Services at the British Standards Institution. Mukhopadhyay has spent 38 years in the polymer industry, with a focus on education, training and research in rubber science and tyre technology, and has authored more than 175 research papers and holds six patents.

The division’s highest honour, the Charles Goodyear Medal, has been awarded to Dr Gregory McKenna. Sponsored by HF GROUP, the medal recognises invention or innovation that has made a significant contribution to the rubber industry. The award includes USD 6,000, a gold medal, a framed certificate, lifetime membership of the Rubber Division and travel expenses.

Dr Will Mars has been selected for the Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology Award, sponsored by Lion Elastomers. The award recognises sustained technical contributions to rubber science and technology and includes USD 3,000, an engraved plaque, lifetime membership and travel support.

The George Stafford Whitby Award for Distinguished Teaching and Research has been awarded to Dr Rigoberto Advincula. Sponsored by Cabot Corporation, the award honours international excellence in polymer science education and research and includes USD 3,000, an engraved plaque and travel expenses.

Dr Clément Robin is the recipient of the Sparks-Thomas Award, sponsored by Endurica. The award recognises scientific contributions by early-career researchers within 25 years of earning a bachelor’s degree and includes USD 4,000, an engraved plaque and travel support.

The Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers Award has been awarded to Dr Timothy Lodge. Sponsored by Renkert Oil, the award recognises advances in the chemistry of thermoplastic elastomers, particularly work leading to new commercial or patentable materials. It carries a USD 4,000 prize, an engraved plaque and travel expenses.

Dr Gerard Nijman will receive the Fernley H Banbury Award, also sponsored by HF Group, for innovations in rubber processing equipment, instrumentation and manufacturing technology. The award includes USD 3,000, an engraved plaque and travel support.

The Rubber Division, ACS Science and Technology Awards programme has recognised achievement in rubber and elastomer science since 1941. Award recipients will be formally recognised at a forthcoming Rubber Division meeting, where they will deliver technical lectures on their work.

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