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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Kumho Tire USA has confirmed its return as a sponsor of the home plate signage programme for the 2026 Major League Baseball season, appearing in six stadiums nationwide. This marks the brand’s second consecutive year participating in the initiative, which aims to strengthen visibility among consumers, clients and retail partners.

The selection of ballparks was based on strategic market analysis, prioritising regions with strong growth potential for brand recognition. By securing rotational digital signage directly behind home plate, the company ensures consistent exposure to both live audiences and televised broadcasts, enhancing its presence in high-impact settings.

Kumho Tire will feature its brand at the following stadiums:

• Angel's Stadium: Anaheim, Calif.
• Busch Stadium: St. Louis, Miss.
• Chase Field: Phoenix, Ariz.
• Citizens Bank Park: Philadelphia, Penn.
• Comerica Park: Detroit, Mich.
• Great American Ball Park: Cincinnati, Ohio

These locations enable deeper collaboration with local dealer networks and increase the company’s footprint in areas vital to its long-term goals. Through this targeted investment, Kumho Tire reinforces its commitment to community engagement while advancing broader objectives in key US markets.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, “We are thrilled to continue our significant presence in America's favourite pastime, leveraging rotational stadium signage in six key markets with high growth potential. This initiative not only elevates Kumho Tire's visibility and strengthens our position as a premium brand alternative but also creates valuable opportunities for our dealer partners to capitalise on increased local recognition.”

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Hankook Tire reinforced its brand presence on the global stage as the Semifinals of TGL presented by SoFi Season 2 took place on 17 March 2026 at the SoFi Center in Florida. Serving as the inaugural Official Tyre Partner and a Founding Partner of the league, the company leveraged this platform to highlight its premium identity. By embedding advanced technological solutions within the sports entertainment sector, Hankook aligned itself with the principle of ‘Technological Innovation’ promoted by Hankook & Company Group Chairman Hyunbum Cho. This strategy effectively communicated a progressive and contemporary brand image to audiences spanning 150 countries.

The competition unfolded as a high-intensity doubleheader featuring the regular season's top four teams. In the opening matchup, the No. 2 seed, Los Angeles Golf Club, faced Atlanta Drive GC, the tournament’s 2025 champion and No. 3 seed. Although Atlanta initially held an advantage, Los Angeles secured a 6-4 victory to advance. After trailing 4-3 at the conclusion of the Triples session, Los Angeles mounted a comeback in Singles by claiming three consecutive points. A pivotal moment came when Justin Rose levelled the score on the 10th hole before taking the lead with a birdie on the fourteenth, ending Atlanta's pursuit of consecutive titles.

The second semifinal featured the regular-season leader, Boston Common Golf, against Jupiter Links GC. This contest attracted widespread attention due to the participation of golf stars Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods in a high-stakes playoff atmosphere. Jupiter Links emerged victorious with a 9-5 win after a competitive Triples session. In Singles, Max Homa secured decisive victories over McIlroy in both of their encounters, propelling his team into the Final Series for the first time.

Both winning teams are set to compete in the Finals, a best-of-three series scheduled for 23 and 24 March 2026 at the same venue. As the season approaches its conclusion, Hankook Tire continues to connect with international audiences through elite sporting events. The company sustains a diverse global sports marketing strategy, encompassing partnerships with the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Borussia Dortmund and Al Ittihad. Additionally, its role as an official partner in premier motorsport series like Formula E and the World Rally Championship underscores its commitment to demonstrating technological leadership.

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Trelleborg Tires is all set to participate in LogiMAT 2026 to demonstrate how its XP series of material handling tyres delivers quantifiable performance gains and enhanced operational efficiency. Recognising that forklift fleets face a variety of demands, the XP range is engineered to match specific intensities, load requirements and working environments. Whether for rigorous warehouse operations or specialised settings needing non-marking or electrically conductive properties, these tyres are designed to help reduce unplanned downtime, optimise energy consumption and bolster workplace safety. The company invites attendees to explore these solutions at Hall 10, Stand A21 during Europe’s premier intralogistics event, which takes place in Stuttgart from 24 to 26 March 2026.

At the summit of the product line is the XP1000, built for the most demanding, maximum-intensity applications. This tyre enhances driver comfort through reduced vibration and superior traction, which also contributes to lower fuel consumption. A standout feature is its integrated Pit Stop Line technology, a visible orange indicator that emerges when roughly 100 operating hours remain. This proactive visual cue empowers fleet managers to schedule timely replacements, thereby circumventing unexpected and costly operational interruptions. The XP1000 is also offered with ProTEX, a specialised non-marking and electrically conductive rubber formulation designed for use in sensitive or potentially explosive atmospheres.

For the rigours of high-intensity tasks common in factories and distribution centres, the XP900 tyre provides exceptional stability and precise manoeuvrability. Constructed from advanced raw materials, its durable rubber compounds are rigorously tested to extend service life while supporting more environmentally conscious operations through a contribution to lower CO₂ emissions.

Addressing the needs of medium-intensity applications, the XP800 tyre is engineered for reliable performance in both indoor and outdoor settings. Its advanced tread pattern is specifically designed to support cost management without compromising on consistency. Completing the lineup, the XP700 tyre caters to lower-intensity material handling. It matches operational requirements with sufficient load capacity and responsive steering, and like its counterparts, includes a protective rim flange to guard against wheel damage, ensuring that efficiency and performance are maintained across all levels of activity.

Anton Stoynev, Director Material Handling & Construction Central Europe, Trelleborg Tires, said, “The full Trelleborg XP range, available in our portfolio and on display at LogiMAT 2026, demonstrates how our tyres support material handling operations across all intensities and environments. With tailored tyre solutions for specific operational needs, we enable customers to reduce downtime, optimise efficiency and enhance safety. As a business tyre partner to the forklift industry, we go beyond manufacturing tyres: we combine application expertise with practical support to empower customers to achieve their operational goals reliably and effectively.”

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Dunlop Tires North America has announced its role as Official Tyre Supplier and Technical Partner for the upcoming Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, a global racing series debuting in March 2026. This championship will feature six double-header rounds held at prestigious circuits during select MotoGP weekends across North America and Europe, bringing high-performance bagger competition to an international stage.

The partnership builds upon a deep-rooted collaborative history between the two iconic brands, spanning decades of joint efforts in original equipment manufacturing, product innovation and competitive racing. Dunlop currently provides all original equipment tyres for Harley-Davidson’s touring lineup, a relationship founded on mutual trust and aligned performance objectives that bridge everyday road use with track-ready capability.

Dunlop’s involvement draws on significant experience gained from MotoAmerica's King of the Baggers series, as well as an extensive motorsports legacy encompassing road racing, flat track, motocross and supercross. For this new championship, Dunlop will engineer dedicated racing tyres tailored to the distinct challenges posed by high-performance bagger motorcycles. Comprehensive trackside technical support will accompany the tyre supply throughout the season, ensuring teams have expert assistance at every round.

Mike Buckley, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, said, “Being selected as the official tyre supplier for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup is a tremendous honour for Dunlop. Harley-Davidson is not only an iconic motorcycle manufacturer, but a long-time collaborator. From original equipment development to championship level racing, this programme reflects more than a supply agreement. It represents a true partnership as we take on new technical challenges together at the highest level of international racing. We are proud to collaborate with Harley-Davidson as partners in this championship. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what these motorcycles can achieve while delivering a racing product that reflects the scale, ambition and global reach of both brands.”

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