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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AZuR partner NEW LIFE has secured official recognition for its educational initiative, NEW LIFE macht Schule (NEW LIFE Makes School), following its inclusion in the national ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) actor index curated by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German UNESCO Commission. This distinction positions the programme among Germany's prominent contributors to Education for Sustainable Development, underscoring its role in cultivating responsible environmental stewardship among younger generations.

Through a complimentary educational offering, the initiative bridges theory and practice by introducing students and trainees to the mechanics of circular economy models, resource efficiency and sustainable corporate conduct. Using tangible examples from mechanical tyre recycling, the programme illustrates how secondary raw materials directly support climate action and resource preservation while also highlighting the commercial and societal advantages inherent in circular systems.

Educators are equipped with an array of no-cost tools, including digital learning modules, project blueprints and vocational case studies tailored for trades such as landscaping, roofing, carpentry, administrative services and soon agriculture. The curriculum prioritises circular economy principles, secondary material flows, climate protection and judicious resource usage, with the aim of nurturing systemic thinking and empowering learners to devise and implement sustainable strategies in their future professions.

For AZuR, this achievement reinforces the conviction that educational institutions play a pivotal role in driving the transition to a circular economy. The recognition not only elevates the profile of NEW LIFE macht Schule among schools and educational bodies but also strengthens AZuR's ongoing commitment to advancing tyre circularity awareness in collaboration with the initiative.

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Bridgestone has expanded its long-term strategy of cultivating skilled professionals within the automotive aftermarket, with the fourth iteration of its development course drawing to a successful close. The programme, which unfolded over three intensive days, reaffirmed the manufacturer’s broader mission to fortify customer partnerships through hands-on education rather than passive instruction.

The latest cohort brought together a dozen delegates from major retail chains and wholesale operations, including Merityre, Tanvic Tyres, ETS and GT Wholesale. Known as the Bridgestone Champions initiative, the course has steadily matured into a flagship offering that transforms external partners into internal advocates, a role that participants are expected to carry forward within their home organisations long after the final session.

A dual-focused syllabus drove the experience, beginning with soft-skills development in areas such as retail marketing, telephone protocols, in-person sales negotiation and client relationship cultivation. The second half pivoted towards hard technical competencies, with considerable time devoted to the evolving ecosystem of mobility, including electric drivetrains and next-generation diagnostic methodologies. The final day relocated to the Delphi Academy in Warwick, a premier IMI-accredited facility, where delegates engaged with advanced hybrid systems and cutting-edge testing equipment under the guidance of sector specialists.

Senior Trade Marketing Manager for the North Region, Mark Fereday, positioned the curriculum as a forward-looking investment, stressing that the goal extends well beyond product familiarity. He pointed to the Warwick visit as a critical moment that exposed attendees to expertise rarely available in conventional retail settings while emphasising that ongoing upskilling remains non-negotiable as vehicle architectures grow more complex. Merityre’s Dan Mould characterised the week as exceptionally constructive, confirming that internal knowledge-sharing sessions are already being planned to elevate his team’s service standards. Similarly, ETS reception staff member Joanne Harrod noted that the technical insights gained would directly inform her daily customer consultations, enabling more precise tyre and service recommendations tailored to individual motoring habits.

Beyond the formal curriculum, the gathering fostered unexpected levels of peer-to-peer exchange, with competitors setting aside commercial rivalries to discuss operational challenges and successful tactics. Bridgestone has already confirmed that two further editions will run in the third and fourth quarters of 2026, maintaining the same structure and ensuring that a broader cross-section of the retail network can participate before the year ends.

Fereday said, “What always stands out is the collaboration. Despite representing different networks and businesses, there is a real willingness among everyone to learn from one another and share ideas. That spirit of togetherness is one of the reasons the programme has been such a success over the past four years.”

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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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