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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Prinx Chengshan has introduced a new line of agricultural tyres at the 2026 Xinjiang International Agricultural Machinery Expo, which opened in Urumqi on 25 May. The Chengshan brand showcased products specifically designed for tractors and combine harvesters, responding to the growing performance demands of large-scale machinery driven by agricultural modernisation.

As tyres play a critical role in equipment efficiency, Prinx Chengshan has developed a full-chain innovation system covering fundamental research, application development and pilot verification. With a newly launched green and intelligent off-the-road tyre plant, the company now offers agricultural tyres that excel in durability and load capacity, providing cutting-edge solutions for global customers.

The Chengshan TX series addresses specific operational needs. The TX600, for tractors, features large tread lugs and flexible sidewalls to ensure stability and comfort during high-speed relocation. The TX700 uses a reinforced carcass and belt structure to handle heavy combined loads without deformation. The TX800 incorporates an R-1W deep tread pattern and wear-resistant compound to withstand sharp stubble, gravel and roots, extending tyre life and lowering costs. For combine harvesters, the TX2000 uses proprietary IF technology to deliver 20 percent higher load ratings at the same pressure, reducing soil compaction and protecting topsoil.

Moving forward, Prinx Chengshan will continue its product plus service strategy, supporting modern agriculture alongside global partners. The company aims to advance green farming practices and contribute to a sustainable future.

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Yokohama Tire has become a new partner of the Velocity Invitational, North America’s leading motorsport and lifestyle festival. The event is scheduled for 29-31 May at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California. The tyre manufacturer will showcase its ADVAN line of ultra-high-performance tyres and also support round four of the Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West by Yokohama.

The Velocity Invitational takes place in California’s wine country, blending world-class historic racing, modern hypercars, rare vehicle collections and immersive car culture. These attractions are paired with fine wines, luxury hospitality and exceptional culinary offerings.

Candace Cogan, Director of Product Marketing, Yokohama, confirmed several brand activations. These include ADVAN-livery vehicles on display and on track, such as the BBI Autosport Porsche 992 TurboCup ‘Dixie’ and a GT2 EVO tribute by Type-99. To mark the 75th anniversary of Porsche Motorsport, Yokohama will host a ‘Prost’ celebration featuring a curated video highlighting the longstanding relationship between the two brands.

Several Yokohama brand partners will attend. They include builder Vin Anatra, known for a Ferrari 360 rebuilt bolt-by-bolt on ADVAN A052 tyres; BBI Autosport founder Betim Berisha; photographer Larry Chen; filmmaker Sung Kang, famous for playing Han in ‘The Fast and the Furious’, whose upcoming film ‘DRIFTER’ features the ADVAN-shod hero car ‘Lola’ and Formula Drift hall of famer Daijiro ‘Dai’ Yoshihara.

Cogan said, “Yokohama is excited to be a sponsor of the Velocity Invitational, which is the ultimate festival of flat-out exhilaration and excitement. It’s a natural extension of our performance legacy and a powerful platform to showcase our iconic ADVAN tyres to enthusiasts united by a shared passion for car culture in every form.”

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has opened registration for its 2026 Tire Emissions Research Conference, scheduled for 8 to 10 December 2026 at the University of Cambridge in England. The event continues a series that began with successful gatherings in Munich in 2024 and Boston in 2025.

Building on prior editions, the 2026 conference maintains an exclusive focus on scientific research into tyre emissions and actionable countermeasures. This emphasis responds to rising global concern over tyre wear pollution, with organisers believing that progress depends on open knowledge exchange, multi-stakeholder collaboration and harmonised scientific methods.

The agenda covers the full scope of the issue, including tyre and road emission generation, environmental distribution and fate, ecological behaviour and impact, design alternatives and civil engineering or environmental practices for mitigating tyre and road wear particles and related chemicals. Participants range from scientists and industry practitioners to policymakers and experts in environmental and materials science.

Held at Jesus College within the prestigious University of Cambridge, the conference follows the tradition of partnering with world-class institutions such as the Technical University of Munich and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Abstract submissions are due by 29 May 2026, with further details and registration available on the event website.

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Kumho Tire has confirmed its participation at The Tire Cologne 2026, the world’s leading tyre exhibition, taking place in Cologne, Germany, from 9 to 11 June. The South Korean manufacturer will present key products at Hall 6.0, Stand B030 C039, including summer, winter, all-season and truck and bus tyres. The event is the largest and most prestigious global gathering for the tyre industry.

Under the theme ‘Innovation to Build the Future’, Kumho Tire will introduce its latest advancements and intelligent solutions for future mobility. The company aims to demonstrate technological excellence in stability and performance across driving conditions. Featured products include summer tyres such as the ECSTA SPORT S, ECSTA SPORT and ECSTA HS52, along with the winter tyre WinterCRAFT WP52+. Both ECSTA SPORT models are ultra-high-performance tyres gaining strong traction in the European market.

The WinterCRAFT WP52+, developed for European conditions, ranked third out of 51 entries in Auto Bild’s 2025 winter tyre test, earning an ‘Exemplary’ rating. Kumho Tire will also showcase MARSHAL brand products including the MU12, MH15 and MH22. The MU12 delivers stable handling, grip, braking and cornering at high speeds, as MARSHAL strengthens its global position combining performance with value.

Additional displays include the SOLUS HA32, WinterCRAFT ICE WI32, WI52, PorTran 4S CX11 and concept tyres Volume and Origami. Kumho Tire will invite key European customers for business meetings to explore partnerships, aiming to communicate its future vision, deepen engagement and expand its global footprint.

Tony Gangseung Lee, Head of Europe at Kumho Tire, said, “This exhibition presents a valuable opportunity to showcase our key products at the world’s largest tire event. We will leverage this platform to reinforce our position as a sustainable, future-oriented smart mobility partner and accelerate our transformation into a global premium brand.”

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