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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Pirelli returns to the Nürburgring for the 2026 edition, building on strong results from the previous year. In the SP9 class for GT3 cars, several high-profile entries have selected Pirelli P Zero tyres, including the Porsche entries from Dinamic, three Aston Martins from Walkenhorst and Dörr’s number 69 McLaren featuring a Michael Schumacher tribute livery. A historic BMW Z4 GT3 and numerous GT4 cars, such as Dörr’s number 59, are also equipped with Pirelli rubber.

Beyond sharing Pirelli P Zero tyres, some cars will also display the manufacturer’s signature yellow and black colours through special liveries. The two Dinamic Porsches, one Walkenhorst Aston Martin and Dörr’s number 59 will race with these designs, highlighting a deep technological collaboration with Pirelli. For wet conditions, crews have Pirelli Cinturato tyres available, while the GT4 cars use standard DHG and WHB tyres designed for all GT categories.

AUTO BILD will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Nürburgring 24-hour race, welcoming selected guests inside the Pirelli Hospitality area in the paddock.

Matteo Braga, Pirelli Racing Activity Manager, said, “The Nürburgring has traditionally been a benchmark for everyone and the ideal track on which to test innovative and demanding solutions, as well as an opportunity to consolidate our research work side by side with professional partners who this year have chosen to celebrate our collaboration by bringing Pirelli colours onto their liveries. In this edition of the 24 Hours, the level of competitiveness and the record number of cars entered will make the weekend particularly demanding. As always, I expect a closely fought race in every category, full of uncertainty and open to every possible outcome until the very end. We are supporting combative, high-quality teams that have everything they need to make their mark.”

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) recently hosted the ‘Sri Trang Exclusive Night 2026’ at the Hard Rock Cafe Chidlom in Bangkok. The gathering served as a gesture of gratitude towards the company’s global customers and business partners while showcasing STA’s future vision centred on artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainable development within an atmosphere of international camaraderie.

The event featured senior leadership, including group Chief Executive Officer Veerasith Sinchareonkul, executive directors Chaiyos Sincharoenkul and Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul, Sri Trang International CEO Lee Tristan Chee-Zen and Chief Marketing Officer Nattee Thiraputhbhokin. Together, they welcomed partners from numerous countries worldwide.

A central theme, ‘Empowering AI’, highlighted STA’s strategic direction to integrate AI and data analytics across supply chain management, market analysis and customer solution development. This approach aims to respond accurately and flexibly to shifting global markets. STA also reinforced its role as a collaborative business partner, working with customers to solve problems, enhance efficiency, reduce risks and build sustainability throughout the supply chain, thereby strengthening Thailand’s natural rubber industry globally.

Additionally, STA underscored its commitment to transparency, traceability and responsible supply chain practices for long-term stability. As the company approaches its 40th year, the event not only acknowledged loyal support but also demonstrated STA’s readiness to advance through technology, innovation, and global cooperation.

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Titan International has formally entered the rubber track market, a strategic expansion of its product lineup long requested by its customer base. The new Titan Rubber Tracks represent the brand’s first move beyond wheels and tyres, specifically engineered for compact track loaders and mini excavators. This launch introduces an entirely new category for the company, aiming to meet rising demand in tracked compact equipment applications.

The role of tracked machinery continues to grow across construction and rental sectors, where traction and uptime are paramount. Rather than follow industry norms, Titan developed a proprietary premium rubber compound for its tracks, prioritising durability through internal and field evaluations. Extensive testing across varied conditions and multiple regions gathered positive user feedback, with thousands of operational hours confirming reliable performance and longevity.

Both equipment dealers and end users stand to gain from the new line. Dealers receive a high-quality track solution suitable for recommendation, stocking and service support, while operators benefit from a design focused on minimising downtime. The launch encompasses nearly 60 SKUs spread across five tread patterns, fitting over 950 machine models and more than 1,500 specific fitments.

Tread options address mixed surfaces, soft ground, high-impact job sites and general-purpose use. Inventory will reside at Titan’s Des Moines facility to ensure prompt service for OEM and aftermarket needs. Following internal previews at Titan University 2026 and a public debut at the 2026 National Farm Machinery Show, Titan Rubber Tracks are now available for ordering.

Travis Little, General Manager, Ag, Construction and Industrial, said, “Our customers have been asking for Titan to enter this space, but we needed to make sure our tracks are as tough as our tyres. We’ve combined our rubber and engineering expertise to develop a rubber track option that meets our standards and works for our customers. We could have entered the rubber track market sooner, but we wanted to take the time to launch a product worthy of the Titan name. By working with our rubber compounding and engineering teams, we focused on providing a track designed for long-term performance, and we’re confident this is the product our customers have been looking for.”

Chris Smith, Product Engineer, Agriculture, Construction and Industrial, said, “Across all field tests, we have no reports of carcass delamination, guide separation or structural failure, even beyond the above-average expected hours in multiple cases. Testing was also conducted at blue-chip OEM manufacturers where Titan Rubber Tracks exceeded testing requirements on internal durability and high-stress conditions testing.”

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Ralson has reached a production volume of one million units for its truck and bus radial tyres. This accomplishment arrives only three years after the brand’s entry into the American market and roughly five years following construction work on its dedicated TBR facility, which began during the most severe period of the pandemic.

Demand from commercial fleets operating in over 70nations has fuelled the brand’s rise. Users have consistently rated the TBR product line as delivering high-end performance at a cost-effective price. To support this customer base, Ralson currently maintains two American warehouses in Savannah and Newark, enabling replenishment within two to three days for dealers and fleets across the country.

The tyre lineup meets United States fleet engineering standards and comes with a competitive seven-year, three-retread warranty. Products cover long-haul, regional and vocational uses. Following the one millionth tyre, Ralson plans a large capital investment to more than double its TBR output. The expansion will increase warehousing, partner programmes and dealer support across North America.

Brian Sheehey, President, Ralson Tire North America, said, “The first million was about conviction – in the product, the process and the people who built it. We started this plant when the world was standing still. We earned every mile since. The next million will be about acceleration: deeper dealer partnerships, broader SKU coverage and continuing to give fleets a reason to choose us on every spec sheet.”

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