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)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Titan International Inc. is embarking on an official partnership with NASCAR competitor Ross Chastain, who is also an eighth-generation watermelon farmer. This alliance extends far beyond traditional sponsorship, focusing instead on direct agricultural support. Titan is integrating its expertise into the daily operations of the Chastain family farm, where company specialists are collaborating alongside Melon 1 to address the distinct challenges of watermelon cultivation.

The farm’s diverse fleet, which includes everything from primary tractors to specialised sprayers and utility vehicles, requires a wide array of tyre specifications. Titan is supplying a comprehensive portfolio of products and tailored support for this entire equipment lineup, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and minimise potential downtime.

Chastain’s national profile uniquely bridges the worlds of high-speed racing and foundational farming. Leveraging his platform as NASCAR’s prominent ‘agriculture guy’, this partnership is designed to generate meaningful awareness for the broader farming community. The initiative underscores a shared mission to recognise the critical innovations and relentless effort of agricultural professionals who support global supply chains. Ultimately, it represents a functional fusion of motorsport visibility and tangible, on-farm problem-solving.

Chastain said, “I grew up farming watermelons with my family, and that will always be a part of who I am. What excites me about working with Titan is that they’re actually on the farm, looking at our equipment and helping us find real solutions. I trust Goodyear tyres on the track, and now I trust Titan and Goodyear Farm Tires on our farm. That’s what 'Ag to Asphalt' means to me.”

Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager, Titan, said, “Watermelon farming has unique demands across a wide range of equipment. Our goal is to make each machine perform at its best. If Ross trusts Titan on his farm, that tells other farmers they can trust us too.”

Kim Boccardi, VP – Marketing, Titan, said, “For Titan, this partnership represents exactly what we stand for. We’re here to listen, to learn and to provide the service, support and expertise farmers want and need. Ross and his family welcomed us onto their farm, and together we’re showing the industry that if a machine needs tyres, whether it's tractors, trailers, ATVs or UTVs, we’ve got it handled.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Radar Tyres has entered a strategic global partnership with celebrated Australian cricketer Michael Clarke, appointing him as the company's new brand ambassador. This alliance represents a significant step in the brand's ongoing development, aimed at bolstering support for its international network of distributors and retailers. Clarke’s worldwide recognition and respected legacy are intended to elevate Radar’s visibility and deepen its connection with consumers across key markets.

The brand emphasises that Clarke's professional attributes – encompassing peak performance, resilience and leadership – perfectly mirror its own core mission of delivering high-quality, premium performance tyres to everyday drivers globally. His celebrated career, which includes captaining Australia to a 2015 Cricket World Cup victory and achieving an iconic Test score of 329 not out, has cemented his status as a sporting legend. Beyond the field, his influence extends through media engagements, business ventures, and a substantial digital footprint, allowing him to connect authentically with diverse, worldwide audiences.

This collaboration is a cornerstone of Radar Tyres' long-term strategy to invest in meaningful brand elevation. By partnering with influential figures like Clarke, the company seeks to authentically amplify its message and mission. The initiative will be supported by a comprehensive series of online and on-ground activities, all designed to actively engage consumers and drive the brand’s presence into households worldwide, thereby providing substantive support to its retail partners.

Clarke said, “I’m thrilled to join the Radar Tyres family. Radar Tyres is a dynamic, fast-growing brand whose mission to make high-quality, high-performance tyres accessible to everyday drivers around the world, truly resonates with me. They deliver premium products at an affordable price, and I’m excited to be part of their journey in bringing this mission to even more drivers globally.”

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Michael Clarke to the Radar family. Michael is a household name whose passion, accomplishments and global appeal make him an ideal ambassador to elevate our brand. His association will help us connect more meaningfully with everyday drivers who seek reliable, premium performance but at an accessible price. This partnership will expand our reach, strengthen our presence in key markets and further reinforce Radar Tyres as a trusted and fast-growing global brand.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone Americas is voluntarily recalling 1,742 Firestone Destination LE3 all-season tyres produced for the US market. The affected tyres, size 265/70R17, were manufactured at the company's Wilson, North Carolina, facility between 26 October 2025 and 8 November 2025. An internal review identified a production error that could lead to an increased risk of belt separation over the tyre's life, reducing its expected durability. As a result, these tyres may not meet the endurance specifications of the relevant U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. The recall is being undertaken as a precautionary measure, and Bridgestone confirms it is not aware of any related accidents or injuries.

The company is contacting all known customers, distributors and dealers. Owners can bring their vehicles to any authorised Bridgestone or Firestone retail outlet for a complimentary inspection. If a tyre is confirmed to be part of the recall, it will be replaced at no cost with a comparable Bridgestone or Firestone tyre, or another suitable alternative. Bridgestone has formally notified the appropriate US regulatory agency in compliance with legal requirements. The recall pertains exclusively to replacement tyres used on light trucks, crossovers and SUVs.

The details are given below:

• Firestone Destination LE3 tyres in size 265/70R17 
• Plant ID: 1W2
• Size Code: 1Y 
• Optional Code: LE31 
• Beginning Date Code: 4325
• Ending Date Code: 4425

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Anyline, a prominent provider of AI-driven mobile tyre inspection technology, achieved a significant landmark in 2025 by completing over 100 million digital tyre inspections globally in a single year. This milestone underscores the widespread integration of its software within automotive service environments, where dealerships, tyre retailers and repair shops rely on its precise and rapid performance under real workshop conditions.

The practical benefits of this technology are substantial for service technicians. It enhances operational consistency on the shop floor, leading to greater overall efficiency and increased customer satisfaction while also creating avenues for additional revenue. Its proven effectiveness at an enterprise level is demonstrated through its adoption by major aftermarket players like Discount Tire and partners such as Tire Storage Solutions.

On a practical level, digital tyre inspection standardises procedures and record-keeping in the service bay. This contributes directly to safety by facilitating the early detection of worn treads and potential hazards. It also improves regulatory compliance through the consistent digital capture of tyre details, including identification numbers. Furthermore, the technology provides valuable performance insights by tracking wear patterns over time, builds customer trust with clear visual documentation and drastically cuts down on manual labour. Cumulatively, these millions of inspections represent immense time savings, helping businesses address ongoing workforce challenges and operational demands.

To further broaden its reach, Anyline has expanded its offerings beyond the ready-made TireBuddy App that it released earlier this year. The company now provides the TireBuddy ToolKit, a highly customisable software development kit. This toolkit allows enterprise and platform partners to embed sophisticated tyre inspection functionalities – including tread depth measurement, tyre identification and condition assessment – directly into their own existing mobile applications on both iOS and Android. Designed for seamless integration and real-world use, it features intuitive guidance to help technicians achieve reliable, uniform results across various locations.

Lukas Kinigadner, Co-CEO, Anyline, said, “Surpassing 100 million tyre inspections in a single year is a defining moment for Anyline and the industry. Tyre inspection isn’t a nice to have; it’s a safety-critical process that depends on consistency and accuracy at scale. We’re on a mission to transform that process with fast, accurate and dependable digital assessments that make technicians’ work easier and keep the customer experience at the centre. This milestone is a strong signal that we’re on the right track.”

Simon Brooks, Vice President – Product, Anyline, said, “With our TireBuddy ToolKit, our goal is to make advanced tyre inspection as easy as adding an SDK into an existing app. We’re excited to see how our customers customise it for their workflows, and we look forward to TireBuddy powering even more safe, consistent tyre inspections in 2026.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!