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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Sun Auto Network is strengthening its presence in North Carolina by consolidating several well-known local businesses under the Sun Auto Tire & Service banner. This integration includes Piedmont Tire, which finished rebranding in late 2025, and four Tire Max locations that made the switch this past March. The process continues with Jackson Auto Worx, while Liberty Tire & Auto is scheduled to follow later in 2026.

To celebrate these changes, Tire Max will host grand opening events over two weekends in April. The first takes place 9 to 11 April at the Madison and Stokesdale stores, followed by the second from 23 to 25 April at the High Point and Summerfield locations.

These community-focused gatherings will feature promotional giveaways such as tyres and a full year of free oil changes, along with other special offers. Through this investment, Sun Auto Network aims to benefit both local drivers and the wider North Carolina communities it now serves.

Michael Loa, Regional Vice President, said, "This is about creating a more unified and recognisable presence across the region. Aligning these stores under the Sun Auto Tire & Service name builds on the strength of our existing network while delivering a more consistent experience for drivers."

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB (publ) (Enviro) has been informed that Infiniteria Sweden AB and Infiniteria Europe Sàrl plan to ask the Gothenburg District Court to immediately end Enviro’s ongoing company reorganisation. Infiniteria also challenges the legality of Enviro’s recent contract cancellations regarding their joint venture and has indicated it will seek damages as a result.

The reorganisation was originally approved by the same court on 27 February 2026. Infiniteria now argues that the process should be halted at once because its intended purpose is unlikely to be achieved and because continuing would be unfair to Infiniteria. Furthermore, Infiniteria has made clear it will oppose any reorganisation plan that Enviro might put forward.

Infiniteria disputes the validity of Enviro’s termination of their joint venture agreements, which occurred on 20 March 2026 under the Swedish Company Reorganization Act. While no formal damages claim has been filed yet, Infiniteria preliminarily estimates potential claims from the terminations at roughly EUR 84 million. This estimate partially overlaps with an existing arbitration claim against Enviro that was disclosed on 6 February 2026.

Enviro firmly rejects Infiniteria’s stance, asserting that its conclusions rest on incomplete and incorrect information, making them unfounded. Together with its legal advisors and the court-appointed administrator, Enviro is reviewing the matter and will respond to Infiniteria’s claims as directed by the District Court.

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Flat tyre protection specialist Tyron Runflat has joined the UK Towing Safety Alliance (UKTSA), strengthening efforts to raise safety standards for drivers who tow caravans, trailers, horseboxes and commercial loads across Britain.

Formed in May 2025, the Alliance is a national coalition convened by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety. It was created after the disbandment of the Trailer and Towing Safety All Party Parliamentary Group, driven by findings from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Nearly half of non‑caravan trailers inspected were non‑compliant, with many prohibited from road use due to defective brakes, lights or tyres. Towing‑related incidents rose 16 percent between 2022 and 2024.

The Alliance’s TLC campaign urges drivers to perform three pre‑towing checks. Tyres: pressure, tread depth and damage. Load: even distribution, legal limits and securing. Connectivity: lights, electrics and breakaway cables. Member organisations like TyreSafe, the National Caravan Council, the British Horse Society, National Highways, the Camping and Caravanning Club, the National Trailer and Towing Association and NFU Mutual tailor messaging to their audiences.

Tyron specialises in blowout protection. Its patented MultiBand fills the wheel well, preventing the tyre bead from dropping during rapid deflation. This helps drivers maintain steering control to reach safety. The system can also fit alongside Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems using a dedicated bracket.

The Alliance focuses on education over enforcement, helping drivers take simple steps for safer towing. By combining members’ expertise, it delivers practical guidance from leisure caravanners to agricultural and commercial operators.

Peter Simson, Director, Tyron Runflat, said, “Towing safety depends on multiple factors, but tyres remain one of the most critical elements in maintaining control of both the vehicle and the trailer. We’re pleased to join the UK Towing Safety Alliance and support the TLC campaign, which provides clear and practical guidance for drivers. Collaboration across industry is essential if we are to reduce incidents and improve awareness of the risks associated with towing. By working alongside organisations that share the same commitment to road safety, we can help ensure drivers are better informed and better prepared before they set off.”

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Goodyear kicks off its third year as the exclusive tyre supplier for the LMGT3 class in the FIA World Endurance Championship at the 6 Hours of Imola. All 18 cars competing this weekend will be fitted with Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres, continuing a partnership that began in 2024. The chosen compound for Imola is the Medium variant, recognisable by its yellow sidewall lettering, which is valued for its steady performance and reliability across multiple driving stints. This same tyre will be used at every WEC track throughout the current season.

Imola presents a unique test compared to more abrasive circuits thanks to its smooth asphalt and flowing layout that puts less stress on tyres. Lower degradation shifts the emphasis towards strategic planning over the six-hour race, rather than pure tyre preservation. This backdrop is where Richard Lietz and Riccardo Pera previously claimed their first victory together, eventually becoming 2025 LMGT3 champions alongside Ryan Hardwick. They now return with The Bend Manthey Porsche, joined by Yasser Shahin.

New regulations this season have increased tyre allocations, giving teams more strategic freedom. While the Medium’s proven durability still allows double stinting, the extra sets let crews fit fresh rubber at every pit stop, avoiding the need to overextend a stint and risk fading pace. For wet conditions, teams also have access to a Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyre, whose tread pattern is engineered to clear standing water and maintain grip.

Beyond the on-track action, the Goodyear Blimp will soar above Imola for its first appearance of the season. The Goodyear Wingfoot Award, decided by fan votes from both the grandstands and home viewers in a driver of the day format, also makes its return. Meanwhile, Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are competing this weekend at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, as well as at Donington Park for the British Touring Car Championship opener.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Program Manager, Said, “Imola is less aggressive on tyres than many of the tracks we visit. It doesn’t generate high lateral loads and the surface is relatively smooth, so it’s naturally one of the kinder tracks on tyres. That opens up a range of strategic options for teams. You can double stint and gain time in the pit lane, or with the increased allocations, teams may choose to run new tyres more often. Our Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium tyre gives them the flexibility to consider both options. The circuit also has a clear left-hand bias, which places more load on the right side of the car. Teams may look at single stinting only the loaded side, while carrying the unloaded side for longer and doing more stints on that side. These differing strategies are what we expect will define the race for many teams this weekend.”

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