India’s tyre industry is accelerating at an unprecedented pace with a turnover of INR 900 billion and production exceeding 217 million units in FY23. Amid this dynamic growth, JK Tyre has emerged as a front-runner, combining manufacturing excellence with sustainability-focused practices. From advanced automation to energy-efficient operations and innovative product development, the company is re-defining tyre production standards. Its Chennai plant with premium and export-oriented capabilities exemplifies this transformation, positioning it at the forefront of next-generation tyres both domestically and globally.

A turnover of INR 900 billion and a production strength of 217.352 million units was the key figures of India’s tyre industry in FY23, according to statistics by the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association.

Unequivocally, the third-largest automobile market’s tyre sector is expanding by leaps and bounds. From passenger car to OTR tyres, Indian tyre makers are making a name for themselves not only in the homeland but internationally too.

With individual leaders in every segment of tyres, the industry as a whole is also changing its approach towards the different aspects of the supply chain.

One of the leaders, JK Tyre, is banking on its manufacturing excellence and sustainable methodology for paving the road for the next generation of tyres.

The statement is further reinforced during Tyre Trends’ tour of JK Tyre’s Chennai facility, which is spearheading this transformative movement. Commissioned in 2012 with investments exceeding INR 26 billion, the plant is one of the company’s most advanced facilities and is strategically located near Tamil Nadu’s automotive hub and major ports for exports.

It produces passenger car radial (PCR) and truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres including premium and export-oriented ranges. The plant has received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC Plus) certification for using bio-based, renewable and recycled raw materials and has been a consistent award-winner for energy and water efficiency, operating as a zero-liquid discharge facility while sourcing over half its power from renewables.

JK Tyre’s recent INR 14.3 billion expansion plans will increase TBR capacity by 800,000 tyres and PCR capacity by two million tyres annually, enabling JK Tyre to roll out next-generation sustainable products like the UX Royale Green.

“We save around 56 percent of our energy through renewable sources and significantly reduce coal consumption. On sustainability, we have several products that can be commercialised through back-end raw material suppliers, although global adoption is still evolving due to cost and scale feasibility. Every energy efficiency initiative involves upfront investment with payback realised over time. Our company vision emphasises green and sustainable mobility, evident even in the plant environment as our facilities are designed with greenery and environmental considerations in mind,” said Managing Director Anshuman Singhania.

Automation is another defining feature of the plants. Very few people are directly involved in machinery operation as most processes have been automated to minimise or eliminate manual intervention. In tyre building, for example, green tyres move seamlessly via conveyor systems through painting units, curing and finally to inspection, mostly without human handling.

Across facilities, processes are fundamentally auto-controlled. Manpower is primarily assigned to oversight roles such as conducting checks or managing specific material movements that cannot be automated.

Otherwise, each stage is tracked through sensors, cameras and online data capture. The high level of automation is evident throughout operations from AGVs transporting tyres to robotic handling systems.

TECHNOLOGICAL PROWESS

A tyre’s birth involves many stages starting from the raw materials that go into a gigantic mixture. According to the company’s Technical Director V K Misra, a PCR tyre needs 8-10 raw materials, while a TBR tyre needs 16.

Once the raw materials are intricately mixed, the mixer sends it to an extruder machine to shape raw rubber compounds into continuous strips or profiles that form different tyre components.

The third step involves the extruder passing on the strips to an auto booking machine, which automatically measures, stacks and aligns these sheets for easy handling. The following step uses a leaf truck machine that carries and transports the stacked sheets or semi-finished materials to the calender machine.

The calender then coats the rubber sheets and sends them to the steel wire room, where the tyre gets its much-favoured durability. The next steps involve assembly, testing and the final roll out.

Across the entire manufacturing unit, a key metric is traceability ranging from individual components to final rollout and even through the operational life of the tyre – every stage leaves a footprint.

The company primarily uses German and Chinese machinery at its Chennai facility and is exploring the integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips in tyres for enhanced traceability, while currently, tyre life is monitored through embedded sensors.

The plant takes around 15 minutes to produce a PCR tyre and 50-55 minutes for a TBR tyre.

“We collaborate closely with equipment suppliers to implement automation, robotics and conveyor systems. Some proprietary solutions are exclusive to our plants, though specific details remain confidential. Many robotics systems were developed in-house, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise productivity, quality and minimise wastage,” explained Singhania.

He added, “We benchmark ourselves against global standards across productivity, scrap, energy efficiency and water conservation. In water management, we are global leaders. For instance, innovations implemented at our first plant in Kanpur have set industry standards for water conservation.”

Furthermore, the company’s in-house research indicates that nearly 70 percent of low-inflation tyres, especially on highways and city roads, contribute to accidents or injuries. To mitigate this risk, it is deploying tyre pressure monitoring systems and advanced sensor technologies that alert consumers via smartphones.

Efforts are also underway to integrate these alerts directly into OEM dashboards across trucks, buses, passenger cars, two- wheelers and three-wheelers and even farm or off-the-road (OTR) applications.

“The next generation of tyres will incorporate embedded sensors directly within the tyre, eliminating the need for external kits. This approach not only improves consumer safety but also generates valuable research and development insights in a large and diverse market like India. Adoption has been particularly strong among younger consumers,” contended a confident Singhania.

SUSTAINABILITY

JK Tyre developed the UX Royale Green with 80 percent sustainable, recycled and renewable materials. The tyre was produced at its Chennai facility. The development of this line was a result of over a decade of research at JK Tyre’s Global Tech Centre.

The tyre incorporates bio-attributed polymers, recycled rubber powder, recovered carbon black, renewable oils, sustainable steel wire and recycled polyester. Despite its sustainable composition, the UX Royale Green delivers performance comparable to standard tyres and has a lower carbon footprint.

Moreover, the ISCC Plus certificate serves as a testament towards the company’s relentless efforts towards sustainability. “When we talk about sustainability, it encompasses the circular economy by using recycled materials where feasible, incorporating natural raw materials and minimising fossil-based chemicals. For example, recycled polyester, steel and natural rubber may be used without compromising performance,” averred Singhania.

He added, “We are committed to sustainability and green practices. While investments are necessary, balancing productivity, quality and cost control ensures profitability in cost-sensitive markets like India. Measures such as process optimisation, quality control and energy efficiency help us reconcile green mandates with financial goals.”

Commenting on the same lines, Misra stated, “Extensive testing ensures that recycled or sustainable materials do not reduce tyre performance metrics and mileage, ride comfort and handling remain consistent. The use of recycled rubber from cured tyres is minimal and does not impact the product beyond a small percentage. End-of-life tyre recycling is a separate initiative and does not feed directly into new tyre production at significant levels.”

MARKET OUTLOOK

Singhania affirmed that the company is anticipating 8–9 percent growth in the tyre industry this year. While commercial vehicle tyre demand remains subdued, passenger vehicles are stable and two-wheelers are expected to perform well post-monsoon.

“This growth is supported not only by GST sentiment but also by overall economic activity, government infrastructure pushes and strong rural demand. We are targeting white spaces in India, especially in towns with populations under 100,000, where demand for tyres is rising and our presence is limited,” noted Singhania.

The tyre maker is also confident of a significant growth opportunity in the off-road segment with GST reducing the rate to five percent for farm tyres. “We have re-positioned our product line and introduced a premium offering with enhanced performance. Activities were initiated well before the season began and our OEM footprint has already shown positive signs. With improving monsoon conditions, rising rural demand and GST benefits, the outlook for this segment looks very bright,” explained Chief Financial Officer Sanjeev Aggarwal.

He added, “The commercial vehicle industry, where we are primarily present, stands to benefit the most from GST. Increased consumption of goods and white goods will raise total freight availability. Alongside reduced interest rates, capacity utilisation in CVs is expected to increase, further supporting demand for new tyres.”

Radialisation in the TBR segment has reached around 68–70 percent of the market. JK Tyre continues to lead this segment, supplying directly to 85–90 percent of fleet operators and maintaining a strong market presence.

Innovative products such as the XF tyre provide fuel-saving benefits, a critical factor for transporters focused on cost per kilometre. These tyres are supplied entirely to OEMs while also being available in the replacement market.

The company serves approximately 1,800 fleets directly or through dealer networks. Its tiered fleet management programmes include a per-kilometre model, where transporters pay only for the distance covered with tyre performance guaranteed for that usage. This hands-off, mobility-based solution is unique in the industry, creating a clear differentiation from competitors, including international players.

Moreover, the company has strategically diversified its exports across multiple international markets to mitigate risk. Its key export products include TBR tyres, covering heavy trucks from SDM to HD, passenger vehicle radial tyres, truck bias and radial tyres, light commercial vehicle tyres in both radial and bias formats, farm tyres in limited quantities, industrial tyres and tyres for two-wheeler and three-wheelers.

Truck bias tyres are primarily exported to Brazil, parts of Latin America and select African countries, while PCR tyres are directed mainly to the European Union and the UK, particularly for heavy trucks.

OUTPACING HURDLES

About half of the company’s rubber requirements are met through imports. However, it doesn’t see tyre imports currently a threat to domestic manufacturing, and the market remains balanced.

Imports, particularly from China and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, are carefully managed through a license-based restricted system. For very small tyre sizes, limited imports, typically around 100 units annually for applications such as passenger cars, are allowed in close coordination with government authorities and ATMA, ensuring domestic production is not adversely impacted. Broader policy continues to encourage capacity creation within India to meet local demand, noted Singhania.

On the exports front, approximately 12–15 percent of JK Tyre’s total revenue comes from international markets, with around three percent previously destined for the US. Some of this volume has been redirected to other countries with key markets including Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Europe is identified as a growth opportunity with significant product launches planned for the start of the next financial year. Latin America and Brazil are also showing promising demand following previous disruptions. Overall, the company anticipates mid-to-high single-digit growth in exports.

Another major industry challenge is sourcing skilled talent. Commenting on this, Singhania mentioned that JK Tyre addresses this through comprehensive internal training programmes, upskilling initiatives and structured human resource interventions ensuring a consistent pipeline of capable personnel.

The Chennai plant contributes approximately 26 percent of the company’s total revenue and plays a critical role in its portfolio. Continuous upgrades and investment in advanced equipment is on the books to allow the plant to continue producing high-quality TBR and PCR) tyres.

JK Tyre’s approach underscores the convergence of technology, sustainability and market foresight. By integrating automation, embedded sensor technologies and energy-efficient processes, the company ensures quality, safety and environmental responsibility.

Its diversified product portfolio, ranging from passenger car radials to truck and bus tyres, coupled with a robust aftermarket and export strategy, strengthens its competitive edge.

Strategic investments in talent, research and development and sustainable materials position JK Tyre to meet evolving industry demands while addressing global challenges.

As domestic growth aligns with international opportunities, the company is set to become a pioneer in an innovation-driven future.

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Evonik, a global speciality chemicals company, has outlined a three-year strategy to sharpen its focus and accelerate growth, assigning distinct roles across its business portfolio and setting specific tasks for its major German sites. Targeted growth projects are also intended to improve the group's geostrategic balance. To fund these investments, the company is relying on its Evonik Tailor Made restructuring programme to further reduce its cost base. The plan involves cutting 3,200 jobs worldwide, with roughly 2,150 of those losses falling in Germany.

At the annual strategy meeting, the executive and supervisory boards reviewed plans through 2030. Interim CEO Claus Rettig said the industry faces a structural and economic crisis, and Evonik will use this polycrisis to reshape old structures and improve its positioning. Many parts of the business are still growing, so efforts will concentrate on strengths, future topics and lucrative markets, with better cost positions creating room to manoeuvre.

Transformation will proceed at every level. Healthcare and biotechnology projects in Canada and Slovakia, worth several hundred million euros, will strengthen the portfolio, while business units are aligned by role as growth drivers or cash generators. A new business line, Designed Polymer Solutions, bundles growth areas in aerospace, automotive and gas separation, including biogas and hydrogen. Asia and America offer strong opportunities, and further investments there are under review. Each of the six major German sites will receive a clear profile, with implementation starting shortly.

Evonik is also exiting activities with no internal prospects. Rettig said long-term leadership requires leading in what the company does, and volatility demands flexible responses. Closures of smaller sites fit this approach, and divestments of C4 chemicals and infrastructure are progressing as planned. Tailor Made's second phase begins in 2027 and runs to 2029. Measures will be finalised by late 2026, including unfilled vacancies, early retirements and voluntary severance departures. Chief Human Resources Officer Thomas Wessel said Evonik has long lived social responsibility and maintained intensive dialogue with employee representatives, and this transformation will be completed together.

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Continental recently showcased its new TerrainContact A/T2 tyre during a five-day driving event in Iceland, held from 14 to 18 September 2026. Journalists and invited customers tested the tyre across winding roads, rugged highlands, glaciers and volcanic terrain.

Starting at Þingvellir, the group travelled through Iceland's Western Highlands and the Kaldidalur valley, where gravel routes highlighted the tyre's blend of on-road comfort and off-road traction. The TerrainContact A/T2 targets pickup and SUV owners who mainly drive on pavement but require extra grip when conditions change.

Compared with its predecessor, the tyre offers better wet braking and snow traction while preserving a quiet ride and off-road ability. A new tread compound boosts wet performance, greater tread depth aids snow grip, and optimised zig-zag grooves and traction teeth add control on loose or snowy surfaces. It carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol and is engineered with electric vehicles in mind.

Okan Sen, National Marketing Manager, Continental Tire Canada, said, “The TerrainContact A/T2, as one of the best-balanced performance all-terrain tyres in the market, was developed for drivers who want the freedom to explore without compromising their everyday driving experience. Iceland was the perfect setting to bring that versatility to life, giving attendees the opportunity to experience the tire across the kind of changing terrain it was designed to handle.”

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A new Oxford Economics study commissioned by Tyres Europe underscores the tyre sector's vital economic and social contribution, arriving as Brussels shapes its Industrial Accelerator Act to reinforce European industrial competitiveness. The report, titled ‘The Critical Importance of the EU Tyre Industry’, makes the case that EU industrial policy ought to encompass the finished products sustaining Europe's economy and essential services, rather than focusing solely on raw materials and technologies.

Through the lens of tyres, the research maps the relationships between European manufacturing capacity, reliance on external sources and the smooth operation of mobility, freight and public services. It concludes that EU-produced tyres potentially enabled freight, agriculture and passenger transport, directly yielding EUR 1.5 trillion in GDP – 9 percent of the EU's total – and providing work for 30.5 million people, 13 percent of EU employment.

The study further reveals exposure on both sides of the tyre value chain. Imported intermediate inputs constitute 11.9 percent of EU tyre production value, exceeding the EU economy average of 7 percent, while natural rubber supplies depend wholly on imports. In 2024, imported tyres made up 40 percent of newly fitted tyres across the EU, a proportion that continues to climb.

Adam McCarthy, Secretary General, Tyres Europe, said, “Economic resilience depends not only on access to materials but also on retaining the capacity to transform them into safe, advanced products in Europe. The Industrial Accelerator Act is an opportunity to recognise strategically-important finished products and support competitive manufacturing in Europe. A strong EU tyre manufacturing base reduces reliance on external suppliers and helps build a more resilient, competitive automotive value chain.”

Pete Collings, Managing Director, Oxford Economics, said, “Europe’s tyre industry is far more than a manufacturing sector: it is a critical enabler of mobility, trade and wider economic activity. Our analysis shows that EU-produced tyres support hundreds of billions of euros in GDP and millions of jobs across key customer sectors, while the industry itself depends on complex global supply chains. The findings underline the economic value of maintaining a strong European tyre manufacturing base.”

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The J&K Bank presents JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas 2026, a premier Cross Country Rally, was flagged off from Manali on 26 September. Organised by Himalayan Xtreme Motorsports and Adventure X Fusion Tribe, the sixth edition achieved a significant milestone by entering the Zanskar region for the first time. The ceremonial start occurred at 5:00 PM at Dev Lok, 15th Mile, near Span Resort, Manali. Bhuvneshwar Gaur, MLA Manali, served as Chief Guest, joined by V P S. Jasrotia, Deputy General Manager of Jammu & Kashmir Bank, as Guest of Honour alongside JK Tyre officials. The rally is supported by J&K Bank as Presenting Sponsor, JK Tyre as Title Sponsor, Ladakh Tourism as Official Sponsor and Impulse and Liqui Moly as Partners.

The competition features 140 participants across Moto, Extreme and TSD categories over five days in the formidable Himalayas. The route traverses Kaza, Jispa, Padum and Pensi La before concluding in Padum, Zanskar, on 30 September. The Moto category includes 80 riders, among them one female rider. The Extreme category comprises 35 participants, including two female drivers and five Army teams. The TSD category has 24 competitors, four of whom are female, testing precision, timing and navigation. This diverse field includes professionals, private entrants, women and Army teams.

This edition serves as a tribute to Hari Singh, the legendary Gypsy King and five-time National Rally Champion, whose legacy inspires competitors. The event's defining feature is its inaugural entry into Zanskar, introducing high-altitude terrain, remote landscapes, long competitive sections and shifting Himalayan conditions. From Kaza, competitors progress to Jispa and into Zanskar, tackling Padum and Pensi La before returning to Padum. Preparation, navigation, endurance and reliability become critical. Since its 2021 inception, the rally has grown into a demanding platform testing riders and drivers against Himalayan challenges.

JK Tyre, synonymous with Indian motorsport, continues its legacy rooted in rallying, embodying endurance and adventure. For J&K Bank, supporting the event reflects nearly nine decades of commitment to regional development and showcases tourism potential. The Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, partners as a sponsor to position Zanskar as a premier adventure tourism destination, highlighting landscapes, heritage and driving routes to national and international audiences.

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