Just concluded 2021 will stand out as a defining year for the tyre industry in India as it embarked upon an ambitious initiative – Charting a path to greater raw material security by attaining self-reliance in natural rubber (NR) availability.

The journey to become self-reliant is not new for the Indian tyre industry. The industry was amongst the first ones to become self-sufficient much before the slogan of being Atma Nirbhar was coined. For years, India has been producing practically all the tyres it requires making it one of the few countries that are self-dependent in tyre manufacturing. Much before a vehicle is rolled out, the tyre Industry is ready with the fitments having worked out specifications and standards to the minutest details.

While India has developed globally competitive tyre manufacturing capabilities, realising the vision of being Atma Nirbhar necessitates achieving self-sufficiency of the entire value chain in view of strong backward and forward linkages.

In this context, the ATMA NR project, launched during the year, attains all the more importance. Natural rubber is a key raw material for the Indian tyre industry. Unlike the global scenario where the ratio is skewed in favour of synthetic rubber, Indian industry stands out for its unique preference for NR.

However, NR demand has been outstripping domestic supply and the gap is widening. Going forward, the situation may become more challenging for the NR Consuming interests. Imports may not be sustainable considering the strategic importance of NR as raw material and also in view of large outflows of foreign exchange that the Government has been trying to discourage.

As one of its kind initiatives that could hold a template for several other raw material intensive sectors, the NR Project is designed to implement the scheme for developing a substantial 200,000 hectares of rubber plantations in the North Eastern states financially supported by major tyre companies, represented by ATMA with technical support and coordination by the Rubber Board.

This collaborative project in PPP mode involving tyre majors, Rubber Board and financing institutions is a landmark initiative where the consuming industry would be contributing directly to the development of plantation.

The project took off early in the year with a visit to the North East (Tripura, Meghalaya & Assam) by top leadership from ATMA Member companies along with Dr KN Raghavan, Executive Director of Rubber Board in February 2021 to get a first-hand understanding of ground level situation and connect with state leadership and policy makers.

Minister for Commerce & Industry (CIM), Government of India Piyush Goyal has been the prime motivating force, mentoring the project at every step right from the inception. A meeting convened by the Minister in the month of June 2021 discussed threadbare the launch of the project and the road ahead. The CIM proposed a meeting with the chief ministers of North-Eastern states to take them on board, seek their full support and fast track the project. The CIM even offered to speak to the CMs to inform them about the wider benefits of the NR Project for their respective states.

Since availability of planting material locally in North East states was a challenge, plans were made to transport the saplings from Kerala to the North East by rail. Few thousand saplings were initially sent as a pilot which reached Guwahati in good condition.

 It was an emotional moment for all the stakeholders in natural rubber sector, when the first full consignment was sent by a special train 'Bharathappuzha - Brahmaputra Rubber Express', to Azara, Guwahati, from Thiruvalla Railway Station on 10th July 21. It carried 1.33 lakh rubber saplings packed in specially designed cartons. These saplings were distributed in the NE states for planting in the identified areas.

Eventually, Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Tripura formally launched the NR Project under Chief Minister's Rubber Mission on 14th August 21 at Pathaliaghat in Sepahijala district of Tripura and the project is shaping up well ever since.

 India has emerged as a front runner as the world pursues alternatives to China in the field of manufacturing. Given the spirit of entrepreneurship backed by the policy reforms, the country is poised to play its due role in the global supply chains.

At the same time, the need for raw material security cannot be over emphasised as India looks to become the manufacturing hub of the world. It goes to the credit of the Government that it has shown keen interest in enabling policies to encourage domestic manufacturing, including tyre and allied sectors.

The fact that the ATMA NR Project could see the light of the day under the shadow of ongoing pandemic says a lot about the commitment of all the stakeholders to fight against odds. That surely augurs well for raw material security and sustainability as we welcome the New Year.

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DUNLOP Tyre Europe GmbH (DUNLOP) is preparing to introduce its latest innovation, the BLUE RESPONSE TG, an all-new summer tyre engineered to advance safety, efficiency and driving dynamics. This model marks a significant milestone as the first DUNLOP summer tyre developed by Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) and will make its official debut this weekend at the Circuito de Sevilla in Spain. The 4.2-kilometre track, known for its 16 corners and lengthy 822-metre straight, provides a demanding environment ideal for showcasing the tyre’s capabilities. Under the theme ‘the art of perfect balance’, the BLUE RESPONSE TG will undergo rigorous evaluation on the Spanish circuit to demonstrate its well-rounded performance.

A dynamic launch event has been arranged to give 120 attendees, including customers, journalists and influencers, a firsthand look at the tyre’s abilities across multiple conditions. Participants will engage in slalom exercises on both dry and wet surfaces, while braking and obstacle avoidance drills will highlight stopping power and responsiveness. Handling assessments will allow for direct comparison with rival products, focusing on cornering stability and steering accuracy. Additional tests will examine comfort and noise levels, emphasising rolling smoothness and sound reduction, as well as efficiency, showcasing lower rolling resistance and reduced fuel consumption. The experience will be complemented by guided road drives and track laps, offering a thorough perspective on the tyre’s dynamic qualities.

To illustrate the versatility of the BLUE RESPONSE TG, the test fleet includes a diverse selection of modern vehicles. Among them are the Audi e-tron, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz EQE, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota GR Yaris and Nissan GT-R R35, spanning from premium electric cars to high-performance sports machines. Developed specifically for contemporary vehicle platforms, the tyre integrates an advanced tread design, a novel rubber compound and a reinforced construction. These elements work together to deliver precise handling, short braking distances, strong wet grip and low rolling resistance, catering to drivers seeking safety, comfort and stability in both routine travel and more demanding scenarios.

Markus Bögner, President and Managing Director, DUNLOP Tyre Europe, said, “This is our first DUNLOP event since the acquisition, which is precisely why the launch of our summer tyre is so important to us. Direct interaction with customers and the media here on site is crucial for us, as it is the only way we can hear their perspectives and continue to develop in a targeted manner.”

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Vittoria has unveiled the next generation of its Air-Liner Light Road, an ultralight tubeless insert refined to satisfy the rigorous demands of contemporary road cycling. Building upon its predecessor, this iteration features a completely overhauled material composition and a novel manufacturing technique that elevates performance, simplifies setup and enhances dependability, all while maintaining its featherlight profile.

Engineered with input from WorldTour professionals, the Air-Liner Light Road delivers puncture support, steadfast bead security and consistent rim defence without diminishing ride quality. The pivotal advancement lies in the transition to an extrusion process. This shift produces a structure with more uniform closed cells and a smoother exterior.

The new material significantly minimises sealant absorption, permitting the use of up to 10 percent less sealant. For optimal protection, it is advised to add 10 ml more than a standard tubeless setup. In the event of a flat, the enhanced run-flat capability delivers a ride comparable to approximately 14.5 psi, allowing a rider to continue for up to 50 kilometres.

Installation is more effortless, as reduced internal friction helps the insert settle perfectly. It also diminishes the likelihood of tyre burping by 28 percent at lower pressures compared to setups without an insert. Remarkably, these enhancements are achieved without any weight penalty, with each unit ranging from 30 to 40 grammes.

Functioning as a dynamic component, the insert expands upon air loss to facilitate run-flat mode. Beyond emergency support, it empowers riders to safely utilise lower pressures for heightened grip and comfort, effectively absorbing shocks from rough pavement.

Having been tested by Vittoria's professional teams, the Air-Liner Light Road is already a staple for many riders. To ensure a perfect match, Vittoria has printed tyre width compatibility directly on the insert. This new model completes the Air-Liner range, providing a dedicated solution for every discipline. With cyclists prioritising precise pressures for optimal performance, this insert answers the call for greater safety and reliability, extending benefits beyond the competitive peloton. Each insert comes supplied with a Vittoria Multiway Tubeless valve.

Stijn Vriends, Chairman & CEO, Vittoria, said, “At Vittoria, our objective is to elevate every cyclist’s ride. With our new generation of Air-Liner for road, we complete our vision of total tyre system performance across every terrain. From the WorldTour to everyday riders, from smooth asphalt to rough gravel sections, we give cyclists the confidence to ride faster, further and with complete peace of mind – because performance should never stop when the road gets tough!”

Andreas Klier, Technical Operations and Commercial Manager, EF Education-EasyPost, said, “The new Air-Liner Light Road is a real gamechanger. In races like the Northern Classics, it gives us greater control and confidence on rough roads and pavé, letting us ride at lower pressures without compromising performance or safety.”

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The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has issued a statement highlighting the severe threats the ongoing geopolitical crisis involving Iran poses to the nation's rubber value chain. Michael Klein, the association's President, warned in Frankfurt am Main that this new conflict could create existential difficulties for the sector. He reiterated the industry's longstanding appeal to policymakers, stressing that persistently high energy costs have been jeopardising the chemical industry, a fundamental pillar of the German economy, for some time.

The statement points out that the manufacturing sector is already beginning to feel the initial significant repercussions of the military conflict that recently escalated in and around Iran. A primary concern is the disruption to the global gas supply, which risks sustaining long-term damage. Although Germany is not directly impacted by supply cuts from Iran, the conflict has strained global fossil fuel availability to a point where demand cannot be satisfied, inevitably leading to shifts in supply chains and pronounced price increases.

According to Klein, European chemical manufacturers, who are vital suppliers to the German and European rubber industry, are being disproportionately affected by these rising gas prices. He underscored that German companies now face energy costs three times higher than those in United States. The association's president expressed alarm over the closure of significant petrochemical facilities in Germany during 2025, questioning how many more external shocks are necessary for political leaders to counteract the price implications of their own regulations. As an initial and essential step, the wdk is calling for the repeal of the Fuel Emissions Trading Act. At a minimum, they demand its temporary suspension for fuels used to generate industrial process heat, viewing this as just a starting point for much-needed regulatory relief.

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Dunlop Motorsport will bring a striking new presence to the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2026 by entering a Porsche 911 GT3 R in both the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series and the renowned ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring. This move represents an expanded commitment to one of motorsport’s most challenging circuits and underscores the brand’s dedication to performance and technological advancement.

This initiative follows a significant strategic shift by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which acquired the Dunlop trademark in May 2025. Since then, Dunlop has been positioned as the cornerstone of the company’s global growth strategy, aimed at enhancing international visibility and reinforcing long-term brand equity. The motorsport programme now serves as a visible expression of that direction.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R entered by Dunlop Motorsport will feature a distinctive yellow and black livery, designed by the creators of the Gran Turismo video game series. This design not only ensures high visibility but also reflects a partnership established at the end of 2025, making Dunlop the official tyre partner of the Gran Turismo World Series and Gran Turismo 7. Through this collaboration, players can virtually experience Dunlop tyre performance under realistic racing conditions. The car will carry the number 17, a nod to the Porsche Group C prototypes from the 1980s, linking historic racing heritage with contemporary GT3 engineering.

With a legacy dating back to 1888 and the invention of the pneumatic tyre, Dunlop has long been intertwined with competition. Its motorsport history includes rallying, overall victories at Le Mans and success in the DTM, establishing a deep-rooted presence in international racing. The Nordschleife programme continues that tradition.

Driving the entry in 2026 will be Julien Andlauer, Nico Menzel, Dorian Boccolacci and Alessio Picariello. Each brings considerable experience with both the Porsche 911 GT3 R and the Nürburgring circuit. Andlauer, a Porsche factory driver, contributes expertise from the World Endurance Championship, while Menzel offers detailed knowledge of the Nordschleife as an Eifel native. Boccolacci and Picariello have secured overall victories on the track and are recognised as consistent frontrunners in the endurance series.

By competing on the Nordschleife, Dunlop leverages the circuit’s reputation as both a development environment and a global showcase. For the brand, motorsport is more than competition – it is a demonstration of engineering capability, performance standards and the strength of its global identity.

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