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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Sun Auto Tire & Service has reached a major milestone with its new Plaza Tire Service outlet in Bowling Green, Kentucky, officially marking the company's 600th store. Since 2017, the organisation has surged from roughly three dozen locations to a dominant force within the independent tyre and automotive service sector.

The Bowling Green facility offers premium tyre products alongside skilled mounting, alignment, balancing, puncture repair and full mechanical work. Patrons benefit from digital booking and electronic vehicle health reports, all under the firm's philosophy emphasizing transparency and attentive treatment. This launch coincides with the group securing Better Business Bureau (BBB) recognition across its entire portfolio.

Beyond retail, the company is supporting local academic and athletic pursuits. Partnering with the Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Foundation, it has funded two student scholarships. A Drive With Purpose initiative partners with the high school cheerleading squad, with a share of oil change revenue directed to the programme over the coming month.

BBB accreditation denotes adherence to honest dealings and clear communication, offering consumers a reliable benchmark. As Sun Auto celebrates this landmark, its customer pledge and accredited standards demonstrate a sustained commitment to responsible service across its nationwide footprint.

Tony Puckett, Chief Executive Officer, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "This milestone represents far more than a store count. Reaching 600 locations is a testament to the thousands of teammates who deliver exceptional service every day and the customers and communities who trust us with their vehicles. As we continue to grow, our focus remains unchanged: providing clear communication, trusted guidance and expert care through the local brands our customers know and rely on."

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe and Avon Tyres are set to showcase their combined expertise in cruiser, touring and custom motorcycle tyres at the upcoming European Bike Week, one of the continent’s largest gatherings for riders. The event unfolds along the shores of Austria’s Faaker See and routinely draws tens of thousands of enthusiasts with its mix of live entertainment, custom bike displays, demo rides and a broad spectrum of industry exhibitors.

Reinforcing its deep-rooted ties with Harley-Davidson, Dunlop will again sponsor the event’s signature Harley-Davidson Parade. Both tyre manufacturers will occupy separate exhibition spaces, continuing a joint presence at major trade fairs that began after Avon became part of the Goodyear family in 2022. Their stands will feature Dunlop’s co-branded Harley-Davidson tyres and Avon’s expanded Cobra Chrome line for custom cruisers, while Dunlop additionally offers a hospitality bus and the returning Ape Hanger Challenge, where daily winners earn a free set of co-branded tyres.

Earlier this year, Dunlop was named exclusive tyre supplier for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, providing racing tyres for the MotoGP-supporting series. Attendees may combine the festival with the 2026 Bagger World Cup finale, scheduled for 19–20 September at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

The 2026 European Bike Week runs from 8–13 September at Faaker See. The Dunlop-sponsored Harley-Davidson Parade is set for 12 September, departing at noon from Rosental Street near the Pogöriacher roundabout and Harley-Davidson sculpture.

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager Motorcycle Europe, Goodyear, said, “Dunlop and Avon have a proud heritage in the cruiser and touring motorcycle segment, and European Bike Week is a fantastic opportunity to meet thousands of passionate riders from across Europe. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stands, where they can discover our biggest ever range of Dunlop and Avon tyres for cruiser, custom and touring bikes, as well as take part in some fun challenges.”

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Kumho Tire USA has introduced the all-new Crugen GT Pro, a premium all-season touring tyre engineered for larger crossovers and SUVs. The latest addition delivers superior ride comfort and confident year-round capability while featuring one of the most robust treadwear warranties in its class. The launch responds to shifting consumer preferences towards larger vehicle platforms.

To commemorate the release, Kumho is offering a promotional incentive through October 31. Customers purchasing a set of four qualifying tyres will receive a USD 80 prepaid Mastercard, applicable to the new Crugen GT Pro and Road Venture HT, AT52 and RT models.

The Crugen GT Pro utilises K-Maxmile technology and a next-generation tread compound to achieve a 20 percent improvement in wear resistance over its predecessor. An optimised contact patch promotes even treadwear, backed by warranties up to 75,000 miles for H- and V-speed rated versions. K-Noise Defender technology and rounded tread block edges reduce resonance and road impacts, lowering interior noise by up to 0.8 decibels.

Reinforced shoulder blocks and a zigzag tread pattern enhance stability and high-speed handling for heavy SUVs and electric vehicles. K-Sipe Control technology and wider lateral grooves improve wet braking and light-snow traction, while Dual Performance Block Technology resists hydroplaning. Available now in 85 sizes from 16 to 22 inches, the Crugen GT Pro covers over 85 percent of the current crossover and SUV market.

Shawn Denlein, President – Sales and Marketing, Kumho Tire USA, said, “As crossovers and SUVs continue to dominate new vehicle sales, today’s drivers expect replacement tyres that combine long tread life, ride comfort and confident all-weather capability. Crugen GT Pro was engineered to deliver the premium performance today's drivers demand at an exceptional value that Kumho is known for.”

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TyreSafe has entered into a formal partnership with Knowsley Council to advance tyre safety awareness among motorists throughout the borough. This collaboration bolsters the council’s broader dedication to enhancing road safety and aligns with its strategic objective of reducing traffic-related harm on local highways.

Under this agreement, TyreSafe will supply practical educational materials that clarify driver responsibilities and guide proper tyre inspection procedures. The initiative is designed to empower road users to detect early warning signs of wear, incorrect pressure or damage, thereby preventing minor issues from escalating into hazardous failures. This educational push complements Knowsley’s existing road safety programmes, which integrate engineering improvements, public information campaigns and enforcement measures.

The urgency of this effort is underscored by recent collision data. Over the five-year period concluding in 2025, Knowsley recorded 945 police-attended road incidents, resulting in 262 casualties classified as killed or seriously injured, including 12 fatalities. With more than one billion vehicle miles travelled across the borough annually, proper vehicle maintenance is critical for safeguarding drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike. Tyres, being the sole contact point between a vehicle and the road surface, are fundamental to effective braking, steering and overall handling.

Regular condition checks are therefore essential, particularly given that regional enforcement operations frequently uncover illegal or defective tyres, which carry severe penalties and elevate accident risks. The TyreSafe-Knowsley partnership will facilitate joint campaigns, community engagement and educational events, ensuring clear tyre safety guidance reaches a wide audience. This initiative forms part of TyreSafe’s broader UK-wide strategy to foster multi-sector collaboration, recognising that lasting reductions in road deaths and serious injuries demand coordinated action across education, enforcement, engineering and vehicle safety standards.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said, “Keeping people safe on our roads requires everyone to play their part, and our Vision Zero approach is focused on reducing the risk of people being killed or seriously injured. Making sure vehicles are safe and properly maintained, including their tyres, is an important part of protecting drivers, passengers and other road users. Tyres can have a significant impact on braking, steering and vehicle control, so ensuring they are legal and in good condition should be part of every motorist’s routine. We’re pleased to be partnering with TyreSafe to provide motorists with clear, practical information that supports our wider road safety work and helps people make safer choices on Knowsley’s roads.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chair at TyreSafe, said, “Tyre safety has an important role to play in keeping everyone using Knowsley’s roads safe. Whether someone is making a short local journey or covering significant distances, ensuring their tyres are legal, correctly inflated and in good condition is essential. Simple, regular checks can help motorists identify problems before they become a risk. We’re delighted to partner with Knowsley Council. Their commitment to Vision Zero and their work to improve safety across the borough makes this a particularly valuable partnership. By working together, we can raise awareness of tyre safety among road users and support the council’s wider efforts to make Knowsley’s roads safer.”

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