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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Titan International, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of off-highway wheels, tyres, assemblies and undercarriage products, has announced a decision to consolidate its North American manufacturing footprint. This strategic move will result in the closure of the company’s facility in Jackson, Tennessee, by the end of October 2026. The consolidation reflects Titan’s ongoing efforts to optimise operations and improve capacity utilisation across its existing network.

Production currently performed at the Jackson site is expected to be transitioned to other Titan facilities over the coming months. The closure will affect approximately 140 employees. Titan has committed to supporting these team members throughout the transition, working closely with local leadership to provide assistance that includes severance packages, continuation of benefits and job placement support.

Despite the Jackson closure, Titan will continue to operate a robust network of manufacturing facilities across North America. This network ensures the company remains well positioned to serve customers across a diverse range of off-highway end markets, including outdoor power equipment, powersports, agriculture, construction and earthmoving.

Paul Reitz, President and CEO, Titan International, said, “The decision to consolidate production and close the Jackson facility is difficult knowing the impact it has on our team members and their families. Titan continues to take deliberate actions to improve its operating efficiency while maintaining the flexibility and scale required to serve our customers.”

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America's Tire has entered into a new multiyear partnership with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, marking an immediate collaboration that will extend across several future seasons. Under the three-year agreement, the tyre retailer assumes the role of the Union’s Official Tire Retailer. Its branding will be prominently displayed on the rooftop of Subaru Park, complemented by field-level signage visible during broadcasts of home games. Beyond stadium presence, the company will engage fans through a digital and social content series featuring Union players and will also lend its support to the historic Army-Navy Cup.

Having established its first Philadelphia location in 2024, America's Tire has positioned itself as a local authority on tyre safety. The company now operates three area stores, including one in Burlington, New Jersey. This alliance with the Union broadens America's Tire’s existing commitment to road safety for professional soccer supporters, building on its role as the Official Tire Retailer of Major League Soccer during the league’s 31st season – a designation that encompasses marquee events like the MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup.

In Philadelphia and across 20 other MLS markets, America's Tire provides tyres, wheels and wiper blades through online and in-store channels, supported by expert teams for safety checks and installations. In addition to the Burlington location, fans near the Union can visit its stores in Exton and Whitehall, Pennsylvania.

Tom Williams, Chief Experience Officer, America's Tire, said, "As America's Tire continues to expand its presence in the Northeast, our objective is to exceed customer expectations by ensuring consistent, reliable support across every interaction.”

Charlie Slonaker, Chief Revenue Officer, Philadelphia Union, said, "We're excited to welcome America's Tire as a partner of the Philadelphia Union. Through this partnership, we share a commitment to helping keep our communities safe by raising awareness about tyre safety and road readiness among our fans."

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Kumho Tire Canada has expanded its portfolio with the launch of four new tyre lines – the Ecsta Sport, Ecsta Sport S, Ecsta Sport A/S and Road Venture RT – tailored to the country’s diverse driving conditions. Rather than offering a universal solution, the company now provides specialised options that account for regional climate variations, varied road surfaces and different vehicle need.

Leading the lineup are the Ecsta Sport and Ecsta Sport S, the brand’s most advanced ultra-high performance summer tyres. Engineered with enhanced compound technology and optimised tread patterns, they deliver strong grip, precise handling and stability in both dry and wet summer conditions. For drivers seeking year-round versatility, the Ecsta Sport A/S brings ultra-high performance into the all-season category. Its next-generation compound, stiff outer tread blocks and efficient water evacuation grooves ensure consistent capability across dry, wet and transitional weather.

For those who venture off paved roads, the Road Venture RT bridges the gap between all-terrain and mud-terrain tyres. It combines aggressive off-road traction with on-road comfort, featuring reinforced casing, stone-ejecting grooves and a durable tread pattern built for stability and wet-weather confidence.

Warranty coverage aligns with each tyre’s intended use. The summer-focused Ecsta Sport and Ecsta Sport S come with a 45,000-kilometre limited treadwear warranty, while the Ecsta Sport A/S and Road Venture RT each offer an 80,000-kilometre limited treadwear warranty.

The four new lines – available in wide range of sizes for passenger vehicles, performance cars, SUVs and light trucks – will be sold through authorised Kumho Tire Canada retailers. They are also eligible for the company’s 2026 Spring Rebate programme, which provides qualifying customers with up to a USD 60 rebate during the promotional period.

“The Canadian market requires tyres that can perform reliably across a wide range of real driving situations. By introducing these four new products at the same time, we are providing drivers with options that reflect how and where vehicles are actually used across Canada – whether that means daily commuting, long‑distance travel, performance driving or off‑road exploration,” said a representative of Kumho Tire Canada.

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Hankook Tire faces a demanding technical assignment at Round 6 of ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 12 as the series descends on Madrid for the first time. The occasion is the 2026 CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix, scheduled for 21 March 2026 at the Circuito del Jarama, a storied permanent circuit situated just north of the Spanish capital. Jarama first acquainted itself with the series during pre-season testing in the previous season and now assumes its place as an official race venue. Stretching to 3.934 kilometres with 14 turns, it immediately distinguishes itself as the longest circuit in Formula E history, surpassing any previous track by roughly 400 metres. Its blend of fast, flowing corners and short straights places relentless emphasis on energy management and regenerative braking while simultaneously challenging the grip and thermal resilience of Hankook’s iON Race tyre.

Strategic complexity intensifies at this round with the introduction of PIT BOOST in a single-header setting for the first time since the mechanism debuted in Season 11. Drivers will be obliged to make a pit stop that replenishes the battery with an additional 10 percent energy in approximately 30 seconds. ATTACK MODE will also be available once, lasting six minutes. When coupled with an extended race distance of 23 laps, these factors shift the spotlight squarely onto tyre consistency and energy strategy across the entirety of the event.

From a technical perspective, Jarama imposes a distinctive set of demands that Hankook must navigate carefully. Although teams accumulated initial data during pre-season running at the same circuit in the prior season, March conditions for the race weekend could bring different ambient temperatures and evolving track surface characteristics. The layout subjects the tyres to sustained stress through rapid directional shifts and high cornering loads, making predictable warm-up behaviour, controlled thermal response and stable traction indispensable for both qualifying pace and race efficiency.

The race weekend schedule begins with Free Practice 1 on 20 March, continuing through Saturday’s race on 21 March. A Formula E Rookie Test will follow on 22 March, offering development drivers valuable track time at Jarama.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport, said, “Madrid represents exactly the kind of challenge that tests every aspect of tyre performance. Jarama’s combination of high-speed corners and limited straight sections, together with the introduction of Pit Boost, creates a unique race dynamic. With teams working from a limited data baseline, the iON Race tyre is designed to deliver consistent grip and stable thermal performance across a wide operating window, supporting competitive and closely fought racing.”

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