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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CTJ Janssen GmbH, a freight forwarding company based in Grevenbroich, Germany, has integrated retreaded truck tyres as a core element of its operational and sustainability strategy. The family-owned business relies on Continental’s ContiRe hot-retreaded tyres alongside the ContiLifeCycle tyre return programme. Olaf Meyers, Managing Director of CTJ Janssen, reports that this approach delivers high mileage and significant cost savings compared to new tyres while also reducing carbon emissions.

Founded in 1985 and now led by the second generation since 2008, CTJ Janssen specialises in national and international transport of general cargo, hazardous materials and chemical products. The company also offers warehouse logistics and value-added services. With a fleet of over 500 tractor-trailers, it ranks as one of the larger regional providers and is pursuing a holistic sustainability plan that includes alternative fuels. This year, the entire fleet switched to HVO 100 synthetic diesel made from residual and waste materials, saving more than 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually compared to fossil diesel. Combined with tyre retreading, the firm calculates potential savings of over 90 percent relative to conventional diesel operation.

The ContiLifeCycle system focuses on tyre reuse and extended service life, helping fleet operators optimise total cost of ownership. Based on circular economy principles, the concept includes new tyres, casing management and retreading. Used tyres are inspected, stripped of worn treads and fitted with new patterns, allowing up to approximately 70 percent of materials to be reused. Continental offers both cold-retreaded ContiTread and hot-retreaded ContiRe tyres.

For CTJ Janssen, retreaded tyres serve as a cost-effective alternative to new tyres without compromising safety, reliability or performance. Meyers views tyres as a critical factor in decarbonising the fleet, reinforcing the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

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Yokohama Tire Corporation, the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has introduced the GEOLANDAR H/T4 as the newest member of its GEOLANDAR line. This durable all-season highway tyre, engineered for light trucks, SUVs and commercial vans, is now available in 62 sizes covering wheel diameters from 15 to 22 inches.

Optimised all-season capability comes from dual lug grooves and wide circumferential grooves featuring sharp block edges that boost snow traction without sacrificing wet performance. These grooves effectively remove water to prevent hydroplaning, while large centre blocks are strategically shaped to improve traction and grip across varying driving conditions.

A smooth and quiet ride is ensured through a multi-pitch tread variation that disperses frequency peaks efficiently. High-rigidity shoulder blocks further reduce tread noise over the tyre’s lifespan, and on-road durability is supported by Yokohama’s advanced compound technology, which provides the strength needed for hauling and towing stresses. A dual sidewall design offers a rugged upper sidewall on one side for protection against road hazards and a traditional upper sidewall on the reverse.

Long tread life results from triple 3D sipes that increase wear resistance by controlling tread block stability while also improving dry performance. The advanced compound technology, through an optimised blend of silica and carbon, enhances tread life, fuel efficiency and wet traction.

Kevin Nguyen, Manager – Product Planning, Yokohama Tire, said, "The H/T4 is our latest generation highway tyre, following a long line of successful predecessors in this segment. It's built to provide excellent on-road durability with a smooth, quiet ride, perfect for truck and SUV drivers seeking a balance of long mileage, comfort and all-season traction. Plus, it carries a 70,000-mile (approximately 112,654 km) limited treadwear warranty for Euro-metric sizes and a 55,000-mile (approximately 88,513 km) limited treadwear warranty for LT-metric sizes."

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Hankook Tyre UK has confirmed its return as headline sponsor of Supercar Fest for a seventh consecutive year in 2026. The longstanding partnership continues with one of United Kingdom’s most anticipated gatherings of high-performance automobiles. As a flagship event on the national automotive calendar, Supercar Fest is known for combining immersive displays of speed, technical innovation and engineering excellence.

The 2026 season begins with The Runway at Sywell Aerodrome on 16 and 17 May, where attendees can witness top-speed runs along a one-kilometre straight section. Visitors will also see an extraordinary lineup of hypercars and performance models. Among the featured tyres on display will be the ultra‑ultra‑high‑performance Ventus S1 evo Z, the ultra‑high‑performance Ventus evo and the all‑season Kinergy 4S 2. A Hankook stand will include a Formula E car, reflecting the brand’s role as exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The action moves to Shelsley Walsh on 13 June for The Hill Climb, returning to the world’s oldest motorsport venue where Supercar Fest was born in 2019. This historic setting hosts an adrenaline‑filled day of supercar spectacle. As exclusive tyre supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship, Hankook will display a WRC car demonstrating its on‑track performance, aligning the venue’s heritage with the brand’s deep motorsport involvement.

At both events, the Hankook stand will showcase advanced tyre technologies, including the iON electric vehicle family. This range comprises the summer tyre iON evo, the all‑weather iON FlexClimate and the iON GT for compact EVs and SUVs. Engineered for electric mobility, the iON tyres offer reduced rolling resistance, low noise, enhanced load capacity and specific management of instant torque to help extend range and deliver a smoother drive. Interactive experiences, branded merchandise and conversations with the Hankook team will also be available.

Mark Webb, Event Director, said, “Hankook Tyre UK have been with Supercar Fest since the very beginning in 2019, and their continued support has been incredible. As our longest-standing partner, they are truly part of the Supercar Fest family. It feels especially fitting that this year we return to Shelsley Walsh, where it all started. From showcasing a Formula E car at our flagship Runway event in May, to bringing a WRC car for live demonstrations at the Hill Climb, they continue to raise the bar. Shelsley Walsh, as the oldest motorsport venue in the world, provides the perfect backdrop for this. The venue’s rich history combined with Hankook’s cutting-edge motorsport presence will create something genuinely special for our visitors. We’re proud to have them alongside us on this journey and look forward to another fantastic year together.”

Ben Francis, Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Supercar Fest, one of the UKs leading automotive events. Visitors can experience Hankook’s world-class tyre technology up close, showcased alongside a Formula E car at Sywell Aerodrome and a live action WRC car at Shelsy Walsh – a true spectacle on a historic track.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has entered into a new collaboration with Bradford Council aimed at raising tyre safety awareness among road users across the district. Given that Bradford’s roads see over 1.5 billion vehicle miles travelled annually, combined with a dense urban traffic environment and a significant number of learner and newly qualified drivers, maintaining legally compliant and well-maintained tyres has become essential for road safety. Both TyreSafe and the Council are existing partners of West Yorkshire Vision Zero, a 2024 initiative designed to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries in the region.

Under this partnership, TyreSafe will work directly with Bradford Council’s Road Safety Team to encourage simple, preventative tyre checks. The goal is to help drivers understand how tyre condition influences braking performance, wet weather grip and overall vehicle control, especially on crowded urban roads where shorter stopping distances are critical. Bradford Council continues to invest in education, engagement and enforcement to lower road casualties, with a strong emphasis on helping road users develop safer habits and keep their vehicles roadworthy.

Through joint campaigns and engagement activities, TyreSafe and Bradford Council aim to improve tyre safety knowledge, support safer travel and contribute to the Council’s broader casualty-reduction objectives.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Tyres are fundamental to a vehicle’s safety, yet they’re often overlooked. In a district like Bradford, where traffic levels are high and journeys are frequent, worn or under-inflated tyres can significantly increase risk. By partnering with Bradford Council, we can reinforce the importance of regular tyre checks and help road users understand how maintaining their tyres plays a key role in keeping themselves and others safe.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder – Regeneration, Planning & Transport at Bradford Council, said, “Vehicle condition is an important part of road safety, and tyres play a crucial role in how a vehicle performs – particularly when braking or driving in wet conditions. Working with TyreSafe allows us to strengthen our road safety messaging and encourage drivers across the district to take simple steps that can make a real difference on Bradford’s roads.”

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