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.
TVS Srichakra reported higher revenue and profit for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, supported by stronger operating performance and exceptional gains.
The tyre maker reported standalone revenue from operations of INR 33.9 billion for FY26, compared with INR 30.2 billion a year earlier. Profit before tax rose to INR 1.1 billion from INR 486.1 million in FY25, while net profit increased to INR 827.1 million from INR 369.6 million.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, standalone revenue from operations rose to INR 9.1 billion from INR 7.5 billion in the corresponding period last year. Profit before tax increased to INR 456.2 million from INR 118.4 million, while quarterly net profit rose to INR 346.2 million from INR 105.9 million.
The company recorded an exceptional gain of INR 29. Million m for FY26, compared with an exceptional charge of INR 114 million in the previous year. During the March quarter, exceptional gains stood at INR 8.9 million.
TVS Srichakra said the exceptional items included grant income linked to investment promotion incentives sanctioned by the Government of Tamil Nadu through the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu. The company also accounted for expenditure related to a voluntary retirement scheme and recognised an incremental obligation arising from the implementation of the Labour Codes.
Goodyear India reported higher profit for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, supported by an exceptional gain during the period.
The company posted profit before tax of INR 831.6 million for FY26, compared with INR 746.8 million a year earlier. Net profit for the year rose to INR 615 million from INR 551.2 million in FY25. Earnings per share increased to INR 26.66 from INR 23.90.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Goodyear India reported profit before tax of INR 133.3 millon, against INR 333.5 million in the corresponding quarter a year earlier. Quarterly net profit stood at INR 96.9 million, compared with INR 245.3 million in the previous-year period. Earnings per share for the quarter declined to INR 4.20 from INR 10.68.
The company recorded an exceptional item of INR 217.7 million during FY26. In the March quarter, the exceptional item stood at INR 198.3 million.
Goodyear India said the exceptional item was linked to a reassessment of liabilities relating to gratuity and compensated absences under the Labour Codes. The reassessed amount relating to previous periods was reclassified from employee benefits expense to exceptional item in the financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Kumho Tyre UK To Spotlight Mixed-Service Tyres At RTX 2026
- By TT News
- May 28, 2026
Kumho Tyre UK is set to return to the Road Transport Expo (RTX) 2026, scheduled from 30 June to 2 July at Stoneleigh Park. The company continues to emphasise dependable tyre solutions tailored for United Kingdom fleet operators, reaffirming its commitment to the commercial vehicle sector.
At Stand R37 in Exhibition Hall 1, attendees can examine Kumho’s latest commercial vehicle tyre range, engineered for applications spanning long-haul motorway driving to regional and local delivery routes. The display highlights the regional multi-performance lineup, including the KXA31, KXD31 and KXT31. Designed for mixed-use fleets navigating motorways, A-roads and urban settings, these tyres balance durability, mileage and efficiency to maximise performance across varied routes.
Also on show are the KMA12 and KMD41, developed for mixed service applications where robust construction is vital to maintaining uptime. Engineered for tougher conditions, they offer enhanced durability for demanding environments. Kumho’s RTX presence underscores its ongoing support for fleet operators with high-quality, value-driven solutions focused on performance, longevity and real-world reliability.
Kumho’s TBR sales team and executive management will be available throughout the event to discuss fleet requirements and the company’s growing retailer network. Visitors can enjoy refreshments while learning about the expanding CV portfolio.
Richard Lyons, Managing Director, Kumho Tyre UK, said, “We’re looking forward to returning to RTX and building on the conversations we started last year. It’s a great opportunity to meet with fleets face-to-face, showcase the strength of our CV range and demonstrate the quality and performance that underpins the Kumho brand.”
Prinx Chengshan Showcases Full Agricultural Tyre Lineup At 2026 Xinjiang International Agricultural Machinery Expo
- By TT News
- May 27, 2026
Prinx Chengshan has introduced a new line of agricultural tyres at the 2026 Xinjiang International Agricultural Machinery Expo, which opened in Urumqi on 25 May. The Chengshan brand showcased products specifically designed for tractors and combine harvesters, responding to the growing performance demands of large-scale machinery driven by agricultural modernisation.
As tyres play a critical role in equipment efficiency, Prinx Chengshan has developed a full-chain innovation system covering fundamental research, application development and pilot verification. With a newly launched green and intelligent off-the-road tyre plant, the company now offers agricultural tyres that excel in durability and load capacity, providing cutting-edge solutions for global customers.
The Chengshan TX series addresses specific operational needs. The TX600, for tractors, features large tread lugs and flexible sidewalls to ensure stability and comfort during high-speed relocation. The TX700 uses a reinforced carcass and belt structure to handle heavy combined loads without deformation. The TX800 incorporates an R-1W deep tread pattern and wear-resistant compound to withstand sharp stubble, gravel and roots, extending tyre life and lowering costs. For combine harvesters, the TX2000 uses proprietary IF technology to deliver 20 percent higher load ratings at the same pressure, reducing soil compaction and protecting topsoil.
Moving forward, Prinx Chengshan will continue its product plus service strategy, supporting modern agriculture alongside global partners. The company aims to advance green farming practices and contribute to a sustainable future.
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