Until the start of vaccination, so many deaths and blockages shut down the industry, as well as businesses and individuals. The lack of labour and consumers only brought uncertainty to people's lives. No one, including governments, was able to overcome all the unknowns.

Later, people began to learn to live with this virus and to learn facilities for practicing social distancing and other preventive measures to reduce the spread of germs. Then the daily life went to normal by half. Consumer markets have started offering services with social distancing.

Then, large companies launched initiatives for the vaccination of employees and some promoted the payment of about USD$ 25 as a bonus for the first volunteers. Employees began to work in stores under pandemic conditions. So, it is the same in tyre shops, for example, to help and maintain the tyres of customers' cars in good condition, which of course ensured mobility in cities so that vehicles let vehicles circulate on the road . People could get the food, medicine, supplies and medical care they need.

Manufacturers should sometimes be able to collaborate with competitors to survive together in tough days.

Sustainability has never been more worth talking about in recent decades to be a legitimate topic on pandemic dates.  One thing is for sure, at the same time, we can never know which companies have really benefited from being willing to invest in the past with a desire to make the business sustainable in the future. We will reach and appreciate these businesses later, as accurate tax and market data as a primary result of a successful business emerges after three consecutive years.

Anyone who has taken seriously the alerts of a post-2015 virus that could one day be a reality and a threat to humanity and go unchecked in nearly three years is supposed to be ready for pandemic dates. Is it really possible to take such a viral effect into account in the risk analysis? But if so, this company is already at least six years ahead of its competition.

We never forget that keeping reliable and loyal consumers is our future.

Today, many industries must survive with material suppliers, customers and its service providers. We can add its competitors as a fourth pole at the corner its competitors,. sSo that companies in the same category should move together and collaborate in difficult days. Suppose Suppose they accept each other's stronger side in a part of the main processes, it might help better in that specific part, s. So that sustainability is ensured for the sake of sociality and economy.

As a sustainable business continuity in raw materials, services, market consistency, health and safety of white and blue colours, loyalty and morals of employees, reliability of energy sources and capacity manufacturing operations. Any production company that never lacks the above can be successful and be considered ‘“sustainable”’ in the medium term. In the long term, the requirements of the environmental authorities must be respected;, social projects must be distributed among the employees.

A real investment in the company's brand must be made. It is sure that the ‘“No Waste’” and ‘“Green Company’” image reinforces the company's brand. May all of these lead the company to establishing production lines that consume less energy and are more efficient. Roof or wall solar collectors, rainwater harvesting pipes, efficient coolers, pumps and electric motors are expected to follow so far to be more durable.

Any tyre manufacturer responding to dealer demand and capable of producing with a minimum number of references will have a head start and make the difference in terms of efficiency.

A cumbersome problem for tyre manufacturers is carrying the heavy size list as production gum . Any tyre manufacturer responding to dealer demand and capable of producing with a minimum number of references will have a head start and make the difference in terms of efficiency.

What about reliable and loyal consumers? We have to bear in mind that consumers are our future. Any excessive savings, if it means reluctance in services or compromises on quality, will result in days of unemployment after a while. Thus, a well-adapted balance between costs and savings is always to be favoured in terms of sustainability.

A cumbersome problem for tyre manufacturers is carrying the heavy size list as production gum  even though they still cannot meet the needs of retailers. Retail stores can only cover 10 percent% to 45 percent% of the demand for walk-in customers. On the other hand, tyre manufacturers can meet dealer needs around 50 percent or 75 percent of orders, while supplying that amount with overproduction and heavy SKUs.

Another headache is the production of winter tyres in the summer, although sales are highly dependent on the severity of winter and upcoming snowfall. Tyre manufacturers often have to overproduce and have a large inventory. In recent years, the climate has changed the practices and the ability to estimate winter tyre sales mainly in Europe.

Therefore, any tyre manufacturer that meets dealer demand and is able to produce a minimum number of SKUs will have a head start and make a difference in terms of efficiency.

Anti-climax after stopping production for some reason of uncertainty is more costly.

After the long days of pandemic, which still affects the daily life of human beings, sustainability has become a matter of vitality for most companies. Lost markets can be won over time, but a climax after production ceases for some reason of uncertainty would be more costly.

The truths of having greener products, grasping the digitiszation movement and mobility trends, efficiency improvements, well-organiszed material sourcing, skills development in manufacturing operations, systematic management of product development and R&D activities, the search for alternatives for automation and artificial intelligence are still vital but not much more valuable than being sufficiently sustainable.

We must keep in mind that we are primarily victims of our own behaviours, decisions and actions. It is important to be progressive in the correct initiatives. So tyre manufacturers who manage a well-developed framework for change and agile strategies will win.

We must keep in mind that we are primarily victims of our own behaviours, decisions and actions.  To be progressive in the correct initiatives is inevitable to support. (TT)

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Continental is celebrating two decades of its Camaçari tyre factory, situated near Salvador in Brazil. This occasion represents a major milestone for the firm’s operations throughout the Americas, as the site has served as a trusted partner across South America since its April 2006 opening. The facility supplies both replacement tyres and original equipment manufacturers with high-grade products for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

Approximately 136 million tyres have rolled off the line at Camaçari over the last 20 years. Roughly BRL 1.2 billion (approximately EUR 235 million), has been invested there in the past 10 years alone to sharpen competitiveness through better efficiency, product quality and responsiveness to customers. The factory currently provides jobs for around 2,000 people, making it a leading industrial employer locally, with its future success built on team spirit, consistent quality and a strong customer focus.

The site began as a greenfield project in 2004 and was formally inaugurated in April 2006, with the first tyre, a ContiEcoContact 3, produced five months earlier in November 2005. Today, the factory supplies original equipment to major automotive names including General Motors, Volkswagen, Renault, Honda, Fiat and Mercedes‑Benz, proving its dependable and uniform product standards. This same drive for steady improvement supports the plant’s role in Continental’s wider environmental goals.

By constantly tracking energy use and managing it responsibly, the Camaçari plant ensures that all power generated or consumed on site is used as efficiently as possible. The facility relies entirely on LED lighting, which saves more energy than conventional options, and has carried out targeted production upgrades such as better insulation on critical machinery. These efforts have yielded annual energy savings, including a total cut of 10.4 gigawatt‑hours in 2025, equal to about five percent of the plant’s yearly energy consumption.

Shander Basílio, plant manager of the Continental tyre plant in Camaçari, said, "Our 20-year journey in Camaçari is a story of continuous growth, operational excellence and the deep commitment of our people to this region. I would like to sincerely thank all our employees for their outstanding contribution as well as to our customers for their continued trust. Looking ahead, we are dedicated to writing the next chapter of our plant’s success.”

Rodrigo Bonilha, head of Continental Tires South America, said, “I would like to congratulate our manufacturing team in Camaçari on their 20th anniversary. The production facility is a key asset for our business in the region. By manufacturing premium tires locally, we ensure a reliable supply for the Brazilian market while securing valuable local jobs. This ‘in the market, for the market’ approach is fundamental to how we deliver consistent product quality and performance for customers and consumers.”

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has announced the publication of a scientific study presenting a sophisticated model designed to track how tyre and road wear particles (TRWP) move through land and freshwater environments. Known as the Mass Balance Model, this tool provides a method for predicting particle concentrations within watersheds across different climates and regions, offering high spatial detail on how these particles travel from roadways towards rivers, lakes and estuaries.

Tyre and road wear particles are created unintentionally during normal driving, where tyres meet the road surface. As scientific and regulatory focus on these particles intensifies, reliable models are essential for understanding their environmental pathways. While research is growing, the behaviour of these particles in waterways remains particularly understudied, making this modelling advance especially relevant.

The model draws on global and local datasets and open-source frameworks, including the ERA5 global climate dataset by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the Wflow catchment hydrology model by Deltares, a research institute. Its accuracy has been confirmed using field measurements from the Seine River basin in France, the Chesapeake Bay basin in the United States and the Yodo River basin in Japan – three very different watersheds. This validation shows the approach works across diverse watershed sizes, climates and stormwater management systems.

Applying the model to these three regions revealed that the share of particles reaching surface waters varies from just 2 percent up to 18 percent, depending on urbanisation, climate, basin size and drainage infrastructure. Importantly, improvements to stormwater systems could cut particle transport to surface waters by as much as half. This refined model builds on earlier work and is now globally applicable, with ongoing development aimed at making it accessible beyond the scientific community.

Nicolas Tissier, Director of Research at TIP, said, “Having a robust, reproducible model for TRWP transport and fate that can be applied worldwide is essential for advancing both scientific understanding and practical solutions. Our role at TIP is to support rigorous, transparent science that helps researchers, policymakers and industry make evidence-based decisions. By making this model open access, we aim to support broader collaboration across the scientific community around TRWP in the environment and to enable the development of more effective mitigation strategies.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT Tires), a well-established global player in the off-highway tyre market, has now entered India’s consumer segment with a determined move into the two-wheeler space. The company unveiled a new campaign called Jurrat, which signals a calculated expansion from its industrial stronghold towards becoming a comprehensive mobility brand. This initiative addresses the everyday transportation needs of millions who rely on motorcycles and scooters as their primary mode of travel. The high-energy television commercial debuted on 3 April 2026 during the Indian Men’s T20 League, a widely followed sporting event, and features brand ambassador Ranveer Singh to maximise visibility.

Jurrat, which translates to courage, captures the mindset of riders navigating unpredictable road conditions and daily routines with determination. The campaign emphasises three core product benefits that consumers value most: long life, exceptional road grip and unmatched comfort. By focusing on confidence, control and consistency during daily commutes, the narrative reinforces the belief that dependable tyre performance is the foundation of true road confidence. This product-led approach brings BKT’s brand philosophy, Elevate Your Drive, into the two-wheeler segment.

The campaign is being rolled out through a robust media mix that includes both television and digital platforms. High-impact placements are strategically used to ensure maximum reach, visibility and engagement, allowing BKT Tyres to effectively introduce itself as a holistic mobility brand addressing everyday transport needs.

Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer – India, BKT Tyres, said, “India’s two-wheeler segment reflects the way the country moves, works and progresses on a daily basis. As depicted in the film featuring Ranveer Singh, riders today operate in dynamic and often unpredictable environments, where confidence is increasingly defined by control and consistency. Anchored in its ‘Elevate Your Drive’ proposition, ‘Jurrat’ highlights how performance-led tyres, engineered for long life, comfort and grip, enhance the overall riding experience, enabling assured, uninterrupted movement that supports not just mobility but progress in everyday life. With our entry into the two-wheeler segment, BKT Tyres remains focused on meeting evolving consumer expectations while strengthening our position across high-growth mobility segments.”

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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, has unveiled the iMOVE Sport G2, a next generation all season ultra-high-performance tyre crafted for modern sport sedans, performance crossovers and select electric vehicles. This launch responds directly to shifting demands in the automotive market.

Building on the original iMOVE Gen2 A/S, the new model features an advanced tread compound, a refined tread pattern and better durability. It offers confident traction on both dry and wet roads, extended tread life and a quieter, more comfortable ride. Priced competitively, it helps dealers gain ground in the rapidly growing Tier 4 performance tyre segment. The asymmetrical tread layout balances precision handling with daily comfort, using large outer shoulder blocks for cornering stability and a continuous centre rib for straight line control. Strategically placed 3D siping and angled grooves push water away from the contact patch to improve wet and light snow traction, while a variable pitch tread sequence cuts road noise for commutes or long trips.

A new generation rubber compound reduces heat buildup and extends tread life by managing frictional heat and optimising rubber density, which also boosts fuel efficiency. The tyre is EV ready, designed to handle the higher torque and weight of electric vehicles. Available in 17 sizes for 18- to 21-inch rim diameters, 16 sizes will arrive by early May, with the first eight ready now. Several emerging sizes new to the Ironman lineup give dealers fresh sales opportunities.

Competitive pricing and dedicated merchandising support help dealers grow their share in the value-oriented performance tyre segment while maintaining strong inventory and fill rates. The iMOVE Sport G2 comes with a 5-year limited protection policy covering workmanship and materials, road hazard protection and a 50,000-mile (approximately 80,467-km) warranty.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The ultra‑high‑performance tyre market has evolved rapidly as vehicles become more powerful and more refined and as demand grows for tyres that can meet the unique requirements of electric vehicles. The iMOVE Sport G2 delivers the performance drivers expect while helping dealers boost inventory flexibility and capture more market share.”

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