The downward revision in the world supply outlook for 2020 is largely due to the scaling down of the outlook for Thailand and India, according to ANRPC. The outlook on the production of NR in Thailand has been scaled down by 332,000 tonnes to 4.478 million tonnes. The country’s revised outlook for 2020 represents a 7.7% decline from the previous year as against a 0.9% anticipated fall reported a month ago.

The harvesting and primary processing of rubber in Thailand are severely affected by acute shortage of labourers. The migrant labourers from neighbouring countries and those from other provinces within the country find it difficult to reach back and resume the various farm management activities including tapping and primary processing. Aggravating the situation, tropical storm ‘Noul’ damaged rubber plantations in several provinces of Thailand in the last week of September besides causing heavy rains, flash floods, and water run-offs.

In August, northern Thailand was hit by the tropical storm ‘Sinlaku’ causing flash floods in 18 northern provinces of the country. The loss in output arising from previous year’s incidence of a new fungal leaf disease is already factored in. Abnormal leaf fall resulting from fungal diseases usually impacts on the yield performance of the affected for two succeeding years.

In India, the production anticipated in 2020 has been scaled down by 42,000 tonnes to 668,000 tonnes, ANRPC study said. The revised outlook represents a 4.8% decline from the previous year as against a 1.1% anticipated increase reported a month ago. The country’s NR production sector is impacted by a burst in the number daily new cases of Covid-19 infections in the State of Kerala since the beginning of September and the abnormal leaf fall caused by the outbreak of Phytophthora leaf disease during July and August. It is reported that the incidence of abnormal leaf fall during this year is less severe compared to the previous year.

Demand fall

There has also been a fall in world consumption of NR by 11.7% y/y to 8.151 million tonnes during the first eight months of 2020 (Jan-Aug), as per preliminary estimates. Based on the revised estimates and forecasts, the world consumption outlook for the full year 2020 is marginally scaled up by 67,000 tonnes to 12.611 million tonnes by representing an 8.4% fall from the previous year. The outlook for 2020 as reported a month ago was 12.544 million tonnes by representing an 8.9% fall from the previous year.

China has marginally revised up its consumption outlook for 2020 in view of an observed earlier-than expected economic recovery and acceleration in growth. A survey conducted by Nikkei revealed that the growth has been more pronounced in the manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved to 51.5 in September from 51.0 recorded in August and 51.3 anticipated for September, according to a survey conducted by the country’s National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. The country’s automobile sector has made a major turnaround. The domestic retail sales of passenger vehicles, including minivans, SUVs and multipurpose vehicles, increased 7.4% y/y in September 2020, the third straight monthly gain. The domestic sales of passenger vehicles had increased 6.0% y/y in August 2020.

As per the revised outlook, China is anticipated to consume 5.055 million tonnes of NR during 2020, down 8.9% from the previous year. The country’s consumption outlook for 2020, as reported a month ago was 5.043 million tonnes, down 9.1% from the previous year.

India has scaled-up its consumption outlook for 2020 to 923,000 tonnes from 900,000 tonnes reported earlier in the year. Auto sales in India have made a U-turn. The domestic sales of passenger car increased 31.3% y/y in September 2020, the highest growth over the past 27 months. The trend reversal in passenger car is driven by preference for personal mobility during the pandemic, gradual opening up of markets, easing of supply-chains, labour availability, and excitement of new vehicle launches. The domestic sales of two-wheeler grew 12% y/y in September 2020, the highest growth over the past 21 months. Sales of tractor increased 16% y/y during the month, the highest growth over many years in the past.  The domestic sales of LVC (Light Commercial Vehicles) and M&HCV (Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles) declined by 3.0% each during the month, after double digit declines till August 2020.

Looking ahead, according to ANRPC, the world demand for NR will remain constrained by the uncertainties clouding the global economic recovery, acceleration in the number of new coronavirus cases, reintroduction of control measures and partial lockdowns across countries and a likely long delay in the mass availability of the vaccine. On the positive side, there are increased hopes of further fiscal aid in the US to keep its economy on track. The White House has reportedly raised its stimulus offer from the earlier proposed $1.0 trillion to $1.5 trillion, and further to $1.8 trillion, though that is still short of $2.2 trillion proposed by the Democrats.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental has been working closely with the Collard Group in southern England to enhance both the efficiency and safety of its fleet through the ContiLifeCycle concept. The Collard Group, a family-owned business established in 1994, is a key player in construction, recycling and waste management, employing around 450 people. Its fleet of over 150 specialist vehicles operates in tough environments such as quarries and construction sites, often navigating uneven terrain littered with debris like sharp stones and broken glass.

Within two years of implementing Continental’s ContiLifeCycle strategy – particularly the introduction of hot-retreaded premium tyres – the company achieved a 50 percent drop in tyre-related breakdowns. Transport Manager Lee Troddyn highlights the Bandvulc BIG D tyre as especially impactful, noting its robust tread design and stone-ejection capabilities are well-suited to demanding operational conditions. This has led to less unplanned downtime and greater vehicle availability.

The ContiLifeCycle concept focuses on industrial hot retreading, which allows durable tyre casings to be reused for multiple service lives. This approach not only maintains performance levels comparable to new tyres but also supports sustainability by lowering material consumption and reducing the energy typically required to manufacture brand-new tyres. Troddyn confirms that retreaded tyres have played a direct role in the notable decrease in punctures over the past two years.

Beyond the products themselves, the partnership thrives on strong technical support. Troddyn values the expert guidance from Continental’s team, whether through the convenient online portal or personalised advice on tyre selection, wear monitoring and lifespan optimisation. Paul Adams, Continental’s Account Manager, emphasises the company’s pride in supporting a customer committed to safety, reliability and long-term efficiency.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Michelin has marked a significant advancement in aircraft tyre technology with the introduction of the Air X Sky Light, developed specifically for Dassault Aviation's new Falcon 10X business jet. This tyre is the culmination of extensive research, rigorous testing and a deep industrial partnership between the two companies.

First revealed at the 2023 Paris Air Show, the Air X Sky Light represents a new generation of aircraft tyre engineered to meet the pressing demands of modern aviation. Its core objectives are to reduce weight, increase durability, improve operational efficiency and directly support the industry's decarbonisation efforts. By employing a novel radial construction, the tyre achieves a significant weight reduction of 10 to 20 percent compared to its predecessors while simultaneously extending its service life by an equal margin. This reduction in weight is a critical factor in aviation, leading to lower fuel consumption, decreased CO₂ emissions and reduced operational costs.

The tyre's enhanced performance is derived from an optimised tread footprint and summit geometry, combined with ultra-high-strength materials in the carcass and next-generation hybrid cords. In its design process, Michelin integrates a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment to minimise environmental impact from raw material extraction to the product's end of life. This commitment to a circular economy and responsible performance includes a growing use of renewable and recycled materials, supporting the group's ambition to utilise 100 percent sustainable materials by 2050.

The development of the Air X Sky Light is rooted in a collaborative relationship with Dassault Aviation spanning over four decades, a history that includes equipping aircraft from the Mirage III to the present day. Initial conversations regarding this tyre began in 2019, and since its showcase in 2023, Michelin has engaged in continuous refinement to meet the stringent demands of the aviation sector. These demands include withstanding extreme loads, high speeds and severe mechanical and thermal stresses.

The version created for the Falcon 10X is the first in a planned family of Air X Sky Light tyres, with future sizes intended for the broader commercial aviation market. This expansion will encompass both new aircraft programmes and retrofit options for existing fleets, with each new size undergoing rigorous certification processes. By delivering this breakthrough innovation as a practical, industry-ready solution, Michelin reinforces its five-decade legacy of supporting all sectors of aviation and shaping the future of aerospace.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

BKT Tyres has launched a nationwide campaign featuring Ranveer Singh to mark its entry into India’s on-highway consumer tyre segment, a market dominated by established domestic and global players.

The television-led multimedia campaign, titled “Elevate Your Drive,” introduces the company’s consumer positioning as it expands beyond its traditional strength in off-highway tyres used in agriculture, construction and industrial applications.

The campaign is built around the idea that ambition often stalls due to uncertainty and that confidence can help individuals push forward. BKT seeks to align its brand with that narrative, positioning its tyres as enabling progress and reliability for everyday drivers.

In the campaign film, Singh appears as himself, delivering a voiceover that links stories of people striving to move from ordinary circumstances to higher aspirations. The narrative focuses on ambition and forward momentum, themes the company hopes will resonate with India’s growing base of vehicle owners.

The campaign also introduces a new sonic identity for BKT, aimed at strengthening brand recall across television, digital and other multimedia platforms.

The move comes as BKT broadens its presence in the domestic market and targets growth in India’s on-highway tyre segment, which includes products for two-wheelers and commercial vehicles. The marketing push signals the company’s intent to build consumer recognition as it diversifies beyond its core off-highway tyre business.

Commenting on the launch, Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer - India, BKT, said, “With ‘Elevate Your Drive’, we are positioning BKT Tyres for Indian consumers and our channel partners with a clear and meaningful purpose. Mobility, for us, is about empowering progress in a market where consumers seek reliability, performance, and meaning from the brands they choose. Our consumers expressed how journeys are about moving ahead in life, yet uncertainties often hold us back. At BKT Tyres, our ambition is to enable every Indian vehicle owner’s desire to move forward with confidence. Our commitment is to build an enduring brand and deliver best‑in‑class products that uphold the performance, trust, and innovation that is synonymous with BKT globally. ‘Elevate Your Drive’ isn’t just a campaign line, it is the guiding principle shaping our consumer‑focused initiatives. The campaign will be deployed through a high‑reach media mix to maximize awareness and drive strong early adoption.”

Avik Chattopadhyay, Co-founder, Expereal added, “The best way for an Off‑highway specialist brand to enter the consumer segment is to adopt a deeply customer‑centric approach to purpose, promise, and positioning. BKT Tyres aims to enhance every vehicle owner’s progress and driving delight by building an ecosystem that empowers individuals to move forward with confidence.”

Commenting on the same Creative Chairman Infectious Ramanuj Shastry said, “The journey from good to better is one that never ends. While for some, victory is the ultimate destination, for the truly great, it is but a pitstop. BKT Tyres makes sure that when the human spirit is raring to keep going further, the roads don’t hold it back.”

The campaign was conceptualised and executed by Infectious Advertising, which crafted a compelling human story around BKT Tyres’ engineering strength. The film was produced in collaboration with Mangata Films and Prachar Communications, bringing the campaign’s vision to life, while Expereal co-created the brand strategy for India.

Watch the entire video @ https://youtu.be/GwdnMogVAbc?si=ca0MIRoh3WOjqSE1

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire, the official tyre supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), has confirmed that the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya is scheduled for 12 to 15 March 2026 near Naivasha. This event is recognised as one of the most punishing off-road challenges in the series, set against the backdrop of the demanding African savanna. For this rally, Hankook introduced the new Dynapro R213 soft gravel tyre, featuring an optimised compound for better low-temperature flexibility and superior grip on wet surfaces, while its adaptable structure ensures consistent durability under severe conditions.

Departing from its customary Nairobi start, this year’s competition will concentrate entirely on the harsh gravel terrain surrounding Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley. Drivers will need to quickly adjust to newly designed, high-intensity stages and refine their race tactics from the very beginning. Spanning four days, the rally consists of 20 Special Stages covering roughly 350.52 kilometres. Competitors will encounter a treacherous mix of deep sand, sharp rocks, expansive savanna sections and the infamous fine ‘fesh-fesh’ dust, all compounded by swiftly shifting weather. In this unpredictable environment, tyre resilience, grip and handling stability are paramount to performance.

The Safari Rally consistently draws significant global motorsport attention. Since its return to the WRC calendar in 2021, the Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team has achieved five consecutive victories at this event. Nevertheless, strong challenges are anticipated from both the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team and the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, promising a fierce contest for the win.

Since taking over as the exclusive tyre supplier for all WRC classes in 2025, Hankook has leveraged data from its involvement in over 70 global motorsport championships. The company applies these race-proven insights to advance its ultra-high-performance tyre technology, continually reinforcing its leadership in the field.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!