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!

Maxion has released its inaugural global Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), marking a unified evaluation of environmental performance across its major product categories and two dozen manufacturing sites worldwide. This comprehensive study shifts the company from fragmented individual assessments to a cohesive global framework that covers both aluminium and steel wheel production.

The assessment, adhering to ISO standards and the Environmental Footprint 3.1 methodology, analysed 16 impact categories based on 2024 operational data. A substantial reliance on primary information from essential production phases has bolstered the study's credibility and precision. The results emphasise that raw materials, especially aluminium and steel, are the primary drivers of the product carbon footprint, pointing to material sourcing and supplier collaboration as crucial areas for future mitigation strategies.

By establishing this consistent global benchmark, Maxion enhances transparency and facilitates more informed customer discussions. The standardised data not only improves comparability across its wheel portfolio but also aids in pinpointing new opportunities for environmental reduction, supporting the sustainability requirements of clients and stakeholders alike.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Apollo Tyres Ltd has marked two decades of collaboration between its Vredestein brand and the Ennstal-Classic, following the conclusion of the 2026 edition of the prestigious European historic rally. The event, held from 22 to 25 July, reinforced a partnership that has endured since the brand’s acquisition by Apollo in 2009.

This year’s rally featured nearly 200 historic vehicles traversing a 1,000-kilometre Alpine route, attracting motoring enthusiasts from across the continent. A central feature of the ongoing affiliation is the Vredestein Youngster Trophy, a category designed to foster interest in classic cars among younger participants.

Beyond event sponsorship, Apollo Tyres continues to expand its Vredestein Classic tyre portfolio, introducing new sizes and advanced materials for contemporary safety and performance. The comprehensive range, including Sprint Classic, Sprint+, Grip Classic, Snow Classic, Transport Classic and Quatrac Classic, offers period-correct styling for a wide array of vintage passenger cars, sports cars, commercial vehicles and 4x4s.

Udyan Ghai, Group Head – Marketing, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This event brings together some of Europe’s finest historic vehicles and gives us the opportunity to share our passion for automotive heritage. Through our support of the Vredestein Youngster Trophy and continued investment in our Classic tyre range, we are helping enthusiasts enjoy their classic vehicles safely in all conditions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company reported lower second-quarter 2026 sales and earnings as weaker tyre volumes, higher tariffs and inflation weighed on performance, although the company said market conditions showed signs of stabilising and original equipment (OE) market share improved across all regions.

Net sales fell 4.8 percent year on year to USD 4.3 billion, while tyre unit volume declined 4.0 percent to 36.5 million units. On an organic basis, sales were down 1.4 percent, primarily due to lower volumes. The company said the decline improved from the 12 percent year-on-year volume drop recorded in the first quarter as destocking pressures eased.

Goodyear reported a net loss of USD 204m, compared with net income of USD 254 million, in the same period last year. Adjusted net loss widened to USD 177 million, from USD 48 million a year earlier.

Segment operating income declined to USD 36 million from USD 159 million in the second quarter of 2025. Excluding the impact of divestments, operating income fell by USD 79 million, reflecting lower volumes, higher tariffs and other costs, and inflation. These factors were partly offset by favourable price and product mix relative to raw material costs, together with USD 95 million of benefits from the company's Goodyear Forward programme.

"We delivered second quarter results in line with our expectations, reflecting continued improvement in Asia Pacific and EMEA," said Mark Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and President.

"We're taking actions to improve performance in a competitive environment by strengthening our product lineup, building on original equipment growth across regions, and optimising our manufacturing footprint. These actions are designed to strengthen our competitive position and deliver stronger profitability over time."

In the Americas, second-quarter sales declined 10.5 percent to USD 2.4 billion, while tyre unit volume fell 8.7 percent. Replacement volumes dropped 13.0 percent, although OE volumes increased 8.7 percent as the company gained market share. The Americas business reported a segment operating loss of USD 10 million, compared with operating income of USD 141 million a year earlier.

The company said its planned closure of the Fayetteville, North Carolina facility is expected to improve Americas segment operating income by about USD 90 million in 2027 and approximately USD 270 million annually from 2028 as part of its manufacturing footprint optimisation strategy.

In Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), sales increased 2.1 percent to USD 1.4 billion, supported by favourable pricing, product mix and currency, despite lower tyre volumes. Segment operating loss improved to USD 17 million from USD 25 million in the previous year.

The Asia Pacific business delivered the strongest regional performance, with sales rising 8.1 percent to USD 496 million and tyre unit volume increasing 5.3 percent. Segment operating income rose to USD 63 million, up from USD 43 million a year earlier, supported by stronger demand, favourable price and mix, and benefits from the Goodyear Forward programme.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Giti Tire has characterised the upcoming Euro 7 emissions framework as a validation of its existing research trajectory rather than a disruptive regulatory hurdle. Historically, tyre assessments have centred on criteria such as vehicular handling, tread life and fuel economy. The updated European standards introduce a novel parameter by capping particulate matter generated from tyre degradation, thereby acknowledging this source as a major contributor to roadside pollution.

The Singaporean manufacturer, drawing upon more than seven decades of technical experience, has maintained that optimal tyre design necessitates a holistic approach. Engineering teams at the company have long prioritised the synchronisation of tread geometry, rubber chemistry and production accuracy to achieve equilibrium between conflicting demands. Present-day products are expected to deliver secure wet-weather traction, energy-saving rolling resistance, passenger comfort and sustained endurance, all while curtailing material loss over the product's usable life.

Giti’s role as an original equipment partner to global vehicle producers, including German and Chinese automotive leaders, has provided practical insight into the rigorous specifications of contemporary mobility. The company perceives the harmonised testing protocols under Euro 7 as a constructive force that stimulates technological advancement across the supply chain. By establishing clear abrasion thresholds, the legislation motivates engineers to pursue solutions that diminish ecological footprints without sacrificing the protective and responsive qualities that motorists rely upon.

Ongoing internal programmes at Giti are concentrating on next-generation elastomer blends, refined surface patterning, friction reduction for improved efficiency, extended product durability and tighter quality controls during fabrication. These developmental efforts are intended to concurrently address environmental concerns and consumer performance expectations. As the regulatory landscape evolves, the firm remains dedicated to fundamental research that supports sustainable transportation, viewing the Euro 7 mandate as a progressive milestone that reinforces its commitment to future-ready tyre engineering.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!