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.

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TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has entered a new partnership with West Yorkshire Police, reinforcing a joint commitment to road safety and reducing fatalities and serious injuries across the county. The collaboration arrives amid concerning road safety figures, with 51 deaths and 1,210 serious injuries recorded on West Yorkshire’s roads in 2025.

The two organisations will work together to highlight the essential role tyres play in road user safety. Drivers will be encouraged to perform routine checks on tyre pressure, tread depth and overall condition. The initiative also supports West Yorkshire Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from the county’s roads.

West Yorkshire Police becomes part of a growing network of over 260 organisations partnering with TyreSafe to promote safer motoring and enhance public understanding of tyre safety. A rising number of police forces now recognise tyre safety as a vital component of their broader road safety efforts.

As the sole point of contact between a vehicle and the road, properly maintained tyres are critical for braking, steering and grip, especially in difficult conditions. TyreSafe advises road users to check their tyres monthly and before long journeys, helping identify pressure, tread and condition issues before they become safety risks. This partnership marks another significant step in TyreSafe’s mission to reduce tyre-related incidents and improve road safety across Britain.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to welcome West Yorkshire Police as a TyreSafe partner. The fact that 51 people lost their lives and more than 1,200 suffered serious injuries on West Yorkshire’s roads in 2025 is a stark reminder that there is still so much work to do. Road safety requires a collective effort, and partnerships such as this are incredibly important. By combining the reach and expertise of West Yorkshire Police with TyreSafe’s specialist knowledge and campaigns, we can help ensure more road users understand the simple but crucial role their tyres play in keeping themselves and others safe.”

Inspector Claire Gray, Roads Policing Support and Proactive Intercept Team Inspector for West Yorkshire Police, said, “Every death and serious injury on our roads has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities. We are committed to working with partners to make West Yorkshire’s roads safer and to support the Vision Zero ambition. Vehicle safety is an important part of that work, and tyres are fundamental to a vehicle’s ability to stop, steer and maintain grip. We are pleased to be working with TyreSafe to help raise awareness and encourage road users to take responsibility for checking and maintaining their tyres.”

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Hankook Tire has completed a significant expansion of its European manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary, marking the company's first production of truck and bus tyres on the continent. The new line, representing an investment of EUR 540 million, is scheduled to commence operations in October and has been configured to deliver more than 800,000 units annually. The first pre-production tyre from these facilities was officially unveiled at the ongoing IAA Transportation exhibition.

Previously, Hankook supplied European commercial vehicle customers exclusively from plants in Korea and China. The Hungarian line substantially reduces delivery distances, strengthening supply reliability and cutting lead times. Logistics-related carbon dioxide emissions also decline as lengthy transport routes from Asia are partially eliminated. Europe represents roughly 45 percent of Hankook's worldwide sales, making it a critical market for the tyre maker.

The Rácalmás site has received approximately EUR 856 million across three earlier expansion phases since 2007, with the third stage finishing in spring 2015. It now produces as many as 17 million tyres yearly for passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles. The fourth phase added the truck and bus tyre line and has seen around 66,000 square metres of production and support buildings constructed since 2024. More than 450 local jobs are being created. Globally, Hankook operates eight plants with capacity for up to 100 million tyres annually and employs about 20,000 people.

Designed as a highly automated facility, the new line relies on automated logistics systems, autonomous guided vehicles and real-time tracking to manage material flow and warehousing, while automated testing ensures consistent quality. Sustainability guided planning and operation through energy-efficient systems, optimised supply infrastructure and modern process controls that lower energy and water use. The plant earned ISCC PLUS certification in 2023. Production will initially centre on 22.5-inch truck and bus tyres, gradually broadening as capacity and approvals allow.

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “The expansion of our European production plant with a new line for truck and bus tyres is yet another key milestone for Hankook in Europe. The central location of the facilities in Hungary and their proximity to the core European markets is a key locational advantage. It will enable us to supply our European customers with premium commercial vehicle tyres even more reliably and quickly, and to respond to their needs with the greatest possible flexibility.”

Ho Taek Lim, Vice President and Managing Director of the plant in Rácalmás, said, “This expansion project was one of the largest industrial development projects ever undertaken at the site in Hungary. The new truck and bus tyre production facilities will transform the plant into a comprehensive production site of significantly greater complexity and with a higher level of automation.”

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Continental has expanded its global ultra-high-performance tyre portfolio, covering sizes 18 inches and above, over five years and plans further growth. By late 2027, it will add over 650 new sizes across all lines for original equipment and replacement markets. This responds to demand for tyres suited to larger, heavier, more powerful and electrified vehicles, supporting profitable growth.

UHP tyres for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles now matter more to Continental and its customers. From 2020 to 2025, their share of global passenger-car tyre sales across all brands rose from 41 to 55 percent. Asia-Pacific leads at 70 percent, the Americas at 66 percent and EMEA at 43 percent. For the Continental brand, the share grew from about 49 to 62 percent.

The trend towards larger tyres links to vehicle market shifts. Cars are becoming bigger, heavier and more powerful, with SUVs increasingly common. Electric mobility is another weight driver, since batteries add considerable mass. Modern drivetrains also produce torque once associated only with high-performance sports cars. These changes demand more from tyres, which must support heavier loads while ensuring safety, efficiency and comfort.

UHP tyres combine high grip, short braking distances and precise handling with low rolling resistance and high mileage. Continental develops them mainly for wheel-and-tyre combinations of 18 inches and above, performance SUVs, premium sedans, sports cars and high-performance electric vehicles. It is expanding this range across major markets, adding over 650 sizes by the end of 2027, including secondary brands such as Semperit and Uniroyal.

This reflects growing vehicle market diversification, as manufacturers offer more variants and need tyres tailored to differing performance, efficiency and comfort requirements. UHP tyres must meet conflicting demands, balancing grip, braking, handling, rolling resistance, comfort and mileage, with rubber compounds playing a central role. Continental relies on simulations, laboratory analyses, bench tests and driving tests across varied conditions, with the High Performance Technology Center in Korbach driving manufacturing advances applied globally, where UHP tyres up to 24 inches are made.

Testing occurs at the Contidrom near Hannover, Arvidsjaur in Sweden and Uvalde in Texas, focusing on braking, handling, high-speed capability, comfort and durability. Collaboration with tuners ABT Sportsline and BRABUS, plus motorsport input through Hoosier, further advances development. The SportContact 7 exemplifies the segment, available from 18 to 24 inches and approved by Audi, BMW, BYD, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Porsche, Volkswagen and Zeekr, ranking top three in 27 of 29 international tests.

Edwin Goudswaard, head of Research and Development for Continental’s Tires group sector, said, “With our expanded UHP portfolio, we are responding directly to the increasing demands of modern vehicles. This enables us to offer our customers around the world even more tailored solutions for safety, efficiency and driving dynamics. As modern tyres become larger, heavier and more powerful, tyres are becoming even more critical. They are no longer simply the vehicle’s connection to the road, but a key prerequisite for safety, efficiency and driving dynamics. The UHP segment clearly demonstrates how capable modern tyres need to be. The art lies in combining conflicting requirements at the highest level, and that is precisely what sets our tyres apart.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced that a car equipped with its ADVAN flagship tyres claimed overall victory at the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) Round 8 in Germany on 12 September. The ADVAN racing tyres delivered the grip and durability required to succeed in the demanding endurance event.

The winning entry was the No. 77 BMW M Motorsport car, fielded by Schubert Motorsport. It started from the front row, took the lead early and stayed with the front-runners throughout. After moving back ahead on lap 24, it resisted heavy pressure from closely pursuing rivals and crossed the line just 0.308 seconds clear of the second-place finisher.

This season marks the first collaboration between Yokohama Rubber and BMW M Motorsport in almost 40 years. The No. 77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, featuring ADVAN’s ‘Red in Black’ livery, has been consistently competitive, winning Rounds 3 and 8 while finishing second in Rounds 6 and 7.

Following Round 9 on 13 September, the car leads the NLS Speed Trophy standings, awarded for the most points across all classes. The ‘Red in Black’ entry will seek to secure the trophy and the series title in October’s final round.

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