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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ICRA's October 2026 monthly report on the Indian automobile industry's passenger vehicle segment shows that September 2026 brought strong year-on-year gains in wholesale and retail volumes, aided by improved replacement demand following GST rate cuts. The rating agency forecasts industry volumes to grow 4–6 percent in FY2027. The moderation in growth stems from the elevated base in the second half of FY2026, normalisation of pent-up demand, higher vehicle costs and a weak monsoon.

Original equipment manufacturers kept production steady to serve robust domestic demand, lifting wholesale volumes 22 percent year-on-year to 460,000 units in September 2026. Retail sales climbed 43 percent, helped by newly launched models, larger OEM discounts and revised GST rates. During the first half of FY2027, wholesale dispatches and retail registrations rose around 28 percent and 29 percent year-on-year, respectively, against a modest base in the same period of FY2026 that was partly affected by geopolitical tensions in northern India.

Pre-festive stocking pushed inventory to 43–45 days at the end of September 2026, well below the 60-day level a year earlier. Utility vehicles made up about 68 percent of passenger vehicle volumes in the first half of FY2027. While utility vehicles continue to drive demand, the mini, compact and super-compact segments have shown a slight recovery after GST rate cuts, and passenger car demand is also expected to increase. Export volumes grew 25.8 percent sequentially in September 2026 as OEMs focused on production amid strong domestic demand. Maruti Suzuki India Limited led the market, followed by Hyundai Motor India Limited.

ICRA anticipates wholesale volume growth of 4–6 percent in FY2027, including a 28 percent rise in the first half, amid expected price increases due to rising input costs and normalisation of pent-up demand. A below-average monsoon could weaken rural sentiment, and recent price hikes by OEMs such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India could weigh on growth. Electric vehicle penetration increased to around 7.5 percent in the first half of FY2027 from 4.2 percent in FY2026, driven partly by a growing preference for EVs amid elevated fuel prices.

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Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels will return to the 2026 SEMA Show, scheduled for 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with new products, expanded fitments and builds reflecting the brand's racing heritage and future direction. The company will appear in two locations: Central Hall Booth #22453 in the Race/Performance section and Silver Lot Booth #80001.

The display will feature vehicles from classic American muscle and vintage pickups to modern off-road machines, each demonstrating uncompromising enthusiast construction. Highlights include a limited-edition Street Comp GHT Signature Series tyre, expanded Baja Boss A/T and M/T sizes and new 15- and 16-inch MT Classic Forged wheel fitments.

Making its global debut, the ultra-premium Street Comp GHT Signature Series adds a premium sidewall with a deeper black finish and foil-like decals showing the Mickey Thompson logo, tyre name and founder's signature. It will be offered in 275/40R20 and 315/35R20 sizes for select Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Charger, BMW M, Porsche Panamera and other high-performance vehicles.

The Baja Boss A/T and M/T lines gain 29 new SKUs spanning classic off-road fitments, tall narrow ‘pizza-cutter’ sizes, aggressive 37- to 40-inch tires for trail rigs, large-rim-diameter applications and hard metric sizes for trail-ready SUVs. The MT Classic Forged wheel family expands with 15x14, 16x14 and 16x16 offerings combining forged construction and iconic styling with extreme widths and multiple bolt patterns.

Inside Central Hall, a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 from GAP Industries will run Street Comp GHT tyres up front and ET Street R tyres at the rear, while a 2026 Dodge Charger from Diesel Brothers will showcase the Signature Series. Outside in the Silver Lot, a 2020 Mickey Thompson Gladiator Overland Build will ride on 40x13.50 Baja Boss A/T tyres, a 1979 Toyota Pickup 4WD on LT255/90R16 Baja Boss A/T rubber and 16x8 Canyon wheels, a 1978 Ford F-150 on 33x15.50R15 LT tyres and 15x14 MT Classic Forged wheels and a 2022 Ford Bronco on Baja Belted II tires and 17x14 MT Classic Forged wheels.

Beyond its booths, Mickey Thompson products will appear on builds across the SEMA campus, including a 2026 Toyota Tacoma on 40-inch Baja Boss A/T tyres, a Lexus GX550 on 40-inch Baja Boss M/T tyres, a 2025 Toyota GR Supra set up for the strip and a 1969 Ford F-100 on Street Comp tyres. Additional projects will be featured with Rockstar Performance Garage, Yukon Gear & Axle, Showa, Liberty Forged, Anderson Composites, Cerakote, TORA Off Road Allegiance, Borla, Evercoat and Tremec, along with a Battle of the Builders Young Guns entry and SEMA-featured locations hosting a 1977 Ford F-150 Ranger, 2023 Ram 2500, 1956 Volvo, 1976 Ford Crew Cab, 1978 F-150 and sixth-generation Bronco.

Matt Arko, General Manager – Marketing and Product, Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels, said, "SEMA is built for people who believe a vehicle should be more than transportation. It's an opportunity to showcase your individuality and stand out from the crowd. That's always been the Mickey Thompson mindset. Whether someone is chasing a quicker pass, building a trail rig or reimagining a classic truck, we want to give them the tyres and wheels to build it their way. This year, we're bringing that full street, strip and off-road spirit to Las Vegas. What's exciting to us is the variety of sizes and applications available in our lineup. We have nicknames for each application, designed to be music to the ears of all of our Mickey Thompson fans!"

These are the nicknames:

• Rock Crawlers: Iconic 15- and 16-inch fitments for traditional Jeep and off-road builds
• Pizza Cutters: Tall, narrow fitments that deliver additional ground clearance in a reduced load, lighter weight package
• Rockstars: Aggressive 37-, 38- and 40-inch fitments for serious trail rigs and custom builds
• Show-Stoppers: 20- and 24-inch fitments that bring Baja Boss capability and attitude to premium truck builds
• Trail-Ready: Additional hard metric fitments that broaden Baja Boss A/T availability for modern SUVs and off-road vehicles

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Tegeta Green Planet organised an informational and practical campaign titled ‘Don’t Throw It Away, Hand It In’ in Khobi on 27 October aimed at promoting environmental responsibility and proper management of specific waste streams. The initiative targeted local residents, vehicle owners, drivers and private sector representatives, encouraging greater involvement in environmental efforts.

A dedicated waste collection point was established in Khobi, allowing residents to dispose of end-of-life tyres, used automotive batteries and waste oils. Participants received information about responsible automotive waste management and available disposal options. The campaign also highlighted Extended Producer Responsibility principles, teaching attendees about the role of EPR organisations, subsequent waste management stages and importers’ legal obligations.

Community engagement proved notably high, reflecting growing public interest in environmental responsibility. Active citizen participation demonstrated the important role that awareness-raising and practical collection opportunities play in fostering an environmental culture. Symbolic gifts were provided to encourage participation, while the initiative strengthened cooperation opportunities with local businesses and raised awareness of Tegeta Green Planet’s regional activities.

Tegeta Green Planet continues implementing regional campaigns and educational projects throughout Georgia, aiming to foster responsible waste management culture, raise public awareness and promote circular economy principles.

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Bridgestone Retail Operations, the world’s largest network of company-owned automotive service providers and a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, has donated 10 new passenger vans to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The contribution brings the company’s total giving to more than 100 vans and over USD 30 million since 2015, a milestone that aligns with the 100th anniversary of Bridgestone-owned Firestone Complete Auto Care.

The 100th Driving Great Futures van was presented to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area in Austin, Texas, while the nine remaining vehicles will go to local Clubs nationwide. These vans will transport young people to and from Clubs and provide access to field trips, college tours and other enrichment activities. Bridgestone will further support the recipient Clubs by servicing the new vehicles at its retail stores.

Recipients of the 2026 van grants include Clubs in Austin, Texas; Reno, Nev.; Lynn, Mass.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Topeka, Kan.; Garden Grove, Calif.; Santa Rosa, Calif.; Greenville, Texas; West Bend, Wis. and Albany, Ga.

Bridgestone launched its Driving Great Futures national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2015 to help more young people access the opportunities, experiences and support they need to succeed. Through donations collected at its retail stores, the company has addressed transportation-related needs and bridged technology gaps by funding new computers and hotspots for in-person programming, virtual classroom learning and other infrastructure needs.

Marko Ibrahim, President, Bridgestone Retail Operations, said, “Donating our 100th van as we celebrate 100 years of business is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our teammates and customers. We believe in the transformative power of Boys & Girls Clubs and are honoured to provide the critical transportation that makes their life-changing resources accessible to kids and teens in the communities we serve.”

Jim Clark, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said, “For more than a decade, Bridgestone has helped ensure Club kids and teens can access the opportunities and support they need to succeed. Reliable transportation helps connect young people to caring mentors, safe places and experiences that can change the trajectory of their lives. Today, 97 percent of Club kids expect to graduate from high school, and partnerships like Driving Great Futures help make outcomes like that possible. We’re grateful for Bridgestone’s continued commitment to young people and proud to celebrate this remarkable 100-van milestone.”

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