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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Nokian Tyres has formally released its climate transition plan, a comprehensive roadmap guiding the company’s decarbonisation efforts. This strategy is anchored in the company’s near- and long-term climate objectives, which received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative in 2024. Crucially, the organisation’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions across Scope 1, 2 and 3 aligns with the stringent requirements of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as dictated by contemporary climate science.

The company has already made significant progress, particularly within its own operations. By the close of 2025, Nokian Tyres had successfully reduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than 38 percent relative to the 2022 baseline, edging closer to its interim target of a 42 percent reduction by 2030. The newly published plan elaborates on this trajectory, detailing the primary sources of emissions and the essential strategies for reduction both internally and across the broader value chain. These actions are designed to meet the 2030 benchmarks while maintaining a clear pathway towards the ultimate goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Endorsed by the company’s Board of Directors, the plan is a living document subject to updates as emission-reduction technologies and methodologies evolve. Further details are accessible on the corporate website. This strategic approach is already yielding tangible results and external recognition. The company’s Romanian facility stands as the world’s first full-scale tyre factory to achieve zero CO2 emissions in its own operations. Furthermore, this commitment to sustainability was acknowledged in 2025 by TIME Magazine, which named Nokian Tyres one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies, and by CDP, which awarded the firm its sixth consecutive leadership-level score for climate action.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “Our work towards net-zero emissions is not only about us but also about drivers worldwide. Through our actions and innovations, we reduce the environmental impact of tyre manufacturing while delivering the safety and quality that define Nokian Tyres.”

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As temperatures drop and road conditions become increasingly unpredictable, ensuring vehicle safety demands more than cautious driving. Giti Tire, drawing on over seven decades of global expertise, offers both advanced tyre technology and practical guidance to help drivers navigate winter’s challenges with confidence. Their latest winter offerings, the Giti Winter Comfort WT26 and the Giti Winter Control WT80, cater to a wide range of vehicles with sizes spanning R15 to R22. These tyres, developed under the AdvanZtech platform with Ice Surface Adhesion Technology 3.0, demonstrate how innovation can directly enhance grip and stability in icy and snowy conditions.

However, even the most sophisticated tyres require proper maintenance to perform effectively. Giti highlights that drivers frequently overlook how colder weather affects their tyres. A significant drop of 10°C can cause tyre pressure to decrease, which in turn impacts braking and handling. Checking pressure monthly when the tyres are cold helps maintain optimal performance. Tread depth is another critical factor; once it nears the wear indicators, replacement is essential. Additionally, the condition of the rubber itself matters – prolonged exposure to moisture, harsh sunlight or road chemicals can accelerate aging. Simple habits like parking carefully and clearing debris from the tread grooves can prevent damage and extend tyre life.

When temperatures consistently hover below 7°C, or when frost and snow coat the roads, switching to dedicated winter tyres becomes a necessity rather than an option. Unlike all-season alternatives, winter tyres retain their flexibility in extreme cold, offering superior traction on slippery surfaces. This translates to more controlled acceleration, braking and cornering. The WT26, for instance, is engineered for comfort and quiet operation. Its specialised rubber compound works to absorb the thin water layer on ice, while interlocking tread blocks and dense sipes provide secure footing without compromising cabin serenity. For those who prioritise dynamic handling, the WT80 employs a bionic tread pattern and tightly packed sipes that act like brushes on ice, sharpening steering response and braking precision. Advanced groove designs also boost snow traction, while noise optimisation technology ensures a refined ride even at higher speeds.

Beyond tyres, a holistic approach to winter preparation is vital. Drivers should verify that lighting, brakes and steering systems are in peak condition before the season sets in. Choosing the right windshield washer fluid, one rated for local low temperatures, prevents freezing and maintains visibility. On the road, managing fogged windows, using lights appropriately and keeping a steady rhythm on slick surfaces are key defensive driving techniques. Electric vehicle owners face unique considerations; preserving battery health means avoiding extended parking in extreme cold with a low state of charge. Even routine car washing matters – opting for warmer parts of the day and using warm water reduces stress on paint and glass caused by rapid temperature changes.

These combined efforts, from high-tech tyre selection to mindful daily habits, form a comprehensive safety net. By attending to both the obvious and easily missed details, drivers can significantly reduce risk and maintain control throughout the winter months.

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Dunlop Tyres South Africa has announced that from 1 February 2026, its 18-month Dunlop Sure Tyre Insurance has become a standard feature included with every tyre purchase across its entire range. This decision follows an overwhelmingly positive response from South African motorists to a previous limited-time promotion that extended the cover period.

The original promotion, which added an extra six months of protection to the standard 12-month policy, was introduced as a temporary measure. However, it quickly became evident that South African drivers highly valued the extended security and long-term peace of mind it provided against unforeseen tyre damage.

Lubin Ozoux, the CEO of Dunlop Tyres South Africa, explained that the feedback from their dealer network, who interact with customers daily, highlighted a clear demand for a robust safety net. Motorists are seeking reassurance that they are protected should a tyre suffer irreparable damage from common road hazards. Responding to this consumer need, the company has taken the significant step of embedding the 18-month cover as a permanent, no-cost feature. This move underscores the brand's confidence in its product quality and its commitment to delivering genuine added value.

By standardising this extended protection, Dunlop aims to reinforce its market leadership, offering a comprehensive package that goes beyond premium performance and safety. The proposition now provides continuous support and value for drivers long after their initial purchase. To activate the cover, customers simply need to buy their Dunlop tyres from a Dunlop-branded store and register them on the official Dunlop website within seven days. This free insurance provides crucial financial protection against the cost of replacing tyres damaged beyond repair by hazards on the road.

Ozoux said, “By making 18 months of Dunlop Sure standard, we’re reinforcing our confidence in our products and raising expectations of what tyre ownership should deliver – safety, value and reassurance.”

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Maxion Wheels, a division of Iochpe-Maxion and a global leader in wheel manufacturing, has taken a significant step forward in its environmental strategy by activating a new on-site solar energy system at its facility in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. This installation, developed in partnership with Iberdrola México, is part of a broader commitment to reducing the company's carbon footprint through the adoption of renewable energy sources. It marks the ninth solar project completed by Maxion Wheels worldwide.

The newly commissioned photovoltaic system boasts a capacity of 499 kilowatts, enabled by the installation of 1,073 solar modules. It is projected to generate around 919 megawatt-hours of clean electricity on an annual basis. This initiative is expected to eliminate approximately 617 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, an environmental benefit comparable to the carbon sequestered by more than 10,200 trees over a decade. The clean energy produced will directly support the decarbonisation of the plant’s manufacturing processes.

This project in San Luis Potosí is one element of a three-part solar collaboration between Iochpe-Maxion and Iberdrola within Mexico. It follows the activation of a similar system at the company’s Chihuahua plant in 2024 and precedes another photovoltaic project at the Castaños, Coahuila facility, which is anticipated to come online soon. These investments are integral to Maxion’s global sustainability framework, known as Roadmap Zero, which sets the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions across all company operations by 2040.

The Maxion Wheels plant, which began operations in 1996, is situated in the capital city of San Luis Potosí state. The expansive facility covers roughly 70,000 square metres and specialises in producing steel wheels for both light and commercial vehicles, supplying a diverse portfolio of leading international automotive manufacturers. The recent inauguration of the solar project was marked by the presence of company leaders Alexandre Becker and Alfonso Campos, alongside local dignitaries including Sonia Mendoza Díaz, the Secretary of Ecology and Environmental Management for the state, and César Lara from the CROM labour confederation, as well as the plant’s manager, Hugo Soriano.

Alfonso Campos, Commercial Director, Iberdrola México, said, “Through this partnership, we are supporting Maxion Wheels in its transition towards cleaner and more environmentally responsible processes. On-site photovoltaic energy enables lower emissions, greater cost stability and direct positive impact across the entire value chain. It is a tangible benefit for both industry and the planet, and it motivates us to continue growing together.”

Alexandre Becker, Business Unit President Americas, Maxion Wheels, said, “The inauguration of the photovoltaic solar panel system at our San Luis Potosí plant marks a decisive step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation and environmental responsibility. This project is the result of a collective effort across multiple teams, united by a shared purpose and a common vision.”

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