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.

Bridgestone Corporation has announced that it will participate in the upcoming 40th Space Symposium, the largest space-related conference in the United States. The company is all prepped up to display two concept models of its second-generation lunar rover tyre at the event, scheduled to be held from 7 to 10 April 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, US.

The new concept models can be used on small and medium-sized lunar rovers since they are lighter than their predecessors. In order to satisfy the rigorous requirements of lunar exploration, Bridgestone started developing lunar tyres in 2019 and is still improving their designs. The company claims that the display would provide a platform for growing its network in the space industry and opening doors for future cooperation. By entering into a partnership with Astrobotic Technology, Inc., a US-based business that specialises in space exploration, in 2024, Bridgestone has already made strides in this direction.

Bridgestone, which has over 90 years of expertise in tyre development, is bringing its understanding of Earth-based mobility, particularly motorsport, to the difficulties of space flight. In order to improve performance and safety during lunar exploration, the business wants to create tyres that can be customised to meet the demands of individual customers or mission specifications. Additionally, the lunar rover tyre project furthers Bridgestone's more comprehensive Mid-Term commercial Plan (2024–2026), which places a strong focus on innovative commercial ventures like the ‘AirFree Concept’.

Bridgestone will be on display at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Japan's Space Industry stand in South Hall #111 of the BAE Systems Exhibit Center. Along with its exhibit, Bridgestone will take part in a panel discussion with Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation and Space Foundation, the event organiser.

JK Tyre & Industries, a leading tyre manufacturer in the country, has expanded its retail presence with the inauguration of the JK Tyre Truck Wheels Centre in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

The facility is designed to be a one-stop shop for all tyre needs, which will be operated by Hemkunt Transport Company. It was inaugurated by  Sanjeev Sharma, Associate Vice-President – Mobility Solutions, JK Tyre & Industries, along with other senior officials of the company.

The company shared that the location was selected because of its strategic position and will cater to needs of fleet operations and commercial vehicle owners in the city and surrounding areas. The new JK Tyre Trucks Wheel Centre spread across 7,500 sqft with highly trained technical advisors, will provide wheel servicing services and the company’s full range of smart tyres, fuel-efficient tyres and other product range for commercial vehicles.

Srinivasu Allaphan, Director – Sales & Marketing, JK Tyre & Industries, said, "At JK Tyre, our priority is to enhance convenience and reliability for our customers by expanding our reach to key transport corridors. With this new Truck Wheels Centre in Muzaffarnagar, we are bringing world-class tyre solutions closer to fleet operators and truck owners who rely on efficient, high-performance tyres for their business. This expansion is a step forward in strengthening our service network and ensuring our customers receive the best-in-class solutions with ease, across the nation.”

At present, JK Tyre & Industries has a network of over 850 exclusive Brand Shops and 6,000 plus channel partners across the country.

Italian machinery manufacturer Rodolfo Comerio has been recognised with the prestigious “Excellent Partner” award by Linglong Tire, one of the world’s leading tyre producers, during celebrations marking the Chinese company’s 50th anniversary.

The accolade was presented at the “2025 Linglong Tire Global Equipment Suppliers Conference,” which was part of an international event called “Driving Collaborative Growth with Linglong Tire.” The conference gathered major machinery suppliers from across the tyre industry.

According to the Italian firm, the award acknowledges Rodolfo Comerio’s exceptional calendaring line performance, commitment to innovation, quality after-sales service, and consistent presence in the Chinese market.

Nicola Fedele, Sales & Marketing Managing Director at Rodolfo Comerio, expressed his gratitude: “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition from such a prestigious company like Linglong. Our mission has always been to build strong and lasting relationships based on quality and reliability, and this award confirms the trust Linglong has placed in Rodolfo Comerio. To know that we have played a role in Linglong’s exponential growth thanks to our synergistic work and continuous commitment to meeting and exceeding their expectations is always a great source of pride for us.”

During the ceremony, Linglong Tire’s Chairman Wang Feng delivered a speech highlighting the crucial importance of the Chinese manufacturer’s partnership with Rodolfo Comerio. This relationship of mutual trust has reportedly enabled Linglong to achieve significant milestones and contributed substantially to the company’s growth in both quality and productivity.

Fedele added: “Meeting and being able to talk with  Wang Feng is always a source of inspiration for me. His dedication and foresight are a continuous professional lesson, and they provide a fundamental guide to push us to do better and reach new heights of excellence. His strategic vision motivates us to continue our work with passion and constantly improve our solutions to support the growth of our customers.”

Element Fleet Management Corp., the world’s largest publicly traded automotive fleet manager, has nominated Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar to stand for election to its Board of Directors, the Toronto-listed company announced recently.

The nominations, to be voted on at the firm’s Annual General Meeting on 2 May, come as current board members Andrew Clarke and Arielle-Meloul Wechsler have decided not to seek re-election.

Ferrari brings substantial executive experience to the role, having most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Bridgestone Americas and Bridgestone West, while simultaneously holding the position of Joint Global Chief Operations Officer of Bridgestone Corporation. His prior leadership roles include Chief Executive Officer of Pirelli North America and Latin America, alongside executive positions in telecommunications, technology, and investment banking.

McVicar, a Partner at private equity firm CAI Capital Partners since 2003, previously held senior investment banking positions at Raymond James Ltd. and RBC Capital Markets. Her governance experience includes directorships at Teck Resources Ltd., where she chaired the Audit Committee, and BC Hydro Corporation, where she led the Audit and Finance Committee.

"We are pleased to nominate Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar to our Board," said Element Board Chair Kathleen Taylor. "Paolo and Tracey bring integral skills, perspectives, and experience, and we are confident they will be tremendous assets to the Company. We would also like to thank our outgoing Board members, Andrew Clarke and Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, for their valuable support and contributions to Element."