The unprecedented lockdown imposed in March last year turned the supply chain of companies upside down, and the tyre companies were no exception. However, the intensity of disturbance was relatively high for Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT), which exports more than 90 percent of its production. According to Padmakumar G, Executive Vice President – SCM at YOHT, unprecedented lockdown led to unprecedented initiatives for YOHT. “Most importantly, we learned the importance of being able to react, adapt and set up crisis management mechanisms to weather situations of uncertainty,” says Padmakumar G.

Q) Was Yokohama Off-Highway Tires (YOHT) ready for the unprecedented lockdown?

Padmakumar G: The whole of 2020 was an extraordinary time when ‘business as usual’ was not an option. From the beginning of the year, it was clear that we were braced for a marathon and not a sprint.

At work, we had a unique period of simultaneous supply and demand shocks. Our plants in India were closed for a couple of weeks. As they (plants) were finally allowed to operate, we faced government-mandated operating restrictions and labour shortages that prevented us from running the plants at total capacity.

On the positive side, our plant in Israel was running at full capacity and continued shipments as planned. All sales and administrative employees at global locations were working from home and were doing their best to be accessible at all times. In North America, our network of national warehouses was open, stocked at historically high inventory levels and operating at full local, regional, and national distribution capacity to ensure continued deliveries to locations.

Our competitive position, market share, brand and diversification of our businesses in products and regions helped us see some all-time highs during these challenging times.

Q) Vendors and customers got panicked because of the uncertainties instilled by the lockdowns. How did you keep their morale and confidence intact in those tough times?

Padmakumar G: Unprecedented lockdown led to unprecedented initiatives for YOHT. The acute restrictions and lockdowns created many urgent situations that required immediate attention in the early days of the pandemic. At YOHT, we believe that no crisis should go to waste.

Adaptability, inventiveness and tenacity of our team paved the way to a ‘recovery mode’, and we started planning for the longer-term proactively. We did not face substantial business and operational disruptions – from mitigating the effects of reduced supply to managing disruptions to logistics suppliers and hurdles in meeting their contractual obligations to customers.

YOHT has an agile team that quickly reprioritised the customers’ requirement and ensured critical supply continuation through our multiple sourcing locations. We closely integrated with suppliers, vendors and customers to have better visibility. Consistent communication and streamlining the complexity helped us keep our commitments while keeping the morale and confidence in the most challenging times.

Q) YOHT is mainly into export of products and imports of raw materials? How did you cope up with the supply-demand situation?

Padmakumar G: Prioritisation of critical supply with effective utilisation of available inventories of finished goods, raw materials, and production capacities were the immediate focus in the lockdown situation. What also helped is that we have a wide base of sourcing raw material from multiple sources. We were able to keep our facility running at full efficiency to meet market requirement. We stepped up all measures to ensure that our customers get our products in the earliest shipments.

Q) ATG is now a part of Yokohama, a global giant in the tyre industry. What changes has Yokohama brought in the supply chain?

Padmakumar G: Yokohama has a strong legacy of quality, and its manufacturing and supply chain is very process-driven. The Kaizen processes and digitalisation of our daily supply chain activities helped us improve our process and culture. 

Q) What did you learn from the pandemic?

Padmakumar G: The importance of supply chain resilience and risk management is more apparent than ever. Most importantly, we learned the importance of being able to react, adapt and set up crisis management mechanisms to weather situations of uncertainty. 

Q) There has always been pressure to reduce cost and improve efficiency by shortening the order-to-delivery period. Could you share a couple of examples highlighting the company’s efforts that reduced the cost and enhanced supply chain efficiency?

 Padmakumar G: To shorten the order to delivery, YOHT has initiated Strategic Inventory build-up through S&CP (Sales & Capacity Planning) and effective cost management through strategic buying of raw materials. We have also increased the manufacturing flexibility to reduce delivery in our business of handling 3500+SKU’s.

Q) What new ideas will the company implement at the Visakhapatnam plant to have better supply chain management?

Padmakumar G: Investment in technology that will gain data insights like MES & digitalisation, improving transparency and considerations on sustainability in the supply chain will be key focus areas of our SCM processes in the Visakhapatnam plant. 

Q) What are the current challenges in the business?

Padmakumar G: Current situation of increased raw material cost, an aggressive demand for containers and increased shipping cost are some of the major challenges in SCM across industries. 

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Continental has expanded its ContiTread product line by introducing the HDL 5 EP, a new long-haul drive retread engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern fleet operations. This next-generation offering is designed to deliver consistent performance while simultaneously improving fuel economy and reducing the overall cost per kilometre for commercial carriers.

The retread incorporates a five-rib tread architecture that ensures reliable traction across extended highway routes. Its specially optimised contact patch, working in conjunction with V-shaped grooves, promotes uniform rubber wear, thereby prolonging the service life of the tread and enhancing the return on investment for each retreading cycle. The tyre is currently produced in sizes 220, 230 and 240, all featuring a uniform tread depth of 21/32.

By focusing on increased durability and operational uptime, Continental positions the HDL 5 EP as a sustainable and intelligent choice within its broader ContiTread portfolio. The tyre aims to provide a practical solution for fleets seeking to balance high performance with long-term efficiency in challenging over-the-road environments.

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Galaxy, a leading global brand of construction, earthmoving and material handling tyres, has announced its entry into the rapidly expanding UTV and ATV market. The company is launching two flagship product lines, the Hulk PSX and the Everest PSX, which build upon the firm’s century-long heritage in engineering high-performance tyre solutions.

The new tyres are specifically engineered for off-road and utility applications, promising superior durability, extended service life and enhanced traction on challenging surfaces. Both ranges also prioritise puncture resistance, stability and ride comfort, catering to a diverse array of recreational and operational needs.

The Hulk PSX is positioned for off-road enthusiasts, featuring a durable compound for longevity, tough sidewalls to resist cutting and a radial construction that supports high-speed performance. Its design includes shoulder blocks for improved cornering, a deep tread for traction, and a high tread-to-void ratio for stability, with various sizes available for 12- and 14-inch rims.

Conversely, the Everest PSX targets utility-focused users, offering resistance to cuts and abrasions, reduced vibration through pattern continuity and strong wet-surface grip. It includes rim protection and puncture-resistant features to ensure durability and is offered in multiple sizes for 12-, 14- and 15-inch rims to suit a wide range of UTV configurations.

Dyutiman Chattopadhyay, Chief Technology Officer, Yokohama-ATG, said, “Building on its 100+ years legacy, Galaxy’s entry into the UTV/ATV category is a strategic step in strengthening its presence globally. These tyres are designed to meet the evolving needs of customers seeking performance, reliability and durability in extreme conditions.”

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Bridgestone has issued a comprehensive advisory for motorists confronting the perils of summer heatwaves, which present significant challenges for both drivers and their vehicles. The combination of scorching tarmac, fully laden holiday luggage and extensive motorway travel can subject tyres to extraordinary strain. In response, the tyre manufacturer has outlined essential precautions to enhance road safety during elevated temperatures.

When temperatures climb beyond 30 degrees Celsius, the company emphasises the need for drivers to prioritise personal wellbeing. Adequate hydration and regular respite are paramount, as excessive heat can impair concentration and slow reaction times. Experts suggest scheduling a break at least every two hours, while seeking shaded parking areas is recommended to curb heat accumulation inside the vehicle.

Beyond passenger comfort, Bridgestone highlights critical technical considerations for hot weather. Tyres are particularly susceptible to added stress, prompting the company to urge pre-trip inspections. Prior to lengthy excursions, tyre pressure should be checked when cold, as heavier holiday loads require adjustment. Under-inflation can exacerbate heat generation, adversely affecting wear, stability and braking distances, with specific pressure guidelines often available for laden vehicles.

Driving behaviour requires modification under these conditions. High speeds on hot road surfaces generate significant additional heat within tyres, a risk that escalates with a full vehicle or trailer. Bridgestone counsels motorists to moderate speed and adopt a smooth driving style. A visual inspection for cracks, bulges or embedded debris is also imperative, as high temperatures intensify the effects of damage, with older tyres being especially vulnerable.

The advisory also addresses unpredictable summer weather, where heatwaves can abruptly give way to thunderstorms and heavy rain. The sudden shift from hot tarmac to a wet surface places tremendous demands on tyres and drivers. Maintaining sufficient tread depth and equipping the car with high-performance summer tyres is essential for effective water dispersal and control during these sudden changes.

Bridgestone points to its Turanza 6 tyre as a solution for these demands, offering excellent wet grip and short braking distances on wet roads. This premium touring tyre also provides enhanced driving comfort, improved mileage and optimised fuel efficiency. Motorists can therefore navigate changeable summer weather with heightened confidence and peace of mind.

Andy Mathias, Head of Marketing, North Europe, said, “The high temperatures we are currently experiencing in many parts of Europe pose particular challenges for drivers and vehicles. This makes it all the more important to pay special attention to road safety. With well-maintained tyres, regular checks and anticipatory driving, motorists can significantly improve their own safety and that of their passengers.”

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) is broadening its international footprint with a new European project group focused on tyre retreading. An inaugural online meeting for this initiative is scheduled for 22 July 2026, marking the first step in creating a pan-European network uniting companies, research bodies and sector specialists.

Retreading extends the lifespan of premium tyre casings, conserving raw materials and reducing CO₂ emissions while supporting Europe's circular economy. The sector faces regulatory shifts, including the ESPR Regulation, the Digital Product Passport and heightened traceability mandates.

The AZuR project group will serve as a permanent forum for retreaders, tyre makers, equipment suppliers, research institutes and associations. The agenda prioritises innovation, digitalisation, legislation, best practices and joint ventures, with the kick-off session defining the group's mission, thematic focus and structure.

The online meeting via Microsoft Teams on 22 July from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CEST invites existing AZuR partners and new European stakeholders. Retreaders, manufacturers, academic institutions and associations are encouraged to participate and shape the platform from its inception.

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