The commercial vehicle tyre industry is at a crossroads, shaped by rising costs, shifting fleet demands and sustainability pressures. Apollo Tyres is betting on digital fleet solutions, energy-efficient tyres and retreading to stay ahead. Yet, challenges persist as India’s price-sensitive market slows the adoption of smart tyres, regulatory changes loom and global economic uncertainty adds pressure.

As the commercial vehicle (CV) segment evolves, tyre manufacturers are adapting to changing customer expectations, fleet optimisation needs and sustainability imperatives. Apollo Tyres is sharpening its focus on energy-efficient tyres, fleet solutions and the increasing demand for retreading.

At the recent Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Apollo Tyres showcased its latest advancements in energy-efficient and fuel-efficient tyres. “Customers today are becoming more mature, and as tyre prices rise, fleets are looking for specialised solutions,” said Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President – Commercial.

Fleet management is seeing a shift towards outsourced solutions, where tyre manufacturers take on the responsibility of maintaining and managing tyres, allowing fleet operators to concentrate on the core business. “We are seeing a growing interest in digital solutions that allow fleets to track tyre usage remotely. Some prefer a more hands-on approach, requiring physical support and maintenance. Others are even considering pay-per-use models, where we fully manage the tyre lifecycle,” Dahiya explained.

While fleet solutions remain a nascent trend in India, the concept is well established in Europe and US. “As fleet sizes grow beyond 100-200 vehicles, operators start seeing the financial and operational benefits of working with a specialist. Even OEMs are acknowledging this shift with customers now approaching them for fleet solutions,” he added.

NEW MOBILITY TRENDS

With the rise of alternative fuel vehicles, including CNG-powered commercial vehicles, tyre manufacturers must adapt to evolving mobility trends. “Powertrains and fuel types will continue to evolve due to environmental concerns, but tyres will always be essential. What will change is their configuration and specific features,” said Dahiya. He highlighted that electric vehicles (EVs) require specialised tyres due to their higher torque and unique weight distribution.

Furthermore, the increasing cost of new tyres is pushing fleet operators towards retreading, a practice that extends the lifespan of tyres and reduces costs. “Tyres are designed to be retreaded, and when done properly, fleets can use tyres for multiple life cycles. Today, better road conditions, modern chassis and improved vehicle maintenance are making retreading a more viable option,” Dahiya stated.

Apollo Tyres is also active in the retreading sector. “We already have around 45 Apollo Retreading Zones equipped with our machinery and materials. Retreading is not just an add-on, but it is an integral part of our solutions,” he emphasised.

MARKET GROWTH

The commercial vehicle tyre market is witnessing strong growth in certain segments. “The mining and construction sectors are growing rapidly, outpacing traditional truck sales. Trailers, in particular, are seeing increased adoption,” said Dahiya. He noted that Apollo holds a market share of approximately 27-28 percent in this segment.

Smart tyres, equipped with sensors to monitor pressure, temperature and wear, are gaining traction globally. However, its adoption in India remains limited due to cost concerns. “While smart tyres represent the next step in tyre technology, widespread adoption will take time. The price sensitivity of the Indian market means that costs need to come down before mass adoption takes off. We expect significant growth in the next 5-7 years,” Dahiya predicted.

Sustainability is also becoming a key focus for the tyre industry. “We have tyres that contain 75 percent sustainable materials, but market demand for sustainable tyres is still developing. While tyre manufacturers are ready with the technology, widespread adoption will depend on customer preferences and regulatory support,” he noted.

The regulatory landscape in India is also evolving with sustainability and environmental regulations gaining momentum. “The entire industry must gear up to meet these new challenges. We are prepared for this shift and continue investing in sustainable solutions,” Dahiya stated.

CHALLENGES

Despite the growth potential, the industry faces challenges. “A slowdown in GDP growth is a concern and the adoption of EV-specific tyres is still hindered by infrastructure limitations and high costs. However, as the economy recovers and sustainability regulations take effect, the industry will adapt,” Dahiya asserted.

In response to rising raw material costs, Apollo Tyres is planning to increase tyre prices. “Cost pressures are real and price adjustments are necessary to maintain quality and innovation. However, we are still mulling over the price adjustments.” he said.

As the commercial vehicle segment continues to evolve, Apollo Tyres remains focused on providing innovative solutions that cater to fleet operators’ changing needs while staying ahead in sustainability and smart tyre technology.

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Gaurav Kumar has resigned as a whole-time director of Apollo Tyres, the Indian tyre manufacturer, after more than two decades with the company, though he will remain chief financial officer during a transition period.

The Gurugram-based company's board approved the resignation at a meeting on Thursday. Kumar steps down as a director, and consequently as a member of the risk management committee, with effect from the close of business the same day. The company said he had confirmed there was no material reason for his departure beyond that stated in his resignation letter.

Kumar will continue as chief financial officer for such period as is necessary to ensure a smooth transition, after which he will cease to be part of the company's senior management.

In his resignation letter, Kumar said: "It has been terrific to be part of the incredible journey at Apollo Tyres thus far. I have learned, and hopefully contributed in equal measure, and now seek to explore alternative and new challenges. I wish Apollo Tyres the very best for the journey ahead and will always be part of the Apollo Tyres Family." He added that he was grateful to Onkar Kanwar and Neeraj Kanwar for their support during his tenure of more than 22 years at the company.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, said: "Gaurav deserves kudos for the critical role he has played in the growth of Apollo Tyres, both in India and overseas, in the last twenty years. While we do regret losing him, we are conscious of his personal aspirations and wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

The company said it was in the process of appointing a new chief financial officer.

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Shrader Tire & Oil (STO) has announced the appointment of Bob Feldbauer to the role of President, effective 1 August 2026. He will concurrently serve as Chief Operating Officer, while Joe Shrader maintains his position as Chief Executive Officer.

Feldbauer’s ascent follows his arrival at STO in early 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, a role built upon a robust industry resume. His prior engagements include a lengthy stint at the helm of Jack’s Tire & Oil in Utah and a substantial period with Michelin North America, where he handled sales and managerial assignments.

Under the new structure, Feldbauer’s purview widens to encompass both internal fleet management across 14 sites and outward-facing commercial development, including alliances and market expansion. With the founding family’s fourth generation now active within the firm, the succession plan reinforces the enduring principles established when the company opened in 1948.

Shrader said, “Bob has proven exactly what we hoped he would when we brought him on board – sharp operational instincts and a real drive to help this company grow. Putting him in the President seat lets us move faster on the growth plans we’ve been building towards.”

Feldbauer said, “It has been a fast year and a half at Shrader Tire & Oil. I have gained tremendous insight and valuable knowledge about our organisation’s structure, company culture and an understanding of our overall goals and commitments. One thing is clearly obvious – the commitment Shrader employees have to deliver the best customer experience each and every time. I appreciate this and look forward to supporting them as their President and COO.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has unveiled a brand installation at the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) T2 Elevated Road Underpass as the tyre manufacturer seeks to broaden its positioning beyond its traditional Off-Highway business and strengthen awareness of its expanding on-highway portfolio in India.

The 2,000 sq. ft. installation, inspired by the company's "Elevate Your Drive" philosophy, highlights BKT's portfolio across agriculture, construction, mining, earthmoving, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The activation comes as the company expands its presence in India's two-wheeler and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

Designed to move beyond conventional outdoor advertising, the installation features nine illuminated tyre-shaped displays, each 8 feet in diameter, using the tyre itself as the central storytelling element. It opens with a large-format visual featuring BKT brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, followed by a sequence of displays illustrating the company's expanding mobility portfolio. The installation will remain at the airport for 24 months.

Mumbai International Airport handled a record 55.5 million passengers in 2025, providing the company with sustained visibility among business travellers and consumers.

"For BKT, innovation goes beyond product engineering; it extends to how we tell our story. This installation reflects a simple yet powerful idea: our tyre itself becomes the medium through which travellers experience the breadth of BKT's world. As we expand our presence across India's mobility landscape, it is important that consumers see BKT not through a single product category, but as a brand that supports movement across diverse terrains, applications and journeys. Mumbai Airport provides an ideal stage for us to express that transformation in a memorable and distinctive way," said Satish Sharma, Senior President & Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT.

The installation was conceptualised by Infectious Advertising and uses immersive design, sequential storytelling and its airport location to showcase the company's wider mobility portfolio. According to BKT, the activation is intended to connect its established Off-Highway business with its growing presence in India's on-highway mobility market.

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Mumbai-headquartered leading carbon black manufacturer Epsilon Carbon has reported a 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across its upstream transportation operations during FY2025–26. The reduction was achieved through the deployment of an electric and liquefied natural gas freight fleet.

An independent third party certified the emissions data. The reductions achieved in transport logistics equate to carbon absorption figures associated with approximately 29,000 trees. The verified figures allow supply chain partners to include these reductions within Scope 3 emissions reporting frameworks and environmental disclosures.

Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Decarbonising logistics is central to our climate strategy. What makes this milestone meaningful is that the results are independently verified with a 10 percent reduction in CO2e emissions within the upstream transportation category over a single financial year, driven by the adoption of electric and LNG fleets. These carbon reductions strengthen our own sustainability disclosures and those of our customers, and we intend to scale this model across our supply chain.”

Following Phase 1 operations, Epsilon Carbon intends to expand the number of electric and LNG vehicles in its transport fleet during FY 2026–27 to scale low-carbon freight transport across its supply chain network.

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