The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) has entered its Golden Jubilee year, celebrating five decades of fostering growth in India’s tyre sector and its pivotal role in the nation’s economic progress.

Established in 1975, ATMA has grown into the premier industry body representing over 90 percent of the country’s tyre production, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of India’s industrial landscape.

Over the past 50 years, the Indian tyre industry has achieved remarkable milestones in production, exports, research and development (R&D) and innovation, setting benchmarks for emerging sectors globally. Today, India ranks among the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, producing more than 200 million tyres annually.

The industry’s self-sufficiency is a standout achievement. India boasts indigenous capabilities to manufacture a wide range of tyres, from moped tyres to massive off-the-road (OTR) tyres – a feat few countries can match. This self-reliance has not only strengthened the domestic market but also positioned India as a major global exporter. Indian-made tyres are now shipped to over 170 countries, including stringent markets like US and Europe. Annual tyre exports are valued at approximately INR 250 billion, accounting for nearly 25 percent of the industry’s revenue.

The tyre industry’s impact on job creation is substantial, supporting a vast value chain that spans rubber planters, tyre mechanics, manufacturers and dealerships. It sustains over one million natural rubber (NR) planters, as 75 percent of India’s NR production is consumed by tyre manufacturing. An additional million workers are engaged in tyre production, retreading, dealerships and repair services nationwide.

A groundbreaking initiative, the INROAD project, exemplifies the industry’s commitment to self-reliance. In collaboration with the Rubber Board, the tyre industry is funding large-scale NR plantations in Northeast India. This partnership marks the first global instance of a natural rubber-consuming industry (the tyre sector) partnering with government agencies to fund NR cultivation, potentially transforming India’s journey towards NR self-sufficiency.

India’s tyre industry is increasingly aligning with global standards in practices, product quality and R&D. The country now houses some of the world’s most advanced radial tyre manufacturing facilities. International vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) are launching leading brands in India equipped with Indian-made tyres, underscoring the industry’s quality and competitiveness. Five Indian tyre companies are now ranked among the world’s top 30, reflecting the sector’s growing influence in the global manufacturing ecosystem.

India’s strengths in tyre manufacturing are undeniable. A combination of seasoned entrepreneurship, skilled manpower and robust NR plantations positions the country as a potential global hub for tyre production.

The recently concluded Bharat Mobility Global Expo highlighted the industry’s 50-year growth journey, showcasing its evolution into the ‘wheels of the nation’ through a series of banners arranged as a walkthrough.

Rajiv Budhraja, Director General ATMA, said, “I had the privilege of joining ATMA at a young age and have witnessed the growth of the industry from close quarters, especially after the economic liberalisation. It is gratifying to see the industry growing from a size of about INR 50 billion to INR 1,000 billion in the last three decades.”

“At this moment, I am full of gratitude to the industry leaders who have provided vision and direction to the industry and the association over all these years and to the untiring efforts of all those involved in the industry who have turned that vision into reality. Thanks are also due to publications like Tyre Trends (and its previous avatar of Tyre Asia) for chronicling this remarkable journey of the industry. Here’s to the unstoppable movement of wheels of the economy,” added Budhraja.

GREEN OFFICE, CLEANER FUTURE: HOW ATMA IS REIMAGINING WORKPLACE SUSTAINABILITY

In the heart of New Delhi’s bustling PHD House, ATMA is proving that office spaces can be more than just functional – they can be transformative environmental statements.

Under the leadership of Budhraja, ATMA has turned its headquarters into a verdant oasis that’s part workspace, part ecological experiment. The organisation has embraced a holistic approach to sustainability that goes beyond mere corporate rhetoric.

Not only do plants improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, but they also have been shown to reduce stress and increase focus. “Thus was born the idea to have a green workspace so as to boost productivity, creativity and overall well-being”, said Budhraja.

The office is now a living, breathing ecosystem where every square foot serves a purpose. Lush greenery isn’t just decorative – it’s a strategic tool for improving air quality, reducing stress and boosting employee productivity.

ATMA has implemented energy-efficient lighting systems that dramatically reduce power consumption across their office space. The organisation’s architectural design features strategically placed open areas that maximise natural sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours.

By adopting a circular economy approach to waste management, ATMA transforms leftover food into nutrient-rich compost, which is then used to support the office’s green spaces, creating a closed-loop sustainability system.

The entire ATMA team is now actively engaged in maintaining this green space, turning sustainability from a corporate mandate into a shared cultural value.

It’s a small but significant step in an industry not typically associated with environmental innovation. By reimagining their workspace, ATMA is sending a powerful message: sustainability starts at home – or in this case, the office.

Italy-headquartered RODOLFO COMERIO S.r.l., a leading supplier of advanced systems for calendering lines, has been appointed Nicola Simondo as its Sales Manager for the Plastics Division.

Simondo has held important roles at well-known firms, giving him a plethora of commercial knowledge. He will spearhead the sales team and worldwide commercial operations in the plastics sector in his new position, encouraging expansion and innovation in the years to come. This new development reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring effective leadership and to further consolidate its position in the market.

Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires) has appointed Anette Sklarz Justice as Head of Marketing at BKT USA.

Sklarz Justice, who will head BKT USA's Marketing and Communication Unit, will bring more than five years of marketing experience, mostly from the HVAC manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on an extended brand expansion plan. By creating customised communication strategies, establishing industry ties and increasing exposure through targeted marketing campaigns, her hiring is anticipated to boost BKT's market stance.

Sklarz Justice, a principal member of BKT USA's leadership team, will be in charge of press and media relations, organise the company's attendance at trade exhibitions and choose the best means of communication to showcase the technological innovations and dependability of BKT products. Sklarz Justice, who will work under Lucia Salmaso, Marketing Director of BKT Group, will play a crucial role in expanding BKT's target market and making sure that its goods are seen by important clients, business leaders and stakeholders via initiatives and top-notch content.

“I am thrilled to join the great BKT team, making my contribution to the growth of an ambitious company that looks toward the future without ever losing sight of traditional values. In my new role, I am happy to drive the company’s growth and success in the United States at such a dynamic time. My primary goal will be to establish stronger and longer-lasting relationships with journalists, customers, and local partners, as well as to support the team in exploring new opportunities for growth,” said Sklarz Justice.

Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the development, production and marketing of tyres for the commercial, agricultural and OTR sectors, has appointed Steve Tift as its new MD for the UK and Eire.

Tift brings nine years of Prometeon expertise to the position, where he has been instrumental in building strong client connections and effective sales teams. Tift joined in 2016 as a Business Development Manager, and because of his commercial prowess, he was swiftly elevated to UK Sales Manager and, in January 2023, Sales Director. Tift has a clear and practical strategy for 2025 and is well aware of the cost difficulties that road transport operators face.

Tift said, “I am incredibly proud to be working for Prometeon, I love this company. I’ve been here for almost nine years, and developing and rebuilding successful sales teams has been my proudest achievement, along with the growth we’ve achieved in Ireland which has been unprecedented with our strategic partnerships. The year ahead will undoubtedly present challenges as we work to grow the Prometeon brand in a market facing significant cost and operational pressures. However, I am confident that opportunities exist across all segments. By offering long-term, sustainable solutions, we can provide our customers with the peace of mind they need – delivering reliability, performance and cost-effectiveness to support their operations.”

Iochpe-Maxion SA, a world leader in automotive wheels production and a leading producer of automotive structural components in the Americas, has appointed Pieter Klinkers, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maxion Wheels, as President and CEO of Iochpe-Maxion SA with effect from 16 April 2025.

Klinkers replaces Marcos Oliveira, who will step down at the end of his term in line with the senior leadership succession plan. The Iochpe-Maxion Board of Directors has nominated Oliveira to be a member of the slate for the Board of Directors election at the upcoming regular general shareholders' meeting, which is also set for 16 April 2025.

Over the course of more than 30 years, Klinkers has built a prestigious career in the automotive sector. After a 10-year stint at Michelin, he joined Hayes Lemmerz Inc in 2005, which was later purchased by Iochpe-Maxion. He has been in charge of the company's worldwide wheels division since 2015. Klinkers will be replaced as CEO of Maxion Wheels by Mark Gerardts. Since joining the firm in 2015, Gerardts has held a number of positions with progressively more responsibility, most recently serving as the Business Unit President for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).