Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT Tires), already a dominant force in the Off-Highway Tyre (OHT) sector globally, has announced its strategic foray into India’s consumer tyre market. This significant expansion introduces the company’s On-Highway portfolio, marking a pivotal shift in its business trajectory. The initial product lineup is purpose-built for two-wheelers, encompassing both scooters and motorcycles, as well as Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCV). This move underscores BKT’s long-term commitment to establishing a strong presence in India’s rapidly expanding consumer and replacement tyre segments. Accompanying the product launch is a new national brand campaign, ‘Elevate Your Drive’, fronted by brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, which heralds the beginning of the company’s journey as a consumer-facing brand.

To provide clarity for its evolving corporate structure, BKT has introduced a new brand architecture under its existing identity, ‘BKT – Growing Together’. This framework establishes two distinct verticals: BKT Tyres, which will encompass the company’s complete range from Off-Highway to the new On-Highway categories, and BKT Carbon, dedicated to its carbon black and industrial materials business. This dual-pillar approach reflects BKT’s transformation into a more integrated mobility enterprise.

The company’s entry into the consumer space is led by two new two-wheeler tyre lines, both manufactured in India. The BKT ZENOVA is engineered specifically for urban commuting, prioritising rider comfort, smooth handling and reliable grip. Complementing this is the BKT THYROS, designed for riders who encounter mixed terrain, offering enhanced control and confidence on both on-road and off-road surfaces. Developed with core consumer needs like comfort, safety and mileage in mind, the range has undergone rigorous validation. This includes design verification, durability trials and performance testing for braking and handling at the government’s NATRAX facility, ensuring they meet IATF 16949 standards and hold mandatory BIS certifications.

BKT’s expansion into the commercial on-road segment will follow with the introduction of its Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicle Radial (MHCVR) tyres, slated for launch in the first quarter of FY2026-27. The initial offering will include the BKT m.Loadxpert and BKT Milexpert RG, tyres developed for demanding applications like cement transport and regional cargo logistics. Engineered for high stability and robust casing strength, each tyre undergoes over 138 in-process quality checks and more than 20 design verification tests in NABL-accredited labs. By meeting all BIS standards, the range emphasises reliability, long service life and retreadability, bringing industrial-grade validation to the commercial road sector.

The go-to-market strategy involves a phased rollout through BKT’s nationwide distributor and dealer network, beginning with key high-demand markets. Reinforcing its consumer-first approach, the company will support the new portfolio with an advanced digital platform designed for efficient service response and transparent complaint tracking. This initiative aims to set new standards in customer engagement and service responsiveness within the Indian mobility sector.

Underpinning this strategic expansion is a substantial investment commitment of INR 35 billion (approximately USD 400 million). These funds are earmarked for expanding manufacturing capacity, advancing research and development, supporting vertical integration through the BKT Carbon business and widening the distribution network. This investment is central to the company’s Vision 2030, which targets a consolidated revenue of approximately INR 230 billion by FY30. This future revenue mix is projected to comprise about 70 percent from its core Off-Highway tyre business, 20 percent from the newly entered On-Highway categories and 10 percent from third-party carbon black sales.

Arvind Poddar, Chairman & Managing Director, BKT, said, “Our entry into the on-highway segment is a natural extension of BKT’s purpose – to support India’s evolving mobility needs with products engineered for real world conditions. We are building on decades of manufacturing discipline to offer tyres that deliver safety, reliability and value. Guided by BKT – Growing Together, we aim to be a dependable partner for consumers, distributors and dealers.”

Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, BKT, said, “BKT’s foray into the on-highway tyre segment is a strategic milestone under our Vision 2030 – an India-led initiative to scale responsibly and expand our mobility footprint. Our approach balances ambition with discipline, where we aim to grow while protecting profitability and maintaining our engineering excellence. With a defined revenue roadmap of INR 23,000 crore (INR 230 billion) by 2030 – a 2.2x increase from FY25 levels, this measured growth, is built on clarity, capability and long-term commitment.”

Satish Sharma, Senior President and Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT, said, “As we step into a new phase of growth, our focus remains unwavering on delivering durability, mileage, comfort and advanced performance across 2-Wheeler, Truck Bus Radial, Passenger and Light Truck categories, backed by deep customer insights and a commitment to product leadership. We are proud to pioneer industry first initiatives – whether it is pure distribution play ensuring wide reach with zero channel conflict, our ‘Journey Assistance Program’ for riders, or transformative programmes like ‘Save the Casing’ and market leading end user loyalty platforms. Our goal is clear – to achieve a five percent market share by FY30 through a disciplined, India-led strategy based on product leadership, distribution strength and consumer trust.”

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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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