The global tyre industry faced significant hurdles in 2024, with geopolitical tensions, wars and economic uncertainties contributing to a year of near stagnation. The ongoing conflict in Russia has posed challenges to the global economy and, by extension, the tyre industry. Many companies, including machinery manufacturers, have had to navigate the complexities of operating in.

As hopes rise for a resolution to the conflict in 2025, Marangoni Meccanica is cautiously optimistic about resuming full-scale operations in the region. A peaceful resolution would unlock significant opportunities, allowing for the revival of trade and investment in this strategically important market.

Another focus about 2025 is referred to Donald Trump’s re-election, which could present unique opportunities also for the tyre market, particularly if his administration focuses on bolstering manufacturing and infrastructure development in the United States. Policies encouraging domestic production and investment in industries like automotive manufacturing may drive demand for tyres, especially for commercial vehicles, agricultural and construction equipment. Additionally, potential tariffs on imported goods could incentivise the growth of local tyre manufacturers, fostering innovation and creating a more competitive landscape. These factors could create a dynamic environment for the tyre industry to expand and adapt.

In addition, as 2025 begins, signs of recovery are emerging. This recovery is particularly evident in markets where tyre manufacturers are resuming investments in advanced machinery to meet growing demand.

A leading company in the tyre-building machinery sector, Marangoni Meccanica, is capitalising on this revival by aligning its offerings with the evolving needs of its clients. Its cutting-edge, automated systems are designed to enhance production efficiency and product quality, providing much-needed support to tyre manufacturers eager to rebound.

BRIGHT PROSPECTS IN THE INDIAN MARKET

India, one of the fastest-growing automotive markets, is presenting immense opportunities for tyre manufacturers and their equipment suppliers. With a booming middle class and increasing vehicle ownership, the demand for high-quality tyres is on the rise.

Recognising this potential, Marangoni Meccanica is strengthening its presence in India through collaborations with local partners, enhanced customer service and tailored solutions for the unique requirements of the Indian market. This includes developing versatile machinery that can accommodate a wide range of tyre types, from agricultural to industrial vehicles.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

To bolster its position in the international market, Marangoni Meccanica is actively pursuing strategic partnerships. These alliances focus on sharing technological expertise, expanding distribution networks and codeveloping solutions that address specific industry challenges.

Such collaborations not only enable the company to penetrate new markets but also provide a competitive edge in established ones. By pooling resources and expertise, the company is setting new benchmarks for innovation and service excellence.

STRENGTHENING R&D BY LATE 2025

Innovation remains at the heart of the company’s growth strategy. By the end of 2025, the company plans to significantly enhance its Research and Development (R&D) capabilities. This initiative will focus on:

Sustainability: Developing eco-friendly machinery that minimises energy consumption and waste.

Automation and AI: Introducing smart systems for predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring.

Customisation: Creating modular designs to cater to the diverse needs of global customers. This renewed focus on R&D will ensure the company remains at the forefront of technological advancements, addressing emerging trends and challenges in the tyre-building sector.

CONCLUSION

As the tyre industry emerges from a difficult 2024, Marangoni Meccanica is seizing the moment with strategic initiatives tailored to global recovery. From capitalising on growth in India to forging international partnerships and investing in future-ready technologies, the company is well-positioned to thrive in an evolving market landscape. With resilience and innovation at its core, it aims not only to support the recovery of its customers but also to lead the industry into a new era of efficiency and sustainability.

Francesco Motta is the Chief Executive Officer at Marangoni Meccanica.

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Discount Tire has earned a prominent position on Glassdoor's Best Places To Work 2026 list, ranking 14th in Consumer Services and within the top 100 US employers. This distinction is awarded to organisations with over 1,000 employee reviews on Glassdoor and a minimum rating of 3.5. For the Scottsdale-based retailer, with more than 1,250 locations nationally, the honour underscores a long-standing commitment to its workforce.

The company cultivates a people-first culture for its over 30,000 employees by providing substantial career growth, thorough training, leadership development and competitive benefits. This philosophy, centred on serving others and empowering personal goals, previously earned Discount Tire top Glassdoor rankings from 2018 through 2021. The latest recognition reaffirms its status as an employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and progressive workplace.

Dean Muglia, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We treat our people like family. We're honoured to be recognised by both current and former employees and Glassdoor as a best place to work. We strive every day to deliver the most inviting, easy and safe experience possible for our people and our customers."

Michael Zuieback, Executive Chairman, said, "Through six and a half decades of growth, our primary commitments have stayed true: We want to take care of people and help make more dreams come true.”

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Radar Tyres has entered a significant, multi-year global partnership with Cricket South Africa, a strategic move to build its brand within a sport enjoyed by a worldwide audience. This alliance grants the company headline sponsorship for the Proteas Men’s and Women’s T20 International sides, alongside associate partnership status for their ODI and Test matches. Radar will also be the headline partner for South Africa’s Under-19 national teams.

The collaboration provides substantial visibility, featuring exclusive logo placement on both match and training kits, with the new T20I apparel already unveiled. For Radar, this investment is a key step in leveraging high-profile platforms to enhance global brand recognition, all while maintaining its commitment to providing high-quality, value-driven tyre products.

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, "Becoming the Global Partner of the Proteas marks a significant milestone in Radar Tyres' global brand journey and reflects our belief in sport as a powerful platform to build brand equity, strengthen dealer support, enhance trust and credibility and connect with households worldwide. Through this partnership, we are able to engage with cricket fans both locally and globally while reinforcing Radar Tyres' as a reliable, performance-driven brand committed to delivering premium-performance at an accessible price point."

Pholetsi Moseki, Chief Executive Officer, CSA, said, "CSA is extremely proud to partner with Radar Tyres, an organisation that shares our values and commitment to excellence. This partnership is a significant milestone, securing support not only for our senior teams but for our junior teams as well. This partnership reflects our deliberate approach to working with like-minded organisations, guided by a long-term vision of developing the game, supporting our players and delivering memorable experiences for fans. Radar Tyres' support also reinforces CSA's commitment to excellence and inclusion, strengthening our ability to drive high performance across all levels."

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For the second consecutive year, the Alliance for the Future of Tyres (AZuR) has been shortlisted for the German Award for Sustainability Projects, following its 2025 win. This renewed nomination underscores the jury’s recognition of AZuR as a pioneering force in sustainability, particularly for its dedicated efforts to advance tyre retreading as a core component of a circular economy. The 2026 award ceremony will be held under the patronage of Brigitte Zypries on 17 September in Berlin.

AZuR’s multifaceted initiative extends well beyond theoretical advocacy. Its work gained significant international attention with the Retreading Summit, held in September 2025 at KRONE Trailer in Werlte. This event convened experts from industry, politics, academia and media for two days of intensive dialogue on the potential, challenges and necessary policy frameworks for tyre modernisation, leading to the launch of concrete action plans. Furthermore, the alliance drives progress through strategic communications and direct support for flagship projects, such as the new passenger car tyre retreading facility established by Rigdon in Pfaffenhofen.

Central to AZuR’s mission is transforming public perception by demonstrating that worn tyres are valuable resources, not waste. Through ongoing awareness campaigns, it highlights the substantial ecological and economic benefits of retreaded tyres, which can be refurbished multiple times to conserve raw materials, reduce climate impact and offer cost-effective solutions. The German Award for Sustainability Projects, judged by a panel chaired by Prof Dr Claudia Kemfert of DIW Berlin, evaluates entries based on their innovation, impact and relevance to a sustainable future. AZuR’s repeated shortlisting affirms that its model for a tyre circular economy is a replicable and exemplary system with groundbreaking potential.

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Seasoned tyre industry executive Manish Maharaj has embarked on a new professional chapter, joining Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires) in a senior leadership capacity after a distinguished 11-year tenure with Apollo Tyres Ltd.

In his new role at BKT Tires, Maharaj has been appointed General Manager and Head of Business Finance, where he will focus on enhancing financial strategy, driving performance-driven growth, and building scalable systems to support BKT’s global expansion ambitions.

“I am thrilled to begin a new chapter with BKT Tires,” said Maharaj.

Maharaj’s career at Apollo spanned multiple strategic roles in one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, most recently serving as Regional Chief Financial Officer for South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and later as Business Head for South East Asia. In these capacities, he led multi-market commercial and financial operations, driving robust business performance across diverse cultural and economic environments.

At Apollo, Maharaj was responsible for charting growth strategies in fast-evolving markets, strengthening distributor partnerships, and reinforcing brand positioning across key ASEAN economies. His leadership coincided with initiatives to expand premium brand presence in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines & South Korea and foster deeper retail engagement across the ASEAN region.

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