JK Tyre & Industries is aiming for double-digit revenue growth in FY2026, outpacing its forecast for single-digit expansion across the broader tyre industry. Managing Director Anshuman Singhania outlined the company’s ambitions during a post-earnings media call, underscoring confidence in demand recovery and strategic market positioning.

Q1 Performance Overview

For the first quarter of FY2026, JK Tyre reported revenue of INR 38.91 billion, with EBITDA at INR 4.24 billion, translating to a margin of 10 percent. Net profit stood at ₹1.55 billion — up 51 percent compared with the previous quarter, but down 21 percent YoY.

Singhania attributed the annual decline to muted original equipment (OE) demand, particularly in truck and bus radial (TBR) volumes, alongside higher raw material costs compared to the same period last year. He also highlighted an adverse impact from the company’s Tornel business in Mexico, which faced uncertainty due to tariffs on exports from Mexico to the United States, dampening volumes.

Resilience in Domestic and Export Markets

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, said, “The growth momentum in domestic markets remained robust in Q1, with JK Tyre clocking a sales growth of 11 percent YoY, as contributed by a steady demand for our products in both replacement as well as OE segments, underscoring JK Tyre’s continued focus on core growth drivers and strengthening market presence.”

“Despite a challenging and uncertain macro-economic environment, exports of passenger car tyres witnessed a strong traction both on QoQ and YoY basis, signifying pull for our products and enhanced brand perception in the global markets,” said Dr Singhania.

Operational efficiencies and strategic pricing supported performance, even as natural rubber prices remained elevated. Subsidiaries Cavendish (India) and Tornel (Mexico) continued to contribute significantly to the group’s consolidated financials.

Operational efficiencies and strategic pricing supported performance, even as natural rubber prices remained elevated. Subsidiaries Cavendish (India) and Tornel (Mexico) continued to contribute significantly to the group’s consolidated financials.

Regarding trade tensions between India and the US, Anshuman Singhania noted that exports from India to the US account for only around 3 percent of JK Tyre’s revenue and could be redirected to markets such as Mexico, Latin America, Brazil and the UAE if required. With zero tariffs in Mexico, JK Tyre can utilise its production base there to meet demand for both passenger and truck radials. The EU and UK, where JK Tyre holds a strong position in the TBR segment, also remain tariff-free.

Capacity expansion

The company’s INR 14 billion capital expenditure plan is progressing on schedule, covering passenger car radial (PCR), TBR and all-steel truck radial projects. For the year, investment is expected to total INR 9-10 billion, aimed at boosting production capacity by 30-40 percent.

A key driver for future profitability is the shift towards premium products. The share of 16-inch and above passenger car tyres in JK Tyre’s portfolio has grown from 18 percent in FY2020 to 25 percent in FY2025, with a target of 40-45 percent over the next two to three years. This change is being fuelled by rising SUV sales, larger rim sizes in entry-level cars and strong export demand.

The company has also developed a complete range of tyres for electric vehicles, spanning commercial truck radials, bus tyres, passenger radials and two/three-wheeler tyres  Major OEMs such as Ashok Leyland’s Switch Mobility and Tata Motors are sourcing these products, including for last-mile connectivity vehicles and newly launched EV buses.

Market Outlook

The replacement market has been a bright spot, with passenger radial volumes up 32 percent year-on-year and truck radial volumes growing in the high single digits. JK Tyre expects demand to strengthen in the second half of FY2026, supported by infrastructure development, a favourable monsoon, potential interest rate cuts, and improved consumer liquidity.

Anshuman Singhania stressed that the worst of raw material price pressures appear to be over, paving the way for margin improvement as the product mix shifts and capacity utilisation rises. With the small car segment’s gradual decline offset by growth in premium categories, JK Tyre remains confident in sustaining momentum.

“Overall, India is poised for growth,” Singhania concluded. “We see positives across the board — from infrastructure push to evolving consumer preferences — and we are well-positioned to capitalise on these trends.”

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Yokohama ATG-owned Galaxy, a brand of tyres for construction, earthmoving and material handling, has entered the UTV and ATV segment with Hulk PSX and Everest PSX.

The company stated that the tyres are for use in the off-road segment and in utility applications, providing durability, life and traction across terrains. They are engineered to provide puncture resistance, stability and comfort for utility and recreational operations.

The Hulk PSX is for use off-road across terrains. It features a compound for tyre life and sidewalls for cut resistance. Radial construction is for performance, while shoulder blocks assist cornering and handling. It includes a tread design for traction and a tread-to-void ratio for wear resistance and stability. The model fits 12-inch and 14-inch rims to cater to UTV configurations.

On the other hand, the Everest PSX is suitable for utility applications, providing performance, durability and comfort. It offers resistance to cuts, chips and abrasions. Pattern continuity is for roadability and vibration reduction. The tyre provides traction and stability, including wet surface grip. It includes rim protection and puncture resistance for operations. The model is offered for 12-inch, 14-inch and 15-inch rims for UTV applications.

Dyutiman Chatterjee, 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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Michelin has completed the acquisition of Flexitallic, expanding the French group’s industrial sealing activities as it seeks growth in higher value-added markets under its “Michelin in Motion 2030” strategy.

Houston-based Flexitallic, founded in 1912, manufactures engineered sealing solutions used in industries including energy and chemicals, where equipment operates under extreme conditions and safety standards are stringent. The company operates 17 manufacturing facilities globally and produces seals, gaskets, sheet products and specialty filler materials.

Michelin said the acquisition would broaden its sealing solutions portfolio and strengthen its access to the aftermarket. The transaction also combines Flexitallic’s expertise in engineered sealing technologies with Michelin’s global industrial network.

Flexitallic employs about 1,200 people and generated sales of about $220m in 2025.

The companies said the deal would support demand from both traditional industrial sectors and emerging energy markets, where sealing technologies are required to ensure operational reliability and safety.

Flexitallic provides what it describes as “Total Joint Integrity” services, combining sealing products with onsite technical support aimed at improving long-term operational performance. Its specialist services division, Integra Technologies, offers onsite inspection, maintenance and compliance support across industrial assets.

Michelin said the acquisition reflected its strategy of using its industrial and materials expertise to expand beyond tyres into adjacent engineering and high-technology businesses.

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has elevated Rachel Tibor to the role of Chief Marketing Officer for its wholesale division. She now joins the company’s executive team and will oversee the insight-driven go-to-market strategy, reporting directly to President and CEO Don Byrd.

Tibor originally joined TBC in 2023 as Group Vice President of Wholesale Marketing, where she was responsible for developing the wholesale strategy, including marketing leadership, brand positioning and customer engagement. Her career spans more than two decades, with prior leadership roles in marketing and brand strategy at Office Depot and Procter & Gamble.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University. The promotion reinforces TBC’s focus on data-led marketing as it continues to expand its wholesale and franchise tyre operations across North America.

Byrd said, “Rachel has created deep alignment across multiple disciplines and provided data-driven approaches that deliver a best-in-class customer experience. As Chief Marketing Officer, Rachel will continue to provide rigor and focused strategies that will drive TBC forward.”

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Continental has announced a leadership transition at its supervisory board level, with Sabrina Soussan, 56, elected as the new chair. The unanimous decision took place during the board’s constituent meeting, held immediately after the company’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. Soussan, who had just been elected as a shareholder representative, succeeds Wolfgang Reitzle, who departed as planned following more than 16 years of service on the board.

A German-French top executive, Soussan brings over 25 years of automotive and transport sector experience to Continental, positioning her to guide the firm’s strategic realignment. Her career includes serving as CEO of Siemens Mobility and, most recently, as CEO and chair of France’s SUEZ Group. She previously held senior roles at Continental itself and was appointed to the supervisory board by a local court in September 2025. Soussan also serves on Henkel’s Shareholders’ Committee and is standing for election to Stadler Rail’s board of directors.

At the same constituent meeting, the supervisory board extended the executive board appointment of Chief Executive Officer Christian Kötz by three years, securing his tenure until March 2030. The early renewal reflects strong confidence in his leadership, particularly his success in strengthening Continental’s tyre business amid challenging market conditions and his role in reshaping the company as a focused tire manufacturer.

Kötz, who has been with Continental’s tyre division since 1996, joined the executive board in 2019 and has led key areas including passenger-tyre replacement and commercial-vehicle tyre units, as well as global research and development for passenger-car tyres. He has served as Continental’s chief executive since 1 January 2026.

Soussan said, “Being elected as chair of the Supervisory Board fills me with joy and respect. I would like to thank the shareholders and the Supervisory Board for placing their trust in me. Continental is strongly positioned as a focused tyre manufacturer. I look forward to paving the way for a successful future together with the Supervisory Board and Executive Board.”

Kötz said, “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for placing its trust in me. We have proven in recent years that we have the right ingredients for success: top technology in our products, state-of-the-art manufacturing, efficient distribution and a strong brand, supported by a strong team. We will continue to drive forward our success strategy and make Continental even more resilient.”

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