As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global trade routes and supply chains, tyre manufacturers are being forced to rethink not only where they sell, but how they grow. For KAMA Tyres – Russia’s largest and most diversified tyre manufacturer – this reassessment has become a defining element of its international strategy.

Rather than pulling back amid sanctions and market disruption, the company is steadily opening new doors, with the Middle East emerging as its next strategic frontier.

In an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends, Shaydullin Ildar, Deputy Director – Marketing, KAMA Tyres, spoke about how the company is looking beyond its domestic market and recalibrating its global ambitions.

“We have rich experience of cooperation with machine producers across the world. This cooperation allows us to produce tyres exactly for certain machines – tyres that are suitable for specific clients,” Ildar said.

That customer-focused manufacturing capability, coupled with a broad and diversified product portfolio, is now underpinning KAMA Tyres’ cautious yet determined push into new international markets.

FROM 50 MARKETS TO 20: A STRATEGIC RESET

Until recently, KAMA Tyres had an expansive global footprint. “Earlier, we exported our tyres to more than 50 countries,” Ildar noted. Today, that number has come down significantly – not due to waning ambition, but because of shifting geopolitical realities.

“Now, because of the situation in the global market, we are exporting our tyres to around 20 countries,” he explained.

Despite the contraction, the company has retained a presence across a geographically diverse mix of regions. “For example, Egypt, Brazil, Turkey, Mongolia, Vietnam. Russia has good relations with Vietnam, so this is one of our key markets,” Ildar said.

This pragmatic reassessment mirrors a broader trend across Russian manufacturing – prioritising markets where political alignment, trade frameworks and logistics remain workable.

“At the same time, we are trying to open new markets. Right now, we are opening for ourselves the Gulf countries,” he added.

This shift also explains KAMA Tyres’ growing presence at regional trade exhibitions. “That is why we are here at this exhibition,” Ildar said, referring to Automechanika Dubai 2025. “This is the first time we are participating here.”

For KAMA Tyres, the Middle East represents a significant opportunity – but one that requires patience. “Yes, for us it is a really big opportunity. We are trying to open it step by step,” he said.

MIDDLE EAST ENTRY: OPPORTUNITY WITH A COMPLIANCE HURDLE

While the Middle East offers scale and strategic relevance, entry into the region is far from straightforward. Regulatory compliance remains the biggest challenge.

“We haven’t started selling our tyres here yet. At the moment, we are preparing,” Ildar clarified.

That preparation, he explained, is extensive. “We are doing all the necessary procedures to start selling our tyres. This includes connecting with potential clients and preparing documents and certification for this market.”

Certification is, by far, the most demanding hurdle. “The main opportunity for us is opening a new market, new clients and new sales. The big challenge is that this market needs different certification,” he said.

Still, the company remains resolute. “We are doing it and we will do it anyway,” Ildar said firmly.

KAMA has already begun building visibility in the region through trade events. “In May, we participated in an exhibition in Riyadh – I think it was Automechanika Riyadh,” he recalled.

The timeline for commercial entry is now clearly defined. “In 2026, we are planning to start selling our tyres here,” he confirmed, with the first quarter of calendar year 2026 emerging as the tentative target.

ONE COMPLEX, EVERY TYRE SEGMENT

One of KAMA Tyres’ key competitive strengths lies in the breadth of its manufacturing capability. Unlike many tyre manufacturers that specialise in one or two segments, KAMA operates as a fully integrated tyre complex.

“We are the only tyre complex in Russia that produces all groups of tyres,” Ildar explained.

The portfolio spans passenger car tyres (PCR), light truck tyres, truck and bus radials (TBR) and off-the-road (OTR) tyres. “We are ready to offer different kinds of tyres. And potential customers are asking us for different groups,” he said.

This versatility gives KAMA considerable flexibility as it enters new markets such as the Gulf, where demand spans multiple vehicle categories. “We can offer both TBR tyres and PCR tyres,” Ildar noted, adding that OTR tyres are also part of the company’s global offering.

Rather than rushing to push specific products, the approach is deliberately measured. “We want to understand the market first. And then offer what is needed,” he said.

This mindset reflects KAMA’s longstanding experience of working closely with OEMs and equipment manufacturers. “Our cooperation with machine producers allows us to make tyres exactly suitable for the machines,” Ildar reiterated.

SANCTIONS, SUPPLY CHAINS AND PREPAREDNESS

Sanctions have been a defining force shaping Russian industry over the past decade. For KAMA Tyres, however, preparedness has significantly softened the impact.

“About sanctions – we are prepared for this situation from 2014,” Ildar said.

This long-term approach has been especially critical in securing raw material supplies, an area where many global tyre manufacturers continue to face volatility.

“At the moment, we don’t have problems with supplying raw materials. We have producers of raw materials in the Russian market and in the Asian market too,” he explained.

By diversifying its sourcing base early, KAMA has ensured continuity even during periods of global disruption. “We are searching for different ways to be ready for any problems in the future,” he said.

As a result, the company has largely avoided the supply crunch faced by several global peers. “So now we have suppliers of raw materials and we don’t have a problem with it,” Ildar added.

In an industry increasingly shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, this resilience has become a competitive advantage.

INDIA ON THE HORIZON, BUT NO SHORTCUTS

Given the historically strong ties between India and Russia, the Indian market naturally features in discussions around KAMA Tyres’ longer-term expansion plans. However, Ildar is careful to manage expectations.

“We are moving step by step, starting with the Persian Gulf. If everything goes well, we will look at the Indian market,” he said.

The key constraint, he explained, is production capacity. “It depends on one thing – we have to sell Russian products. If we have free resources, we are ready to look at the Indian market.”

He is also realistic about the competitive intensity in India. “We understand that there are a lot of good products and strong competition in the Indian market,” Ildar noted.

Certification remains another important consideration. “At the moment, we do not export tyres to India because the Indian market needs BIS certification,” he confirmed.

Still, the door remains open. “If in the future we find potential clients who are interested in our products after studying the market, we will be glad to apply for this certification. We will be glad to open the Indian market too.”

For now, execution takes precedence over expansion promises. “Our strategy is to work step by step,” Ildar reiterated.

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.

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.”

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.

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.