Michelin is turbocharged about India. The global tyre manufacturer has increased its investment in its Chennai plant to INR 6.86 billion, up from the INR 5.64 billion announced last September, as it prepares to manufacture premium passenger car tyres locally for the first time. The move comes as India’s automotive landscape undergoes a dramatic shift, with SUVs accounting for half of all new car sales and consumers increasingly willing to pay premium prices for safety and performance.

After more than a decade of producing only truck tyres in India and serving the passenger car segment through imports, Michelin is betting that the time is right to localise production. The company expects India’s premium passenger car tyre market to grow from 10-12 million units today to 17-18 million by 2030, driven by improving road infrastructure and evolving consumer preferences. With its first locally-made passenger car tyres – including the Primacy 5 and Pilot Sport ranges – expected to hit the market in the first half of 2026, Michelin is positioning India not just as a manufacturing base but as a centre of excellence for AI innovation, engineering talent and sustainable production across Africa, Middle East and beyond.

Last year, in September, Michelin had announced an investment of INR 5.64 billion in a brownfield expansion to produce passenger car radial tyres at its Chennai plant. Year-to-date, the company has already ramped up the figure to INR 6.86 billion, fuelled by its confidence in India’s passenger car market.

“We are bullish about India because of two major reasons. One is the transformation of the vehicle market itself, as last year, around 50 percent of new cars sold in India were SUVs. At the same time, road infrastructure is improving dramatically. That leads to the second factor that Indian consumers increasingly want bigger, safer cars with advanced safety features and they are willing to pay a premium for performance,” said Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director at Michelin India.

Adding to Deshpande, Vitor Silva, President, Africa, India and Middle East (AIM), Michelin, said, “We see this as the perfect time for Michelin to complement that shift with tyres that deliver technology, safety, comfort and long-lasting performance. While we have been manufacturing truck tyres here for more than a decade, we will now also focus on passenger car tyres. Until now, we have been serving the segment largely through imports. But we believe the market dynamics have shifted and this is the right time to localise production.”

In line with this, the Chennai plant will also focus on premium passenger car tyres ranging from 16-inch to 22-inch sizes. According to Deshpande, the market is currently estimated at 10–12 million tyres and is expected to grow to 17–18 million by the end of the decade, making the investment not only timely but essential.

The plant will churn out its most advanced range – LTX Trail ST, Pilot Sport 4 SUV, Pilot Sport 5 and Primacy 5 tailored for the Indian market. The Michelin Primacy 5 will be the first tyre to roll out.

In the coming months, the tyres will undergo homologation and certification processes with BIS and other authorities. Once approved, the first Michelin passenger car tyres will be made available to Indian consumers. While no fixed deadline has been set, the commercial availability of these tyres is expected during the first half of the next year.

Michelin is structured into nine regions for business management purposes. Regarding India’s role in the wider region such as Africa, and the Middle East, operations have been designed to serve both as a production hub and a centre of excellence. The Indian facility will not only cater to domestic demand but will also strengthen Michelin’s position across the region through supply, innovation and talent development.

Its technology centre in Pune was described as one of the most important hubs for the group in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, strong capabilities in research and development, digital services, IT and corporate functions have been developed there.

India also has been positioned as a centre where talent is nurtured, contributing not only to Michelin globally but also to consumers worldwide through products designed locally.

“Tyres for North America and Europe have been designed in India and around a hundred AI proof-of-concept projects have been initiated, tested and are planned for eventual global deployment. The country is also a key source of raw materials for global operations. Michelin in India represents more than tyres, symbolising innovation, supply chain strength and talent development,” said Silva.

MANUFACTURING PROWESS

The Chennai plant, operational for 12 years, is among the most sustainable in India and globally of Michelin. It is a zero liquid discharge facility with 80 percent of water consumption recycled and 100 percent of waste reused.

By 2024, 45 percent of materials used to make tyres at the Chennai plant were renewable and recyclable, exceeding the global target of 50 percent by 2030. Forty-five percent of electricity comes from green sources, supported by infrastructure investments such as the 2022 solar facility.

AI is integrated into daily operations, analysing machine performance, monitoring quality and supporting decision-making. These tools are accessible to both engineers and frontline operators.

Currently, the plant’s installed capacity is 54,000 tonnes with flexibility maintained to align production with fluctuating demand as tyre weights vary from 7–8 kilogrammes for 16-inch tyres to 15–16 kilogrammes for 22-inch tyres. Inventory constraints prevent storing six months’ worth of tyres, requiring production and demand to be closely synchronised.

“At Michelin, we homologate products based on the conditions of each region. That means the tyres made and sold in India are essentially the same as those sold globally but validated to perform in Indian conditions. So rather than a separate India-only tyre line, we bring world-class products that are equally well-suited to Indian roads,” contended Silva.

Flexibility has been built into the production lines, allowing a mix of products to be manufactured on the same machines.

Primary focus is given to serving the local market as the industry was regarded as highly complex. While some volumes may be exported and others imported, priority is assigned to the Indian market.

When asked about the impact of starting passenger car tyre production on the OEM segment, Deshpande explained that several large truck manufacturers, including Ashoke Leyland, Volvo, Mercedes and Scania, are already being served.

Regarding the passenger car segment, the focus has been on the replacement market. While several imported cars including the Hyundai Ioniq and multiple Mercedes-Benz models already come equipped with Michelin tyres, OEM engagement in this segment is planned for the future, though replacement currently remains the priority.

Commenting on raw material procurement from India, Silva stated that India is also leveraged as a supplier of raw materials for Michelin’s global factories. Carbon black, natural rubber and chemicals are procured locally. This approach emphasises not only production and services from Pune but also the utilisation of India’s industrial ecosystem to support the company’s worldwide supply chain.

Specific materials sourced from India include carbon black, chemicals, steel and other items, all of which must meet Michelin’s strict quality and pricing standards.

“Beyond materials, India also contributes significantly in terms of engineering. At the Chennai plant, a dedicated engineering division has been established to develop machines for our global operations. Certain machines are designed and manufactured in India before being shipped worldwide. Additionally, specific components for global operations are already being produced in India,” said Florent Chaussade, Executive Director, Michelin Chennai.

RETAIL SCOPE

Deshpande emphasised that the company’s focus extends beyond production to transforming the consumer buying experience. A state-of-the-art experience shop was recently inaugurated in Nashik. Premium retail environments are being ensured through clean shops, ample parking, advanced equipment and well-informed staff capable of clearly communicating Michelin’s superior value.

To strengthen the retail network, the Michelin Tyre Service (MTS) network is being expanded. Seventy-five MTS outlets currently operate across India, primarily in metro cities, with plans to establish Michelin Tyre Stores as the benchmark for tyre retail experience nationwide.

On online sales, the company’s approach is two-fold. “Pure e-commerce retail remains negligible in India, but the research online, purchase offline trend is significant. Efforts have been made to ensure accurate digital presence, guiding consumers on suitable tyres,

availability and recommended outlets. This strategy is aimed at aligning the online-to-offline journey with the premium performance of our products, recognising that Indian consumers are tech-savvy yet accustomed to traditional purchasing,” divulged Deshpande.

To communicate safety, comfort and performance to price-sensitive consumers, Michelin has launched a dealer digital programme, enhancing dealers’ online presence to provide accurate brand and outlet information.

Inside outlets, experience shops display simple ‘reasons to believe’, demonstrating value propositions such as lower rolling resistance and superior braking performance. Dealers and technicians are continuously trained to deliver consistent performance, comfort and safety.

“The approach is ongoing and comprehensive, combining digital engagement, premium retail environments, interactive demonstrations and continuous skill development to elevate both the product and the overall ownership experience,” Deshpande added.

MARKET WATCH

The company’s truck and bus radial (TBR) business in India has evolved in recent years to target customers and fleets that value total cost of ownership (TCO). The strategy is centred on tubeless truck tyres, particularly energy-efficient models.

“Around 60 percent of a fleet’s operating cost is fuel, and our Multi Energy Z + tubeless tyres are reported to save 8–10 percent in fuel compared with traditional tube-type radials, directly benefiting the fleet’s bottom line,” contended Deshpande.

He added, “Although the segment remains relatively small, leading coach operators are already 100 percent tubeless. New-generation fleet owners increasingly prioritise TCO and are driving the transition. Demanding fleets such as Delhivery, which operates trucks 16–17 hours daily, covering 20,000 km per month, choose us for reduced downtime, fuel savings and extended tyre life. Other major clients include ITS, DGFC and Best Roadways. In 2022, the Chennai plant produced India’s first four-star rated energy-saving tyre, marking a national milestone.”

Regarding market share, only 10–12 percent of trucks currently run on tubeless tyres, while the rest remain tube-type, explained the executive.

On the two-wheeler front, Michelin already sells locally manufactured tyres through outsourcing arrangements. Fastest growth is observed in the over 350 cc motorcycle segment driven by higher disposable incomes and improved infrastructure, mirroring the SUV boom in passenger cars.

When asked about India’s potential global role amid geo-political shifts including trade barriers, tariffs and overcapacity in countries such as China, it was stated that Michelin’s vision is to operate local-to-local wherever possible.

“The tyre supply chain is highly interconnected with nearly 200 materials used in a single tyre, making it impossible to source everything from a single location. Efforts are focused on reducing raw material intensity, increasing the proportion of renewable inputs and minimising environmental impact through green factories and cleaner materials,” concluded Silva.

Michelin’s India strategy integrates local manufacturing, sustainable practices and advanced consumer engagement to build long-term value.

Tyre Runner has added Tyres Life to its marketplace network, expanding its wholesale offering for independent tyre retailers.

The partnership brings one of the UK’s fastest-growing tyre wholesalers onto Tyre Runner’s platform, which is designed to connect retailers with suppliers while allowing retailers to retain control over pricing and purchasing decisions.

Tyre Runner said the move comes as independent retailers face continued margin pressure and are seeking greater flexibility in how they source tyres. The company’s marketplace enables wholesale ordering from multiple suppliers through a single platform.

Tyres Life has established nationwide coverage from three warehouse locations and holds more than 100,000 tyres in stock. The company is the exclusive UK distributor of Lassa, Tomket and Waterfall, and also supplies brands including Pirelli, Continental, Goodyear and Michelin.

Founded in 2019 by Bryan MacMillan, a former Kwik Fit software engineer, Tyre Runner has developed from a tyre sales marketplace into a broader software platform focused on tyre health awareness, supply chain connectivity and digital tools for the tyre trade.

Bryan MacMillan, chief executive of Tyre Runner, said: “We’re delighted to add Tyres Life to our growing list of wholesale partners. This partnership exemplifies how our sales platform can connect high-quality wholesalers with independent retailers, helping both grow stronger together.

“The tyre market remains digitally immature, and to compete in an increasingly omnichannel world, online is just one part of the puzzle. Our mission has always been to empower the trade, not compete against it. That’s why we are focused on bringing a range of tools to market to help retailers compete better, not just online, but offline as well.”

Tommie Owens, commercial director at Tyres Life, said: “Tyre Runner opens reach like never before. Bryan and his team have a very clear vision for what the future of tyre retail will look like, and we’re excited to see Tyres Life’s products access even more markets efficiently.”

Tyre Runner said the addition of Tyres Life strengthens its marketplace model, which aims to streamline wholesale access while preserving retailer margins. The company added that the partnership aligns both businesses around shared priorities of efficiency, profitability and safety across the tyre supply chain.

CarbonX has appointed Rohan Patel to its Advisory Board, gaining a distinguished strategist at a crucial phase of the company’s growth in sustainable battery materials. His profound understanding of regulatory frameworks and supply-chain strategy will directly support CarbonX’s collaborations with major cell manufacturers and its expansion of local, scalable production.

Patel’s career spans top-tier leadership in industry and government. He previously served as Vice President of global public policy and business development at Tesla, where he was part of the executive leadership team. Prior to his work in the private sector, he was a special assistant to the President and a senior advisor for climate and energy during the Obama Administration, shaping pivotal transportation and power sector policies while coordinating with state and local officials. His earlier contributions include roles at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and staff positions for political campaigns and elected officials.

Currently residing in Kensington, Maryland, Patel consults for global companies and nonprofits dedicated to decarbonisation. His appointment equips CarbonX with essential guidance for navigating complex policy landscapes and strengthening value chains in both the United States and European markets.

Rutger van Raalten, CEO, CarbonX, said, “With Patel’s extensive experience in global policy and deep understanding of Electric Vehicle and US regulatory landscapes, his guidance will be invaluable as we establish ourselves as a supplier of quality materials into US Giga factories and navigate US policy, battery-manufacturing regulations and emerging tariff frameworks.”

Patel said, “The team is strong, the technology is proven, US capacity is established and Tier-1 cell manufacturers in the US are taking notice. CarbonX’s disruptive supply-chain solution arrives at exactly the right time. Strengthening domestic supply chains for critical battery materials is essential, and I am pleased to support CarbonX’s mission to deliver local, scalable and sustainable solutions.”

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has appointed David Cichocki to the dual role of Managing Director for the Americas and Chief Sales Officer for the Americas Consumer business, effective 19 January 2026. He will report directly to CEO and President Mark Stewart. In these positions, Cichocki is tasked with enhancing sales execution and driving profitable growth for the consumer division across the region. His broader regional leadership duties will focus on strategic governance, operational excellence and ensuring financial performance aligns with Goodyear's global objectives.

Cichocki joins Goodyear with over 30 years of commercial expertise from prominent consumer and industrial brands. He previously served as Senior Vice President of US Sales at Whirlpool Corporation, where he managed a multi-billion dollar North American consumer business spanning several key sales channels. Prior to that, he held numerous senior roles during a more than 20-year tenure with Kraft Foods and Nabisco.

Mark Stewart, CEO and President, said, "Throughout his career, David has built high-performing teams and delivered strong, sustainable results through customer-centric, brand-driven strategies. His experience leading large organisations through transformation – including simplifying portfolios, modernising go-to-market models and designing sales strategies for profitable growth – closely aligns with the changes we are making at Goodyear to drive long-term success for our company and our customers."

Marangoni has reinforced its OTR division as of January 2026 with the key hires of Eduard Mundt and Dominik Hörmann. Mundt will apply his extensive technical knowledge and industry experience to serve and build partnerships with OTR customers across Southern Germany. Hörmann, an expert in both OTR and TBR segments with specialised retreading knowledge, will oversee operations in Northern, Central and Western Germany, supporting the core OTR business and segments of the TBR market.

This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to deepening its local engagement with both dealers and end users. By enhancing direct customer relationships and fortifying its regional footprint, Marangoni aims to solidify and sustainably grow its standing in the market.