In an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends, Dr Manish Jaiswal, Director, National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX), shares the key developments taking place, how the organisation is supporting the domestic tyre industry, upcoming trends and future plans.

At present, what are the services that you’re providing for the tyre industry at NATRAX?

NATRAX is a proving ground where vehicles and all their components are tested on our various tracks. A proving ground is essentially a place where a vehicle must prove itself under various challenging terrains. It needs to test and certify itself, as well as support development activities. Our tracks cater to durability, acceleration, braking, noise, endurance, high speed, grip handling and wet-grip conditions.

Tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the surface. Therefore, for vehicle dynamics testing, the tyre industry is a crucial component. NATRAX supports tyre industry in terms of the testing requirement for acceleration, braking, cornering, handling and noise.

What about homologation?

We support the tyre industry in various ways when it comes to homologation. One of the key activities is tyre labelling, in line with the new AIS 142 requirements. Every tyre must be labelled, similar to safety ratings. This labelling involves testing for rolling resistance, wet handling, wet grip and noise.

All these activities take place at NATRAX, making us the default agency for tyre labelling. We are also planning to procure a rolling resistance machine, which should arrive in a month or two. Once that happens, the entire set of tyre labelling activities will be conducted at NATRAX for both commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. This is one of our significant new developments.

What are the latest demands from the tyre industry?

We are in close contact with tyre manufacturers for various activities. One key demand is for wet handling and aquaplaning tests, for which they currently need to go abroad because such facility does not exist in India. Wet handling and aquaplaning on curves are critical safety features. For instance, when a thin film of water forms on the road, the tyre can lose its adhesion to the surface, so it’s vital to test grip in such conditions.

We are planning to build a special-purpose track for wet handling and aquaplaning and are requesting government funding for this. Once established, this will prevent the tyre industry from needing to go overseas for these tests.

Another growing concern is tyre wear and its environmental impact. Previously, emissions were only considered in terms of tailpipe emissions, but tyres also contribute to microplastic pollution and other wear particles that spread through road contact. We are collaborating closely with the tyre industry to find solutions – whether through a tyre wear machine or a specially designed track. This could become a major project, but we are committed to addressing this need.

Are you supporting tyre makers for their products designed for exports?

Tyre manufacturers often have to go to agencies in Japan and Germany for comfort testing. Developed markets have very different requirements because the driving conditions vary significantly from those in India. Comfort and ride quality are far more important in developed markets.

We are discussing how to address this need domestically. While it’s not an immediate concern, we must eventually ensure that the tyre industry can conduct 100 percent of their testing in India. Some tests, like those for snow and ice conditions, will always be challenging to replicate here due to cost and environmental factors. However, most other tests are within our long-term plans.

Has simulation reached a maturity level where it can replace physical testing?

Simulation has evolved significantly over the last 25–30 years, but we haven’t yet reached a point where it can fully replace physical testing. The complexities of vehicle systems – including OEM products, components, tyres, control systems, road conditions and driver behaviour – make complete reliance on simulation difficult.

India also faces challenges in developing high-fidelity simulation models. Accurate virtual replication requires the integration of confidential data from various partners, which is not easy to achieve. Nonetheless, we are planning for the future by developing the right simulation environment and infrastructure, such as high-fidelity simulators and virtual testing benches. This will help reduce dependence on track testing and streamline product development.

Do EV tyres require separate on-ground testing?

EV tyre testing largely follows the same procedures as conventional tyre testing, with standards remaining consistent across both types.

However, from a manufacturing and design perspective, EV tyres often use different materials and designs – including rubber, elastomers, fabric and steel – tailored to meet OEM requirements. These differences may eventually call for specific tests, but the current standards remain aligned.

In developed markets, there are separate summer and winter tyres. Do you think India needs this distinction?

Fortunately, India does not experience the extreme temperature variations seen in countries like the US, Canada or parts of Europe. In those regions, temperatures can range from 30 degrees Celsius to -10 degrees Celcius, necessitating different tyre types for safety and traction.

In India, extreme cold weather is limited to specific areas like Kashmir and only for brief periods. Given this, the added cost of maintaining separate summer and winter tyres is not justifiable.

What are NATRAX’s immediate investment plans?

While we have not worked out the exact figures, we are in the process of investing significantly (in 2025) in form of rolling resistance machine and upgradation of two-three tracks for tyre industry requirements. Our immediate future plans include significant investments for a new wet handling and aquaplaning track.

We maintain close communication with the tyre industry, prioritising their requirements to support their growth and development.

Which companies are you currently working with?

We collaborate with almost all Indian tyre manufacturers and are also engaging with multinational and global tyre brands. The goal is to develop their R&D ecosystems in India.

As international players shift their development activities to India, local testing becomes inevitable. This shift will allow NATRAX to play a crucial role in supporting their R&D and testing needs.

What is the lead time for tyre makers to approach NATRAX for testing, and how long does testing typically take?

Many tyre manufacturers have teams stationed at NATRAX around the clock, so there is no lead time. Testing happens daily.

If they have special requirements, they approach us and we are usually able to accommodate them. Approximately one-third of our track usage comes from the tyre industry. With our 50-kilometre proving ground – the largest in India and one of the largest globally – we operate at an entirely different scale.

As we expand our facilities for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and connected vehicle testing, even more tyre industry testing will take place at NATRAX. We aim to become the go-to solution for all tyre industry needs.

Hyderabad-based manufacturer targets 2 million monthly units within five years

In recent years, Hyderabad-based ARL Tyres has proven to be a versatile and innovative player with ambitious strategic goals. From providing specialised rubber items to the Indian military to creating innovative solutions for the emerging electric vehicle segment, ARL Tyres has shown remarkable resilience since its inception as a family enterprise in 1983.

With production levels now crossing 150,000 units per month and ambitious goals to reach two million units per month in five years, ARL is placing itself at the cusp of conventional industrial manufacturing and future mobility solutions. Its recent appearance at the Ride Asia EV Expo showcased the company’s wide range of products and its dedication to supporting India’s developing transportation infrastructure with niche products such as Smart Tyres and terrain-specific Mud Master range.

Hyderabad-based ARL Tyres, a division of Agarwal Rubber Limited, recently showcased its products, including tyres and tubes, at the Ride Asia EV Expo held at Bharat Mandapam this year. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. It offers a comprehensive range of products, including tyres for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs). It is also known for manufacturing Smart Tyres.

Growth Plans

The types of tyres being produced at this company include those for ultra-light trucks, two-wheelers, forklifts, tractors and light trucks. The company manufactures approximately 12,000 tyres daily at its production facility, selling across different areas of the country due to a 400-strong network of exclusive dealers.

According to Gautam Ghosh, Head-West Zone at ARL Tyres, “We are very optimistic about tyre sales in 2025 as there is tremendous potential in the EV sector. So far, in 2025, we have been averaging close to 150,000 units per month. Expect us to touch 0.2 to 0.25 million units a month by the end of this year.”

Continuing the expansion plan, the company intends to touch at least two million monthly units in five years. This growth is supported by its extensive network of exclusive dealers distributed across various regions of India.

Technical Expertise and Manufacturing Capabilities

In 2000, ARL Tyres gathered in-depth knowledge about all the major tyre technologies, manufacturing processes and industry standards. Apart from tyres, this ISO 9001:2015-certified company is also known for manufacturing high-quality flaps, envelopes, curing bags, bladders and butyl tubes.

Today, the company boasts an ultra-modern tube manufacturing unit that produces roughly 50,000 high-grade butyl rubber automotive tubes. While the range begins with two-wheeler sizes, it also extends to the aviation and OTR (Off-The-Road) sectors

Defence Sector Connection

Since 1996, ARL’s technical expertise in rubber has enabled it to supply tubes to the Indian defence sector. The durability and performance of its products have made ARL a preferred OEM supplier for the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited), and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).

Products for E3W Segment

For the electric three-wheeler market, which includes auto-rickshaws (passenger and commercial) and e-rickshaws, ARL offers both tube-type and tubeless tyres in sizes 4.00-12 and 4.50-12. The company markets two brands for this vehicle category: the Savera and the Xtreme.

According to the company, individuals should choose the Savera for its performance, safety, and durability on urban and semi-urban roads. Its non-skid Depth (NSD) ranges from 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm, which gives it good grip and safety. It would be useful as a passenger and cargo tyre.

On the other hand, ARL Xtreme is a tube-type tyre that optimises long-lasting performance, grip and safety on various roads. It differs from the Savera in terms of design and safety. Unlike the Savera, an NSD of 9mm is available here. Engineers at ARL have created a stylish design for the Xtreme that balances aesthetics and functionality with advanced technology.

Global Reach and Partnerships

Beyond the domestic market, ARL exports its products to more than 60 countries worldwide. Over the years, ARL Tyres has forged a few partnerships with top brands and continues to do so. For example, the company partnered with Chandu Champion, cheered India at the Paris Olympics through its ‘Jeet ki Aur’ campaign, and sponsored RCB during IPL 2025.

Innovative Offerings

Among its unique propositions, ARL offers OEM test drives with new tyres at specific locations, allowing auto manufacturers to fine-tune vehicle designs according to tyres and provide targeted inputs. It also sells Smart Tyres with scientific tread designs for efficient movement. The cross sipes on these tyres differ greatly from regular tyres and help grip wet and muddy surfaces. Instead of relying on vehicle technologies, these tyres are themselves available with real-time monitoring capabilities.

Company History and Client Base

ARL was founded as a family business in 1983 and became a tyre manufacturing company. Mobility companies such as Maa Luxmi India and Ferranza Electric Vehicle Private Limited, which were present at the Ride Asia Expo EV, are clients of ARL, as are the OEM manufacturers Omaha, Arel and Yakuza. While ARL’s trials for the Thukral Electric Bike have already commenced, the dispatches have not yet begun.

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has promoted Stella Mathioudaki to Director, Product Stewardship & Sustainability of the association.

Mathioudaki has a PhD in Physics – Materials Science from Université de Namur and has been associated with ETRMA since November 2023, working in the capacity of Senior Manager – Materials Stewardship. Before joining ETRMA, she worked as Senior Chemicals Policy Consultant at Acumen Public Affairs. Mathioudaki will spearhead important projects on tyre sustainability, including recycling, retreading and the wider shift to a circular economy, in addition to supervising the industry's efforts on responsible material usage and regulatory compliance in her new position at ETRMA.

Radar Tires announced the appointment of Casey Hill as Territory Sales Manager for North America, bolstering the company’s leadership team as it continues its market expansion strategy.

Hill brings more than ten years of sales leadership experience to the role, where responsibilities will include strengthening brand presence, enhancing sales performance and developing strategic initiatives across regional markets.

The appointment comes amidst what industry analysts describe as a particularly competitive period in the North American tyre market, with manufacturers vying for greater market share through enhanced dealer networks and customer-focused innovations.

“We’re excited to welcome Casey to the Radar Tires family," said Rob Montasser, Vice President of Radar Tire, North America. "Casey's proven success in sales leadership and innovative strategy development aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional, affordable products to our customers. We're confident that Casey's expertise will be instrumental in further strengthening Radar Tires’ footprint across North America."

Before joining Radar, Hill specialised in team mentorship, performance metrics development and customised client solutions, consistently driving sales teams to exceed targets whilst building strong industry relationships.

“I am honoured to join the Radar brand and to help in the growth of Radar Tires in North America,” said Hill. “I am passionate about creating value through strong partnerships and helping independent tyre dealers to grow their business profitably. I look forward to building on Radar Tires’ legacy of innovation and excellence.”

Titan International, a major global manufacturer of wheels and tyres for off-highway equipment, has secured expanded production rights for the Goodyear brand across multiple segments while renewing its existing farm tyre licensing agreement.

The deal extends Titan’s Goodyear brand manufacturing rights to include light construction, industrial, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), lawn and garden and golf tyre categories, significantly broadening the company's market reach.

The Illinois-based firm will continue to produce agricultural tyres under the Goodyear Farm Tyres brand, maintaining its presence in a sector where it manufactures products ranging from small implement tyres to the massive Goodyear Optitrac LSW1400/30R46, which features the company's proprietary Low Sidewall Technology.

"We are excited to expand our rights into new segments, as this positions us to serve our customers better and seize emerging market opportunities. Our research and product development teams are already working on new tyre designs incorporating innovative tyre technologies for the lawn and garden segment," said Paul Reitz, President & CEO of Titan International, Inc. "In addition to our newly acquired rights, we are reaffirming our commitment to the farm tyres segment, a vital part of our business."

Industry analysts note the expansion comes as demand for specialised off-highway tyres remains robust across construction, agriculture and recreational sectors despite broader economic headwinds.

Strategic growth initiative

The licensing expansion aligns with Titan's strategy to offer comprehensive wheel and tyre solutions across forestry, powersports, outdoor power equipment, agricultural, earthmoving, and light construction markets throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

The company did not disclose the financial terms of the licensing agreement with Goodyear.

Titan International has manufactured Goodyear-branded farm tyres since 2005, when it acquired Goodyear's North American farm tyre business. It has gradually expanded these rights to other regions, including Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and Australia.