The rollout of GST 2.0 marks a defining moment in India’s economic journey – a reform that may well prove even more consequential than the original introduction of the Goods and Services Tax. Especially for a sector like tyres, the recent reduction in (GST) on tyres is far more than just a change in numbers. It is a transformative step that touches every wheel turning on India’s roads – from a farmer’s tractor to a trucker’s long-haul trailer and from a commuter’s scooter to a construction vehicle powering the nation’s infrastructure.

For years, tyres were taxed at 28 percent – the highest GST slab, clubbed with luxury and demerit goods. This categorisation never truly reflected the essential role tyres play in our everyday lives. Tyres are not a luxury. They are a fundamental enabler of mobility, supporting the movement of people and goods across cities, towns and villages. By bringing GST rates on tyres down to a more rational level, the government has addressed a long-standing anomaly and set the stage for widespread benefits across the economy.

The most visible impact of this move will be felt on the ground – literally. Lower GST means more affordable tyres for all users. Especially for transporters and fleet operators, tyres account for a significant chunk of vehicle running costs. A reduction in tax translates into lower replacement costs, freeing up working capital and improving operational margins. Farmers, small traders, delivery personnel, service providers, transporters – every segment that relies on mobility will feel this relief.

India has been working hard to bring down logistics costs, which are believed to be about 13–14 percent of GDP – much higher than global benchmarks. Tyres have a direct bearing on vehicle operating efficiency, fuel consumption and maintenance schedules. When tyres become more affordable, operators can replace tyres on time, and run vehicles more efficiently.

This naturally leads to lower logistics costs. Reduced logistics costs ripple across the value chain, helping industries move goods faster and at lower cost. This aligns perfectly with India’s ambition to become a more globally competitive manufacturing and trading hub.

Tyre industry’s story is not just urban – it’s deeply rural as well. Tractor tyres, power tiller tyres and tyres for animal-drawn vehicles are integral to the agricultural economy. A reduction in GST brings meaningful relief to farmers and small cultivators who rely on these tyres for their daily operations. By easing this cost, the government has extended direct support to rural mobility and agricultural productivity – an often underappreciated but critical outcome of this reform.

One of the most powerful yet often overlooked impacts of this decision lies in road safety. Worn-out tyres are a major cause of road accidents, particularly on highways. High replacement costs often lead to tyres being used well past their safe life.

With lower GST making new tyres more accessible, both individual motorists and commercial fleet owners are more likely to replace tyres on time, keeping vehicles safer and reducing accident risks. This complements the government’s broader road safety agenda, making highways not just faster but safer for everyone.

For the Indian tyre industry, which is one of the largest in the world, this reform is a game changer. It creates a more balanced tax structure, supports better cash flow, improves compliance and strengthens the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers. It will also encourage investment and capacity expansion, enabling the industry to serve growing domestic demand and tap export opportunities more effectively.

The GST reduction on tyres is a strategic, forward-looking policy decision that will benefit the entire mobility ecosystem. It acknowledges the essential role tyres play – not just as a product, but as a critical enabler of transportation, logistics, rural livelihoods and road safety.

As this reform takes root, its positive impact will be felt by consumers, businesses, farmers and industries alike. The tyre industry, represented by ATMA, welcomes this move wholeheartedly and remains committed to working alongside the government to strengthen India’s journey towards affordable, efficient and safe mobility for all.

The author is Director General of the New Delhi-based tyre industry association, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).The views expressed here are personal.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!