Servis Tyres, Pakistan’s top tyre manufacturer, is expanding globally with a focus on motorcycle, bicycle and agricultural tyres. With a presence in 50+ countries, it drives growth through strategic joint ventures, advanced technology and sustainability. While facing industry challenges, Servis leverages cost advantages and international certifications to stay competitive.

MARKET POSITION AND PRODUCTION CAPACITY

Servis Tyres has established itself as Pakistan’s leading tyre manufacturer and exporter, currently serving more than 50 countries globally. The company strategically specialises in motorcycle, bicycle and agricultural tyres, positioning itself in niche markets rather than competing directly with global giants like Michelin and Bridgestone in the passenger car segment.

“We are producing approximately 1.5 million motorcycle tyres annually, with 75 percent supplying the domestic market and 25 percent for export,” states Muhammad Ali Mirza, Head of International Business at

PAKISTAN’S MANUFACTURING SUCCESS STORY

Servis Tyres, Pakistan’s top tyre manufacturer, is expanding globally with a focus on motorcycle, bicycle and agricultural tyres. With a presence in 50+ countries, it drives growth through strategic joint ventures, advanced technology and sustainability. While facing industry challenges, Servis leverages cost advantages and international certifications to stay competitive.

Servis Tyres. Key export destinations include Brazil, South American markets and North African countries including Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia and Morocco.

The agricultural tyre segment follows a similar strategy, with exports directed to markets including Brazil, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, though domestic consumption remains the primary focus for this product line.

STRATEGIC EXPANSION AND JOINT VENTURES

A significant milestone occurred in 2023 when Servis formed a joint venture with China’s Long March to establish Pakistan’s first truck bus radial (TBR) tyre manufacturing facility. This partnership marked a crucial development for Pakistan’s industrial base, bringing advanced technology and increased production capacity.

The ownership structure highlights Servis Group’s ambition and negotiating power. “We are the majority stakeholder at 51 percent, while Long March holds around 45 percent” explains Mirza. “They provide the technology, and we handle production.”

This rapid scaling demonstrates the company’s execution capability. “We started our TBR plant with 800,000 tyres per year in 2023. After one year, we expanded to 1.5 million tyres annually, and by the end of 2025, we will reach 2.4 million tyres per year,” Mirza states. The company has already captured most of Pakistan’s TBR replacement market while establishing export channels to Brazil and South America.

QUALITY STANDARDS AND INTL CERTIFICATION

For a tyre manufacturer with global ambitions, meeting stringent international quality and safety standards is essential. Servis has invested heavily in this area, obtaining certifications including DOT (US Department of Transportation), INMETRO (Brazil), E-marks (Europe) and various ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 17025).

“We have the only laboratory in Pakistan accredited to European standards,” Mirza notes. “We produce our lab reports internally, and they are valid throughout Europe.” This testing infrastructure provides a crucial competitive advantage, allowing the company to validate products for international markets without relying on external verification.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE GROWTH

The company has identified Pakistan’s passenger car radial (PCR) tyre segment as its next potential growth area. Currently, no domestic manufacturer fully serves this market, with General Tyre producing only for original equipment manufacturers and replacement needs met primarily through Chinese imports.

“Now we believe the market is large enough to initiate a PCR production facility,” Mirza reveals. “The shifting global trade environment may accelerate this development. Because of increasing tariffs in the US, it’s become very attractive for Chinese manufacturers to broaden their scope for international markets, creating potential partnership opportunities.”

Pakistan’s automobile market is evolving beyond its traditional dominance by Japanese brands (Toyota, Honda and Suzuki). Recent government policy changes have created openings for new entrants including Hyundai, Kia, MG, Haval Motors and Cherry Group, all establishing assembly plants in Pakistan. This diversification creates new opportunities for domestic tyre suppliers.

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

Servis has implemented several environmental sustainability measures in line with global industry practices. “Approximately 40 percent of our electricity consumption now comes from solar energy,” Mirza states. The company also maintains stringent facility management protocols, with international customers frequently commenting on the cleanliness of their manufacturing facilities compared to industry norms.

INDUSTRY CHALLENGES AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Despite its success, Servis faces significant challenges. “The major challenge is that the industry is still considered a commodity business,” Mirza explains, necessitating continuous cost reduction and efficiency improvements. Competition from China and other countries remains intense, with both countries’ manufacturers increasing product quality while maintaining aggressive pricing.

Raw material sourcing presents another challenge, as most natural rubber must be imported. This dependency creates both cost and supply chain vulnerabilities, requiring sophisticated procurement strategies.

The company leverages Pakistan’s competitive advantages to maintain profitability. “The labour cost in Pakistan is the cheapest in the whole region,” Mirza points out. “We benefit from that alongside economies of scale, maximising our internal efficiencies.”

Government support also helps offset some disadvantages through export incentives, subsidised electricity, preferential financing schemes and duty drawbacks on imported raw materials. The government’s attention to the sector reflects its growth potential. “Right now, the tyre business is growing at around a 40 percent aggregate rate for exports,” Mirza notes.

CORPORATE STRUCTURE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Servis Tyres operates within the larger Servis Group, one of Pakistan’s top 15 business conglomerates, with origins in footwear manufacturing. “Tyres contribute approximately 60 percent of the business, with footwear representing 35 percent,” Mirza states. “The group’s financial strength provides crucial advantages. The financing we generate comes primarily from internal sources, with minimal bank investment.”

Beyond business operations, Servis Group maintains strong corporate social responsibility programmes. “We operate hospitals, schools and medical colleges that provide 90 percent free education to deserving students, and hospitalisation also is free for them,” Mirza explains.

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Discount Tire has earned a prominent position on Glassdoor's Best Places To Work 2026 list, ranking 14th in Consumer Services and within the top 100 US employers. This distinction is awarded to organisations with over 1,000 employee reviews on Glassdoor and a minimum rating of 3.5. For the Scottsdale-based retailer, with more than 1,250 locations nationally, the honour underscores a long-standing commitment to its workforce.

The company cultivates a people-first culture for its over 30,000 employees by providing substantial career growth, thorough training, leadership development and competitive benefits. This philosophy, centred on serving others and empowering personal goals, previously earned Discount Tire top Glassdoor rankings from 2018 through 2021. The latest recognition reaffirms its status as an employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and progressive workplace.

Dean Muglia, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We treat our people like family. We're honoured to be recognised by both current and former employees and Glassdoor as a best place to work. We strive every day to deliver the most inviting, easy and safe experience possible for our people and our customers."

Michael Zuieback, Executive Chairman, said, "Through six and a half decades of growth, our primary commitments have stayed true: We want to take care of people and help make more dreams come true.”

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Radar Tyres has entered a significant, multi-year global partnership with Cricket South Africa, a strategic move to build its brand within a sport enjoyed by a worldwide audience. This alliance grants the company headline sponsorship for the Proteas Men’s and Women’s T20 International sides, alongside associate partnership status for their ODI and Test matches. Radar will also be the headline partner for South Africa’s Under-19 national teams.

The collaboration provides substantial visibility, featuring exclusive logo placement on both match and training kits, with the new T20I apparel already unveiled. For Radar, this investment is a key step in leveraging high-profile platforms to enhance global brand recognition, all while maintaining its commitment to providing high-quality, value-driven tyre products.

G S Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, "Becoming the Global Partner of the Proteas marks a significant milestone in Radar Tyres' global brand journey and reflects our belief in sport as a powerful platform to build brand equity, strengthen dealer support, enhance trust and credibility and connect with households worldwide. Through this partnership, we are able to engage with cricket fans both locally and globally while reinforcing Radar Tyres' as a reliable, performance-driven brand committed to delivering premium-performance at an accessible price point."

Pholetsi Moseki, Chief Executive Officer, CSA, said, "CSA is extremely proud to partner with Radar Tyres, an organisation that shares our values and commitment to excellence. This partnership is a significant milestone, securing support not only for our senior teams but for our junior teams as well. This partnership reflects our deliberate approach to working with like-minded organisations, guided by a long-term vision of developing the game, supporting our players and delivering memorable experiences for fans. Radar Tyres' support also reinforces CSA's commitment to excellence and inclusion, strengthening our ability to drive high performance across all levels."

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For the second consecutive year, the Alliance for the Future of Tyres (AZuR) has been shortlisted for the German Award for Sustainability Projects, following its 2025 win. This renewed nomination underscores the jury’s recognition of AZuR as a pioneering force in sustainability, particularly for its dedicated efforts to advance tyre retreading as a core component of a circular economy. The 2026 award ceremony will be held under the patronage of Brigitte Zypries on 17 September in Berlin.

AZuR’s multifaceted initiative extends well beyond theoretical advocacy. Its work gained significant international attention with the Retreading Summit, held in September 2025 at KRONE Trailer in Werlte. This event convened experts from industry, politics, academia and media for two days of intensive dialogue on the potential, challenges and necessary policy frameworks for tyre modernisation, leading to the launch of concrete action plans. Furthermore, the alliance drives progress through strategic communications and direct support for flagship projects, such as the new passenger car tyre retreading facility established by Rigdon in Pfaffenhofen.

Central to AZuR’s mission is transforming public perception by demonstrating that worn tyres are valuable resources, not waste. Through ongoing awareness campaigns, it highlights the substantial ecological and economic benefits of retreaded tyres, which can be refurbished multiple times to conserve raw materials, reduce climate impact and offer cost-effective solutions. The German Award for Sustainability Projects, judged by a panel chaired by Prof Dr Claudia Kemfert of DIW Berlin, evaluates entries based on their innovation, impact and relevance to a sustainable future. AZuR’s repeated shortlisting affirms that its model for a tyre circular economy is a replicable and exemplary system with groundbreaking potential.

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Seasoned tyre industry executive Manish Maharaj has embarked on a new professional chapter, joining Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires) in a senior leadership capacity after a distinguished 11-year tenure with Apollo Tyres Ltd.

In his new role at BKT Tires, Maharaj has been appointed General Manager and Head of Business Finance, where he will focus on enhancing financial strategy, driving performance-driven growth, and building scalable systems to support BKT’s global expansion ambitions.

“I am thrilled to begin a new chapter with BKT Tires,” said Maharaj.

Maharaj’s career at Apollo spanned multiple strategic roles in one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, most recently serving as Regional Chief Financial Officer for South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and later as Business Head for South East Asia. In these capacities, he led multi-market commercial and financial operations, driving robust business performance across diverse cultural and economic environments.

At Apollo, Maharaj was responsible for charting growth strategies in fast-evolving markets, strengthening distributor partnerships, and reinforcing brand positioning across key ASEAN economies. His leadership coincided with initiatives to expand premium brand presence in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines & South Korea and foster deeper retail engagement across the ASEAN region.

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