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.

The Tire Society has completed its paper selection for the 44th Annual Conference on Tire Science & Technology, which will take place from September 23 to 25, 2025, at the University of Akron. This year, over 60 percent of presentations will come from international participants.

Technologists from 20 organisations in Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, and the United States will present at the conference. Presenters include tire manufacturers, universities, testing labs, consultants, suppliers, a vehicle company, and the non-profit Consumer Reports.

This year’s program focuses on sustainability, with papers on rubber emissions, devulcanisation, tire lifecycle, and electric vehicle applications. Technical talks will also cover tire performance topics like noise reduction, cornering, traction, wear, and durability testing using predictive analytics and advanced simulations.

Dr Surendra Chawla will deliver the keynote address titled “Sustainability in the Tire Industry: Driving Toward a Greener Future.” Chawla spent four decades at Goodyear, advancing to Director of Corporate Research before retiring as Senior Director, Global Innovation. Following his Goodyear tenure, he joined the Polymer industry Cluster as a Leading Consultant, contributing to the Greater Akron region’s designation as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub by the US Economic Development Administration.

Michelin representatives Frederic Biesse and Damien Lim will present the plenary address “Tire Wear Emissions and Air Quality: Current Insights and Pathways Toward a Sustainable Future.” Biesse has worked 26 years at Michelin’s Clermont-Ferrand R&D Centre in France, focusing on noise, wear, and rolling resistance as Manager of the Tire Performance Analysis team. Lim brings 14 years of experience from Michelin Americas R&D Centre, specialising in tire wear studies and predictive tool development.

Scott Sass, Director of Technology at Alterra Energy LLC, will address the awards banquet with “Polymer Circularity: Steering Clear of Potholes.” Alterra has developed a continuous thermochemical liquefaction process for recycling typically non-recyclable plastics into manufacturing feedstock.

The Tire Society positions itself as the world’s leading membership organisation for tire science, engineering, and technology. Conference registrations include Tire Society membership, providing access to the peer-reviewed Tire Science and Technology Journal and post-conference presentation access through the “Play-on-Demand” feature.

Continental Tire the Americas has named Wyatt D Hamilton Sr as the new Director of Sales for its US Truck Tire Replacement division. With over 20 years of industry expertise, Hamilton will lead strategic efforts to expand market share, enhance customer relationships and drive sales growth in the replacement truck tyre segment.

A seasoned professional, Hamilton began his career at Continental as a Field Sales Representative after earning a Business Management degree from North Carolina State University. He progressed through key roles, including Territory Sales Manager and Key Account Manager for both Replacement and Original Equipment (OE) Truck Tires. His leadership expanded globally when he headed Continental’s Truck Tire OE team in Malaysia for the APAC market. Upon returning to the Americas, he led the Pricing and Market Intelligence team, influencing strategic decisions. Most recently, as Director of OE and Strategic Accounts, he developed business strategies while fostering collaboration across engineering, operations and sales teams, along with talent development initiatives.

Based at Continental’s US headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Hamilton’s deep industry knowledge and leadership will further strengthen the company’s position in the truck tyre market.

Shaun Uys, Vice President Truck Tire US, Continental Tire the Americas, LLC, said, "Wyatt's extensive industry expertise, unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and strategic foresight position him as the perfect leader to elevate our replacement truck tyre business to new heights. We are eager to witness the contributions he will bring to this pivotal role."

Nokian Tyres has announced several key leadership changes, effective 1 September 2025, to align with its sharpened commercial focus and strategic growth commitment.

Christopher Ostrander has been appointed SVP of Passenger Car Tyres, North America, and will join the Nokian Tyres Management Team. Previously serving on the Board of Directors since 2021 and as Chair of the Investment Committee since 2024, Ostrander will step down from these roles before transitioning. He succeeds Lauri Halme, who has been named SVP of Vianor while remaining on the Management Team.

Additionally, Tron Gulbrandsen, currently VP of Passenger Car Tyres, Nordics, has been promoted to SVP of the same division and will also join the Management Team. These changes reinforce Nokian Tyres' leadership in key markets.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “These changes reflect our enhanced commercial focus. I am extremely excited to welcome Christopher to the Management Team. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the tyre industry and the North American market will strongly support our future expansion in this strategic growth area, helping us secure our premium positioning and further strengthening our product and go-to-market strategy. At the same time, I want to thank Lauri for his valuable contribution to our business transformation in North America and for laying a solid foundation for future growth. He will now focus on the strategic development of our service capabilities and the further development of the Vianor network. Finally, I want to congratulate Tron for being appointed to the Management Team. With 20 years of successful business development and sales leadership experience in the Nordic region, Tron brings valuable insights. His customer-centric approach will further sharpen our commercial focus and help consolidate our presence in the Nordic market.”

Epsilon Carbon, a leading producer of carbon black in the country, has introduced a fleet of six liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered container trucks to transport carbon black to its tyre manufacturing customers. The initiative is part of the company’s efforts to reduce emissions and improve supply chain efficiency.

According to Epsilon, LNG-powered trucks emit 20–25 percent less carbon dioxide, up to 90 percent less nitrogen oxides (NOx), and nearly 100 percent less particulate matter compared to diesel trucks. They also offer 5–10 percent better fuel efficiency, contributing to lower fuel use and operating costs.

The move supports Scope 3 emission reductions for both Epsilon and its customers, allowing tyre manufacturers to account for lower downstream emissions in their sustainability reporting.

Each LNG truck has a range of around 500 kilometres, suitable for medium-to-long-distance freight. Epsilon plans to expand the fleet based on customer demand and utilisation, aligning with its broader decarbonisation strategy.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “India’s road logistics sector moves nearly 70 percent of domestic freight and plays a critical role in the economy. We believe the future of logistics must be both efficient and environmentally responsible. As a leader in the chemical industry, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. The launch of our LNG-powered fleet is a step towards cleaner, smarter freight movement and reflects our continued support for India’s Net Zero goals by 2070.”