Representational image credit: Dunlop Tyres Africa

South Africa's tyre industry, a crucial component of the nation's automotive sector, is currently experiencing a dynamic period marked by significant growth, evolving market trends and a unique set of challenges.

A recent report by ResearchAndMarkets stated that South Africa is the largest market in terms of both production and consumption in the African region, which saw approximately 8.1 million new tyres produced locally in 2024, complemented by around 8 million imported tyres. Replacement tyres continue to dominate the market, accounting for over 70 percent of new tyre sales.

The industry is largely shaped by four major local manufacturers: Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Sumitomo (Dunlop). However, these established players are now facing intense competition from an increasing influx of cheaper imported tyres, a trend that presents both consumer choice and significant pressure on local production.

In addition, the South African tyre market is also reshaping with several key trends including growing emphasis on sustainability, focus on biodegradable materials and the development of advanced tyre technologies. Urbanisation and the expansion of the middle class are driving market growth, further fuelled by an increase in vehicle sales and ownership.

Despite this growth, consumers remain highly price-sensitive, contributing to the rise of low-cost imports. The industry is also seeing increased collaboration, particularly in waste tyre management and efforts to promote local manufacturing through industry associations addressing common challenges. Investment in local production is a notable trend and the dominance of replacement tyre sales is expected to continue.

The tyre market offers numerous opportunities, including the development of products specifically tailored for local conditions, expansion of local manufacturing capabilities and significant export potential. There are also franchise opportunities within the retail and fitment centre segments, alongside a growing tyre recycling industry. The rise of electric vehicles is also creating demand for specialised tyres, while skills development, training and upskilling remain crucial for the workforce, including technicians, technologists and sales consultants. The growth of online retail further expands market reach.

The report found that the industry, however, is not without its hurdles. Intense competitive pressure, coupled with broader economic challenges, poses a constant threat. Environmental concerns surrounding tyre waste management are paramount, as is the pervasive issue of illicit trade, including smuggling, illegal imports and counterfeit products. Rising raw material and other input costs, potential impacts of global trade policies and regulatory complexities add to the burden. Furthermore, technical skills shortages and the unsafe use of second-hand tyres, often linked to improper waste tyre processing, remain significant challenges.

Looking ahead, the South African tyre industry is anticipated to experience moderate growth in the medium term. This growth will be primarily driven by increasing vehicle sales, expanding export opportunities and continued investments in technology and infrastructure.

The market outlook suggests that the increasing prevalence of predominantly Chinese and other low-cost tyres will continue to offer more options for consumers, while simultaneously posing a considerable challenge for local manufacturers. Efforts to promote and develop local manufacturing hubs are seen as vital for stimulating local production and attracting further investment. Innovations aimed at improving tyre lifespan and fuel efficiency are also expected to have both positive and negative implications for the industry's future trajectory.

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.

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.”

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.

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.