A study of the 2024 Global Tire Report recently released by Tire Business has been a gratifying experience. From a turnover of USD 93 billion in 2004 to USD 192 billion in 2023, the Global Tyre Industry has added nearly 100 billion dollars in the last 20 years, which can only be termed significant. After a flat growth in 2022, the industry witnessed a resurgence in 2023 with a growth of 4 percent to reach the highest-ever turnover of USD 192 billion, breaching the earlier high of USD 189 billion achieved way back in 2012. 

The number of global tyre plants has gone up consistently from 497 in 2012 to 573 in 2022 to 584 in 2023. Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Continental continue to be the four largest global tyre majors for several years now. Interestingly, all these four have a manufacturing presence in India too, making the Indian market a vibrant one.

Asia's dominance continues with the presence of 360 tyre plants (62 percent of total) in the continent. A closer study reveals that India has the second largest number of tyre plants in the world (65) only after 156 of China. With nine plants, MRF holds the second rank in Asia in terms of number of plants after Bridgestone’s 23.

 What’s striking is the steady march of Indian tyre companies. Yet again, five Indian companies find pride of place in the top 30 global companies in the world. These include Apollo, MRF, JK, CEAT and BKT, in order of ranking.

Moreover, Indian tyre companies have been moving up the charts. In the last 10 years, MRF has moved up one rank, Apollo has moved up three ranks. In the same period, JK has moved up six ranks, while CEAT has moved up by a full 10 ranks. BKT has made an entry in the top 30 by moving up 12 ranks in the last 10 years.

What has propelled the upward journey of Indian tyre majors is the steady increase in tyre manufacturing footprint in the country and expansion in exports. In the true spirit of Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat, tyre production in India has nearly doubled in the last 10 years. Industry turnover has gone up from INR 450 billion to INR 900 billion during this period and is expected to conclude the ongoing year with a turnover of INR 1 trillion.

Tyre exports too have nearly doubled in the last five years, from INR 128.44 billion in FY20 to INR 230.73 billion in FY24. This expansion in exports underscores India's growing role as a player in the global tyre supply chains, contributing significantly to meeting international demand.

Indian companies rank amongst top five in terms of the number of plants manufacturing different categories of tyres. In the case of TBB, India continues as a major hub of manufacturing, with JK, MRF and Apollo counting amongst the top five. Amongst motorcycle plants, MRF and CEAT are in the top five. BKT is in the top five when it comes to OTR and industrial tyre plants. MRF leads the world with the highest number of racing tyre plants (three) followed by JK. 

In terms of Capex spending as a percent of sales, MRF and BKT rank at 2^nd and 3^rd place amongst top 30 tyre majors in the world. What’s more, CEAT, JK and Apollo are all in the top 20.

When it comes to R&D spend as a percent of sales, all five Indian tyre companies are in top 20 in the world, underscoring the unmistakable accent on innovation and R&D. CEAT leads the chart amongst Indian tyre majors with 1.5 percent of sales apportioned for R&D spend.  

The R&D investments are enabling Indian companies to produce high-performance tyres that cater to diverse requirements, from passenger vehicles to specialised uses in agriculture and industry. Another area where R&D effort is directed is the focus on sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices that align well with a global shift towards greener, more responsible manufacturing.

As is evident, Indian tyre manufacturers are not sitting on their laurels. Looking to the future, they are exploring digital technologies, such as IoT and data analytics, to improve efficiency and product performance. This tech-forward approach will be essential for meeting the evolving needs of the automotive industry, especially as electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) become more prominent.

Here it is important to underline the Indian government’s supportive policies that have been instrumental in the growth of the tyre industry. Initiatives encouraging local manufacturing and favourable trade policies have supported the growth of the Indian tyre industry.

The achievements of the Indian tyre industry are a testament to the resilience and adaptability to rise to the occasion. As the industry evolves, a bright future is promised in the years to come. 

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

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Tana Oy has appointed Panu Ärölä as its new Territory Business Manager, a role he will assume on 2 November. In this capacity, he will focus on strengthening customer and distributor relationships across designated markets while contributing to the company’s ongoing expansion within the waste management and recycling sector.

Ärölä returns to Tana after previously serving as Sales Manager, where he developed expertise in distributor network growth. His background includes extensive international experience in sales, marketing, business development and strategic leadership. Most recently, he held the position of Head of Sales and Marketing at Jet-Tekno Oy, overseeing customer relationship development and business growth initiatives.

Gerd Schreier, VP – Sales, Marketing & Channel Development, said, “We are delighted to welcome Panu back to Tana. His industry knowledge, customer focus and experience in international sales make him a valuable addition to our team. We look forward to working with him as we continue to develop our business and create value for our customers and partners.”

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Stephan Sielaff took over as chief executive of the Schill+Seilacher Group on 1^st October , as the chemicals group seeks to strengthen links between its businesses and focus more closely on customer needs.

Sielaff brings about 30 years of experience in developing international businesses and organisations. His previous roles include positions at Unilever, Symrise, Archroma, Lenzing AG and SSI SCHÄFER Plastics.

His priorities at Schill+Seilacher include getting closer to customers, encouraging greater knowledge-sharing across the group and making better use of capabilities across its businesses and locations.

“A good product alone is no longer enough. What matters is the value we create for our customers,” says Stephan Sielaff.

The group said it would seek to share knowledge, pursue opportunities jointly and strengthen connections between its locations and business areas.

Sielaff's appointment is intended to support a more integrated approach across the group as it develops its businesses in the years ahead.

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Toyo Tire Corporation of Japan (Toyo Tire) has announced executive appointments at Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. (TTHA) and Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc. (NTU), effective 1 October 2026. Keiko Brockel has become President and Chief Executive Officer at TTHA, while Angelo Naval has beeen promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer at NTU.

Brockel, the first woman and first American to hold the TTHA role, will oversee daily North American business operations. She joined NTU in 2008 and previously served as its President and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operations Officer. Over 18 years at NTU, she has held various executive leadership positions, providing strategic oversight in sales, finance, supply chain and operations, contributing significantly to the company's growth and evolution.

Angelo Naval

Naval, formerly Vice President of Sales and Business Strategy at NTU, will now oversee its business operations. He joined NTU in 2000 and also served as Vice President of Product and Business Strategy. During his 24 years with the company, he has been instrumental in shaping the business, gaining deep understanding and a unique perspective on the Nitto brand, its customers and the markets it serves.

Takashi Shimizu, President & CEO, Toyo Tire Corporation, said, “On behalf of Toyo Tire, I would like to congratulate both Keiko Brockel and Angelo Naval on their well-earned new appointments and thank them for their invaluable contributions to the growth and success of Nitto Tire in the American market.”

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ContiTech, the group sector of Continental, has named Amanda Lacerda as its new Head of Communications, with effect from 15 September 2026. In this capacity, she will report directly to Diana Hoppe, who serves as Head of Human Relations and Communications at ContiTech. The appointment places Lacerda at the helm of the organisation’s global communications operations.

In her new position, Lacerda will act as a strategic partner focused on advancing business performance, transformation and brand value. Her responsibilities encompass corporate, executive and brand communications, alongside media and public relations, public affairs, employee communications and reputation management. She is tasked with maintaining a consistent narrative that bolsters ContiTech’s global reputation and aligns with its business priorities and strategic ambitions. Lacerda takes over from Claudia Lademann-Fleger, who has chosen to depart the company for external opportunities.

Lacerda arrives with over two decades of experience in communications, marketing, and public affairs. Her global leadership background includes roles across Brazil, Middle East, Sweden and Germany. Over her career, she has engaged with diverse international markets and industries, assisting organisations in strengthening their brands, managing change and cultivating meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

Diana Hoppe, Head of Human Relations and Communications, ContiTech, said, “Effective communication plays a key role as ContiTech continues its transformation and prepares for its future as a standalone company. Amanda brings extensive international experience, strategic insight and domain expertise in communications that will help strengthen our brand, enhance our reputation and deepen engagement with employees, customers, partners and communities around the world. As we continue to build a strong and distinctive brand, her leadership will be instrumental in advancing our strategic ambitions and long-term success. I also want to thank Claudia for her many years of dedicated leadership and service to ContiTech, and I wish her every success in the future.”

Lacerda said, “I am excited to join ContiTech at such an important moment in its journey. ContiTech has a strong heritage, talented people and a clear vision for the future. I look forward to working with colleagues around the world to tell our story, support the company’s transformation and help create value through clear, authentic and engaging communications.”

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