The Asia Pacific Carbon Black Conference 2024 – Perspectives in Asia Pacific, one of the largest and most acknowledged global carbon black industry events, unfolded in Kolkata, India, marking a historic moment for the city. The 15th edition welcomed a record-breaking 252 delegates and featured compelling discussions on the future of the carbon black market, which is projected to reach USD 30.15 billion by 2029. Over three days, industry leaders explored key trends, sustainability efforts and technological innovations, underscoring the sector’s dynamic evolution and the growing importance of India in shaping its future.

The sprawling banquet of a renowned hotel in the City of Joy was attuned to the murmuring of delegates from across the globe when the speaker on the dais invited the International Advisory Committee Chairman Amit Choudhary to address the crowd. With utter excitement, the chairman ascended the stage and opened the 15th Asia Pacific Carbon Black Conference doors to the curious assembly. Over the next three days, the event featured – workshops, intriguing sessions and panel discussions on the global carbon black market, which is slated to reach USD 30.15 Billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence.

From sessions on the latest trends within the space to the use of recovered carbon black and sustainability issues, the conference was a boiling cauldron of information, coupled with an exhibition spanning different makers and associated suppliers to the industry.

Speaking to Tyre Trends exclusively, Choudhary said, “Key takeaways from the conference were impactful for both participants and delegates, with a record-breaking 252 attendees from around the globe. The exhibition, featuring 36 stalls, marked the largest in the Asia-Pacific region in the event’s 31-year history. The conference kicked off with two workshops on day one, focusing on the technical aspects of carbon black and its applications across the tyre and other industries. About 70 attendees engaged in a robust discussion, addressing numerous technical queries from leading players in the carbon black industry, including Birla Carbon, Tokai Carbon, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, Epsilon, PCBL, and so on.”

He added, “For the first time in its history, the conference featured panel discussions on different topics of the carbon black industry covering marketing, raw materials, application, technology and the future of carbon black, which fostered intense engagement from participants. These sessions provided valuable insights and sparked in-depth discussions, impacting all those who attended.”

Many companies attending the conference were not direct carbon black producers but played key roles in the carbon value chain, either as suppliers to the carbon black industry or as technological collaborators or customers. This diverse representation highlighted the industry’s interconnected nature, with attendees gaining exposure to the latest technologies and processes shaping the sector.

“The conference brought together a global audience, fostering collaboration and providing significant opportunities for local suppliers to engage with emerging technologies. Carbon black production in this region, particularly in India, is experiencing rapid growth.

Companies across the country, from Gujarat and Maharashtra in the west to the east and south, are expanding their operations to meet increasing demand. This growth presents ample opportunities for suppliers of essential equipment and consumables to the carbon black industry, such as refractory manufacturers, bag suppliers and packing material providers. Ultimately, the entire supply chain stands to benefit from the increased collaboration and knowledge exchange fostered at the conference,” averred Choudhary.

Quick view

George Haines, Global Product Director and Avijit Sasmal, Chief Sustainability Officer at Himadri Speciality Chemical Limited, highlighted the carbon black industry’s progress in sustainability and circularity. They emphasised advancements such as the use of recycled pyrolysis oil and reclaimed carbon black and achievements like EcoVadis and ISCC+ certifications. Himadri already achieved the milestones and is maintaining Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) across plants. Innovations like LFP Cathode Active Material for EV batteries and renewable energy showcased Himadri’s future readiness. This session set a benchmark for aligning industry practices with global climate goals.

Senior Manager - Technology, K. Arun Kumar, and Manager, Technology and Business Development, Dr. P.M. Sivaram, at CUMI Super Refractories, discussed enhancing reactor life in the carbon black industry through condition monitoring and refractory solutions. They emphasised the need for failure analysis, material characterisation, and data-driven strategies to predict failures, improve productivity, and reduce downtime, ultimately leading to more efficient and sustainable operations in the industry.

The workshop by Himadri Speciality Chemicals Limited Plant Head Kingshuk Bose, on ‘Recent Advancements in Carbon Black Technologies’ provided an overview of carbon black, its applications, and recent technological innovations in its manufacturing processes. He discussed new technologies such as plasma and nanotechnology, which enhance production efficiency and product characteristics. Additionally, AI and machine learning were highlighted to optimise processes, improve quality and predict maintenance needs, ultimately advancing carbon black manufacturing and packaging strategies.

The former Chief Advisor of Research and Development at Apollo Tyres, P K Mohamed, an industry stalwart, addressed the future of the tyre industry, focusing on advancements in carbon black technology in his key note address. He noted that pneumatic tyres, essential for load support, require optimal structures to endure operational pressures. The industry faced megatrends such as mobility, digitisation, electrification, and the shift toward renewable materials. Key customer expectations centre on rolling resistance, traction, durability, and sustainability improvements. Enhancements in carbon black properties, including particle size and surface chemistry, are vital for achieving these goals. The industry’s evolution towards higher sigma levels indicated a commitment to quality and performance, necessitating collaborative efforts in research and development to meet future demands.

Notch Consulting Inc. Founder and President Paul Ita spoke on the outlook for 2024 and highlighted significant developments in the global carbon black and tyre industries. He noted a projected total investment of INR 27.3 billion in new tyre capacity from 2023 to 2028, with Asia, especially China and India, leading in new projects. He also discussed the impacts of EU sanctions on Russian carbon black imports. These sanctions are shifting trade flows, with India emerging as a key supplier to replace Russian volumes. The analysis included production capacity and utilisation trends with a forecast for growth in carbon black production despite current disruptions.

The AGM Strategy at Epsilon Carbon, Sagar Mathur, noted that geopolitical shifts, rapid urbanisation, climate change, sustainability, and technological advancements are shaping the future of the carbon black industry. Key trends included the growing demand for Electric Vehicle (EV) tyres, increased focus on circularity and recycling technologies, and the need for advanced speciality products. He highlighted that urbanisation is expected to strain resources while geopolitical conflicts are reshaping supply chains. The industry must adapt to these changes while addressing environmental concerns, leading to new product development, particularly in sustainable materials.

Vice President of Sales and Marketing (CBD), Kane Hanneke and Vice President of Business Development and Sales (CBD), Surge Klunder, at Himadri Specialty Chemical Ltd, focused on the current demand and supply dynamics of carbon black in North America and the European Union as of October 2024. In their presentations, they highlighted key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation, and the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), while discussing challenges faced by domestic producers, including import duties, geopolitical tensions, and rising oil costs. Kane also mentioned a notable production increase among leading carbon black producers, particularly in China and India, and addressed the impact of new tariffs on Mexican imports.

Executive Vice-President and Regional Head of Sales and Marketing at Birla Carbon, Shashank Awasthi, discussed the dynamics of the carbon black market in Asia and Europe with a focus on growth plans and regional capacities. He highlighted that China dominates the market with a capacity share of 47 percent and a demand share of 37 percent. He also covered competition in India, where local producers faced challenges from imports, particularly from China, Korea, and Russia. His analysis indicated a projected CAGR of 5 percent for the Southeast Asia carbon black market from 2022 to 2027, driven by rising disposable incomes. It increased automotive production, with Asia accounting for approximately 60 percent of global automobile manufacturing.

The presentation by Zircoa Managing Director Thomas Bohm focused on the role of zirconia refractories in enhancing reactor performance during carbon black production. Zirconia, a unique ceramic material, offers exceptional properties such as high thermal resistance, lower thermal conductivity, and erosion resistance, making it suitable for high-temperature applications in reactors. The advantages of zirconia include increased reactor efficiency, improved product yields, and the ability to withstand aggressive process gases. However, challenges such as degradation from thermal shock and alkali attacks were noted, emphasising the importance of proper alignment and operational practices to maximise the lifespan of zirconia linings.

In his virtual keynote session, Zhu Zilong, deputy director of design at Doright, discussed the emerging supply trends in equipment manufacturing, particularly focusing on the shift from individual equipment supply to comprehensive equipment packages.

The landmark event saw the attendance of dignitaries and industry stalwarts, including the Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, Dr Manoj Pant, Himadri Speciality Managing Director Anurag Choudhary, Tokai Carbon President Hagime Hagasaka, Group Country Head, Aditya Birla Group Thailand, and Chief Expansion Officer Birla Carbon Asia, Sanjeev Sood, among others.

Key Speakers included Aditya Birla Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer Deeksha Vats, Former President at ALSTOM Power Energy Recovery CP Natarajan, Vidhitech Solutions Founder Vinod Taneja, ABG Trading President John Kennelly, Senior Manager Research and Development of Compound Development at CEAT Limited Dr Pranab Dey, Head - Projects Business at Thermax Limited Naveen Sadhu and Rathi Group Director Ravi Rathi among others.

The event was attended by delegates from leading carbon black producers, such as Thai Tokai Carbon Product Company Limited, Hyundai OCI, Aegean First Company, Zircoa Inc., Phillips Carbon Black Limited, CITGO Corp and others.

Curtain Call

Amit Choudhary commented about the conference, “Conferences like this serve as crucial platforms for advancing technological progress in the industry. They provide insights into global trends, revealing which players are exploring new technologies and how different governments are approaching industry expectations. These events create an opportunity for stakeholders to understand evolving needs as well as the requirements of end customers.”

He added, “For instance, during our recent conference, several customers presented compelling insights, with both in-person and online interactions offering a deeper understanding of the tyre industry’s future. The rise of EVs is a key development demanding a shift in tyre technology and manufacturing processes. Current tyres are general-purpose, but as EV adoption accelerates, specialised tyres will become necessary. In the near future, we will see the emergence of EV-specific tyres alongside innovations in related non-tyre markets.”

He also noted that India, with its significant market share, is poised for substantial growth. Established markets in the US and Europe are facing challenges with plant closures and shifting demands. The ongoing geopolitical landscape, including tensions in China and Russia, is influencing market dynamics. However, India remains in a favourable position for investment and is set to experience impressive growth in the sector.

Looking ahead, the next conference is set to take place in 2026.

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TBC Corporation (TBC), one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has named Ron Harper as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer. He will report directly to President and CEO Don Byrd and assume responsibility for the company’s entire supply chain function.

Harper brings over 26 years of experience steering global supply chains for multi-billion-dollar enterprises. His most recent role was Executive Vice President of Supply Chain at PrimeSource Building Products, overseeing planning, inventory, repack operations, service metrics and analytics. He has also held senior logistics and strategy positions at Sonepar USA, Nordstrom, Samsung SEA, and JCPenney.

The new chief holds a master’s degree in supply chain management from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s in industrial management from Michigan Technological University. His appointment underscores TBC’s focus on strengthening operational efficiency and logistics performance.

Byrd said, “Ron’s depth of experience in building transformative supply chain solutions aligns with our deep commitment to providing customers with the high-level efficiency, product availability and agility they expect from TBC. As market needs change and demands fluctuate, TBC is continuing to respond by having a supply chain strategy that minimises disruptions and maximises efficiency to ensure the highest levels of customer support and satisfaction.”

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The Rubber Board of India has announced the appointment of N Hari as its new Chairman, effective for a tenure of three years. Hailing from Pallikkathode in Kottayam, Kerala, Hari brings considerable experience to the leadership role, having previously served as a Board member representing small rubber growers from the state.

His initial term on the Board commenced on 28 June 2022 and spanned three years. During this period, he also held the position of Executive Committee Member from 7 October 2023 to 6 October 2024. This progression from membership to the executive committee and now to the chairmanship reflects his sustained engagement with the organisation.

His appointment is expected to steer the Board's initiatives in supporting the rubber sector, focusing on grower welfare and industry development across India.

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The Indian automotive landscape is currently undergoing a seismic shift. Driven by the rapid rise of rural urbanisation, an aggressive government push for electrification and the development of world-class road infrastructure, the industry is witnessing a period of robust growth. With sales of both new and used vehicles touching record highs, the demand for high-quality tyres remains in a significant upswing.

At the helm of one of the market’s most prominent players is Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director of Bridgestone India and Vice-Chairman, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).

In an interaction with Tyre Trends, Moitra discusses the company’s future-ready roadmap, from its substantial capacity expansions to a ‘sharp and deep’ strategic focus designed to maintain leadership in an increasingly premium and electrified market.

A BULLISH OUTLOOK ON THE SUBCONTINENT

While global economic indicators remain varied, Moitra is unequivocally optimistic about the local trajectory. “The Indian automotive industry is at an exceptionally positive juncture from a medium-to-long-term perspective,” he asserts.

This optimism is grounded in several structural tailwinds that suggest India is slated for very strong growth. Key among these factors is the sheer room for market expansion.

“Firstly, we are still significantly under-indexed in terms of car penetration, with only 50 cars per 1,000 people – well below even some smaller developing nations,” Moitra explains.

Furthermore, the geographical spread of wealth is changing. Bridgestone is observing massive growth in Tier 2, 3 and 4 towns, a phenomenon Moitra attributes to ‘rural urbanisation’.

Bridgestone India estimates a transformative half-decade ahead for the industry. “The number of affordable households – those capable of purchasing a car – will double in India over the next five year. When you couple this with the government’s massive capital outflow into road connectivity and the rise of e-commerce, it creates a very bullish environment for both passenger and commercial mobility,” Moitra says.

THE ‘SHARP AND DEEP’ STRATEGIC PILLAR

Despite India being the world’s largest two-wheeler market, Bridgestone is famously absent from that segment – and intends to stay that way for now. Moitra clarifies that the company’s philosophy is rooted in specialisation rather than horizontal expansion. “At Bridgestone, we believe in being ‘sharp and deep’ in our strategy,” he says.

Currently, Bridgestone India’s business split is heavily weighted towards the consumer segment, with 70 percent of sales coming from Passenger Car Radial (PCR), 25 percent from Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) and 5 percent from Off-the-Road (OTR) segment.

“We see enough headroom for growth within the passenger car segment across products, channels and customer experience, so we are focusing our resources on maintaining our leadership there,” Moitra notes, dismissing any near-term plans to enter the two-wheeler space.

Instead, the company is doubling down on ‘white spaces’ within the consumer car category, specifically targeting higher rim diameters and specialised compounds for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

INVESTING IN CAPACITY AND LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

To support this growth, Bridgestone is moving aggressively on the manufacturing front. With current operations running at 90–95 percent capacity, the company is in the midst of a major investment cycle.

At present, the company’s Pune plant has a capacity to produce 4.01 million passenger car tyres and around 693,000 truck & bus radial tyres, while the Indore plant has a capacity to produce 7.11 million radial tyres for passenger cars and light trucks.

“Our last major investment was USD 85 million in October 2024, which is being ramped up in phases through 2029,” Moitra confirms. This capital is being used to scale volumes and enhance technical capabilities at the Indore factory.

The new investment is expected to further add 1.1 million tyre production capacity in Pune by CY2029, thus taking its total production capacity to around 11.1 million units in the country.

“Our strategy is two-fold: we want to be future-ready for market demand while simultaneously sweating our current assets to drive higher efficiency,” Moitra explains. Crucially, this expansion isn’t just about physical output; it’s about local autonomy. Moitra highlights that a ‘very large part’ of procurement is now local, decided by teams on the ground in India.

The launch of a Satellite Technology Centre in 2025 has further decentralised the company’s innovation engine. According to Moitra, this centre plays a pivotal role in increasing local leverage and technical presence, allowing the Indian arm to maintain a balance between local agility and global sourcing.

EVs AND PREMIUMISATION

As the Indian market matures, consumers are demanding larger wheel sizes – a trend Moitra says is led by OEMs. “We are seeing a clear market shift towards higher inches – for example, a car like the Maruti Suzuki Swift moving from 14-inch to 15-inch and others moving from 16-inch to 17-inch,” he observes.

Bridgestone’s ‘all-inch’ strategy covers the spectrum from 12 to 20 inches, but their brand strength is most potent in these premium, higher-diameter sizes.

This premiumisation dovetails with the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Bridgestone has positioned itself with an ‘EV-ready’ portfolio, exemplified by the Turanza 6i. “It balances long-lasting durability and safety with low noise and comfort – essential for EVs,” says Moitra. To ensure they capture this nascent but fast-growing market, the company expanded the range from 36 sizes in 2024 to 72 sizes by 2025.

The OEM relationship remains the cornerstone of this technological foresight. “The OEM segment allows us to see ahead of the curve regarding future vehicle technologies,” Moitra explains.

At present, 35 percent of their consumer business is OE-based and Bridgestone is in active discussions with many of the newer automotive entrants arriving in India.

While Bridgestone is aggressively expanding its footprint in new tyre technology and premium consumer segments, it is taking a markedly more conservative approach towards the retreading sector in India. Despite the potential for material circularity, the company does not view retreading as a strategic priority for the immediate future.

Moitra clarifies that Bandag, Bridgestone’s global retreading arm, is not currently active in India, and there are no plans to introduce it in the near-term. This decision is driven largely by the unique and challenging dynamics of the local market, which is currently dominated by cold retreading.

He points out that a significant pricing challenge exists when ‘cold retreads versus biased tyres versus some of the cheaper tyres’ are compared, making the business case difficult to justify at this stage. Consequently, Bridgestone has opted to remain focused on its core segments for the next two to three years rather than entering the retreading space.

SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ‘INSTITUTION OF RESPECT’

Beyond the numbers, Bridgestone is attempting to build what Moitra calls an ‘institution of respect’. This involves a heavy commitment to environmental goals. The Pune plant already holds the distinction of being the first carbon-neutral facility in the Bridgestone group.

“Sustainability is a core agenda across our entire value chain,” Moitra explains, noting a public commitment to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2030, including Scope 3 emissions. This holistic approach ranges from manufacturing processes to material circularity in the tyres themselves.

Looking ahead, the goal is to protect a dominant market share – currently over 20 percent by volume and 23 percent by value in the passenger car aftermarket. To do this, Bridgestone plans to expand its physical reach by 30 percent over the next five years, building upon its current network of over 4,000 touchpoints.

As the company transitions its branding from the Olympics to Formula E, the focus remains clear: high performance and the next era of mobility. “It’s the perfect platform to showcase our technological edge,” Moitra concludes.

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Nevin Aslan-Özkan, the newly appointed Managing Director of Continental Tires India, outlines a strategy focused on ultra-high-performance tyres, a EUR 10.5 million investment and the introduction of global technology to Indian roads. She explains why India is now central to Continental’s global strategy.

India’s passenger vehicle market is moving at speed. According to data published by Autopunditz, dispatches in April stood at 441,721 units, marking a 25 percent year-on-year rise. Beneath that headline figure lies an equally consequential structural shift: SUVs now account for more than 60 percent of recent volume growth in the passenger vehicle segment – a transformation that is reshaping not just what Indians drive but what they expect from every component beneath the car.

Nevin Aslan-Özkan, who became Managing Director of Continental Tires India this year after more than eight years with the company, most recently as Chief Financial Officer, views this as a pivotal moment. “As the market moves towards premium vehicles, adventure-led driving, larger rim sizes and a stronger focus on safety, comfort and performance, we are well-positioned to bring our global technology and premium tyre portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers while continuing to strengthen our presence in the passenger vehicle segment,” she says.

She describes her transition from CFO to Managing Director as a progression rather than a change. “Being the Chief Financial Officer in India, I have gained strong insights into the market and business operations. As I take on the new responsibility, I will focus more on knowing the consumer needs and lead Continental’s growth agenda in India, with a strategic focus on accelerating the company’s presence in the passenger vehicle segment,” says Aslan-Özkan.

Her immediate priorities are clear. “My immediate priorities will focus on leveraging evolving consumer preferences to drive profitable growth for Continental Tires in India,” she explains. “A key area of emphasis will be strengthening our presence in the UUHP segment, particularly in the above 18-inch category, going up to 22 inches, in line with the evolving car parc. In parallel, I will prioritise expanding our footprint and deepening market penetration across key regions while enhancing production capabilities to support sustained growth and operational efficiency with made-in-India 21- and 22-inch tyres,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

THE SUV IMPERATIVE

The structural shift in consumer preferences is not a peripheral consideration for Continental – it is, Aslan-Özkan insists, central to everything. “The structural shift in consumer preferences is very central to our growth blueprint. SUVs now account for over 60 percent of recent volume growth in the passenger vehicle segment. In line with this, a key area of focus for us is strengthening our presence in the UUHP segment, particularly in the above 18-inch category, going up to 22 inches,” she says.

To strengthen its position in these high-value categories, Continental is adopting a multi-pronged approach. This includes an investment of approximately INR 1 billion (EUR 10.5 million) in India to support growth in the passenger vehicle tyre segment and a focused expansion of the product portfolio, particularly in the 21- and 22-inch tyre categories.

“We are well-positioned to bring our global technology and premium tyre portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers. As the market moves towards premium vehicles, adventure-led driving and a stronger focus on safety, comfort and performance, we will proactively adapt and enhance our portfolio to meet changing needs. We are also working towards expanding our footprint across key markets to enhance accessibility and customer reach,” elaborates Aslan-Özkan.

PREMIUMISATION’S MOMENT

For years, premium tyres in India faced a challenge: price sensitivity limited the ability to build volumes that justified sustained investment. Aslan-Özkan notes that this challenge has now eased.

Aslan-Özkan says, “The long-term outlook for the Indian tyre market remains very strong. We are seeing a structural shift in consumer preferences towards premium vehicles, adventure-led driving, larger rim sizes and a stronger focus on safety, comfort and performance. As the market matures and consumers increasingly gravitate towards premium vehicles, the conditions for premiumisation have become both viable and scalable.”

Continental is committed to maintaining product relevance. “We will continue to focus on introducing products and technologies that are aligned with evolving consumer preferences in India, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant, innovative and competitive,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

DEPLOYING THE EUR 10.5 MILLION

The EUR 10.5 million commitment – already made, not merely pledged – is being directed with precision. According to the new Continental India MD, the investment supported Continental’s overall growth strategy in India, with a particular focus on capacity expansion in the above 18-inch category, extending up to 22 inches, in line with evolving consumer preferences. “We are also working towards expanding our footprint across key markets to enhance accessibility and customer reach,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

Trade policy has also provided a structural advantage. “Moreover, the recently announced duty cut on German cars will enable more consumers to experience Continental’s innovations through vehicles equipped with our factory-fitted   tyres,” she notes. For premium tyre brands, this distribution channel is often more effective than retail campaigns.

Modipuram, already a significant manufacturing base for the company, will continue to be evaluated as market demand evolves. “As demand continues to grow, the company remains open to making further investments to support this growth trajectory,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

INDIA AS A GLOBAL LABORATORY

Earlier this year, Continental demonstrated its commitment to the Indian market by selecting India as the first global launch site for the CrossContact A/T2, a tyre designed for adventure and all-terrain driving. The launch was held at Continental’s Track Day 2026 in Goa.

“India’s first-to-market status for the Continental CrossContact A/T2 is a reflection of how significant India is within our global roadmap. This is led by a sharp change in the car parc and consumer preferences towards adventure driving. India offers significant growth potential, and as a strategic priority within our global roadmap, we are committed to aligning global strengths with local market needs,” says Aslan-Özkan.

This first-to-market decision exemplifies Continental’s ‘In the Market, For the Market’ philosophy. “Continental’s ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach is at the core of how we operate in India. My experience in India enables me to effectively align global strengths with local market needs. I will work closely with our teams, partners and stakeholders to drive sustainable growth,” explains Aslan-Özkan.

Implementing this philosophy requires aligning product development closely with local demand. “We will continue to focus on introducing products and technologies that are aligned with evolving consumer preferences in India. The launch of CrossContact A/T2 in India is a clear example of this philosophy in action,” she says.

READY FOR THE ELECTRIC SHIFT

As electric vehicle adoption accelerates – particularly in the SUV segment – tyre manufacturers face a new set of engineering demands: greater load-bearing capacity, lower rolling resistance and the ability to handle the instant torque of electric powertrains. Continental says it is already positioned for this transition. “The long-term outlook for the Indian tyre market remains very strong. As the market moves towards premium vehicles, larger rim sizes and a stronger focus on safety, comfort and performance, we are well-positioned to bring the German technology and premium tyre portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers. In the meantime, all our product offerings in India are already compatible with EVs,” says Aslan-Özkan.

The commitment to adaptation is standing, not situational. “We will continue to focus on introducing products and technologies that are aligned with evolving consumer preferences in India. As the market matures, we will proactively adapt and enhance our portfolio to meet changing needs, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant, innovative and competitive,” she says.

SCALING WITHOUT DILUTING

Scaling premium tyres in a market as price-conscious and geographically diverse as India demands both consumer education and retail depth – and doing so without eroding brand equity is a challenge Aslan-Özkan takes seriously.

“With our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we have been continually listening and understanding consumer needs. To further strengthen Continental’s presence in the Indian tyre market, we are taking a multi-pronged approach. This includes a focused expansion of our product portfolio, particularly in the 21- and 22-inch tyre categories, in line with evolving consumer preferences. We are also working towards expanding our footprint across key markets to enhance accessibility and customer reach,” says the Continental India Executive.

The destination, she says, is clear. “India is already on a strong growth trajectory for us, and we aim to build on this momentum through sustained, strategic interventions while ensuring our brand remains synonymous with premium quality and performance,” she says.

DEFINING VICTORY

Ask Aslan-Özkan what ‘winning in India’ means for Continental over the next five years, and she reaches not for a single metric but for a compound definition. “With our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we have always focused on bringing in quality innovations in the Indian market that are suitable for Indian roads,” she says.

“Continuing on that trajectory, winning in India for Continental will be defined by strengthening our presence in the passenger vehicle tyres segment while ensuring that our brand remains associated with premium quality, technology and performance. India is already on a strong growth trajectory for us, and we aim to build on this momentum through sustained, strategic interventions,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

The roadmap is specific. “This includes strengthening our presence in the UUHP segment, expanding our footprint across key markets, enhancing production capabilities and continuing to bring innovations made for Indian roads and consumer demands. As the market matures, we will proactively adapt and enhance our portfolio to meet changing needs, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant, innovative and competitive,” she says.

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