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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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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