Amongst the various advancements in the automobile sector, the tyre manufacturing industry has also seen major transformations in terms of quality, versatility and efficiency, by swift adaptability to new changes and the adoption of new technologies as per the market requirements. From the cotton carcass to high-performance and durable radial tires, the technological progression has been unprecedented through the years.

With enhanced focus on product quality, production methodologies, growing exports, and acquisition of the new-age technologies, leading tyre manufacturing companies in India are not only giving healthy competition to its global peers but also strengthening the country’s overall economy.

Current scenario

Presently, there are around 40 companies listed in the country’s tyre manufacturing sector, which is mostly organized. The industry is the largest consumer of rubber components, with the natural rubber accounting to 80 per cent of the total consumption and synthetic rubber 20 per cent. Raw materials account for 70 per cent of the total production cost in the rubber industry.

The key factors impacting the demand and supply of high quality rubber in India include the level of overall industry activities, cost and credit availability, transportation costs, conditions of the road network, quality and the volume requirement, vehicle loading rules and regulations, radicalization and retreading and exports.

Most tyre manufacturing companies in India these days deal in six categories of market – original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) (significant for cars and jeeps), foreign exports, replacement market (mostly for tractors, motorcycles and mopeds), central government supplies, state transport undertakings and open retail markets.

Radialization

Radialization in the tyre industry is the transformation from the traditional tyres that uses nylon thread to radial tyres that uses steel wires. It is one of the key aspects in the Indian tyre manufacturing industry, which depicts the up-gradation of technology, the advancement and sophistication in the modern road development, new –age engineering of vehicles and the general growth of the economy.

At the present time, most cars on the Indian road run on radial tyres as it help boost the mileage significantly and save cost on fuel to up to 10 per cent. Other major benefits of radial tyres include flexible sidewall, less rolling resistance, softer rides because of the layout of the tyre’s plies, stable contact with the road surface, and steel belted nature providing tougher overall construction.

However, radialization in India has been taking off in a slower than expected pace due to unsuitability of roads for the bettered plying of radial tires, older vehicles with no suitable fitment geometry, buyers’ reluctance to pay high price and the increasing costs of the raw materials.

Electric vehicle (EV) tyres

Though very much similar to the tyres used in fossil fuel vehicles, the electric vehicle (EV) tyres are slightly different while it comes to the components used for manufacturing. With less rubber and other raw materials used while manufacturing, the EV tyres are generally 20 per cent lighter than their conventional counterpart. They face lesser rolling resistance, giving them longer operational life. The design and manufacturing of the EV tyre are also made differently considering that the EVs are comparatively heavier with the batteries increasing the weight significantly. (TT)

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The 2025 Rally of Poland commenced amid an atmosphere of mourning following the tragic death of Italian motorsport driver Matteo Doretto in a racing accident.

The 81st edition of Europe's second-oldest rally competition, taking place across the challenging gravel roads of the Masurian Lakes region from June 13-15, has been overshadowed by the loss of the rising Italian talent.

"His loss is a tragedy that deeply saddens us," said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. "On behalf of Pirelli, I would like to extend our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Despite the sombre mood, 63 crews took to the start line for what remains one of the European Rally Championship's most demanding events. Notable competitors include Jon Armstrong driving a Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta, alongside Jos Verstappen and Andrea Mabellini, both piloting Skoda Fabias fitted with Pirelli tyres.

The rally features 14 special stages covering 190.40 timed kilometres across terrain known for its technical difficulty. The Masurian Lakes route presents drivers with uneven, often sandy roads where grip proves elusive even for experienced competitors.

"It's a very difficult and high speed rally, where attention to detail is very important," commented Testoni. "With every car passage the terrain gets rougher, forming deep ruts that can challenge even the most experienced drivers."

Weather conditions are forecast to remain dry, though organisers caution that conditions can change rapidly on such challenging terrain.

The rally serves as the third round of this season's ERC Fiesta Rally3 trophy, for which Pirelli provides exclusive tyre supply. Competing crews have access to three variants from Pirelli's Scorpion gravel range: the K4A hard compound, the K6A soft compound designated as the prime choice for this event, and the K8B supersoft option.

Regulations permit each crew to utilise 16 tyres total, including those selected for qualifying sessions. Trophy category vehicles will run on Scorpion 175/70-15 specifications in both K4 hard and K6 soft compounds.

Rally Poland's reputation for difficulty stems from its unique surface characteristics, where the sandy base becomes increasingly rutted as more vehicles traverse each stage. The deteriorating conditions throughout the weekend create an additional strategic element as crews must balance speed with mechanical preservation.

The event's location in the Masurian Lakes region, known for its natural beauty, provides a stark contrast to the intense competition unfolding on its roads. The rally has maintained its position as a crucial championship round despite the technical challenges it presents to both drivers and machinery.

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UK-based tyre safety watchdog TyreSafe has welcomed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)’s announcement highlighting Britain’s fast lane position for self-driving vehicles.

While the safety watchdog has acknowledged the potential the technology holds for enhancing road safety and reducing collisions, it maintains a caution towards the effectiveness and safety benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – and by extension, fully autonomous vehicles. This it shared are intrinsically linked to the fundamental safety and maintenance of a vehicle’s tyres.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are incredibly optimistic about the future of mobility and the significant strides being made in self-driving technology. Anything that has the potential to save lives and dramatically reduce serious collisions on our roads is something TyreSafe wholeheartedly supports.”

“However, it is crucial to remember that even the most sophisticated ADAS systems rely on optimal vehicle performance, and tyres are the sole point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Without sound tyre safety management – ensuring correct pressure, tread depth, and condition – the integrity and performance of these advanced systems can be severely compromised,” said Lovatt.

He highlighted the persistent issues that is seen among current vehicle owners, when it comes to proper tyre maintenance. 

“For many years, tyres have consistently been identified as the primary cause of MOT failures for vehicles up to seven years old. This underscores a widespread complacency regarding tyre safety that we must collectively address,” he added.

As per the latest statistics, over 35 percent of MOT failures were attributed to previous tyre-related advisories, which translates to 768,410 drivers ignoring warnings and subsequently failed their next MOT due to tyre issues. The trend of vehicles failing MOTs on wheel and tyre-related advisories is unfortunately increasing, indicating a growing disregard for these critical safety components.

“The promise of self-driving vehicles is immense, but their safety cannot be fully realised if the foundational elements are neglected. As we move towards a more autonomous future, the importance of tyres – their condition and correct maintenance – becomes even more paramount. TyreSafe urges all stakeholders, from manufacturers to policymakers and drivers, to recognise that tyre safety is not just an advisory; it is a non-negotiable prerequisite for safe, efficient, and technologically advanced motoring,” concluded Lovatt.

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Vaculug has announced the appointment of Darren C. as the company’s Regional Operations Manager for the West, overseeing key areas including Manchester, Birmingham and Wales. Darren brings with him extensive experience, knowledge and skillset and will be a valuable asset to the team, said the company.

Marcus Kirkness, Fleet Operations Manager at Vaculug, said, “These are truly exciting times at Vaculug. We’re incredibly pleased to have Darren join our team. His knowledge of the tyre industry, combined with his experience in managing customer fleets and delivering top-tier customer service, will be instrumental as we continue to expand our customer base. Darren’s expertise ensures we remain agile in addressing challenges and fulfilling our commitments swiftly and effectively."

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Former Goodyear executive to lead strategy and sales across Europe, Middle East and Africa

Leading tyre maker Linglong Tire has appointed Jeff Hughes as Regional Director Specialty Tyres for the EMEA region, effective 1June , as the company seeks to establish itself as a leading specialty tyre provider in the market.

Hughes, who brings more than 25 years of industry experience, will be responsible for strategy and sales for the specialty tyres division across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the newly created role.

Prior to joining Linglong, Hughes served as Sales Director at Maxam Tyres, part of the Sailun Group, where he led the European specialty tyres replacement business. Before that, he spent over two decades in various senior management positions at Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company worldwide.

"I am very much looking forward to my new role at Linglong Tire and hope to achieve the ambitious goals together with my colleagues in the EMEA region with my more than 25 years of experience in the tire industry," Hughes said.

"Our most important task will be to optimise existing customer contacts and develop new customers and thus further strengthen our company's market position," the new regional director added.

In his new position, Hughes will work closely with product and marketing teams as Linglong seeks to expand its presence in the competitive EMEA specialty tyre market.

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