As the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) prepares for 2025 under a new administration and Congress, President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke shares insights into the industry’s priorities and recent achievements. From advancing sustainability through innovative research to advocating for updated regulations and expanding domestic retreading, USTMA is focused on driving economic growth, safety and environmental progress.

In this interview, Luke highlights the importance of collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders, detailing how the tyre industry is addressing key challenges while positioning itself as a leader in innovation and sustainability.

With a new president and Congress in place, the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is preparing for a potential shift in regulatory priorities and legislative focus. The incoming administration may initiate a regulatory pause to assess existing policies, a move USTMA sees as an opportunity for constructive engagement.

 “This offers the tyre industry an avenue to engage with fresh faces and perspectives within the administration and Congress, fostering a dialogue about the tyre industry’s key issues,” thinks Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “USTMA looks forward to collaborating with the new administration and Congress and the opportunity to highlight how smart, balanced policies can drive innovation, sustainability and growth within the US tyre manufacturing sector.”

USTMA anticipates collaborating with the new administration and Congress to advance initiatives that align with the industry’s priorities. “As the association looks to 2025, its efforts will continue to centre on three key themes: innovation, sustainability and safety,” adds Luke.

USTMA aims to build relationships and advance its advocacy objectives during the 119th Congress as the Trump administration takes office. However, Luke adds that the association cannot predict the new administration’s specific policies; it remains committed to advancing its legislative priorities. These include advocating for updated National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rules on consumer tyre information and performance standards, modernising tyre testing regulations, addressing potential trade and tariff issues, expanding sustainability efforts and supporting domestic manufacturing job creation.

USTMA also intends to working directly with state governments to address policy and regulatory issues where state action may arise in response to perceived gaps in federal policies.

Looking back

The year 2024 was an active period for the US tyre industry, marked by significant progress advocating for several priorities focused on enhanced road safety, tyre innovation, environmental stewardship and domestic jobs in the manufacturing sector, as per Luke.

The US tyre manufacturing industry generates an annual economic impact of USD 170.6 billion and directly provides more than 291,000 jobs across manufacturing, distribution and retail sectors. Additionally, the sector supports over 510,000 jobs through supplier and induced activities, contributing to a total of more than 801,000 jobs nationwide.

“In 2024, despite challenges such as the ongoing impact of interest rate fluctuation and inflation, post-election and geopolitical uncertainty, the tyre industry remains resilient, continually adapting to market dynamics and technological advancements to sustain its vital role in the US economy,” said Luke.

Leadership and collaboration

Luke empathises on the importance of partnerships and leadership to drive progress. Luke adds, “Achieving meaningful progress on a complex and ambitious series of goals requires strong leadership and deep collaboration to succeed. We view 2025 as a year full of opportunities to build on a rich ecosystem of partnerships with stakeholders.”

USTMA has outlined several key areas of focus for the upcoming year. Chief among them are sustainability leadership, advancing innovation through research, collaborative policy and regulatory engagement, creating economic impact and working with a new administration and a new Congress in 2025.

Collaborative efforts

Luke stresses the organisation’s commitment to working with state and federal policymakers and stakeholders across the tyre recycling value chain.

Another major initiative is advancing innovation through research, particularly in the development of sustainable alternatives to 6PPD, a chemical widely used to preserve tyre performance. The 6PPD Alternatives Analysis Consortium, spearheaded by USTMA, will move into its second stage in 2025, evaluating potential effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives.

USTMA members use a chemical additive called 6PPD to help tyres resist degradation and cracking, which is crucial for driver and passenger safety. In December 2020, researchers from the University of Washington and the Washington Stormwater Center published a report identifying a transformation product of 6PPD, called 6PPD-quinone, which they concluded is toxic to coho salmon and may be contributing to urban runoff mortality syndrome in the species. Earlier studies had not identified this substance.

In response, USTMA led the formation of a more than 30-member consortium to work transparently and collaboratively with California regulators and stakeholders to find a potential alternative to 6PPD that would protect both motorists and the environment.

“That work, and our collaboration with federal and state regulators, legislators, researchers and other interested stakeholders, will continue in 2025,” adds Luke.

Retreading

Commercial tyre retreading offers significant opportunities to expand domestic manufacturing, create American jobs, and promote sustainability. Retreading benefits not only large manufacturers but also small, independent businesses. In the US, most retread facilities are small operations, employing between 10 and 60 workers, and are often located in smaller towns and rural communities.

“By promoting investments in tyre retreading, the tyre industry aims to strengthen these small businesses, enabling them to grow, hire more workers and play a vital role in their communities. Increased demand will help these shops thrive, ensuring their longevity and supporting local economies across the country,” says Luke.

USTMA has prioritised domestic manufacturing of retreaded tyre for commercial vehicles to boost sustainability and create American jobs. The retread sector, employing over 51,000 Americans, is the largest remanufacturing sector in the US; commercial tyre retreading offers an effective way to recycle tyres, providing numerous economic and environmental benefits. Beyond job creation, retreading reduces energy consumption, CO2 emissions, raw material usage and tyre disposal challenges.

“The US Congress has an opportunity to increase domestic retreaded tyre demand by requiring the use of these tyres in the federal fleet. USTMA will continue to advocate for expanding this crucial industry to create more well-paying jobs, allowing domestic workers to contribute to the local economy,” says Luke.

Recycling

USTMA is prioritising sustainable solutions for end-of-life tyres. For nearly three decades, the association has worked with stakeholders to promote tyre recycling and advocate for supportive regulations. “Our goal is that 100 percent of end-of-life tyres will enter sustainable, circular end-use markets. This remains a top focus area for us heading into 2025,” tells Luke.

Use of recycled tyres in road construction is increasing, according to USTMA’s 2023 End-of-Life Tire Management Report. The use of rubber-modified asphalt (RMA) has grown 17 percent since 2021. USTMA sees potential for further growth in this area, thanks to recent federal infrastructure legislation. “We continue to advocate for increased investment and expansion in these areas while also pushing for greater focus on domestic retreading of commercial tyres. Particularly, USTMA has called on Congress to fund research and demonstration projects using Tire Derived Aggregates (TDA) in federal state and local construction projects,” says Luke.

As per Luke, shredded tyres can be used in various construction projects, including road embankments and stormwater systems. The association advocates for the use of RMA in federal road projects, citing its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.

The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative of the United States Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has been launched to expand markets for end-of-life tyre (ELT) and promote tyre recycling research.

The foundation aims to secure funding and allocate grants for research, education, intervention and demonstration projects addressing critical gaps in the US tyre recycling supply chain. A key focus is accelerating the adoption of RMA. Luke explains,” USTMA will continue to emphasise that collaborative efforts across the tyre recycling value chain must continue to fully eliminate illegal and abandoned tyre stockpiles and create sustainable, circular markets for ELTs, and this effort will be a focus of USTMA going forward.”

Smooth supply of NR

Natural rubber remains a key component in tyre production, but the industry is making strides in integrating modern, sustainable materials. USTMA continues to advocate for developing a domestic natural rubber supply, including alternatives like guayule, taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) or dandelion rubber. These efforts have already resulted in successful experimental tyres, highlighting the potential of these sustainable sources.

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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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