VMI’s CEO Harm Voortman was among the senior figures to celebrate the global smart manufacturing technology company’s new Indian engineering and service centre, which opened in Vadodara on 4th October. He gave a positive view on prospects for the Indian tyre market: “India is now among the top five global economies,” he said. “Prospects for the tyre market are exceptionally strong. Vadodara was the natural choice for our new engineering centre, which is now part of our global strategy for customer support, software engineering and long-term growth.”

VMI has been operating in India for years, but the new centre marks a step change for the company’s investment in the region. So what does VMI’s new strategy mean for the Indian tyre and automotive industry?

Helping to drive economic growth

India is the world’s fifth largest economy, and a key driver for growth is large-scale investment in road and transport infrastructure. There is growing demand for tyres, especially for trucks, with higher performance standards a must. Infrastructure investment will have a positive impact on the Indian economy, helping make India an even stronger global economic hub.

As we reported in July, VMI’s unique MILEXX automated truck tyre building machine is playing a major role in transforming access to the high-quality truck tyres the logistics industry needs inside India. With more and more Indian citizens also moving to electric vehicles, the need for improvement in quality and performance for car tyres is also clear.

Mike Norman, VMI’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “We expect to see growth in production accelerate over the next five years – and that goes a long way to explaining why VMI has chosen this moment for major new investment in the Indian market.”

Global software engineering

Perhaps the most compelling reason for VMI’s Vadodara investment is the drive to create an integrated, international software engineering capability for the entire business. India is the world’s most important centre for software capabilities: with home-grown businesses becoming household names and foreign companies building their own Indian research and engineering centres, tapping into the outstanding engineering capabilities India provides.

Automation is the key distinguishing feature of VMI production platforms. From the launch of the MAXX TBM 15 years ago, the concept of ‘hands-off, eyes-off’ has dominated VMI’s design thinking. Stage by stage, new concepts, components and functionalities have been introduced to VMI machines, aiming to reduce human contact and deliver error-free, higher quality, maximum efficiency production.

Vision systems were introduced a decade ago to carry out such key tasks as centring materials correctly, making the right cuts and ensuring consistent quality in output. As improved camera and software options become available, VMI introduces them as standard components to new machines and offers retrofitting to the installed base, enabling customers to operate at best practice level always.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI & ML) are now increasingly vital for VMI production platforms, which drives the need for software engineering capabilities of the highest quality. VMI has developed systems that use AI to identify anomalies (foreign bodies and faults in materials), enabling these issues to be dealt with at once, rather than causing scrap later. The same capabilities will soon be deployed to optimise production.

Smart software is the key to these emerging trends. As demand for new AI-related capabilities accelerates, VMI is building the high functioning, global software engineering team it needs to prosper in this emerging world. By creating an attractive, well-managed centre in Vadodara, VMI expects to mobilise some of the most qualified, ambitious and visionary engineers India can offer. The team is truly global in nature, using a common engineering platform to enable cross-border collaboration and deliver real benefits both to VMI and the Indian economy.

Why is software so important?

Most commentators believe the industry is at an inflection point, where the current business model is changing fast. We see a growing need for many more tyre variants (SKUs), caused by such factors as the move to EVs, need for lighter but stronger and more flexible tyres, introduction of more environmentally responsible new materials (due to lower levels of particulate pollution) and different patterns of demand in the market.

As Norman commented, “The industry is being challenged to move to a different model, with greater production flexibility, less waste and scrap, lower energy costs and reduced emissions.” That means greater process agility and even higher levels of automation. We will need to develop autonomous decision making (requiring AI & ML), near elimination of errors and scrap (better automation of all processes) and the ability to switch from one SKU to another, with short production runs that are still profitable.

None of these changes can happen without intelligent software. Norman added, “The Vadodara investment gives VMI the scale and skills to become the industry leader in flexible AI-enabled systems – with India at its heart.”

Service transformation

The Vadodara centre also means VMI now has a global network of service centres to provide 24/7 ‘follow the sun’ support to customers worldwide. Vadodara is a key part of VMI’s ‘Global but Local’ service approach, covering everything from maintenance, parts and troubleshooting, through to optimisation consulting and training, retrofits and upgrades and remote monitoring to ensure optimal operation.

 

The Global but Local concept means customers are always served by teams that speak their language and share their culture but operate to consistent, best-practice standards – everywhere. All VMI’s service engineers use the same tools and methods, covering service desk, innovation, core R&D, order engineering retrofits and upgrades.

The Vadodara centre builds on and extends the service support VMI delivers to Indian customers. Now, for example, it is easier and quicker to carry out a routine service on such key components as drums by ‘being local’, with a full maintenance and service facility, minimising downtime and cost. This makes it possible to use a ‘lifecycle approach’ for drums, with much faster swap-over than before.

Investing in the future of India

India is emerging as a highly attractive investment market – perhaps as important as China to foreign companies. Past infrastructure investment levels have been relatively low in India, so there is widespread support for the growth policy now being followed. With the tyre industry now going through a period of significant change, there is huge opportunity for the Indian economy to become one of the most important tyre-building centres in the world.

 

Norman said, “These are exciting times for us to expand our presence in India. We will be helping to growth the economy in a key sector while tapping into the most important pool of software expertise on earth. As the focus on smart software grows more intense in the next few years, we expect our new Indian colleagues to play a key role in growing both VMI and the Indian economy.”

Birla Tyre has launched a new brand identity featuring a redesigned logo and corporate website, marking a major step in its transformation journey under new ownership. The company, now backed by a consortium led by Dalmia Bharat Refractories (DBRL) as Resolution Applicant, and strategic partner Himadri Speciality Chemical (HSCL), aims to position itself as a premium, high-performance and future-ready brand.

The company plans to roll out a multi-platform marketing campaign and focus on re-entering key markets, expanding distribution and strengthening its product portfolio.

The refreshed identity reflects Birla Tyre’s renewed focus on speed, innovation and excellence. The new logo includes a custom wordmark symbolising forward motion and a tiger motif – called ‘Tyger’ – representing power, agility and leadership. The blue and orange colour scheme signifies trust and optimism.

Anurag Choudhary, Chairman and Managing Director & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, said, “This rebranding is more than merely a visual transformation; it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to purposeful development and progress.” 

Dr Chandra Narain Maheswari, Whole Time Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Refractories, said, “Our new logo encapsulates the essence of Birla Tyre, which is founded on four fundamental pillars: a legacy that motivates boldness, a product line that is prepared for the future, an unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and a oneness with world around us. As this new identity signals Birla Tyre’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry with energy, innovation, and purpose.”

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.

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.

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."