The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) appointed Dr Adam McCarthy joining as Secretary General, effective 1st January 2023.

Dr McCarthy replaces Fazilet Cinaralp, who has been with the association for 17 years. To ensure a smooth transition, Cinaralp will remain as Senior Advisor to the Board for the first quarter of 2023.

Dr Adam McCarthy has over 20 years of experience working in public policy and governmental affairs holding positions in both private and public sectors, and joins ETRMA from the Cobalt Institute, where he served as president.

Franco Annunziato, President of the Board of Directors of ETRMA, said, “After 17 pioneering and successful years at the helm of our Association, Fazilet Cinaralp will hand over her leadership responsibilities to Dr Adam McCarthy. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to wholeheartedly thank Fazilet for her commitment, dedication, and direction from the very start of ETRMA in 2006. She steered the association’s inception and, since then, has built it up to become the voice of the European Tyre and Rubber Industry.”

Throughout her tenure as Secretary General of ETRMA, Cinaralp has driven the association’s increased engagement with European and global decision-makers. She contributed significantly to the discourse and ensured that policies and regulations are science-based and effectively enforced. ETRMA’s contributions to furthering the sustainability, safety and efficiency of the European mobility sector have helped to deliver on the ambitious global sustainability targets.

“I have been extremely privileged to serve the tyre and rubber Industry for over three decades. In that time, I have worked closely with European Institutions, steadily creating the necessary trust and confidence between institutional and industry stakeholders to successfully face many challenges. It is now time for me and ETRMA to make a change. Although I deeply love and cherish this job, I would like to devote myself more to private matters and my family. I have no doubt I am leaving the association in safe hands and that Adam will successfully lead ETRMA members and the Industry through the emerging challenges and opportunities.”

Dr McCarthy said, “I am very excited about the opportunity given to me by ETRMA. Helping to preserve ETRMA’s culture and leading such a successful Association is a great honour and a privilege. I look forward to working with the association’s members and the Board of Directors to advance progress and increase visibility and influence for the entire Industry.”

Franco Annunziato added, “With complex challenges lying ahead, in particular the European focus on sustainable growth and digital transformation in the context of the EU Green Deal, ETRMA needs a leader with experience in engaging in the Brussels ecosystem, who will continue to make a difference in advocating on behalf of our members. I’m very pleased that Fazilet has agreed to stay with us as a Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors during the first quarter of 2023. With that approach, we are able secure progression in continuity for the benefit of ETRMA and its members.”

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Indian tyre maker to pass full benefit of tax cuts to customers from 22 September

CEAT Limited said on Thursday it would reduce prices across its entire tyre range following the Indian government’s decision to cut goods and services tax (GST) rates on tyres, with the full benefit being passed on to customers.

The Mumbai-based tyre manufacturer said new prices would take effect from 22 September, covering commercial, agricultural, passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments.

India’s 56th GST Council meeting approved significant reductions in tax rates for the tyre industry. GST on new pneumatic tyres was cut to 18% from 28%, whilst tractor tyres and tubes will attract a reduced rate of 5%.

“We thank the Government of India and the GST Council for their timely and progressive decision to rationalise tax rates in the tyre sector,” said Arnab Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO of CEAT Limited.

“The reduced GST slabs will greatly benefit the tyre industry and consumers alike. Not only will it lower the cost of owning and operating a vehicle for customers across various segments, but by making tyres more affordable to replace, it will also make our roads safer.”

Banerjee added the move would “spur formalisation and greater compliance, while also fostering sustainable growth in the sector.”

The GST rate cuts represent a significant policy shift for India’s automotive sector, where high taxation has been a longstanding concern for manufacturers and consumers.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been officially recognised as a DX Certified Business Operator by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The designation, which was granted on 1 September 2025, identifies companies that are thoroughly prepared for digital transformation as outlined by the Digital Governance Code.

This certification acknowledges Yokohama Rubber's comprehensive strategy for digital transformation, which is built on three core objectives: advancing business strategy, contributing to sustainability and reinforcing its IT infrastructure. Central to this effort is the company's proprietary AI framework, HAICoLab (Humans and AI ColLaborate), which drives group-wide digital initiatives. These include improving productivity, innovating processes, developing digital talent and building a global cloud-based IT system. The certification confirms that the company's efforts not only meet METI's stringent criteria but also demonstrate appropriate disclosure of information to its stakeholders.

Moving forward, the company said it will continue to leverage data from its entire value chain to adapt to a dynamic business environment. The company aims to enhance customer value, pursue sustainable innovation and transform its corporate culture to strengthen its competitive position and ensure long-term growth.

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TyresNmore, the automotive aftermarket e-commerce platform owned by RPG Group, has promoted Rakesh Tatikonda to Chief Executive Officer and announced the change with immediate effect.

Tatikonda, who previously oversaw business operations at the Mumbai-based firm, will spearhead the organisation’s expansion and innovation strategy. The appointment advances RPG Group’s ‘Talent First!’ policy, which rewards internal promotions and develops employees.

The new chief executive brings over 15 years of industry experience, having worked across multiple sectors with companies such as telecommunications giant Reliance Jio and IT services provider Infosys. Before joining TyresNmore in 2022, Tatikonda held senior positions at tyre manufacturer CEAT, where he developed expertise in strategy, operations, marketing and digital transformation.

“My aim is to transform automotive aftercare in India by offering seamless, tech-driven, end-to-end mobility solutions delivered with trust, transparency, and convenience right at the customer’s doorstep,” Tatikonda said in a statement.

TyresNmore operates a doorstep service model for tyre and battery replacement across six major Indian cities: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. The platform represents RPG Group’s entry into the growing automotive aftermarket sector, which has seen increased digitisation as consumers seek convenient maintenance solutions.

During his tenure in operations, Tatikonda scaled the business and improved profitability while driving digital transformation initiatives. His track record shows he strengthened operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience in the mobility convenience sector.

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Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent retreader producing high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres for fleets across the UK and Europe, has expanded its UK presence by acquiring Tyrefair in Kinross, Scotland.

This strategic acquisition extends the company's award-winning service further north, ensuring Scottish customers receive the same high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres Vaculug has supplied for 75 years. Since the purchase, the Kinross location has already grown by 25 percent, with an ambitious target to double its business within a year and then double it again.

This move is a key part of Vaculug's 2026 growth strategy, focused on strategic acquisitions that enable better, faster and more sustainable customer service. The acquisition reinforces Vaculug’s long-standing environmental mission, marking a new chapter of sustainable growth with a strengthened Scottish operation.

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