One year down the line, the economy certainly seems to have bounced back and how. Several economic indicators are pointing to a definitive recovery. A’V’ shaped recovery, as projected by the Government, seems to be on track. Union Budget provided not only the intent but necessary impetus as evident in enhanced 34.5% increase in the capital expenditure and several other measures. As a result, the optimism and self-assured attitude is more than palpable.

India’s exemplary performance in bouncing back from a pandemic-ravaged slump has also attracted world’s attention. FDI inflows in India went up by a robust 40% in April-Dec 2020 amounting to $68 billion. Sensex, the benchmark stock index has been hovering around a psychologically high 50000 mark.

GST collections rose 27% to hit a record high of nearly Rs 1.24 lakh crore in March this year. In fact, GST collections have stood above Rs 1 lakh crore mark at a stretch for the last six months while witnessing a steep increasing trend.

Purchasing managers’ index (PMI) in manufacturing and services, e-way bills, rail freight – are all indicating increase in consumption and, in turn, economic revival.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has projected that Indian economy is poised to revive and retake its place as the fastest growing one in 2021 with a projected growth of 12.6% during FY 21-22.

OECD is not alone. Moody’s has revised India’s growth to 12% in 2021 as compared to its November 2020 estimate of 9% growth. Near-term prospects for Asia’s third largest economy have turned more favourable, it has stated.

Similarly, The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its World Economic Outlook has projected a robust 11.5% growth for India in 2021 making the country the only major economy in the world to register double-digit growth this year.

Another piece of news that has brought cheer to all those interested in economic development of India is the fact that the pace of construction of highways in the country touched a record 37 km per day in the just concluded FY 2020-21. That this feat was achieved against the backdrop of the pandemic makes it all the more remarkable. According to Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the achievement is unprecedented and has no parallel in any other country in the world.

With this accomplishment, the length of national highways has gone up by 50% to 137625 km over the past seven years. Total budgetary outlay has increased 5.5 times to Rs 1.83 trillion during this period.

Tyre Industry as “wheels of economy” has long been a bellwether for economic performance. Tyre Industry’s performance too, therefore, points to economic revival.

Both Truck & Bus (T&B) tyres and Passenger Car tyres’ production has been steadily moving up over the last few months. Ever since September’20, the domestic production of T&B and Passenger Car tyres has remained higher than corresponding months in the previous year. In the month of December’20, the T&B tyre production stood at a record high of nearly 20 lakh units. While it shows the economic recovery, at the same time it underscores Indian Tyre Industry’s preparedness and capabilities to be ahead of the demand curve as and when demand peaks in view of the infrastructure development.

The rise in Covid cases again, especially in an economically important state such as Maharashtra, has queered the pitch for continued economic growth. However, given the resilience of Indian economy and the enterprising zeal of our entrepreneurs, India will ride through this challenge as well.

Here is wishing that FY 2021-22 lives up to the high expectations and aspirations of a billion plus dreams. (TT)

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company closes its FIA World Endurance Championship campaign this weekend as the 6 Hours of Monza returns, marking the final race for the current Goodyear Racing Eagle LMGT3 tyre specification. Although the Milan-area circuit has appeared on the WEC calendar before, this is its debut in the LMGT3 era, and the November scheduling should deliver markedly cooler conditions than the series encountered during its July 2023 visit to the circuit known as ‘The Temple of Speed’.

Designed for swift warmup, the Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound should give professional and amateur drivers alike the assurance to push hard immediately upon leaving the pit lane despite lower temperatures. The layout's long straights and tight chicanes echo Le Mans, and Goodyear engineers have leaned on prior experience at Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone to ready for the colder weather. Every LMGT3 team will have a designated Goodyear track support engineer on hand to advise on setup and race strategy across the weekend.

Single-stint tyre strategies are expected to be popular, mirroring last month's 6 Hours of Barcelona. If rain falls, the wide transition window of both the slick and wet tyres could open up intriguing strategic options on a drying surface. Beyond closing the third LMGT3 season in WEC, the weekend marks the last appearance of the current Racing Eagle slick and wet tyres; from next season, LMGT3 cars in WEC and the European Le Mans Series will race on new-specification tyres containing 66 percent sustainable material.

Across the Atlantic, Goodyear Racing Eagles will also be in action this weekend in the NASCAR Championship Races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In addition, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series wraps up next weekend at Pomona Dragstrip.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Program Manager, said, “Monza presents an interesting challenge to round out a competitive WEC season, particularly with the cooler conditions we expect at this time of year. Getting tyres up to temperature quickly will be important, but the fast warmup characteristics of our Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium should give drivers the confidence they need from the start of each stint. This weekend is a significant milestone for Goodyear as we conclude three seasons with our current LMGT3 tyre specification. After last month’s 6 Hours of Barcelona, teams have started testing our new tyres, which we’re looking forward to seeing in racing action next year.”

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Kuraray America, Inc. is commemorating 10 years of production at its Bayport facility, a milestone shaped by a workforce assembled from widely differing backgrounds. Since operations commenced in 2016, the site has drawn staff from the oil and gas sector, from other Kuraray America locations and from Kuraray Group operations in Singapore and Japan as expatriates. That blend of experience and perspective formed the groundwork on which the site was built.

Across its first decade, Bayport has delivered enduring value to the company and its customers, powered by employees who gave their time, passed on expertise, assisted colleagues and helped steer the site towards success. The occasion gains further meaning from its proximity to the Kuraray Group's 100th anniversary in June 2026.

Kuraray America thanked the employees and customers whose backing sustained Bayport through its opening decade and will remain crucial going forward. Jacqueline Unzueta received special mention for leading the anniversary event's coordination, while Hans Vandommele, Charles Neal, Nelson Rodriguez, Takehiro Kanno and Frank Taylor were also recognised in connection with the celebration. The company affirmed its commitment to carrying forward the teamwork, expertise and shared purpose that have characterised Bayport's first 10 years.

Reflecting on the site's growth and his own professional journey, Raymond Myska, Plant Manager at Kuraray America's Bayport site, said, "My own journey at Bayport began in 2017. I joined as Maintenance Manager, and in 2025, I had the privilege of stepping into the role of Plant Manager. Although I wasn't here when the doors first opened, I've had the opportunity to grow alongside this team, witness how far we've come and contribute to the success stories we're celebrating today."

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TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has joined forces with Dudley Council Trading Standards for an enforcement operation targeting part-worn tyre retailers, with support from West Midlands Police. Unannounced audits followed earlier advisory visits during which traders had already received guidance on statutory obligations. Nonetheless, every business inspected failed to meet basic safety and legal standards, producing a 100 percent non-compliance rate.

The inspections exposed a range of serious breaches, including dangerous illegal string repairs, punctures in sidewall and shoulder areas that cannot be repaired, absent or temporary ‘PART-WORN’ markings, improper pressure testing, aged and hardened rubber and tread depth below the legal minimum. Under the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994, such tyres must be thoroughly inflation-tested before sale, have at least 2.0 mm of tread, be structurally sound and carry a permanent uppercase ‘PART-WORN’ stamp.

Each trader subsequently received an individual Trader Notice summarising visit findings, identifying specific concerns, acknowledging compliance where found and offering practical guidance on meeting legal duties. TyreSafe and Dudley Trading Standards now intend to use the case study to urge other UK local authorities to prioritise joint enforcement against part-worn tyre retailers and remove illegal stock from the consumer market.

Laura Reuben, Public Protection Manager, Dudley Council, said, “The findings of this operation are deeply concerning. Consumers purchasing part-worn tyres often assume they are buying a safe, legal alternative to pass an MOT or save money, but our joint checks show a widespread disregard for basic safety laws. Educational visits alone have proven insufficient, and we will not hesitate to use our formal enforcement powers to protect motorists from dangerous stock.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “This operation with Dudley Trading Standards exposes a stark reality: 100 percent non-compliance among the retailers audited, even after receiving compliance advice. Dangerous tyres on the road pose an immediate threat to driver and pedestrian safety. We urge local authorities across the UK to follow Dudley’s lead and integrate targeted, unannounced part-worn checks into their enforcement schedules.”

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Bridgestone Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is assembling speed enthusiasts to showcase their sporty spirit and partake in exclusive motorsport excitement at the highly anticipated 2026 Bridgestone Driving Experience, themed ‘FEEL THE VIBE. SHARE THE MOMENT’. The event welcomes customers using any model of BRIDGESTONE POTENZA tyres to elevate their driving experience by taking their own vehicles onto a real racing circuit.

Now in its fourth consecutive year, the programme offers participants the chance to explore their vehicles’ full performance capabilities under the guidance of professional drivers and automotive experts. Theoretical sessions and practical driving techniques form the core of the experience, complemented by exclusive prizes, Hot Lap opportunities and giveaways throughout the day.

Entertainment highlights include an exclusive Meet & Greet with Beer Baiyoke and the Top Secret Thailand team; Thai actress-singer-model-racing driver Maprang Alisa Khunkhaeng, as well as Ko and the Street Doc team. The action-packed schedule promises excitement and motorsport experiences for all attendees.

Scheduled for 22 November 2026 at Pathum Thani Speedway in Pathum Thani Province, registration is already open from 21 October to 10 November 2026, with selected participants to be announced on 16 November 2026. Additionally, Bridgestone is offering a ‘Buy 3 Tires, Get 1 Free’ promotion for customers switching to POTENZA tyres, valid for purchases from 21 October to 10 November 2026, along with the chance to join the event. Interested customers can contact the page administrator through the POTENZA CLUB Facebook Group.

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