Indian tyre manufacturer grapples with Mexico subsidiary challenges whilst accelerating capacity investments and EV market push

JK Tyre and Industries Ltd is confronting significant trade headwinds in its Mexican operations whilst pressing ahead with ambitious expansion plans and positioning for India’s electric vehicle revolution, senior management revealed recently during the company’s quarterly review.

The Delhi-based manufacturer’s Mexican subsidiary, JK Tornel, has been severely impacted by uncertainty surrounding US trade policies. Management acknowledges operational disruptions despite recent clarifications on tariff structures.

Tariff Turbulence Hits Mexico Operations

According to Arun K Bajoria, Director and President International, JK Tornel faced considerable challenges throughout the financial year as shifting US trade policies created market uncertainty.

“There was complete uncertainty in Mexico, supplying to the US because of the Trump tariff; there was no certainty and every time, the dates were sort of getting shifted,” Bajoria explained. “So there was a complete uncertainty in the minds of the customers based in the USA.”

The Mexican subsidiary, which derives approximately 60 percent  of its revenue from domestic markets with the remainder split between exports to the United States and Latin American countries, has been forced to recalibrate its strategic focus.

“Our strategy now is increasing our sales to the domestic market, that is number one, and also to Brazil market and then to Latin American markets,” Bajoria said, outlining the company’s response to trade uncertainties.

Recent policy clarifications have provided some relief, with automobile tyres continuing to benefit from zero-duty exports from Mexico to the United States. However, management acknowledged that customer confidence remains fragile.

“This clarification has been ascertained recently. So, the on-the-ground in terms of the US customers is still sleeping in, and we have communicated the notifications, etc., to them,” Bajoria noted.

Major Investment Programme Gathers Pace

Despite external challenges, JK Tyre is accelerating its capacity expansion with ongoing projects worth INR 14 billion across passenger car radial (PCR), truck and bus radial (TBR), and all-steel light truck radial segments.

Managing Director Anshuman Singhania confirmed that capacity utilisation levels remain high across all plants. The company operates 11 manufacturing facilities globally and produces over 35 million tyres annually.

“The projects which we have already been implementing are on track, and we will have the capacities available from these projects in this financial year 2026,” said Chief Financial Officer Sanjeev Agarwal, indicating capital expenditure of approximately INR 9 billion planned for the current fiscal year.

In Mexico, a separate US$27 million passenger car radial expansion project is progressing. It specifically targets larger rim size tyres to enhance revenue and profitability potential.

Electric Vehicle Market Push Intensifies

The company is aggressively positioning itself in India’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle segment, where it has established dominant market positions across multiple categories.

“We enjoy almost 70 percent market share across all OEMs. We are also supplying tyres in the replacement market,” Singhania said, highlighting supply relationships with leading manufacturers, including Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland’s Switch Mobility, JBM, and Eka Mobility.

The electric bus segment currently contributes 7 percent of India’s total bus industry, with projections indicating growth to 10 percent driven by government policy interventions. In the last-mile connectivity segment for small commercial vehicles, JK Tyre commands a 50 percent market share with Tata Motors’ electric variant.

The company is also expanding its presence in the two—and three-wheeler electric segment, supplying prominent manufacturers such as Ola Electric, Ather, and Pure Electric.

“By 2030, we are estimating around 1.33 million units, which amounts to 20 percent of the passenger vehicle production in the country,” Singhania projected for electric passenger vehicles.

Strategic Market Response

Management indicated that raw material price stabilisation is providing operational relief, and despite ongoing global volatility, the company expects continued stability over the coming quarters.

The company’s diversified geographical footprint, with subsidiary operations including Cavendish Industries contributing significantly to consolidated performance, is helping mitigate regional market challenges.

“We believe the US tariff in the medium to long term is unlikely to have a significant impact on the auto sector and the tyre industry,” Singhania said, expressing confidence in the company’s strategic positioning despite near-term uncertainties.

The ongoing scheme of amalgamation between subsidiary AIL and JK Tyre has received regulatory approval from SEBI and awaits final clearance from the National Company Law Tribunal, which is expected to further streamline operations.

The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) has received a historic Special Recognition Award from UK-based tyre safety charity, TyreSafe. This marks the first time the organisation has presented an international award, highlighting the global resonance of ATMA’s extensive efforts in promoting tyre safety across India.

TyreSafe’s award specifically commended ATMA for its profound dedication and highly innovative approach. The association’s multifaceted initiatives have successfully educated over 20,000 participants and conducted inspections on more than 30,000 tyres. A cornerstone of this effort has been the Ideathons programme, which engages youth to develop creative concepts and inspire future road safety advocates, aligning perfectly with TyreSafe’s global vision for safer roads.

This recognition follows years of expansive activity by ATMA and its technical arm, the Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee (ITTAC). Their nationwide outreach has included over 200 safety activations, such as roadside clinics, inspection zones at petrol pumps and workshops for schools and universities. They have forged significant institutional partnerships, providing comprehensive training for over 1,000 tanker drivers in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation and working with various state transport departments.

Campaigns on major expressways have involved inspecting thousands of vehicles and distributing safety materials, while continuous education is provided through webinars, social media and publications. Supported by its member companies, including Apollo, Bridgestone, CEAT, JK Tyre and MRF, ATMA remains dedicated to scaling this crucial outreach. The association continues to urge all stakeholders – from vehicle users to policymakers – to join this vital movement, reinforcing that tyres are not just components but essential life-safety systems.

Arun Mammen, Chairman, ATMA, said, “We are immensely proud that TyreSafe has recognised ATMA’s work in tyre safety. This award underscores our commitment to elevating public awareness and encouraging responsible tyre maintenance through engagement with motorists and institutional partnerships. Our journey continues with the shared vision of making roads safer across India.”

Sudershan Gusain, Head – Tyre Safety Awareness, ATMA/ITTAC, said, “This recognition by TyreSafe validates our extensive grassroots efforts: from petrol pump tyre clinics and university workshops to Ideathons and expressway campaigns. Educating over 20,000 people and inspecting 30,000 tyres is just the beginning. We will keep amplifying our message: proper tyre maintenance is crucial not just for vehicle performance but for saving lives.”

Linglong Germany GmbH has officially moved to a new office in Hannover. Located at Hollerithallee 22, the modern 500 sqm space is designed to integrate sustainable principles and collaborative work environments. It will serve as a central hub for 35 employees spanning research and development, logistics, human resources, after-sales, marketing and sales.

The site includes a state-of-the-art 300 sqm workshop, capable of storing 600 tyres and equipped with advanced technology for tyre data analysis and test vehicle preparation. Furthermore, this new headquarters will serve as the central command centre for coordinating testing activities at the company's permanent tracks in Spain (IDIADA) and in Ivalo in Finland (UTAC). This strategic expansion underscores Linglong's firm commitment to its growth and long-term presence in the European market.

Ceat, the flagship company of the RPG Group, has launched limited edition SecuraDrive Circl, which it claims is India’s first road ready passenger car tyre with up to 90 percent sustainable (bio-based) materials.

The SecuraDrive Circl tyres are said to push the boundaries of sustainability and technology while strengthening the company’s premium positioning. The launch builds on Ceat’s recent introduction spanning CALM technology, ZR-rated tyres and Run-Flat tyres.

Targeted at urban consumers aged 25-45 in Tier 1 cities, particularly from affluent households who view sustainability as both a responsibility and a lifestyle statement, the SecuraDrive Circl combines eco-consciousness, safety and top-tier performance in a single product.

The tyres are developed at Ceat’s state-of-the-art global R&D centre in Halol and is available in two variants – featuring 50 percent and 90 percent sustainable material content. With the latter, Circl becomes the most sustainable passenger car tyre ever road-tested and commercially launched.

The product introduces three global, patented firsts that the company said redefines sustainable tyre technology:

• Unified Biopolymer Inner Liner – a simplified material architecture that reduces manufacturing emissions and sets a benchmark in sustainable design.
• Glycerol-Based Accelerator – a bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals, ensuring eco-friendliness down to the smallest component.
• Anti-Static Silica Conductive Solution – a novel formulation that eliminates the use of carbon black while preserving electrical conductivity and passenger safety.

Beyond the product, Ceat is pursuing a comprehensive sustainability agenda – from sourcing greener raw materials to introducing circular practices for recycling end-of-life tyres. The SecuraDrive Circl marks a pivotal step in this journey, reinforcing the company’s commitment to shaping a cleaner future for mobility.

The tyres will be available at Ceat’s premium retail outlets and authorised dealerships across key markets from September 2025, priced at INR 12,999 for the 90 percent sustainable variant and INR 8,999 for the 50 percent variant.

Arnab Banerjee, MD & CEO, Ceat, said, “SecuraDrive Circl is a breakthrough that demonstrates how India can set new benchmarks in sustainable mobility. By achieving 90% sustainable content in a fully road ready tyre, Ceat is redefining performance and eco innovation, while reinforcing our journey to become a premium, future ready brand. Sustainability is no longer a choice but a responsibility. This launch reaffirms our vision of leading the transition to greener mobility.”

Lakshmi Narayanan B, Chief Marketing Officer, Ceat, said, “Consumers today are increasingly conscious about the choices they make, especially when it comes to sustainability. With SecuraDrive Circl, we are giving them a product that aligns with their values without asking them to compromise on performance, safety, or style. Circl represents the perfect blend of innovation and eco consciousness, and with this launch, Ceat is proud to set a new benchmark for sustainable mobility in India.”

Sri Lanka has secured a pivotal USD 171 million investment from CEAT OHT Lanka, marking a major advancement for its manufacturing and export sector. This substantial commitment, formalised through an agreement with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, stands as one of the most significant recent Indian investments in the country and is set to position Sri Lanka as a premier global hub for off-highway tyre (OHT) production.

A cornerstone of the agreement is a tripartite commitment to workforce stability. A memorandum of understanding between CEAT OHT Lanka, Michelin Lanka and the Inter-Company Employees Union guarantees job security for all 1,483 existing employees. This ensures the full retention of their seniority, salaries and benefits, explicitly ruling out any retrenchments and providing seamless continuity throughout the operational transition.

The project follows CEAT's strategic acquisition of Michelin's Construction Compact Line Business, which includes key manufacturing plants in Midigama and Kotugoda. This move grants CEAT complete global ownership of the Camso brand, cementing its role as a leading international player in this high-value industrial segment.

Arjuna Herath, Chairman, BOI, said, “We welcome CEAT’s significant investment into Sri Lanka, which is among the largest investments from India in recent times. This approval underlines our confidence in CEAT’s vision and will further elevate Sri Lanka’s position as a global manufacturing and export hub.”

Amit Tolani, Chief Executive, CEAT Specialty, said, “BOI’s approval for CEAT OHT Lanka marks a new chapter in our partnership with Sri Lanka. With CEAT’s vision of expanding our global off-highway tyre business, we have great plans for this country. This investment will bring exciting new opportunities for Sri Lanka while playing a central role in our future growth.”

Kumar Subbiah, Chief Financial Officer, CEAT Ltd, said, “Our immediate priority is ensuring a seamless transition while safeguarding jobs and strengthening our operations in Sri Lanka. This investment reaffirms CEAT’s long-term commitment to our employees and to building Sri Lanka as a world-class hub for OHT manufacturing and exports.”