Does post-pandemic lockdowns prompt any priority change for ATMA? Will there be a campaign for greater health safeguards for tyre company workers?

Tyre companies have been at the forefront of maintaining safety standards based on guidelines /advisories during last one year. Tyre companies were perhaps the first to shut down operations when the call for lockdown was given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. It needs to be appreciated that Tyre is a continuous process industry. Sudden shutdown results in huge losses in terms of wastage of raw material and other Work in Progress inventories. Restarting operations involves picking up several pieces involving significant effort. Being a continuous process industry, we could have argued for waiver from the lockdown. However, in appreciation of the real intent of the lockdowns and Tyre Companies being responsible Corporate citizens, aimed at safeguarding lives, went for a shutdown. ATMA has already issued Covid Compliant Standards for the benefit of all tyre plants. Health if its employees including workers has always been a priority with ATMA members, and this will continue to be so going forward.

How do you plan to take cheap tyre import issue to the next level?

Government has introduced certain much-needed measures by curbing indiscriminate import aimed at making the country ‘Aatmnirbhar.’ As we have observed, the imports from China that accounted for the lion’s share in tyre imports in India, have come down significantly after import curbs were initiated. However, it is also being observed that the percentage share of some other countries in total tyre imports in India has gone up substantially. As per the latest tyre import official data, Thailand has displaced China as the largest source of Truck & Bus radial tyres (TBR). Nearly 50% of TBR imported in India in the first three quarters of FY21 are from Thailand. Even in Passenger Car Radials (PCR) imports in India, Thailand has come to account for largest share of 35% in the Apr-Dec’20 period. We are taking up with the Government for all such indiscriminate imports about which the Government has exhorted various sectors to strengthen their domestic manufacturing capacities and capabilities, especially in the automotive space. We are also keenly looking at the measures to further boost domestic production under the PLI scheme for Automotive Sector.

As the automotive sector shows signs of resurgence, how do you foresee the growth of tyre business in India?

After two years of downward trend, things are looking up for the Auto sector in India. Different surveys point to 14 to 18% growth for the Auto sector in FY22. Tyre Industry’s growth is closely linked to Auto sector’s performance and the economic graph. Since economy is also projected to grow at upwards of 10% by different agencies, we expect growth in tyre demand to be in sync with economic and auto sector’s growth. Hopefully tyre imports will remain in check and the growth in demand will be met by Indian manufacturing. The focus on Infrastructure investment by the Government, should lead to higher demand generation in the automobile sector.

The proposed Scrappage Policy is expected to see an increase in new tyre sales. How do you foresee the development? Do you think a similar policy could be implemented for tyres as well?

The new vehicle scrappage policy is a welcome move since it is aimed at phasing out unfit and polluting vehicles from the roads paving the way of boosting the demand for new and environment-friendly vehicles No doubt, the new policy has potential to kick start the revival of the Indian auto sector and the entire automotive value chain including tyres.

The policy with in-built incentives should boost the demand for new and environment-friendly vehicles. It would lead to recovery in Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles and its positive demand on tyres which have remained under stress for long and, in the process, also give a fillip to Truck & Bus tyre segment.

Regarding scrappage policy for tyres, any initiative that leads to replacing of worn-out tyres beyond their useful and safe life will be a welcome move. Over the last few years, ATMA & its technical arm Indian Tyre Technical Advisory committee (ITTAC) have been intensely involved in creating awareness on Tyre Care & Road safety through On-ground activations, Tyre clinics, Safety seminars, Mass media messaging, Social media campaigns, Participation at expos, Launching of safety calendars, Animation films and other possible interfaces urging the motorists to replace worn out and poorly maintained tyres before it is too late. Tyre industry is willing to partner in any initiative that leads to replacement of risky worn-out tyres and make the road usage and conditions safer.

The Budget has also focused on bigger infrastructure development and promotion of public transport. What is your take on the readiness of Indian tyre manufacturers to exploit the bigger opportunities?

Tyre industry is ahead of the demand curve. An unprecedented amount of over Rs 50,000 crore was invested across 4-5 years before the pandemic in creating new capacities and R&D. The new capacities are now coming on stream and are geared to meet increased demand borne out of Infra development and other growth drivers. As a vibrant part of Aatmnirbhar Bharat, Tyre Industry has been conscious of its responsibility to the nation and has been investing heavily in new capacities building and research & development. India is one of the few countries that are self-reliant in manufacturing of practically all varieties of tyres.

How does ATMA look to support the uncertainties in the Natural Rubber sector? While looking for easier availability options like new rubber alternatives, will there be any further steps to support the NR sector?

A well-developed and competitive domestic NR sector is very close to Tyre Industry’s heart. The fact remains that domestic production of NR is short of its requirement by over 40%. Rubber Board has certainly made sincere efforts to increase the production and productivity of NR in the country; however significant production- consumption gap continues to exist.

A project for supporting development of new rubber plantations in North East and improving quality of processed forms of rubber has been finalised under the guidance and active mentoring of Mr Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister for Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The project is designed to implement the scheme for developing 200,000 hectares (ha) of rubber plantations in the North Eastern States with financial participation by major tyre companies, represented by ATMA with technical support and coordination by the Rubber Board.

While the NR project looks towards long-term availability of NR, for the short term, Tyre Industry has urged the Rubber Board to help the industry tide over the imminent crisis. (TT)

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The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), alongside 13 other European business organisations, has signed a Joint Statement urging the European Commission to ensure a strong and ambitious implementation of the Data Act.

The coalition, including numerous SMEs and Small Mid-Caps from the digital and industrial sectors of European companies, has urged the European Commission to uphold the regulation against pressure to dilute its core provisions, identifying it as a crucial framework for unlocking industrial data across the EU economy. The signatories contend that a robust implementation is vital for fostering a competitive market and unleashing innovation, particularly for smaller businesses.

The coalition highlights the Act’s benefits, which include empowering SMEs with data portability rights, protecting them from unfair contractual terms and mandating that data sharing occurs on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. A key provision requires cloud providers to facilitate switching through open standards, combating vendor lock-in. The statement expresses concern that lobbying efforts for delayed enforcement, weaker interoperability definitions and reliance on global standards without fairness guarantees threaten to undermine these objectives.

For the Data Act to be effective, the coalition insists on full implementation to open data markets to genuine competition and prevent SMEs from being excluded by legal complexity. The statement also calls for a proportionate approach, requesting practical guidance, standard contractual clauses and well-resourced enforcement authorities to support smaller companies. It notes that in certain sectors, supplementary legislation may be needed for full clarity.

The coalition concludes that strong enforcement is paramount, asserting that without it, the Act's rights will remain theoretical. They warn that any delay or softening of key provisions risks reinforcing the very market barriers the regulation was designed to eliminate. The signatories urge the Commission to ensure robust enforcement to secure a competitive and innovative Single Market for all companies.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been selected as the official tyre supplier for the groundbreaking FIA Extreme H World Cup, the world's first hydrogen-powered motorsport series. The company will supply its GEOLANDAR brand of tyres for the championship, which is scheduled to commence next month in Saudi Arabia. The company will also continue to supply GEOLANDAR tyres for the Extreme E off-road electric vehicle series, which holds its final event on 4–5 October in Saudi Arabia.

Central to both the Extreme H and Extreme E series is a shared mission to advance sustainability and equality. The championships serve as dynamic platforms to promote environmental awareness and demonstrate cutting-edge technologies while also enforcing a strict mandate for gender parity by requiring each team to field one male and one female driver. The Extreme H series will feature eight international teams operating the Pioneer 25, a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell vehicle capable of generating 550 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.5 seconds. The global significance of this new championship is expected to draw a worldwide television audience across multiple continents.

As the predecessor to Extreme H, the Extreme E series utilised the high-performance all-electric Odyssey 21 vehicle. All teams competing in the new hydrogen series will also participate in this final Extreme E event, marking the conclusion of the electric championship as it transitions towards a hydrogen future.

In alignment with the environmental principles of these series, Yokohama Rubber will provide a specially developed prototype tyre based on its GEOLANDAR X-AT model. This tyre has been engineered with a significantly increased ratio of sustainable materials, comprising 38 percent renewable and recycled content. It has also been fortified with enhanced durability characteristics to withstand the unique demands of heavy hydrogen-powered and electric off-road racing vehicles.

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Hankook Tire is advancing its future mobility leadership through strategic open innovation and collaborative design projects. This effort was showcased at the company’s recent Design Innovation Day 2025, held at its Pangyo Technoplex headquarters. The event serves as a platform to present new solutions integrating sustainability, innovation and design while reinforcing partnerships with global technology leaders.

A major focus was the unveiling of two key outcomes from Hankook’s ongoing Design Innovation Project. The first was ‘Sustainable Concept Tyre’, an embodiment of the company’s ESG vision. Developed using advanced 3D printing technology, it is constructed from renewable and recycled materials. Its distinctive organic design was realised in collaboration with Harvestance using specialised engineering software.

The second reveal was the WheelBot 2, a multi-directional mobility platform developed with robotics startup CALMANTECH. This advanced robotic wheel system, equipped with tri-axial spherical tyres, demonstrates new possibilities for movement. Its potential was illustrated through a live demonstration of the PathCruizer, a two-seater pod concept powered by the WheelBot technology.

Beyond product reveals, the event highlighted Hankook’s commitment to knowledge sharing, featuring a presentation on 3D printing advancements from LG Electronics. These collaborations are central to Hankook’s strategy of strengthening its technology leadership. Since 2012, the company has partnered with world-renowned design universities and technology firms, consistently earning prestigious international design awards and solidifying the premium stature of its global brand.

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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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