India’s tyre industry is accelerating at an unprecedented pace with a turnover of INR 900 billion and production exceeding 217 million units in FY23. Amid this dynamic growth, JK Tyre has emerged as a front-runner, combining manufacturing excellence with sustainability-focused practices. From advanced automation to energy-efficient operations and innovative product development, the company is re-defining tyre production standards. Its Chennai plant with premium and export-oriented capabilities exemplifies this transformation, positioning it at the forefront of next-generation tyres both domestically and globally.

A turnover of INR 900 billion and a production strength of 217.352 million units was the key figures of India’s tyre industry in FY23, according to statistics by the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association.

Unequivocally, the third-largest automobile market’s tyre sector is expanding by leaps and bounds. From passenger car to OTR tyres, Indian tyre makers are making a name for themselves not only in the homeland but internationally too.

With individual leaders in every segment of tyres, the industry as a whole is also changing its approach towards the different aspects of the supply chain.

One of the leaders, JK Tyre, is banking on its manufacturing excellence and sustainable methodology for paving the road for the next generation of tyres.

The statement is further reinforced during Tyre Trends’ tour of JK Tyre’s Chennai facility, which is spearheading this transformative movement. Commissioned in 2012 with investments exceeding INR 26 billion, the plant is one of the company’s most advanced facilities and is strategically located near Tamil Nadu’s automotive hub and major ports for exports.

It produces passenger car radial (PCR) and truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres including premium and export-oriented ranges. The plant has received International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC Plus) certification for using bio-based, renewable and recycled raw materials and has been a consistent award-winner for energy and water efficiency, operating as a zero-liquid discharge facility while sourcing over half its power from renewables.

JK Tyre’s recent INR 14.3 billion expansion plans will increase TBR capacity by 800,000 tyres and PCR capacity by two million tyres annually, enabling JK Tyre to roll out next-generation sustainable products like the UX Royale Green.

“We save around 56 percent of our energy through renewable sources and significantly reduce coal consumption. On sustainability, we have several products that can be commercialised through back-end raw material suppliers, although global adoption is still evolving due to cost and scale feasibility. Every energy efficiency initiative involves upfront investment with payback realised over time. Our company vision emphasises green and sustainable mobility, evident even in the plant environment as our facilities are designed with greenery and environmental considerations in mind,” said Managing Director Anshuman Singhania.

Automation is another defining feature of the plants. Very few people are directly involved in machinery operation as most processes have been automated to minimise or eliminate manual intervention. In tyre building, for example, green tyres move seamlessly via conveyor systems through painting units, curing and finally to inspection, mostly without human handling.

Across facilities, processes are fundamentally auto-controlled. Manpower is primarily assigned to oversight roles such as conducting checks or managing specific material movements that cannot be automated.

Otherwise, each stage is tracked through sensors, cameras and online data capture. The high level of automation is evident throughout operations from AGVs transporting tyres to robotic handling systems.

TECHNOLOGICAL PROWESS

A tyre’s birth involves many stages starting from the raw materials that go into a gigantic mixture. According to the company’s Technical Director V K Misra, a PCR tyre needs 8-10 raw materials, while a TBR tyre needs 16.

Once the raw materials are intricately mixed, the mixer sends it to an extruder machine to shape raw rubber compounds into continuous strips or profiles that form different tyre components.

The third step involves the extruder passing on the strips to an auto booking machine, which automatically measures, stacks and aligns these sheets for easy handling. The following step uses a leaf truck machine that carries and transports the stacked sheets or semi-finished materials to the calender machine.

The calender then coats the rubber sheets and sends them to the steel wire room, where the tyre gets its much-favoured durability. The next steps involve assembly, testing and the final roll out.

Across the entire manufacturing unit, a key metric is traceability ranging from individual components to final rollout and even through the operational life of the tyre – every stage leaves a footprint.

The company primarily uses German and Chinese machinery at its Chennai facility and is exploring the integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips in tyres for enhanced traceability, while currently, tyre life is monitored through embedded sensors.

The plant takes around 15 minutes to produce a PCR tyre and 50-55 minutes for a TBR tyre.

“We collaborate closely with equipment suppliers to implement automation, robotics and conveyor systems. Some proprietary solutions are exclusive to our plants, though specific details remain confidential. Many robotics systems were developed in-house, integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimise productivity, quality and minimise wastage,” explained Singhania.

He added, “We benchmark ourselves against global standards across productivity, scrap, energy efficiency and water conservation. In water management, we are global leaders. For instance, innovations implemented at our first plant in Kanpur have set industry standards for water conservation.”

Furthermore, the company’s in-house research indicates that nearly 70 percent of low-inflation tyres, especially on highways and city roads, contribute to accidents or injuries. To mitigate this risk, it is deploying tyre pressure monitoring systems and advanced sensor technologies that alert consumers via smartphones.

Efforts are also underway to integrate these alerts directly into OEM dashboards across trucks, buses, passenger cars, two- wheelers and three-wheelers and even farm or off-the-road (OTR) applications.

“The next generation of tyres will incorporate embedded sensors directly within the tyre, eliminating the need for external kits. This approach not only improves consumer safety but also generates valuable research and development insights in a large and diverse market like India. Adoption has been particularly strong among younger consumers,” contended a confident Singhania.

SUSTAINABILITY

JK Tyre developed the UX Royale Green with 80 percent sustainable, recycled and renewable materials. The tyre was produced at its Chennai facility. The development of this line was a result of over a decade of research at JK Tyre’s Global Tech Centre.

The tyre incorporates bio-attributed polymers, recycled rubber powder, recovered carbon black, renewable oils, sustainable steel wire and recycled polyester. Despite its sustainable composition, the UX Royale Green delivers performance comparable to standard tyres and has a lower carbon footprint.

Moreover, the ISCC Plus certificate serves as a testament towards the company’s relentless efforts towards sustainability. “When we talk about sustainability, it encompasses the circular economy by using recycled materials where feasible, incorporating natural raw materials and minimising fossil-based chemicals. For example, recycled polyester, steel and natural rubber may be used without compromising performance,” averred Singhania.

He added, “We are committed to sustainability and green practices. While investments are necessary, balancing productivity, quality and cost control ensures profitability in cost-sensitive markets like India. Measures such as process optimisation, quality control and energy efficiency help us reconcile green mandates with financial goals.”

Commenting on the same lines, Misra stated, “Extensive testing ensures that recycled or sustainable materials do not reduce tyre performance metrics and mileage, ride comfort and handling remain consistent. The use of recycled rubber from cured tyres is minimal and does not impact the product beyond a small percentage. End-of-life tyre recycling is a separate initiative and does not feed directly into new tyre production at significant levels.”

MARKET OUTLOOK

Singhania affirmed that the company is anticipating 8–9 percent growth in the tyre industry this year. While commercial vehicle tyre demand remains subdued, passenger vehicles are stable and two-wheelers are expected to perform well post-monsoon.

“This growth is supported not only by GST sentiment but also by overall economic activity, government infrastructure pushes and strong rural demand. We are targeting white spaces in India, especially in towns with populations under 100,000, where demand for tyres is rising and our presence is limited,” noted Singhania.

The tyre maker is also confident of a significant growth opportunity in the off-road segment with GST reducing the rate to five percent for farm tyres. “We have re-positioned our product line and introduced a premium offering with enhanced performance. Activities were initiated well before the season began and our OEM footprint has already shown positive signs. With improving monsoon conditions, rising rural demand and GST benefits, the outlook for this segment looks very bright,” explained Chief Financial Officer Sanjeev Aggarwal.

He added, “The commercial vehicle industry, where we are primarily present, stands to benefit the most from GST. Increased consumption of goods and white goods will raise total freight availability. Alongside reduced interest rates, capacity utilisation in CVs is expected to increase, further supporting demand for new tyres.”

Radialisation in the TBR segment has reached around 68–70 percent of the market. JK Tyre continues to lead this segment, supplying directly to 85–90 percent of fleet operators and maintaining a strong market presence.

Innovative products such as the XF tyre provide fuel-saving benefits, a critical factor for transporters focused on cost per kilometre. These tyres are supplied entirely to OEMs while also being available in the replacement market.

The company serves approximately 1,800 fleets directly or through dealer networks. Its tiered fleet management programmes include a per-kilometre model, where transporters pay only for the distance covered with tyre performance guaranteed for that usage. This hands-off, mobility-based solution is unique in the industry, creating a clear differentiation from competitors, including international players.

Moreover, the company has strategically diversified its exports across multiple international markets to mitigate risk. Its key export products include TBR tyres, covering heavy trucks from SDM to HD, passenger vehicle radial tyres, truck bias and radial tyres, light commercial vehicle tyres in both radial and bias formats, farm tyres in limited quantities, industrial tyres and tyres for two-wheeler and three-wheelers.

Truck bias tyres are primarily exported to Brazil, parts of Latin America and select African countries, while PCR tyres are directed mainly to the European Union and the UK, particularly for heavy trucks.

OUTPACING HURDLES

About half of the company’s rubber requirements are met through imports. However, it doesn’t see tyre imports currently a threat to domestic manufacturing, and the market remains balanced.

Imports, particularly from China and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, are carefully managed through a license-based restricted system. For very small tyre sizes, limited imports, typically around 100 units annually for applications such as passenger cars, are allowed in close coordination with government authorities and ATMA, ensuring domestic production is not adversely impacted. Broader policy continues to encourage capacity creation within India to meet local demand, noted Singhania.

On the exports front, approximately 12–15 percent of JK Tyre’s total revenue comes from international markets, with around three percent previously destined for the US. Some of this volume has been redirected to other countries with key markets including Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Europe is identified as a growth opportunity with significant product launches planned for the start of the next financial year. Latin America and Brazil are also showing promising demand following previous disruptions. Overall, the company anticipates mid-to-high single-digit growth in exports.

Another major industry challenge is sourcing skilled talent. Commenting on this, Singhania mentioned that JK Tyre addresses this through comprehensive internal training programmes, upskilling initiatives and structured human resource interventions ensuring a consistent pipeline of capable personnel.

The Chennai plant contributes approximately 26 percent of the company’s total revenue and plays a critical role in its portfolio. Continuous upgrades and investment in advanced equipment is on the books to allow the plant to continue producing high-quality TBR and PCR) tyres.

JK Tyre’s approach underscores the convergence of technology, sustainability and market foresight. By integrating automation, embedded sensor technologies and energy-efficient processes, the company ensures quality, safety and environmental responsibility.

Its diversified product portfolio, ranging from passenger car radials to truck and bus tyres, coupled with a robust aftermarket and export strategy, strengthens its competitive edge.

Strategic investments in talent, research and development and sustainable materials position JK Tyre to meet evolving industry demands while addressing global challenges.

As domestic growth aligns with international opportunities, the company is set to become a pioneer in an innovation-driven future.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli has entered into a strategic agreement with Swedish technology firm Univrses to integrate artificial intelligence-based computer vision systems into its Cyber Tyre platform. As part of the deal, Pirelli has acquired a 30 percent stake in Univrses, with an option to increase that share to a majority holding. The collaboration will embed Univrses’ 3DAI technologies into Pirelli’s existing Cyber Tyre solutions, creating a unified system aimed at producing safer and higher performing vehicles.

The combined technology has potential applications in advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving. It also generates timely, actionable data for road management, helping authorities make better decisions and deploy resources more efficiently. This could lead to fewer road accidents and saved lives. The system uses onboard cameras and tyres to collect feedback on road conditions. Pirelli’s Cyber Tyre, the first integrated hardware and software system of its kind, gathers data from tyre sensors, processes it with proprietary algorithms and communicates in real time with vehicle electronics and the cloud.

Univrses originally developed its technology to help cars understand their surroundings, but it has since been adapted to turn vehicles into AI-powered road monitoring agents. The Swedish company’s 3DAI Engine provides autonomous vehicles with perception capabilities including 3D positioning, mapping and spatial deep learning. Its 3DAI system digitises roadside infrastructure using data from vehicle-mounted sensors like cameras.

A pilot project is already active in Italy. In 2025, Pirelli and the Puglia Region launched a road network monitoring system to create an updated map of infrastructure conditions. The system analyses data from tyres via the Cyber Tyre platform alongside visual data from cameras interpreted by Univrses’ technology.

Andrea Casaluci, CEO, Pirelli, said, “The agreement with Univrses further enhances our Cyber Tyre™ platform, thanks to advanced AI‑based artificial vision technologies. The collaboration between Pirelli and Univrses will make a significant contribution to the ongoing transformation of cars into true software‑defined vehicles.”

Jonathan Selbie, CEO, Univrses, said, “Continuous monitoring and data are becoming the new foundation for infrastructure asset management, and Univrses technology is able to provide powerful analytical capabilities based on reliable and frequently updated data. In this context, we are pleased to welcome Pirelli as an investor and to take our partnership to the next level: we will join forces to deliver increasingly advanced services and products.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

ZC Rubber is preparing a major European-focused showcase at THE TIRE COLOGNE, scheduled to run from 9 to 11 June 2026. The tyre manufacturer will occupy Booth C050g in Hall 8.1, highlighting its WESTLAKE and GOODRIDE brands with a clear emphasis on products tailored specifically for regional market demands.

The display will blend imminent and future innovations. Products destined for a European launch in the latter half of 2026 will appear alongside the company’s current truck and bus radial lineup. Selected previews of developments planned for 2027 will also be on view. A featured attraction is the Westlake Sport RS2, a drift-proven ultra-high-performance tyre praised for its grip, precision and 180 treadwear rating. A renewed rubber compound, developed through work with the Red Bull Driftbrothers, now delivers steadier traction under severe driving conditions. Appearing at the stand, Red Bull Driftbrothers driver and engineer Elias Hountondji will illustrate how motorsport data directly refines ZC Rubber’s product engineering.

Additional new passenger car radial models for Europe in the second half of 2026 include the Westlake ZuperFlex Z-137, Goodride RideMax G-147, the all-season Westlake Zuper4S Z-411 and the off-road focused Westlake Terra Legend SL399 and Goodride Mud Legend SL388. On the truck and bus side, already available tyres such as the Westlake WSL2, Westlake WDL2+ and Goodride S2, D3 and D4 will be exhibited, covering steer and drive axle needs for long-haul and heavy-duty transport.

A sneak peek at 2027 offerings will feature the Westlake Z-301 commercial van tyre, Goodride All Season G-721, Goodride SnowComfort G-518 and new TBR models including the Westlake WTL2, Westlake WTR OEM and Goodride M2. ZC Rubber’s team will remain on-site throughout the event, welcoming visitors and partners to the booth for meetings and professional discussions.

Leo Liao, General Manager, ZC Rubber Europe, said, “This year’s showcase reflects a much broader and more complete portfolio for Europe. From UHP and all-season tyres to all-terrain, mud-terrain and TBR solutions, we are bringing new developments across almost every major segment. This reflects how seriously we take the European market: we are listening to local needs, investing in the right products and building a portfolio that better matches the needs of our European partners.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Magna Tyres has launched the MA801 TR, a new solid tyre engineered for extreme operating conditions in recycling facilities and heavy industrial settings. Designed to maximise equipment uptime while supporting high load capacities, the tyre is built to deliver dependable performance in harsh environments. The official debut of the MA801 TR will take place at IFAT 2026 in Munich, scheduled from 4 to 7 May 2026.

The new model is intended for compact wheel loaders and telescopic handlers, featuring a flat-free solid construction. Its extra-deep non‑directional tread is reinforced by a triangular structural design, which enhances traction and stability on surfaces littered with sharp debris. Available in sizes 13.00‑24 and 14.00‑24, the tyre prioritises puncture resistance and reduced maintenance needs.

Thanks to its robust architecture and deep tread profile, the MA801 TR offers an extended service life and consistent performance across demanding work cycles. By eliminating the risk of flats, Magna Tyres positions the tyre as a reliable solution for recycling and industrial operations where continuous heavy loads are standard.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has secured validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a prominent corporate climate-action organisation, for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets set for 2035. This endorsement confirms that the company’s goals are scientifically aligned with the standards established under the Paris Agreement. The validated targets are measured relative to the company’s 2024 emission levels.

Under the approved framework, Yokohama Rubber aims for a 63.0 percent reduction in combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which cover direct emissions from its business activities as well as indirect emissions from purchased energy. Additionally, the company commits to a 37.5 percent cut in Scope 3 emissions, specifically targeting indirect supply chain emissions from purchased products and services, along with fuel and energy-related activities not included in Scope 1 or Scope 2. To achieve these reductions, Yokohama Rubber has been expanding solar power generation and renewable energy electricity at its global plants, while also disclosing indirect emissions from product distribution, use and disposal since 2013.

The company obtained SBTi validation to accelerate supply-chain-wide emission cuts in response to intensifying climate challenges. Operating under its sustainability management slogan, ‘Caring for the Future’, Yokohama Rubber continues to create shared value by tackling social issues directly through its business operations.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!