India’s tyre retreading market is estimated to be an INR 60 billion industry with retreading mostly happening on commercial vehicle tyres. The organised sector is slated to grow between 7-9 percent (CAGR) over the next three years. The retreading industry in India dates back decades, primarily focusing on commercial vehicle tyres. Over the decades, it has evolved with advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks. Government initiatives promoting sustainability and waste tyre management have further spurred growth, establishing retreading as a key component of the tyre market.

A recent media report stated that the organised tyre retreading market in India observed muted growth in the last five years. Speaking to Tyre Trends¸ ICRA Assistant Vice President and Sector Head – Corporate Ratings Nithya Debbadi said, “The domestic tyre retreading market is estimated at over INR 60 billion. Tyre retreading is largely done in commercial vehicles, which account for 80 percent of the market. Trucks account for 60-65 percent, while buses account for the rest of 15-20 percent. Off-highway tyres (OHT) including tractors account for 12-15 percent, while passenger vehicles account for a negligible share.”

More than 70 percent of the truck tyres are retreaded at least once. While retreading is prominent even in the LCV segment, proportion of tyres retreaded is lower than in M&HCV. Increasing radialisation, improving road infrastructure and retreading technology and focus on sustainability is expected to increase the share of retreading in the truck and bus radial (TBR) segment, going forward. New tyre designs for electric vehicles also presents opportunities for the retreading industry.

Demand growth

Alluding to how the Indian government’s focus on waste tyre disposal and increasing radialisation in commercial vehicles has benefitted the TBR retreading market in India, she noted, “Indian government introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines for waste tyres management, which came into effect in July 2022. The guidelines lay down rules relating to utilisation and management of waste tyres by producers (manufacturers and importers), recyclers and retreaders. Producers or importers need to fulfil EPR obligations by purchasing EPR certificate from registered recyclers. However, EPR obligation of tyre which has been retreaded shall be deferred by one year.” 

 “While the guidelines came into effect in FY2023, targets have been increasing progressively with the obligation increasing to 100 percent of tyre production in FY2025. Increasing focus on waste tyre management incentivises producers to focus on sustainability, which supports growth of retreading market. Compliance is achieved by purchasing EPR certificates from authorised recyclers or retreaders, thus developing tyre recycling infrastructure,” she added.

In trucks and bus segment, share of radialisation is estimated to have increased from 48 percent in FY2019 to over 55 percent in FY2024. Radial tyres have stronger structure, which supports multiple rounds of retreading. Moreover, radial tyres are more suited for roads in better conditions, leading to higher range for a given duration. This leads to frequent need for retreading.

She also noted that owing to Covid-19 and its post-effects, the retreading industry saw a flattish growth (estimated CAGR of 1-3 percent) in the three years ending FY2023. However, with the government’s thrust towards disposal of waste tyres, anti-overloading measures and increasing radialisation in commercial vehicle tyre segment, the retreading market has been a key beneficiary witnessing better demand traction in FY2024.

ICRA expects the organised tyre retreaders to grow by 7-9 percent (CAGR) over the next three years. Key factors supporting the growth include focus on sustainable tyres, improving tyre and retreading technology, better road infrastructure, rising radialisation in CV segment etc.

Alluding to what impact is the growing demand for sustainability and cost efficiency having on the quality standards and innovation within the retreading industry, she noted, “Retreading results in significant cost saving as the cost of retreading is around 20-50 percent the cost of a new tyre because of reuse of casing. Treads account for close to one-third of a tyre’s total cost. Performance of a retreaded tyre also depends on the health of the original casing.”

She added, “Developments in tyre technology has resulted in stronger casings and overall tyre structure that supports multiple rounds of retreading. Enhanced re-manufacturing techniques and higher quality rubber compounds are improving the quality of retreaded tyres and supporting demand. With quality casing and superior retreading technology, a tyre can be retreaded two to three times before being replaced while maintaining 80 percent quality of the new one.

Impending challenges

The tyre retreading market in India is at a pivotal juncture driven by a confluence of regulatory support, technological advancements and a growing awareness of sustainability. While challenges remain in the form of market fragmentation, the potential for growth is significant.

Despite these positive trends, the TBR retreading market faces significant challenges. The Indian market remains highly fragmented with over 50 percent of players operating in the unorganised sector.

As the industry adapts to changing dynamics, the focus on quality and sustainability will play a crucial role in shaping its future trajectory. The next decade may see retreading not just as a viable alternative to new tyres but as an essential component of a more sustainable automotive ecosystem in India.

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Continental has entered exclusive negotiations with ASC Investment over the sale of ContiTrade France, its French tyre and vehicle-maintenance retail business, as the German group advances a shift towards a fully franchised model in the country.

The proposed transaction covers more than 130 company-owned BestDrive outlets, two retreading plants and associated administrative functions, involving about 1,200 employees. All sites would continue operating under the BestDrive brand through franchise agreements. Continental said staff overseeing the franchise and FleetPartner organisations would move into its French marketing and sales division. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details.

Completion of the deal remains subject to consultation with the Comité Social et Économique and approval from Continental AG’s supervisory board, followed by the signing of a sale and purchase agreement.

The move would conclude BestDrive France’s transition from a hybrid distribution structure to a fully franchised network. Continental said that, once the transaction is completed, it would continue serving retail and fleet customers through franchise-operated outlets across France. The company highlighted its product offering, digital services and the nationwide FleetPartner network as core elements of its franchise strategy.

ASC Investment intends to run the outlets as an independent business focused on expanding its service offering. The investment group, headquartered in Luxembourg and Munich, specialises in European corporate carve-outs and operational turnarounds. ASC said it plans to work alongside the existing management team to build on ContiTrade France’s footprint and workforce expertise.

BestDrive France currently operates more than 200 service points nationally. Continental aims to enhance the competitiveness of the network as part of wider European restructuring efforts amid increasing pressure on margins in the tyre retail sector.

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Michelin has opened a tyre and service outlet in Ludhiana as part of its strategy to deepen distribution across north India, a region the French group views as important to the growth of its passenger-car business.

The Michelin Tyre & Service Store, launched in partnership with local dealer Preet Automobiles, is located on Link Road near Gill Chowk, one of the city’s busiest automotive corridors. The 1,500 sq ft facility will sell the company’s full range of passenger-vehicle tyres and provide services including wheel alignment, balancing and alloy care.

Preet Automobiles, which has operated in Ludhiana for more than 40 years, will run the outlet. The business is known locally for technical expertise in wheel-related services and two-wheeler tyre fitments, positioning it as a suitable partner for Michelin’s expanding retail strategy.

The shop was inaugurated by Prashant Sharma, National Sales Director at Michelin India. Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director for India, said: “North India has been a crucial market for Michelin’s growth strategy and Ludhiana presents a strong opportunity for us with its growing base of premium and luxury automotive enthusiasts. The launch of this new Michelin Tyre & Services Store reinforces our commitment to expanding our retail network and improving customer access to Michelin’s premium products and services, catering to the growing demand. Through our partnership with Preet Automobile, we aim to deliver a truly premium and reliable experience for our consumers.”

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Koelnmesse has reaffirmed its status as Germany’s premier trade fair venue for sustainability, securing the top position for the second consecutive year in the ‘Pioneers in Sustainability 2025’ study. Conducted by ServiceValue in collaboration with the F.A.Z. Institute, this research employed artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse approximately 6.4 million online mentions from 2023 to 2025, evaluating thousands of companies across environmental, social and economic sustainability criteria as well as innovation. The repeated accolade underscores Koelnmesse’s influential role in advancing sustainable practices within the event sector.

The company’s strategy is guided by clear objectives, notably achieving a climate-neutral energy supply by 2030. Significant infrastructure investments are turning this ambition into reality. These include commissioning Cologne’s largest inner-city photovoltaic installation and transitioning the extensive venue to fossil-free geothermal energy. Further advancements are visible across operations, from energy-efficient lighting and ventilation systems to an expanded electric vehicle charging network. Koelnmesse also implements intelligent logistics, promotes resource-efficient stand construction with circular materials and drives comprehensive waste reduction efforts, collectively enhancing the ecological footprint of its events.

Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse, said, “Every initiative that highlights the public resonance of sustainable business practices is welcome. Bringing together ecological, social and economic responsibility is central to our work – and this balance is embedded firmly in our corporate strategy. By offering resource-efficient services and investing consistently in innovative solutions, we enable our customers to make their trade fair participation more sustainable. This creates added value both for our partners and for the future-oriented development of the events industry. The positive public perception of this progress sends an important signal and provides motivation for the company’s continued transformation.”

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Rodolfo Comerio, the Italian manufacturer of calendering systems for rubber and thermoplastics, has been named among the “100 Italian Excellences”, a government-backed initiative recognising companies viewed as contributors to the country’s industrial and cultural standing. The award was presented at a ceremony in the Sala della Regina of Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome, attended by senior institutional representatives.

The recognition follows the firm’s recent designation as a Lombard Excellence and reflects its position in a specialised segment supplying machinery to global rubber and plastics producers. The Montecitorio event also highlighted a range of businesses and individuals selected for contributions in areas such as innovation, industrial capability and social responsibility.

The weekend brought a second accolade for the company. Linglong Tire, the Chinese manufacturer, named Rodolfo Comerio its “Best Supplier of Calendering Lines”, reaffirming the pair’s longstanding commercial relationship. Alessandro Bonfanti, the group’s sales manager for the rubber division, received the award, supported by colleagues from the company’s Chinese operations. This follows an “Excellent Partner” award presented earlier in the year as part of Linglong’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Images released from the event show Bonfanti alongside Linglong president Wang Feng at a partner conference.

Nicola Fedele, the company’s sales and marketing managing director, said the awards reflected decades of investment in engineering capability. “These are not just awards,” he said. “They are proof of a leadership built over decades through innovation, precision, and mutual trust. We are delighted and deeply proud to share this achievement, which belongs to every member of the Rodolfo Comerio team.” He added that the group’s success was driven by its employees’ “passion and constant commitment”.

Rodolfo Comerio, founded in northern Italy, supplies calendering lines used in rubber processing and thermoplastic production. The company said the recognition strengthens its long-term objective of maintaining Italian engineering expertise in global markets. The dual awards also illustrate the continued importance of Italian machinery suppliers in the international tyre and rubber industries, where advanced processing equipment remains integral to expansion plans at manufacturers such as Linglong.

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