The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) has entered its Golden Jubilee year, celebrating five decades of fostering growth in India’s tyre sector and its pivotal role in the nation’s economic progress.

Established in 1975, ATMA has grown into the premier industry body representing over 90 percent of the country’s tyre production, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of India’s industrial landscape.

Over the past 50 years, the Indian tyre industry has achieved remarkable milestones in production, exports, research and development (R&D) and innovation, setting benchmarks for emerging sectors globally. Today, India ranks among the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, producing more than 200 million tyres annually.

The industry’s self-sufficiency is a standout achievement. India boasts indigenous capabilities to manufacture a wide range of tyres, from moped tyres to massive off-the-road (OTR) tyres – a feat few countries can match. This self-reliance has not only strengthened the domestic market but also positioned India as a major global exporter. Indian-made tyres are now shipped to over 170 countries, including stringent markets like US and Europe. Annual tyre exports are valued at approximately INR 250 billion, accounting for nearly 25 percent of the industry’s revenue.

The tyre industry’s impact on job creation is substantial, supporting a vast value chain that spans rubber planters, tyre mechanics, manufacturers and dealerships. It sustains over one million natural rubber (NR) planters, as 75 percent of India’s NR production is consumed by tyre manufacturing. An additional million workers are engaged in tyre production, retreading, dealerships and repair services nationwide.

A groundbreaking initiative, the INROAD project, exemplifies the industry’s commitment to self-reliance. In collaboration with the Rubber Board, the tyre industry is funding large-scale NR plantations in Northeast India. This partnership marks the first global instance of a natural rubber-consuming industry (the tyre sector) partnering with government agencies to fund NR cultivation, potentially transforming India’s journey towards NR self-sufficiency.

India’s tyre industry is increasingly aligning with global standards in practices, product quality and R&D. The country now houses some of the world’s most advanced radial tyre manufacturing facilities. International vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) are launching leading brands in India equipped with Indian-made tyres, underscoring the industry’s quality and competitiveness. Five Indian tyre companies are now ranked among the world’s top 30, reflecting the sector’s growing influence in the global manufacturing ecosystem.

India’s strengths in tyre manufacturing are undeniable. A combination of seasoned entrepreneurship, skilled manpower and robust NR plantations positions the country as a potential global hub for tyre production.

The recently concluded Bharat Mobility Global Expo highlighted the industry’s 50-year growth journey, showcasing its evolution into the ‘wheels of the nation’ through a series of banners arranged as a walkthrough.

Rajiv Budhraja, Director General ATMA, said, “I had the privilege of joining ATMA at a young age and have witnessed the growth of the industry from close quarters, especially after the economic liberalisation. It is gratifying to see the industry growing from a size of about INR 50 billion to INR 1,000 billion in the last three decades.”

“At this moment, I am full of gratitude to the industry leaders who have provided vision and direction to the industry and the association over all these years and to the untiring efforts of all those involved in the industry who have turned that vision into reality. Thanks are also due to publications like Tyre Trends (and its previous avatar of Tyre Asia) for chronicling this remarkable journey of the industry. Here’s to the unstoppable movement of wheels of the economy,” added Budhraja.

GREEN OFFICE, CLEANER FUTURE: HOW ATMA IS REIMAGINING WORKPLACE SUSTAINABILITY

In the heart of New Delhi’s bustling PHD House, ATMA is proving that office spaces can be more than just functional – they can be transformative environmental statements.

Under the leadership of Budhraja, ATMA has turned its headquarters into a verdant oasis that’s part workspace, part ecological experiment. The organisation has embraced a holistic approach to sustainability that goes beyond mere corporate rhetoric.

Not only do plants improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, but they also have been shown to reduce stress and increase focus. “Thus was born the idea to have a green workspace so as to boost productivity, creativity and overall well-being”, said Budhraja.

The office is now a living, breathing ecosystem where every square foot serves a purpose. Lush greenery isn’t just decorative – it’s a strategic tool for improving air quality, reducing stress and boosting employee productivity.

ATMA has implemented energy-efficient lighting systems that dramatically reduce power consumption across their office space. The organisation’s architectural design features strategically placed open areas that maximise natural sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours.

By adopting a circular economy approach to waste management, ATMA transforms leftover food into nutrient-rich compost, which is then used to support the office’s green spaces, creating a closed-loop sustainability system.

The entire ATMA team is now actively engaged in maintaining this green space, turning sustainability from a corporate mandate into a shared cultural value.

It’s a small but significant step in an industry not typically associated with environmental innovation. By reimagining their workspace, ATMA is sending a powerful message: sustainability starts at home – or in this case, the office.

The 2025 Rally of Poland commenced amid an atmosphere of mourning following the tragic death of Italian motorsport driver Matteo Doretto in a racing accident.

The 81st edition of Europe's second-oldest rally competition, taking place across the challenging gravel roads of the Masurian Lakes region from June 13-15, has been overshadowed by the loss of the rising Italian talent.

"His loss is a tragedy that deeply saddens us," said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. "On behalf of Pirelli, I would like to extend our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Despite the sombre mood, 63 crews took to the start line for what remains one of the European Rally Championship's most demanding events. Notable competitors include Jon Armstrong driving a Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta, alongside Jos Verstappen and Andrea Mabellini, both piloting Skoda Fabias fitted with Pirelli tyres.

The rally features 14 special stages covering 190.40 timed kilometres across terrain known for its technical difficulty. The Masurian Lakes route presents drivers with uneven, often sandy roads where grip proves elusive even for experienced competitors.

"It's a very difficult and high speed rally, where attention to detail is very important," commented Testoni. "With every car passage the terrain gets rougher, forming deep ruts that can challenge even the most experienced drivers."

Weather conditions are forecast to remain dry, though organisers caution that conditions can change rapidly on such challenging terrain.

The rally serves as the third round of this season's ERC Fiesta Rally3 trophy, for which Pirelli provides exclusive tyre supply. Competing crews have access to three variants from Pirelli's Scorpion gravel range: the K4A hard compound, the K6A soft compound designated as the prime choice for this event, and the K8B supersoft option.

Regulations permit each crew to utilise 16 tyres total, including those selected for qualifying sessions. Trophy category vehicles will run on Scorpion 175/70-15 specifications in both K4 hard and K6 soft compounds.

Rally Poland's reputation for difficulty stems from its unique surface characteristics, where the sandy base becomes increasingly rutted as more vehicles traverse each stage. The deteriorating conditions throughout the weekend create an additional strategic element as crews must balance speed with mechanical preservation.

The event's location in the Masurian Lakes region, known for its natural beauty, provides a stark contrast to the intense competition unfolding on its roads. The rally has maintained its position as a crucial championship round despite the technical challenges it presents to both drivers and machinery.

UK-based tyre safety watchdog TyreSafe has welcomed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)’s announcement highlighting Britain’s fast lane position for self-driving vehicles.

While the safety watchdog has acknowledged the potential the technology holds for enhancing road safety and reducing collisions, it maintains a caution towards the effectiveness and safety benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – and by extension, fully autonomous vehicles. This it shared are intrinsically linked to the fundamental safety and maintenance of a vehicle’s tyres.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are incredibly optimistic about the future of mobility and the significant strides being made in self-driving technology. Anything that has the potential to save lives and dramatically reduce serious collisions on our roads is something TyreSafe wholeheartedly supports.”

“However, it is crucial to remember that even the most sophisticated ADAS systems rely on optimal vehicle performance, and tyres are the sole point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Without sound tyre safety management – ensuring correct pressure, tread depth, and condition – the integrity and performance of these advanced systems can be severely compromised,” said Lovatt.

He highlighted the persistent issues that is seen among current vehicle owners, when it comes to proper tyre maintenance. 

“For many years, tyres have consistently been identified as the primary cause of MOT failures for vehicles up to seven years old. This underscores a widespread complacency regarding tyre safety that we must collectively address,” he added.

As per the latest statistics, over 35 percent of MOT failures were attributed to previous tyre-related advisories, which translates to 768,410 drivers ignoring warnings and subsequently failed their next MOT due to tyre issues. The trend of vehicles failing MOTs on wheel and tyre-related advisories is unfortunately increasing, indicating a growing disregard for these critical safety components.

“The promise of self-driving vehicles is immense, but their safety cannot be fully realised if the foundational elements are neglected. As we move towards a more autonomous future, the importance of tyres – their condition and correct maintenance – becomes even more paramount. TyreSafe urges all stakeholders, from manufacturers to policymakers and drivers, to recognise that tyre safety is not just an advisory; it is a non-negotiable prerequisite for safe, efficient, and technologically advanced motoring,” concluded Lovatt.

Vaculug has announced the appointment of Darren C. as the company’s Regional Operations Manager for the West, overseeing key areas including Manchester, Birmingham and Wales. Darren brings with him extensive experience, knowledge and skillset and will be a valuable asset to the team, said the company.

Marcus Kirkness, Fleet Operations Manager at Vaculug, said, “These are truly exciting times at Vaculug. We’re incredibly pleased to have Darren join our team. His knowledge of the tyre industry, combined with his experience in managing customer fleets and delivering top-tier customer service, will be instrumental as we continue to expand our customer base. Darren’s expertise ensures we remain agile in addressing challenges and fulfilling our commitments swiftly and effectively."

Former Goodyear executive to lead strategy and sales across Europe, Middle East and Africa

Leading tyre maker Linglong Tire has appointed Jeff Hughes as Regional Director Specialty Tyres for the EMEA region, effective 1June , as the company seeks to establish itself as a leading specialty tyre provider in the market.

Hughes, who brings more than 25 years of industry experience, will be responsible for strategy and sales for the specialty tyres division across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the newly created role.

Prior to joining Linglong, Hughes served as Sales Director at Maxam Tyres, part of the Sailun Group, where he led the European specialty tyres replacement business. Before that, he spent over two decades in various senior management positions at Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company worldwide.

"I am very much looking forward to my new role at Linglong Tire and hope to achieve the ambitious goals together with my colleagues in the EMEA region with my more than 25 years of experience in the tire industry," Hughes said.

"Our most important task will be to optimise existing customer contacts and develop new customers and thus further strengthen our company's market position," the new regional director added.

In his new position, Hughes will work closely with product and marketing teams as Linglong seeks to expand its presence in the competitive EMEA specialty tyre market.