German automotive company and tyre major Continental has been added another feather to its cap with bagging the ‘Tire Manufacturer of the Year’ at this year’s Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence at this year’s Tire Technology Expo.

With this, Continental becomes the only tyre maker to have won two concurrent awards – Tire Manufacturer of the Year and Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing. The company’s Lousado facility in Portugal was also recognised for manufacturing tyres CO2-neutrally since last year.

Edwin Goudswaard, Head of Research & Development, Continental Tires, said, "We are especially proud to be the only manufacturer to be honoured twice at the Tire Technology Awards in an extremely competitive field. Both awards highlight our strong commitment to sustainable tire development and manufacturing. In such a highly competitive market, this success demonstrates our innovative prowess and our ability to actively shape the future of the industry."

Interestingly, this also marks it the fourth time that the German company has bagged the Tire Manufacturer of the Year award. The awards took into consideration tyre makers globally and were evaluated by a jury of 27 independent industry experts.

Going forward, Continental has outlined its ambition to switch all of its tyre plants to fully carbon-neutral production processes by 2040 at the latest.

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The Rubber Board of India has announced the appointment of N Hari as its new Chairman, effective for a tenure of three years. Hailing from Pallikkathode in Kottayam, Kerala, Hari brings considerable experience to the leadership role, having previously served as a Board member representing small rubber growers from the state.

His initial term on the Board commenced on 28 June 2022 and spanned three years. During this period, he also held the position of Executive Committee Member from 7 October 2023 to 6 October 2024. This progression from membership to the executive committee and now to the chairmanship reflects his sustained engagement with the organisation.

His appointment is expected to steer the Board's initiatives in supporting the rubber sector, focusing on grower welfare and industry development across India.

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The Indian automotive landscape is currently undergoing a seismic shift. Driven by the rapid rise of rural urbanisation, an aggressive government push for electrification and the development of world-class road infrastructure, the industry is witnessing a period of robust growth. With sales of both new and used vehicles touching record highs, the demand for high-quality tyres remains in a significant upswing.

At the helm of one of the market’s most prominent players is Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director of Bridgestone India and Vice-Chairman, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).

In an interaction with Tyre Trends, Moitra discusses the company’s future-ready roadmap, from its substantial capacity expansions to a ‘sharp and deep’ strategic focus designed to maintain leadership in an increasingly premium and electrified market.

A BULLISH OUTLOOK ON THE SUBCONTINENT

While global economic indicators remain varied, Moitra is unequivocally optimistic about the local trajectory. “The Indian automotive industry is at an exceptionally positive juncture from a medium-to-long-term perspective,” he asserts.

This optimism is grounded in several structural tailwinds that suggest India is slated for very strong growth. Key among these factors is the sheer room for market expansion.

“Firstly, we are still significantly under-indexed in terms of car penetration, with only 50 cars per 1,000 people – well below even some smaller developing nations,” Moitra explains.

Furthermore, the geographical spread of wealth is changing. Bridgestone is observing massive growth in Tier 2, 3 and 4 towns, a phenomenon Moitra attributes to ‘rural urbanisation’.

Bridgestone India estimates a transformative half-decade ahead for the industry. “The number of affordable households – those capable of purchasing a car – will double in India over the next five year. When you couple this with the government’s massive capital outflow into road connectivity and the rise of e-commerce, it creates a very bullish environment for both passenger and commercial mobility,” Moitra says.

THE ‘SHARP AND DEEP’ STRATEGIC PILLAR

Despite India being the world’s largest two-wheeler market, Bridgestone is famously absent from that segment – and intends to stay that way for now. Moitra clarifies that the company’s philosophy is rooted in specialisation rather than horizontal expansion. “At Bridgestone, we believe in being ‘sharp and deep’ in our strategy,” he says.

Currently, Bridgestone India’s business split is heavily weighted towards the consumer segment, with 70 percent of sales coming from Passenger Car Radial (PCR), 25 percent from Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) and 5 percent from Off-the-Road (OTR) segment.

“We see enough headroom for growth within the passenger car segment across products, channels and customer experience, so we are focusing our resources on maintaining our leadership there,” Moitra notes, dismissing any near-term plans to enter the two-wheeler space.

Instead, the company is doubling down on ‘white spaces’ within the consumer car category, specifically targeting higher rim diameters and specialised compounds for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

INVESTING IN CAPACITY AND LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

To support this growth, Bridgestone is moving aggressively on the manufacturing front. With current operations running at 90–95 percent capacity, the company is in the midst of a major investment cycle.

At present, the company’s Pune plant has a capacity to produce 4.01 million passenger car tyres and around 693,000 truck & bus radial tyres, while the Indore plant has a capacity to produce 7.11 million radial tyres for passenger cars and light trucks.

“Our last major investment was USD 85 million in October 2024, which is being ramped up in phases through 2029,” Moitra confirms. This capital is being used to scale volumes and enhance technical capabilities at the Indore factory.

The new investment is expected to further add 1.1 million tyre production capacity in Pune by CY2029, thus taking its total production capacity to around 11.1 million units in the country.

“Our strategy is two-fold: we want to be future-ready for market demand while simultaneously sweating our current assets to drive higher efficiency,” Moitra explains. Crucially, this expansion isn’t just about physical output; it’s about local autonomy. Moitra highlights that a ‘very large part’ of procurement is now local, decided by teams on the ground in India.

The launch of a Satellite Technology Centre in 2025 has further decentralised the company’s innovation engine. According to Moitra, this centre plays a pivotal role in increasing local leverage and technical presence, allowing the Indian arm to maintain a balance between local agility and global sourcing.

EVs AND PREMIUMISATION

As the Indian market matures, consumers are demanding larger wheel sizes – a trend Moitra says is led by OEMs. “We are seeing a clear market shift towards higher inches – for example, a car like the Maruti Suzuki Swift moving from 14-inch to 15-inch and others moving from 16-inch to 17-inch,” he observes.

Bridgestone’s ‘all-inch’ strategy covers the spectrum from 12 to 20 inches, but their brand strength is most potent in these premium, higher-diameter sizes.

This premiumisation dovetails with the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Bridgestone has positioned itself with an ‘EV-ready’ portfolio, exemplified by the Turanza 6i. “It balances long-lasting durability and safety with low noise and comfort – essential for EVs,” says Moitra. To ensure they capture this nascent but fast-growing market, the company expanded the range from 36 sizes in 2024 to 72 sizes by 2025.

The OEM relationship remains the cornerstone of this technological foresight. “The OEM segment allows us to see ahead of the curve regarding future vehicle technologies,” Moitra explains.

At present, 35 percent of their consumer business is OE-based and Bridgestone is in active discussions with many of the newer automotive entrants arriving in India.

While Bridgestone is aggressively expanding its footprint in new tyre technology and premium consumer segments, it is taking a markedly more conservative approach towards the retreading sector in India. Despite the potential for material circularity, the company does not view retreading as a strategic priority for the immediate future.

Moitra clarifies that Bandag, Bridgestone’s global retreading arm, is not currently active in India, and there are no plans to introduce it in the near-term. This decision is driven largely by the unique and challenging dynamics of the local market, which is currently dominated by cold retreading.

He points out that a significant pricing challenge exists when ‘cold retreads versus biased tyres versus some of the cheaper tyres’ are compared, making the business case difficult to justify at this stage. Consequently, Bridgestone has opted to remain focused on its core segments for the next two to three years rather than entering the retreading space.

SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ‘INSTITUTION OF RESPECT’

Beyond the numbers, Bridgestone is attempting to build what Moitra calls an ‘institution of respect’. This involves a heavy commitment to environmental goals. The Pune plant already holds the distinction of being the first carbon-neutral facility in the Bridgestone group.

“Sustainability is a core agenda across our entire value chain,” Moitra explains, noting a public commitment to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2030, including Scope 3 emissions. This holistic approach ranges from manufacturing processes to material circularity in the tyres themselves.

Looking ahead, the goal is to protect a dominant market share – currently over 20 percent by volume and 23 percent by value in the passenger car aftermarket. To do this, Bridgestone plans to expand its physical reach by 30 percent over the next five years, building upon its current network of over 4,000 touchpoints.

As the company transitions its branding from the Olympics to Formula E, the focus remains clear: high performance and the next era of mobility. “It’s the perfect platform to showcase our technological edge,” Moitra concludes.

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Nevin Aslan-Özkan, the newly appointed Managing Director of Continental Tires India, outlines a strategy focused on ultra-high-performance tyres, a EUR 10.5 million investment and the introduction of global technology to Indian roads. She explains why India is now central to Continental’s global strategy.

India’s passenger vehicle market is moving at speed. According to data published by Autopunditz, dispatches in April stood at 441,721 units, marking a 25 percent year-on-year rise. Beneath that headline figure lies an equally consequential structural shift: SUVs now account for more than 60 percent of recent volume growth in the passenger vehicle segment – a transformation that is reshaping not just what Indians drive but what they expect from every component beneath the car.

Nevin Aslan-Özkan, who became Managing Director of Continental Tires India this year after more than eight years with the company, most recently as Chief Financial Officer, views this as a pivotal moment. “As the market moves towards premium vehicles, adventure-led driving, larger rim sizes and a stronger focus on safety, comfort and performance, we are well-positioned to bring our global technology and premium tyre portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers while continuing to strengthen our presence in the passenger vehicle segment,” she says.

She describes her transition from CFO to Managing Director as a progression rather than a change. “Being the Chief Financial Officer in India, I have gained strong insights into the market and business operations. As I take on the new responsibility, I will focus more on knowing the consumer needs and lead Continental’s growth agenda in India, with a strategic focus on accelerating the company’s presence in the passenger vehicle segment,” says Aslan-Özkan.

Her immediate priorities are clear. “My immediate priorities will focus on leveraging evolving consumer preferences to drive profitable growth for Continental Tires in India,” she explains. “A key area of emphasis will be strengthening our presence in the UUHP segment, particularly in the above 18-inch category, going up to 22 inches, in line with the evolving car parc. In parallel, I will prioritise expanding our footprint and deepening market penetration across key regions while enhancing production capabilities to support sustained growth and operational efficiency with made-in-India 21- and 22-inch tyres,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

THE SUV IMPERATIVE

The structural shift in consumer preferences is not a peripheral consideration for Continental – it is, Aslan-Özkan insists, central to everything. “The structural shift in consumer preferences is very central to our growth blueprint. SUVs now account for over 60 percent of recent volume growth in the passenger vehicle segment. In line with this, a key area of focus for us is strengthening our presence in the UUHP segment, particularly in the above 18-inch category, going up to 22 inches,” she says.

To strengthen its position in these high-value categories, Continental is adopting a multi-pronged approach. This includes an investment of approximately INR 1 billion (EUR 10.5 million) in India to support growth in the passenger vehicle tyre segment and a focused expansion of the product portfolio, particularly in the 21- and 22-inch tyre categories.

“We are well-positioned to bring our global technology and premium tyre portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers. As the market moves towards premium vehicles, adventure-led driving and a stronger focus on safety, comfort and performance, we will proactively adapt and enhance our portfolio to meet changing needs. We are also working towards expanding our footprint across key markets to enhance accessibility and customer reach,” elaborates Aslan-Özkan.

PREMIUMISATION’S MOMENT

For years, premium tyres in India faced a challenge: price sensitivity limited the ability to build volumes that justified sustained investment. Aslan-Özkan notes that this challenge has now eased.

Aslan-Özkan says, “The long-term outlook for the Indian tyre market remains very strong. We are seeing a structural shift in consumer preferences towards premium vehicles, adventure-led driving, larger rim sizes and a stronger focus on safety, comfort and performance. As the market matures and consumers increasingly gravitate towards premium vehicles, the conditions for premiumisation have become both viable and scalable.”

Continental is committed to maintaining product relevance. “We will continue to focus on introducing products and technologies that are aligned with evolving consumer preferences in India, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant, innovative and competitive,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

DEPLOYING THE EUR 10.5 MILLION

The EUR 10.5 million commitment – already made, not merely pledged – is being directed with precision. According to the new Continental India MD, the investment supported Continental’s overall growth strategy in India, with a particular focus on capacity expansion in the above 18-inch category, extending up to 22 inches, in line with evolving consumer preferences. “We are also working towards expanding our footprint across key markets to enhance accessibility and customer reach,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

Trade policy has also provided a structural advantage. “Moreover, the recently announced duty cut on German cars will enable more consumers to experience Continental’s innovations through vehicles equipped with our factory-fitted   tyres,” she notes. For premium tyre brands, this distribution channel is often more effective than retail campaigns.

Modipuram, already a significant manufacturing base for the company, will continue to be evaluated as market demand evolves. “As demand continues to grow, the company remains open to making further investments to support this growth trajectory,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

INDIA AS A GLOBAL LABORATORY

Earlier this year, Continental demonstrated its commitment to the Indian market by selecting India as the first global launch site for the CrossContact A/T2, a tyre designed for adventure and all-terrain driving. The launch was held at Continental’s Track Day 2026 in Goa.

“India’s first-to-market status for the Continental CrossContact A/T2 is a reflection of how significant India is within our global roadmap. This is led by a sharp change in the car parc and consumer preferences towards adventure driving. India offers significant growth potential, and as a strategic priority within our global roadmap, we are committed to aligning global strengths with local market needs,” says Aslan-Özkan.

This first-to-market decision exemplifies Continental’s ‘In the Market, For the Market’ philosophy. “Continental’s ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach is at the core of how we operate in India. My experience in India enables me to effectively align global strengths with local market needs. I will work closely with our teams, partners and stakeholders to drive sustainable growth,” explains Aslan-Özkan.

Implementing this philosophy requires aligning product development closely with local demand. “We will continue to focus on introducing products and technologies that are aligned with evolving consumer preferences in India. The launch of CrossContact A/T2 in India is a clear example of this philosophy in action,” she says.

READY FOR THE ELECTRIC SHIFT

As electric vehicle adoption accelerates – particularly in the SUV segment – tyre manufacturers face a new set of engineering demands: greater load-bearing capacity, lower rolling resistance and the ability to handle the instant torque of electric powertrains. Continental says it is already positioned for this transition. “The long-term outlook for the Indian tyre market remains very strong. As the market moves towards premium vehicles, larger rim sizes and a stronger focus on safety, comfort and performance, we are well-positioned to bring the German technology and premium tyre portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers. In the meantime, all our product offerings in India are already compatible with EVs,” says Aslan-Özkan.

The commitment to adaptation is standing, not situational. “We will continue to focus on introducing products and technologies that are aligned with evolving consumer preferences in India. As the market matures, we will proactively adapt and enhance our portfolio to meet changing needs, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant, innovative and competitive,” she says.

SCALING WITHOUT DILUTING

Scaling premium tyres in a market as price-conscious and geographically diverse as India demands both consumer education and retail depth – and doing so without eroding brand equity is a challenge Aslan-Özkan takes seriously.

“With our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we have been continually listening and understanding consumer needs. To further strengthen Continental’s presence in the Indian tyre market, we are taking a multi-pronged approach. This includes a focused expansion of our product portfolio, particularly in the 21- and 22-inch tyre categories, in line with evolving consumer preferences. We are also working towards expanding our footprint across key markets to enhance accessibility and customer reach,” says the Continental India Executive.

The destination, she says, is clear. “India is already on a strong growth trajectory for us, and we aim to build on this momentum through sustained, strategic interventions while ensuring our brand remains synonymous with premium quality and performance,” she says.

DEFINING VICTORY

Ask Aslan-Özkan what ‘winning in India’ means for Continental over the next five years, and she reaches not for a single metric but for a compound definition. “With our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we have always focused on bringing in quality innovations in the Indian market that are suitable for Indian roads,” she says.

“Continuing on that trajectory, winning in India for Continental will be defined by strengthening our presence in the passenger vehicle tyres segment while ensuring that our brand remains associated with premium quality, technology and performance. India is already on a strong growth trajectory for us, and we aim to build on this momentum through sustained, strategic interventions,” adds Aslan-Özkan.

The roadmap is specific. “This includes strengthening our presence in the UUHP segment, expanding our footprint across key markets, enhancing production capabilities and continuing to bring innovations made for Indian roads and consumer demands. As the market matures, we will proactively adapt and enhance our portfolio to meet changing needs, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant, innovative and competitive,” she says.

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Magna Tyres Group has acquired Forrez, the Belgium-based tyre specialist and mobility services provider, in its sixth strategic acquisition in recent years as the company continues to expand its international presence.

The transaction strengthens Magna Tyres Group’s position in the global tyre market and adds Forrez’s established tyre services, fleet solutions, industrial tyre and vehicle maintenance operations to the group’s portfolio.

Over recent years, Magna Tyres Group has expanded from a tyre manufacturer into an international organisation with operations, service divisions and distribution networks across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the US. Its portfolio includes Magna Tyres, Fennel Tyres International, Industra Tyres & Lubricants, Tirepoint, Telescope Tyres Group, OBO Tyres and, now, Forrez.

Founded in Belgium, Forrez has built its business around tyre services, fleet solutions, industrial tyres and vehicle maintenance. The company serves customers across the transport, industrial, agricultural and automotive sectors.

Magna Tyres said the acquisition would create operational and commercial synergies by combining the group’s international scale and purchasing power with Forrez’s local market expertise and customer relationships.

Following the acquisition, the combined group is expected to generate annual turnover of approximately €275m in 2026. The deal forms part of Magna Tyres Group’s long-term strategy to build a global tyre solutions business with annual revenue of €650m by 2029 through a combination of organic growth, international expansion and acquisitions.

Michael de Ruijter, president of Magna Tyres Group, said:

“The growth of Magna Tyres Group over the past years has been driven by a clear long-term vision: building a strong international organisation with local expertise at its core. Forrez is an excellent fit within our group. Their reputation, technical knowledge and customer-focused culture align perfectly with our strategy and values. Together, we will continue strengthening our position in Europe while further improving the service and support we provide to our customers worldwide. We remain focused on creating long-term value for our customers, employees, partners and shareholders.”

Christine Forrez and Geert Mertens of Forrez said:

“Joining Magna Tyres Group marks an important new chapter for Forrez. We are proud of the company we have built and the relationships we have developed with our customers and partners over many years. Becoming part of Magna Tyres Group gives us access to an international network, additional expertise and new growth opportunities, while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit and service quality that define our organisation.”

Forrez will continue to operate under its existing name and management structure. Magna Tyres Group said it would support the business with further investment in operations, product availability and future expansion.

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