MRF continues to lead the tyre industry with a strong focus on quality, innovation and customer satisfaction. With a presence in over 70 countries, MRF’s dominance spans across categories including commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, electric vehicles (EVs) and aircraft tyres. As India’s economic growth drives increased demand for commercial vehicles, MRF capitalises on this shift towards larger trucks and the expanding EV market. Additionally, the company’s technological prowess is evident in its supply of defence aircraft tyres. Despite challenges like rising rubber prices, MRF’s commitment to development and sustainable practices ensures its continued growth and global expansion.

MRF Vice Chairman and Managing Director Arun Mammen opined that India’s economic prosperity is leading to a demand for original equipment, which in turn is driving the volumes for commercial vehicle tyres upwards. Speaking to Tyre Trends on the sidelines of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Mammen noted, “The commercial vehicle tyre segment is primarily driven by OEM demand. India’s economic performance is increasing commercial activity, leading to a higher number of trucks being sold. A notable trend in this segment is the shift towards larger trucks. This shift is primarily due to improved road infrastructure. Additionally, these trends see tyre volumes grow even in the replacement market.”

He added, “Government policies over the last 5–6 years have also played a crucial role in shaping the industry. The transition from BS4 to BS6, changes in axle load norms and various other regulatory developments have influenced tyre design and performance requirements. We have remained ahead of these changes, ensuring our products fully comply with government guidelines.”

The company theme for this year at the expo was ‘Muscle in Motion’, which highlighted MRF’s leadership, technology, innovation and sustainability.

MRF has been a leader in the tyre industry for 37 years, covering all categories. The executive noted that while competition was close in some segments, the company continued to have a leading position in tractors, trucks, light commercial vehicles, commercial vehicles and three-wheeler tyre segments. Its market leadership was further reinforced by its financial performance in FY 2023-24 with turnover of over INR 250 billion.

The company is experiencing double-digit growth, particularly in the first half of CY25, while most of the industry had struggled to achieve similar momentum. “We have consistently grown across all tyre categories including infrastructure, farm, two-wheeler and truck tyres,” revealed Mammen.

“Our ability to maintain market dominance for nearly four decades is rooted in a simple yet powerful philosophy, which is quality, customer focus and continuous innovation. We prioritise understanding customer needs and delivering better-thanexpected performance. This relentless pursuit of excellence ensures that we provide the best value for money,” said the official.

EXPANDING PORTFOLIO

A recent media report mentioned that MRF is seeing significant progress in the EV tyre segment, covering both OEM supply and the replacement market.

Exuding confidence for its EV tyre portfolio with the evolving automobile space in India, Mammen noted, “We are actively innovating in this space and a great example is our new EV tyre, recently supplied to Mahindra for its latest EV launch. This tyre incorporates a unique foam technology that significantly reduces noise, offering a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. With the growing adoption of electric vehicles, such advancements are crucial as EVs inherently produce less mechanical noise, making tyre noise reduction even more essential.”

He added, “Our tyres are fitted on several OEM vehicles including that of Maruti, Toyota, Honda and Bajaj models. The EV space will continue to grow as charging infrastructure improves, making electric mobility more convenient for consumers. While passenger vehicles and two-wheelers are currently leading the shift, we expect commercial vehicles to gradually follow suit as fleet operators gain confidence in battery technology and cost efficiency.”

Moreover, the company exclusively supplies tyres for Indian defence aircraft and helicopters with plans to expand the portfolio. Commenting on the same lines, Mammen revealed, “MRF supplies aircraft tyres to India’s defence forces including the Air Force and Navy. The majority of defence aircraft flying today are equipped with MRF tyres. The Indian Government does not import aircraft tyres unless we do not manufacture a specific type, further reinforcing our dominant position in this critical sector.”

MARKET TALK

MRF set up a new plant in Gujarat recently and ongoing expansions across multiple facilities are in process. Mammen noted that factories were continually being upgraded to meet evolving market demands. The company’s export business contributes between 10 to 12 percent in its total revenue, said Mammen.

The company currently exports to 70 countries worldwide. When asked about exploring new regions, the executive highlighted, “We are always looking for new opportunities for growth. A key example is our dominance in rally racing. We have been European champions for two years, beating multinational competitors, and in Asia Pacific, we have been rally champions for nine consecutive years. These victories highlight our engineering excellence and performance capabilities, opening doors to further expand our brand presence.”

Another trend within the Indian tyre market is Tyre-as-a-Service. Commenting on whether MRF plans to foray in the segment, he said, “Tyre-as- a-Service currently accounts for less than a single-digit percentage of the overall business. The limited adoption is due to challenging operating conditions. While some companies initially ventured into this space, many later exited due to difficulties in scaling the model. We continue to monitor this segment and will assess its potential for expansion in the future.”

TALKING ROADBLOCKS

The official identified the rising prices of rubber as one of the largest problems facing the tyre industry. Mammen explained that raw material costs account for about 70 percent of tyre production costs. As crude oil prices increase, the cost of production also rises, which is further impacted by fluctuations in the rupeedollar exchange rate.

“The price of natural rubber has remained high for a while and this is a challenge for many tyre manufacturers including us. India does not produce enough natural rubber to meet domestic demand, so we rely on imports to supplement local supply. This dependency on imports means we are exposed to fluctuations in global rubber prices, which can impact our overall cost structure,” said Mammen.

Despite the challenges, the company’s near-term research and development focus will involve both recycling raw materials and exploring green energy solutions such as energy and water recycling while also controlling wastage.

The company had made a Capex of over INR 21 billion in the previous financial year and nearly INR 7 billion in the first six months of the current financial year. These investments are directed towards areas with growth opportunities in truck, passenger and two-wheeler markets.

When asked about retail expansion, Mammen noted that there is always room for growth, both in expanding the dealer and retailer network and in online retail.

Michelin has achieved notable recognition at the 2026 Tire Technology Expo in Hannover, Germany, securing four major awards that underscore its leadership in innovation, sustainability and technical expertise. The accolades span breakthrough research, product excellence, environmental advancement and individual career achievement, reflecting the company’s comprehensive approach to advancing mobility both on Earth and in space.

The prestigious Concept of the Year award was presented to the Michelin Lunar Airless Wheel, or MiLAW, developed for NASA’s upcoming Artemis lunar missions. This wheel represents over two decades of research into airless tire architecture, cutting-edge polymers and additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing. Engineered to endure the moon’s extreme environment, it must withstand abrasive terrain, intense radiation and temperatures ranging from minus 240 to plus 100 degrees Celsius while ensuring reliable traction and durability. The project demanded advanced digital simulation and rigorous testing, and the resulting innovations are already influencing Michelin’s terrestrial developments, particularly in applications where robustness under challenging conditions is essential.

The MICHELIN Primacy 5 Energy tyre earned the Tire of the Year award. This summer tyre has achieved a triple-A rating on the European Union label for wet grip, energy efficiency and noise while also being recognised as the most durable tyre in its category. It has been selected by approximately 20 major global automakers for integration into more than 50 upcoming vehicle models, well ahead of its commercial launch. Designed to meet heightened expectations for safety, electric vehicle compatibility, emissions reduction and sustainable materials, the tyre exemplifies Michelin’s response to evolving market demands.

The BioButterfly programme, a collaborative effort involving Michelin, IFP Energies Nouvelles and Axens, with backing from the French Agency for the Environment and Energy Management, received the Environmental Achievement of the Year – Industrial Contribution award. Following over 12 years of research and an investment exceeding EUR 80 million, an industrial demonstrator at Michelin’s Bassen site successfully proved a method for producing bio-based butadiene from bioethanol. The resulting elastomers meet tyre industry specifications while offering a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil-fuel-derived alternatives. This breakthrough marks a major step towards establishing a sustainable supply chain for bio-based materials in tyre manufacturing.

Pascal Prost, a Senior Fellow at Michelin, was honoured with the Tire Tech 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award for his 35-year career dedicated to advancing tyre technology. His work has consistently addressed complex and often conflicting performance requirements, particularly in the areas of low rolling resistance and eco-design for passenger and two-wheel vehicle tyres. Beyond his technical contributions, Prost has fostered collaboration across internal teams, academic institutions and automotive partners. His recognition highlights not only his personal dedication but also the collective expertise and innovative spirit present throughout the Michelin organisation.

Together, these four honours illustrate the breadth of Michelin’s capabilities, from fundamental research and product engineering to environmental stewardship and long-term talent development. They affirm the company’s commitment to creating safer, more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions for a wide range of environments.

Philippe Jacquin, Executive Vice President – Research & Development for Michelin and member of the Group Executive Committee, said, “Receiving four awards at Tire Technology Expo is testament to the collective strength of our teams and to the scientific, technological and environmental depth of our innovations. From the Moon to the road, and thanks to Michelin’s deep know‑how in polymer composites, we once again demonstrate our ability to push boundaries, create new experiences, transform research into real‑world solutions and accelerate the emergence of next‑generation materials. These awards honour not only our advances but also the daily commitment of everyone at Michelin who innovates to improve everyday life and drive mobility forward – for people today and for future generations.”

As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global trade routes and supply chains, tyre manufacturers are being forced to rethink not only where they sell, but how they grow. For KAMA Tyres – Russia’s largest and most diversified tyre manufacturer – this reassessment has become a defining element of its international strategy.

Rather than pulling back amid sanctions and market disruption, the company is steadily opening new doors, with the Middle East emerging as its next strategic frontier.

In an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends, Shaydullin Ildar, Deputy Director – Marketing, KAMA Tyres, spoke about how the company is looking beyond its domestic market and recalibrating its global ambitions.

“We have rich experience of cooperation with machine producers across the world. This cooperation allows us to produce tyres exactly for certain machines – tyres that are suitable for specific clients,” Ildar said.

That customer-focused manufacturing capability, coupled with a broad and diversified product portfolio, is now underpinning KAMA Tyres’ cautious yet determined push into new international markets.

FROM 50 MARKETS TO 20: A STRATEGIC RESET

Until recently, KAMA Tyres had an expansive global footprint. “Earlier, we exported our tyres to more than 50 countries,” Ildar noted. Today, that number has come down significantly – not due to waning ambition, but because of shifting geopolitical realities.

“Now, because of the situation in the global market, we are exporting our tyres to around 20 countries,” he explained.

Despite the contraction, the company has retained a presence across a geographically diverse mix of regions. “For example, Egypt, Brazil, Turkey, Mongolia, Vietnam. Russia has good relations with Vietnam, so this is one of our key markets,” Ildar said.

This pragmatic reassessment mirrors a broader trend across Russian manufacturing – prioritising markets where political alignment, trade frameworks and logistics remain workable.

“At the same time, we are trying to open new markets. Right now, we are opening for ourselves the Gulf countries,” he added.

This shift also explains KAMA Tyres’ growing presence at regional trade exhibitions. “That is why we are here at this exhibition,” Ildar said, referring to Automechanika Dubai 2025. “This is the first time we are participating here.”

For KAMA Tyres, the Middle East represents a significant opportunity – but one that requires patience. “Yes, for us it is a really big opportunity. We are trying to open it step by step,” he said.

MIDDLE EAST ENTRY: OPPORTUNITY WITH A COMPLIANCE HURDLE

While the Middle East offers scale and strategic relevance, entry into the region is far from straightforward. Regulatory compliance remains the biggest challenge.

“We haven’t started selling our tyres here yet. At the moment, we are preparing,” Ildar clarified.

That preparation, he explained, is extensive. “We are doing all the necessary procedures to start selling our tyres. This includes connecting with potential clients and preparing documents and certification for this market.”

Certification is, by far, the most demanding hurdle. “The main opportunity for us is opening a new market, new clients and new sales. The big challenge is that this market needs different certification,” he said.

Still, the company remains resolute. “We are doing it and we will do it anyway,” Ildar said firmly.

KAMA has already begun building visibility in the region through trade events. “In May, we participated in an exhibition in Riyadh – I think it was Automechanika Riyadh,” he recalled.

The timeline for commercial entry is now clearly defined. “In 2026, we are planning to start selling our tyres here,” he confirmed, with the first quarter of calendar year 2026 emerging as the tentative target.

ONE COMPLEX, EVERY TYRE SEGMENT

One of KAMA Tyres’ key competitive strengths lies in the breadth of its manufacturing capability. Unlike many tyre manufacturers that specialise in one or two segments, KAMA operates as a fully integrated tyre complex.

“We are the only tyre complex in Russia that produces all groups of tyres,” Ildar explained.

The portfolio spans passenger car tyres (PCR), light truck tyres, truck and bus radials (TBR) and off-the-road (OTR) tyres. “We are ready to offer different kinds of tyres. And potential customers are asking us for different groups,” he said.

This versatility gives KAMA considerable flexibility as it enters new markets such as the Gulf, where demand spans multiple vehicle categories. “We can offer both TBR tyres and PCR tyres,” Ildar noted, adding that OTR tyres are also part of the company’s global offering.

Rather than rushing to push specific products, the approach is deliberately measured. “We want to understand the market first. And then offer what is needed,” he said.

This mindset reflects KAMA’s longstanding experience of working closely with OEMs and equipment manufacturers. “Our cooperation with machine producers allows us to make tyres exactly suitable for the machines,” Ildar reiterated.

SANCTIONS, SUPPLY CHAINS AND PREPAREDNESS

Sanctions have been a defining force shaping Russian industry over the past decade. For KAMA Tyres, however, preparedness has significantly softened the impact.

“About sanctions – we are prepared for this situation from 2014,” Ildar said.

This long-term approach has been especially critical in securing raw material supplies, an area where many global tyre manufacturers continue to face volatility.

“At the moment, we don’t have problems with supplying raw materials. We have producers of raw materials in the Russian market and in the Asian market too,” he explained.

By diversifying its sourcing base early, KAMA has ensured continuity even during periods of global disruption. “We are searching for different ways to be ready for any problems in the future,” he said.

As a result, the company has largely avoided the supply crunch faced by several global peers. “So now we have suppliers of raw materials and we don’t have a problem with it,” Ildar added.

In an industry increasingly shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, this resilience has become a competitive advantage.

INDIA ON THE HORIZON, BUT NO SHORTCUTS

Given the historically strong ties between India and Russia, the Indian market naturally features in discussions around KAMA Tyres’ longer-term expansion plans. However, Ildar is careful to manage expectations.

“We are moving step by step, starting with the Persian Gulf. If everything goes well, we will look at the Indian market,” he said.

The key constraint, he explained, is production capacity. “It depends on one thing – we have to sell Russian products. If we have free resources, we are ready to look at the Indian market.”

He is also realistic about the competitive intensity in India. “We understand that there are a lot of good products and strong competition in the Indian market,” Ildar noted.

Certification remains another important consideration. “At the moment, we do not export tyres to India because the Indian market needs BIS certification,” he confirmed.

Still, the door remains open. “If in the future we find potential clients who are interested in our products after studying the market, we will be glad to apply for this certification. We will be glad to open the Indian market too.”

For now, execution takes precedence over expansion promises. “Our strategy is to work step by step,” Ildar reiterated.

Giti Tire has launched its new ultra-high-performance GitiSportS2+ tyre, following an outstanding result in the AutoBild 2026 Summer Tyre Test, where it received one of the most prestigious independent endorsements in Europe. Rated as exemplary by the leading German publication, the tyre secured fourth place overall out of an initial field of 50 competitors. The evaluation praised its exceptional value for money, impressive driving dynamics and substantial safety margins.

Tested on a BMW 5 Series using the 245/45R19 size, the tyre initially shared fourth position based on wet and dry braking performance, recording a total stopping distance of 42.5 metres. It maintained this high standard across 12 additional assessments, ultimately ranking among the top five alongside several premium manufacturers. The new model is scheduled to be available from spring 2026, launching in 19 sizes covering rim diameters from 17 to 20 inches, widths between 225 and 255 and aspect ratios from 35 to 55.

Designed for sporty cars and powerful SUVs, the GitiSportS2+ features a newly engineered compound that reduces wet braking distances by eight percent and dry braking by two percent compared to its predecessor. It also achieves the highest possible EU Wet Grip label rating of ‘A’. In line with the manufacturer’s broader strategy, the tyre bears the AdvanZtech EV Ready sidewall marking, indicating its compatibility with internal combustion engines, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles.

During the initial rollout, many existing sizes of the original GitiSportS2 will remain on the market, ensuring continued coverage across the sport vehicle segment. Development took place at Giti’s European R&D Centre in Hannover, with testing and fine-tuning conducted at tracks in UK and Spain. The project leveraged the company’s AdvanZtech technology, a globally integrated research and development system.

Fabio Pecci-Boriani, Deputy General Manager – Product Planning PCR and LTR, Giti Tire R&D Centre (Europe), said, “The new GitiSportS2+ is testimony of the achievements that our engineers, testers and manufacturing facilities have been able to deliver in the area of performance while retaining the sustainability, endurance and mileage criteria that are important to the daily driver. To launch a tyre off the back of an ‘exemplary’ rating in AutoBild is nothing short of sensational; we are thrilled that one of the leading automobile titles in Europe has been able to validate and confirm our latest development and we are excited to share this news with our trusted customers.

“The target criteria for the GitiSportS2+ was to deliver further improvements in dynamic driving, enhanced control on wet roads with precise and exciting control on dry roads, all while maintaining the mileage and energy efficiency of the previous generation. Sportiveness is at the heart of the tyre with a particularly stiff design that contributes to stability at high speeds as well as in cornering. The increased grip performance goes is more precise, firm, predictable and constant.”

Halfords has signalled a strategic push into the B2B mobility market by naming a new leader for its fleet division. Jessica Jones is set to become Director of Fleet Solutions from the start of April 2026, tasked with accelerating growth in this area. She arrives with considerable expertise in the fleet, leasing and B2B mobility sectors, having spent her career guiding national account teams and forging strong customer relationships that have driven commercial success.

Her background encompasses strategic fleet management, business expansion and the creation of adaptable service models for corporate clients. Prior to this appointment, Jones served as Sales Director at Sixt UK and held the position of Director of National Fleet Sales at ATS Euromaster. Her recruitment underscores Halfords' commitment to developing its fleet services as a core area for expansion.

The company aims to support businesses by utilising its extensive network of garages to provide integrated maintenance and mobility services. These offerings are designed to maximise vehicle availability and assist companies in controlling operational expenditure.

Adam Pay, Managing Director of Garages at Halfords, said, “Fleet is a significant growth opportunity for Halfords, and Jess brings deep sector expertise alongside a strong track record of building high-performing teams and customer partnerships. As fleets face increasing cost pressures and operational complexity, our national scale and service capability position us strongly to support customers. Jess’s leadership will help us accelerate momentum and unlock further opportunities in this important market.”

Jones said, “I’m delighted to be joining Halfords at such an exciting point in its growth. The business combines a trusted consumer brand with a powerful national servicing network, creating real potential in fleet. I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and customers to build on the strong foundations already in place and further develop a differentiated, customer-focused fleet offering.”