India’s automotive testing sector is dramatically transforming as it races to bridge the gap with global standards while confronting distinctive local challenges. In an extensive interview with Tyre Trends, two industry leaders discuss how India is navigating this critical transition period in its automotive evolution.

Dominic Cundy, Managing Director of Automotive Testing Expos at UKi Media & Events, and Sagar Bendre, Head of Crash Barrier Testing at NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks), provide detailed insights into the current state and future trajectory of India’s automotive testing landscape.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES

India’s diverse and extreme climate creates unique testing requirements that set it apart from other major automotive markets. “India’s extreme weather variations, including high temperatures, monsoons and dust-heavy environments, and a wide range of road quality require testing protocols tailored to these unique challenges. OEMs do develop a vehicle considering all these conditions,” Bendre explains.

The pressure to maintain affordability while meeting increasingly stringent standards presents another layer of complexity. “The Indian market’s focus on affordable vehicles puts pressure on manufacturers to minimise testing costs while maintaining compliance with stringent safety and emission standards,” says Bendre.

This balancing act between cost and compliance has become increasingly challenging as India adopts stricter safety and emissions standards.

The gap between India’s testing capabilities and those of other major automotive nations stems from multiple factors. Bendre notes that specialised facilities for advanced testing remain limited compared to developed markets. “India lacks sufficient facilities for advanced crash testing, real driving emissions (RDE), EV battery safety and autonomous vehicle testing, which are more established in developed countries,” reveals Bendre.

This infrastructure gap has historical roots. “India’s focus on automotive testing infrastructure began relatively recently compared to countries like Germany, US and Japan, which have decades of advanced R&D and testing experience,” Bendre explains. The rapid pace of regulatory changes has further complicated the situation as testing facilities struggle to meet new requirements.

MARKET EVOLUTION AND INDUSTRY RESPONSE

The growth of India’s automotive testing sector is reflected in the expanding scope of industry events such as the Automotive Testing Expo India. Cundy provides perspective on this evolution: “When the show (Automotive Testing Expo India) was first launched in 2010, it attracted 72 exhibitors and 2,173 visitors. This contrasts with the 2023 figures, with 153 exhibitors and 5,138 visitors.”

This growth reflects not just increased market size but also growing technological sophistication. To maintain relevance, industry events have had to evolve rapidly. “We maintain constant communication with suppliers to learn about their latest offerings and innovations and encourage exhibitors to prioritise showcasing their newest products during the event. We also partner with industry leaders, influencers and innovators in the region,” Cundy explains.

The Automotive Testing Expo India organiser partners with startups and emerging brands, which are typically at the cutting edge of innovation and offer the latest products. In addition, their knowledge partner, ARAI, offers valuable insights into the current market demands and challenges.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE IMPACT

The transition to electric vehicles is driving significant changes in testing requirements. Bendre outlines how testing facilities are adapting to this shift, noting increased emphasis on battery safety, thermal management and charging infrastructure compatibility.

Major manufacturers are making significant moves in this space. Cundy highlights recent developments: “Mahindra’s EV initiative includes launching five new EVs on a new platform called INGLO. They are partnering with VW, which is supplying components. Skoda is currently undertaking a big initiative in India, which includes the development of new vehicles in the country.”

SAFETY STANDARDS AND TESTING EVOLUTION

Road safety remains a critical concern driving testing requirements. “There is a big push in India to improve road safety, with Bharat NCAP 2023 launching, because there are still high numbers of road deaths despite advances in technology,” Cundy notes. The limited availability of crash testing facilities has historically forced manufacturers to send vehicles abroad for testing, adding time and expense to the development process.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Government support is crucial in advancing testing capabilities. “Government initiatives like the NATRAX project and private investments will enhance the availability of state-of-the-art testing facilities across the country. NATRAX is developing all future testing, such as ADAS, EV performance, road safety furniture, crash barriers, crash cushions etc.,” Bendre explains.

The implementation of new regulations is driving further development. Bendre points to the implementation of Bharat Stage VI (BS6) and upcoming updates like BS6.2 as key factors increasing demand for sophisticated emissions testing capabilities.

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

The industry is increasingly embracing digital solutions to enhance testing efficiency. “The use of digital twins, simulation tools and AI-driven predictive testing is reducing time and costs for physical prototypes,” Bendre notes. This technological integration is helping bridge the gap between testing requirements and available physical infrastructure.

A critical challenge facing the sector is the shortage of skilled professionals. “A shortage of skilled professionals trained in advanced testing methodologies, particularly for EVs and connected vehicles, hinders the growth of India’s testing ecosystem,” Bendre acknowledges. However, he sees this changing through partnerships with global testing agencies and investments in workforce training, which will help bridge expertise gaps and elevate India’s standing as a global automotive testing hub.

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Dow Inc. said its chief executive Jim Fitterling will become executive chair of the board from 1 July , 2026, with chief operating officer Karen S Carter appointed as chief executive.

Carter will also join the board on the same date, while Richard Davis will continue as independent lead director.

The company said the changes follow a multi-year succession planning process and are intended to ensure continuity as it advances its strategy as a materials science group.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Jim for his exceptional leadership and continued contributions to Dow,” Davis said. “Jim has led the company through a period of significant transformation while strengthening Dow's strategy, culture and long-term positioning. We are equally pleased to congratulate Karen on her appointment as CEO. She is a disciplined, highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Dow's businesses and customers. This appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to lead Dow forward into its next chapter of growth and value creation for customers, employees and shareholders.”

Fitterling, who has been chief executive since 2018 and chair since 2020, oversaw the company’s separation from DowDuPont and led its repositioning towards higher-growth, consumer-led markets. He also guided the group through broader macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, while advancing its sustainability ambitions and corporate culture.

“Serving as CEO of Dow has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Fitterling said. “Together with our employees and leadership team, we have transformed Dow into a stronger, more focused company with the right strategy, capabilities and culture for the future. I look forward to continuing to support Dow as Executive Chair and working closely with Karen to help ensure continuity and strong execution.”

As executive chair, Fitterling will continue to lead the board, focusing on long-term strategy, governance and external relationships.

Carter, who has spent more than three decades at Dow, currently oversees business and operational performance across the company as chief operating officer. She previously led the packaging and specialty plastics division, the group’s largest operating segment, where she focused on capacity expansion, asset upgrades and operational reliability, alongside efforts linked to circular economy initiatives.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of CEO and lead Dow into our next chapter,” Carter said. “Dow has extraordinary people, world-class assets and leading positions in the markets we serve. Our focus remains unwavering: delivering reliable and innovative solutions for our customers, and long-term value for our employees and our shareholders, while accelerating our transformation to set a new competitive standard for best-in-class performance. I look forward to continuing my partnership with Jim in his new role as Executive Chair, and to working with the Board and all of Team Dow to advance our strategy and deliver on our priorities.”

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Nokian Tyres plc is expanding its partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to strengthen IT operations and support ongoing transformation.

The companies will focus their expanded partnership on maintaining and developing IT applications to meet Nokian Tyres’ future needs and to increase the efficiency of its IT operations.

TCS has already handled Nokian Tyres’ service desk support, end-user services like device deliveries, and network and data centre operations. Starting June 1, 2026, TCS will also take over maintenance and development of IT applications, as well as on-site support for internal processes.

This change is part of a larger restructuring of Nokian Tyres’ IT organisation to keep up with changing business needs.

“A more extensive partnership with TCS will enable Nokian Tyres to have a globally unified, agile, and efficient operating model that supports business needs. In addition, it creates a sustainable foundation for the increasing adoption of next-generation technologies such as automation, data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence,” said Timmy McLellan, vice-president, IT and processes, and chief information officer at Nokian Tyres.

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JK Tyre & Industries, one of the leading tyre manufacturers in the country, has appointed Mandar V Deo as President – India, effective immediately.

Based in Delhi, Deo will report to the Chairman and Managing Director, Dr Raghupati Singhania, and the Managing Director, Anshuman Singhania. He joins the tyre manufacturer with more than two decades of experience in senior leadership positions, having previously served at Exide Energy Solutions, Cummins India and Cummins Inc.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Pune University, alongside a Master’s degree and a PhD from Pennsylvania State University. He also holds an MBA from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University.

Deo’s appointment comes as JK Tyre continues to expand its global footprint, which currently spans 105 countries and includes 11 manufacturing facilities in India and Mexico with an annual production capacity of 35 million tyres.

The company maintains a focus on technical innovation through its Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence in Mysore and was the first in India to introduce 'Smart Tyre' technology featuring integrated Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). Additionally, JK Tyre has committed to the global RE100 initiative, aiming to transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2050.

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre, said, “I am confident that Mr. Deo will provide strong and adept leadership and steer JK Tyre on a new growth trajectory.”

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The research and development team of any tyre maker decides whether the final product will be a success or a failure. And it is prudent to say that a lot of research hours and developmental cash go into making one of the most critical components of the automobile sector. In an exclusive tete-a-tete with Tyre Trends, Vice President and Global Head of Research and Development at Omni United, Olli Seppala, shares insights into the demanding and complex world of tyre research illuminating how markets and other factors dictate team operations.

“Omni United has an experienced team and we understand the needs of different markets very well. We constantly track trends in each region because legislation and approval requirements change all the time. In Europe, for instance, there are evolving regulations and strong influence from testing. In United States, the market is also changing very quickly as it is no longer only about mileage and comfort. Performance has become equally important,” he stated.

The company sells extensively in North America and Europe as well as in countries like South Africa, Australia and several markets across Asia.

However, every market doesn’t necessarily have similar demands, and the onus falls on the research and development team to derive market-ready products.

“Every market is equally demanding in different ways. Europe requires extremely high-performance levels, but customers are also willing to pay for that performance. In Asian markets, however, you still need a certain level of performance, but you must also keep prices under control. That creates additional pressure on the research and development side,” noted Seppala.

In the tyre industry, research and development quietly determines whether a product succeeds or disappears from the market. Behind every tyre lies years of testing, complex material science and constant adaptation to changing global demands. In an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends, Vice President and Global Head of Research and Development at Omni United, Olli Seppala, explains how the company’s development teams navigate shifting regulations, regional market expectations and sustainability pressures while striving to deliver premium performance tyres at accessible prices across diverse international markets.

He added that European developers sometimes struggle when developing tyres for US or Asian markets because they may still carry the old perception that the US market is only about comfort and mileage.

Currently, the US market is now strongly performance-oriented. Tyre makers must understand specific requirements such as wet grip, correct handling balance, rubber compound characteristics and special durability properties like resistance to cuts and chips.

Asian markets are also highly complex. Conditions can vary dramatically by region. For example, southern China is very different from northern China, so specialised approaches are necessary.

The Japanese market is another example, said Seppala, as Japanese winter tyres are a category of their own and one really has to understand the specific expectations there. In addition, tyres must be durable and resistant to environmental factors such as ozone and pollutants.

WORKING THE WORKS

“When we talk about all-season tyres with the snowflake symbol, European all-season or North American all-weather tyres pose a significant challenge,” noted Seppala.

“Such tyres must balance strong wet grip, stable dry handling in high temperatures and reliable performance in snow and cold conditions. The main challenge is developing a rubber compound that remains flexible in freezing temperatures while maintaining handling stability at around 30 degrees Celsius,” he added.

On the other hand, working with different manufacturing partners also raises certain concerns, which the executive describes as ‘complex situation’. “The process is complex and involves several challenges. When developing a new product, we carry out the design work internally including building the construction and conducting in-house testing. Most of the development work is completed within the company before moving forward to the production stage. However, the advantages generally outweigh the challenges,” noted Seppala.

The company develops its own tyre compounds in-house and is now entering a deeper phase of rubber compounding through a new materials development initiative focused specifically on compounding.

“The goal is to deliver premium tyre performance at accessible prices. Key research and development priorities include improving wet grip, increasing mileage and reducing rolling resistance to balance the tyre industry’s ‘magic triangle’. Sustainability is also becoming essential with growing work on recycled and bio-based materials. Currently, development efforts are focused mainly on passenger car and 4x4 tyres, although we also produce truck and commercial tyres,” he added.

Nonetheless, he noted that shorter development timelines are an everyday challenge for research and developmental teams. While Omni United already has one of the shortest development cycles in the industry, efforts are ongoing to make the process even faster.

However, Seppala averred that the approach depends on the situation. Completely new concepts can be developed quickly, but when replacing a product at the end of its lifecycle, it is often better to allow more time for testing and gradual improvements. In such cases, the focus is not just speed but improving the overall efficiency of the development process.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVENT

Seppala noted that digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to play a very significant role in tyre research and development, particularly in construction design and compound development.

Machine learning can help improve compound recipes by analysing large datasets generated from continuous testing. Using non-linear analysis and specialised software, the company processes accumulated testing data to refine and optimise compound formulations over time.

Seppala also noted that tyre development today must address broader environmental challenges, including noise pollution. With electric vehicles becoming quieter, tyre noise is becoming more noticeable.

At the same time, regulations such as Euro 7 are increasing attention on particle emissions. He explained that noise is an important factor in tyre design. While the European tyre label mainly measures external pass-by noise, the company also focuses on reducing noise inside the cabin to improve driver and passenger comfort, alongside minimising environmental noise pollution.

Over the next three years, one of the main priorities of the company will be taking materials development to the next level, making it a major focus for the research and development team.

Another key area will be expanding the company’s testing operations. While he did not disclose detailed strategic plans, he noted that testing capabilities will increase significantly, covering outdoor track testing, indoor tyre testing and laboratory testing of materials. All three areas will play an important role in future development.

Alluding to the areas pertaining to tyre performance that the company plans to focus on in the future, he said, “Tyre performance involves many factors, making it difficult to rank them strictly, but improving safety will remain a key focus in the coming years. While current products already perform at a high level, we aim to further enhance safety performance.”

Seppala also highlighted ongoing work on replacing 6PPD, noting that progress has been promising. The goal is to become the best-performing tyre brand in ozone resistance, addressing ozone cracking issues seen in many manufacturers globally, while developing a solution that is both sustainable and effective.

Commenting on key trends that will influence the company’s future, Seppala said, “Three major trends will shape the company’s research and development work going forward. First, market expectations in Europe and US are gradually converging. The US market is placing greater emphasis on safety and wet grip, while Europe is increasingly focusing on abrasion resistance and tyre mileage, creating pressure to improve durability. Secondly, sustainability will remain a constant industry priority. Thirdly, the key challenge will be developing tyres with advanced materials that deliver premium performance while keeping prices accessible for customers.”

For Omni United, the future of tyre development lies in balancing performance, durability and affordability amid tightening regulations and sustainability demands. As markets converge and technologies like AI reshape research and development, the company’s challenge will be clear as it harnesses advanced materials and faster development cycles to deliver safer, longer-lasting tyres without compromising accessibility.

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