The tyre industry is navigating a complex landscape of rising material costs, geopolitical uncertainties and fierce competition. In response, manufacturers are turning to automation, Industry 4.0 and AI-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce operational expenses. Advanced testing and measurement systems are pivotal in this transition, offering cost-effective quality control, streamlined production and improved consistency. However, integrating these innovations poses challenges, including adapting to evolving tyre designs and meeting stricter OEM requirements. This article explores how technological advancements in tyre testing are reshaping the industry, ensuring performance precision and economic viability in an increasingly competitive market.

Increasing raw material prices, geopolitical crises, rising freight costs and stronger competition have led tyre companies to find ways to lower operational costs. Technological breakthroughs like automation, Industry 4.0, etc. are a boon in disguise in this hour of need. While automation is not a new concept, its usage gradually increases within the tyre industry, riding on the back of other advancements.

Micro-Poise Measurement Systems Division Vice President & Chief Technology Officer Dr Shaun M Immel believes that the ever-increasing need for automation and data connectivity to support Industry 4.0 is driving tyre manufacturers to adopt advanced measurement systems that lower inspection costs, enhance consistency and provide critical data for analytics.

“Simultaneously, manufacturers seek improved equipment throughput while maintaining high measurement quality to meet tightening tyre screening requirements. The growing variety of electric vehicle (EV) tyre designs necessitates greater measurement system flexibility to support a larger number of stock-keeping units (SKUs). Additionally, customers increasingly require user-friendly systems that accommodate inexperienced personnel by presenting simple-to-use and highly automated products,” he added while speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends.

The tyre testing industry has significantly transformed over the past five years. Automation cuts measurement and inspection costs while improving consistency and predictability, allowing manufacturers to redeploy labour to higher-value tasks. It also enables precise, data-driven decision-making by replacing subjective human evaluations with quantifiable metrics, ensuring better process control and continuous improvement.

As tyres grow larger and heavier, automation presents new challenges, but advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), faster processing power and GPU technology are making implementation more feasible and cost-effective. These innovations are fuelling a resurgence in automation, enhancing efficiency and providing manufacturers with deeper insights into production quality and performance.

However, he noted that while including sustainable materials within tyre compounds is strong founded within tyre makers, it is not likely to affect testing strongly. “The shift towards sustainable materials in tyre manufacturing is reshaping the industry. While this evolution may impact tyre design materials and manufacturing processes, it will not significantly alter the core processes of final finish testing. Testing equipment focuses on force variation, dynamic balance, X-ray analysis and geometry measurement, and it remains largely unaffected as long as tyre sizes stay within standard categories. However, as manufacturers integrate new compounds and materials, potential changes in tyre behaviour may lead to adjustments in testing methodologies to address emerging manufacturing challenges,” said Dr Immel.

PARADIGM EVOLUTION

The tyre industry is undergoing a strategic shift. Top-tier manufacturers are moving away from mass production to focus on high-performance and premium tyres, consolidating production into specialised plants for passenger, truck and OTR tyres. This shift is driven by increasing competition from Asian manufacturers dominating the mass-market segment. At the same time, some Asian players are pushing into the premium space, intensifying competition at the high end.

This evolving landscape reinforces the demand for precision testing, high measurement quality and faster throughput. “Our longstanding partnerships with tier-one manufacturers position us well in this premium market, particularly in the 18-inch-and-above segment, where measurement accuracy and reliability are critical and where Micro-Poise’s measurement systems excel. As the industry diversifies, we continue to enhance our equipment’s flexibility and feature set to meet the evolving needs of both established premium brands and emerging challengers,” said Dr Immel.

Furthermore, Dr Immel noted that the testing industry is undergoing significant advancements with a strong focus on increasing throughput while meeting increasingly stringent quality requirements. “Tyre manufacturers face tightening OEM screening limits, necessitating greater accuracy and repeatability in measurement systems to ensure precise and proper classification of tyres for various markets. Traditionally, higher throughput and improved measurement repeatability are a trade-off, but the industry is now working to improve both simultaneously, requiring innovative approaches,” he said.

“A notable shift, particularly influenced by EVs, is the growing demand for higher frequency content in geometry and uniformity measurements. As EVs eliminate engine noise, tyres have become the dominant source of road noise, prompting manufacturers to analyse higher-frequency variations that could contribute to unwanted sound. These variations, often linked to tread design and tyre construction, are now being examined more closely for tyre-to-tyre variation to mitigate its impact,” he added.

He also contended that regulatory trends and market dynamics are driving further changes beyond noise control. The rise of EVs has significantly expanded the number of SKUs manufacturers must manage, pushing the need for greater equipment flexibility and quicker changeover.

“With tyre designs evolving rapidly, testing systems must adapt through quick-change tooling and advanced marking capabilities to accommodate frequent model shifts. At the same time, manufacturers continue to push for higher throughput without compromising measurement and inspection performance, reinforcing the need for cutting-edge solutions that balance speed, accuracy and adaptability in an increasingly complex landscape,” he added.

MEASURING PARAMETERS

According to Dr Immel, the time required to measure and assess a single tyre depends on the type of test(s) being conducted. A typical measurement cycle may range between 15 and 30 seconds, depending on the tyre size, the required tyre ‘warmup’ time, and the measurements being performed. The key to high-quality final finish equipment is to ensure high throughput while maintaining the measurement performance necessary for accurate quality assessments.

Explaining the quality measurement process, he said, “Quality measurement in tyre testing hinges on two fundamental aspects, accuracy and repeatability. Accuracy refers to each measurement’s ability to reflect the tyre’s true assessment value and characteristics, a non-trivial task given the inherent variability in production tyre measurement. Manufacturers rely on these values to determine whether a tyre meets quality standards or should be scrapped.”

Repeatability, on the other hand, measures measurement consistency. Sophisticated technology minimises measurement variations of production tyres, ensuring that the system can effectively differentiate between acceptable and defective products. The financial impact of incorrect classifications, whether approving a faulty tyre or rejecting a good one, is substantial, making excellent system measurement performance a critical factor in reducing long-term operational costs.

Answering what tyre screening limits are acceptable to the market, he said, “The acceptable limits are proprietary to each tyre manufacturer. Each manufacturer receives screening limits from original equipment (OE) manufacturers and select replacement market dealers. These OE and replacement screening limits vary across players. Beyond that, tyre companies often impose stricter internal limits to enhance quality, improve customer perception or differentiate products.”

Alluding to whether the industry is more concerned about variation in passenger car tyres than in TBR or OTR tyres, he explained, “The industry is indeed more focused on variations in PCR, but I believe that’s largely due to volume. Passenger car tyres are produced in significantly higher numbers, and since they are consumer-facing products, expectations are much higher. People notice and care about ride quality, so manufacturers focus heavily on minimising tyre-to-tyre variations.”

“However, even in the TBR segment, certain types like steer and drive tyres undergo strict testing and must meet high standards. Steer tyres, in particular, incorporate advanced technology because they directly impact vehicle handling and safety. Trailer tyres, on the other hand, face less scrutiny since they directly affect ride comfort. That said, manufacturers across all segments are under continuous pressure to tighten tolerances. OEMs and fleet operators are always pushing for lower limits, forcing tyre makers to improve,” he added.

The company is advancing tyre grading technology with a data-driven approach that moves beyond traditional tyre metrics. Developing and integrating alternative measurements aims to refine performance assessments, ensuring a closer correlation between lab results and real-world ride quality. This shift could boost product yields while maintaining more stringent standards, enabling a ‘smarter’ assessment of tyre quality.

When asked about the causes of early tyre failure and how geometry plays a role in identifying defects, he explained that issues in ply splicing during manufacturing can lead to structural weaknesses. If the ply material splice is left open, missing ply cords create a bulge defect when the tyre is inflated under high pressure.

This bulge, a critical measurement in quality control, appears radially along the sidewall and is a standard defect monitored by tyre manufacturers. If the bulge exceeds acceptable limits, it can cause the inner liner to become voided, leading to slow air loss and deflation – an irreparable but not necessarily catastrophic failure mode.

Dr Immel also noted that the company has developed several features to enhance flexibility. “We have an automatic rim change feature with adaptable tooling that streamlines adjustments. We’re also exploring innovations to improve changeover efficiency further. One of our key advantages is that when a tyre enters the system – even if it’s a single unit – we can immediately identify it, load the correct parameters and process it without any cycle time penalty. Unlike other machines requiring manual adjustments and extra cycle time, ours can handle small lot sizes and frequent model changes seamlessly,” informed Dr Immel.

When asked whether every tyre produced on the line is measured, Dr Immel explained that almost all OE tyres undergo screening to meet strict screening limits. For the replacement market, tyre manufacturers screen a varying percentage of products, depending on customer requirements and market strategy. While nearly 100 percent of OE tyres is tested, the extent of screening for replacement tyres varies across manufacturers and customers.

PRODUCT CATALOGUE

Micro-Poise Measuring Systems’ ASTEC FX system evaluates critical parameters such as force variation, while Micro-Poise’s TGIS FS system evaluates tyre runout and sidewall appearance. While these factors primarily influence ride comfort rather than direct safety, they play a role in detecting defects that could lead to premature tyre failure. “Some of these defects have been monitored for decades, forming an industry benchmark,” noted Dr Immel.

When discussing the process of force variation measurement, the executive compared a tyre to a system of parallel springs, where each section should ideally have the same spring constant or stiffness around the tyre. However, variations in manufacturing such as splices, component alignments and positioning errors can create inconsistencies, making certain areas stiffer or softer than others, resulting in a variation of the force the tyre induces into a vehicle while driving.

A load wheel presses into the tyres while it rotates to detect these variations, measuring force fluctuations. Higher force readings indicate stiffer areas, while lower ones suggest softer regions. This data is analysed using Fourier analysis, breaking it down into harmonics to help manufacturers ensure that force variation at certain frequencies remains within acceptable limits.

The US-headquartered company’s ITMS FX (Integrated Tire Measurement System) minimises testing cycle times while integrating and maintaining excellent measurement quality across force variation, dynamic balance and geometry measurements. In high-volume manufacturing, any cycle time advantage can significantly impact overall throughput, driving up the overall equipment value for the customer. “It’s always about how fast you can get the process done – get one tyre out, bring the next in and repeat,” Dr Immel explained.

Beyond speed, system reliability is equally important. Fully automated testing systems need to run continuously with minimal stoppages. “If a fault occurs, recovery must be instant,” he added. However, increasing speed without sacrificing measurement quality presents an inherent challenge.

The company’s Tire Geometry Inspection System (TGIS FS) integrates proprietary tyre-optimised 3D sensors to inspect sidewall geometry accurately. The system employs three strategically placed sensors in fixed locations – one each on the top lateral, radial and bottom lateral surfaces – to complete a full geometric scan in a single tyre revolution. The result is a micron-resolution contour of the entire tyre. This data supports defect detection, dimensional measurements and process optimisation. The system is adaptable across Micro-Poise’s force variation (uniformity), dynamic balance machines and various competitive equipment.

The company is reinforcing its position as the ‘automation partner of choice’ for tyre manufacturers, supported by the fact that it has always focused exclusively on final finish solutions. The company is driving towards fully automated ‘Lights Out’ operations, ensuring maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness across all its products.

Key advancements include revolutionary throughput enhancements that significantly improve final finish processes without adding costs, ease-of-use innovations that simplify complex systems for less experienced operators and increased flexibility through automated changeovers to address the growing number of SKUs in tyre production.

Additionally, it is advancing automated inspection and defect detection by helping its customers shift from manual to autonomous inspection, which encompasses more precise numerical measurements, reduced errors and a reduction in overall inspection costs.

A major breakthrough in this area is the integration of AI and deep learning (DL) into its Coll-Tech Automatic Defect Recognition (ADR) software for tyre X-ray image analysis. Showcased at the 2024 Tire Tech Expo, the latest advancements have dramatically improved defect detection accuracy and responsiveness to customer configuration and customisation requests.

“Previously, algorithmic versions required extended response times for adaptation and modification, but the AI-driven enhancements have eliminated this delay. Multiple manufacturing facilities are now operating their ADR-equipped X-ray systems without human inspectors, allowing personnel to be redeployed elsewhere while significantly reducing inspection expenses. The transition to full autonomous inspection is a learning process that requires adaptation, but the investment yields substantial positive financial returns. Micro-Poise’s ADR system allows our customers to control the pace and number of steps in the journey to full autonomous inspection. To facilitate adoption, we offer image evaluations, follow-up consultations and in-plant demonstrations,” said Dr Immel.

Beyond inspection advancements, Micro-Poise has also improved tyre grinding systems, enhancing both functional system performance and the visual appearance of ground tyres.

Historically, tyre grinding – used for force variation and geometry optimisation – has been instrumental in converting rejected tyres into OE-grade products. However, some manufacturers hesitate to adopt grinding due to concerns about visible grind marks. Micro-Poise has addressed these concerns by refining the grind appearance and adding new functionalities that turn tyre grinding from an art into a precise science. These innovations increase product yield, improve tyre grading and deliver a strong return on investment for manufacturers. With AI-driven defect detection, automation advancements and improved tyre yield solutions, Micro-Poise is setting new standards for efficiency, accuracy and cost savings in the final finish stage of tyre manufacturing.

The company continuously refines its technology, balancing cost efficiency with high performance. “Customers request additional features based on unique measurement methodologies and defect detection requirements,” Dr Immel said.

Customers expect the machines to operate for decades. Mechanically, the company’s systems are built for longevity, but electronics and software evolve much faster. To address obsolescence, the company offers modular control system upgrades bundled with new features, ensuring customers gain added value while modernising their equipment and extending its lifecycle.

In the context of retrofitting, Dr Immel said, “We design machines to accommodate sensor and measurement upgrades, enabling customers to integrate new parameters without replacing entire systems. The balance lies in designing robust mechanical structures while allowing flexibility in electronics and software.”

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES

Developing intuitive, easy-to-use machines is an ongoing challenge. “Simplifying a machine while maintaining its capabilities is often harder than designing a complex system,” Dr Immel noted.

The company has invested in UX/UI enhancements to improve operator efficiency and ease of use.

Furthermore, the tyre industry is currently facing one of its most dynamic and challenging periods, driven by rapid technological advancements, shifting regulations, sustainability initiatives and the rise of EVs.

One of the biggest challenges is aligning new technologies with practical applications that benefit customers while ensuring their confidence in these innovations. AI and automation, for example, are transforming manufacturing processes, but their complexity can be daunting for tyre producers who must navigate ever-changing market demands.

Additionally, external factors such as tariffs, trade wars and regulatory changes add another layer of uncertainty, making it critical to choose the right technologies that will bring long-term value.

Sustainability is another key concern as tyre manufacturers work to reduce environmental impact through raw material innovations, renewable energy adoption and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

While the company does not directly influence the chemical composition of tyres, it contributes to sustainability by designing testing and measurement equipment that uses less energy and air.

With AI-driven automation, faster cycle times and a strong focus on usability and upgradeability, it continues to push the boundaries of tyre testing technology. As the industry embraces data-driven solutions, the company remains at the forefront of precision measurement and defect detection.

FUTURE FOCUS

The industry is undoubtedly shifting towards fundamental measurement improvements and enhanced features like predictive maintenance, retrofitment and software upgrades.

“While reducing testing time and improving efficiency remain core priorities, there is an increasing demand for smart, automated solutions that can provide deeper insights into machine performance. Predictive maintenance is an exciting development area, but it is still in its early stages. The ultimate vision is to have intelligent software capable of real-time monitoring systems and predicting failures with precision. However, before reaching that stage, the focus is on establishing a solid data foundation and ensuring rapid recovery when issues arise,” averred Dr Immel.

To address these challenges, the industry is exploring soft sensor technology as a potential alternative to expensive hardware-based monitoring systems. These advancements could reduce reliance on physical sensors while still enabling predictive maintenance capabilities. As the industry moves forward, manufacturers must balance cost, efficiency and long-term viability to maximise the benefits of these innovations.

“The integration of AI and DL technologies is poised to continue, though adoption will likely be measured as manufacturers proceed with caution. While some advancements will prove transformative, others may fade over time. AI-driven systems can significantly improve productivity by shortening design and improvement cycles, making processes more efficient. Additionally, AI models can refine their accuracy over time through continuous feedback and training, leading to smarter and more effective applications in manufacturing,” he added.

He also noted that one key concern is the potential burden on customers. Some AI implementations risk shifting performance optimisation responsibilities such as defect evaluation, labelling and training onto end users. While this may be expected in later stages of adoption, it presents a significant challenge in the early phases, making seamless integration into existing workflows critical.

Another significant area of advancement is tyre grinding technology. While some manufacturers hesitate to use grinding due to concerns over visual imperfections, it remains a valuable and financially beneficial process for refining tyres that exceed variation limits.

Recent innovations aim to standardise and automate grinding, transforming it from an art into a precise, science-driven method. These advancements make the process more efficient and user-friendly, ensuring higher-quality output without compromising visual appearance. n

Micro-Poise TGIS FS Geometry Sensor

PCBL Chemical Limited has appointed Rohit Maindwal as Chief & Executive Director – Specialty Blacks and designated him as a senior management personnel, effective 20 August, 2026.

Maindwal brings around 32 years of industry experience. He holds a BTech in chemical engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal. His previous roles include positions at Reliance Industries Limited and JBF RAK LLC, where he most recently served as Senior Executive Vice-President at Reliance Industries Limited.

The company said the appointment is in a full-time capacity, with the term not separately specified.

From software-defined architectures and virtual proving grounds to the evolving role of tyres and ADAS, the third Vehicle Dynamics Conference in Chennai captured an industry in rapid transition. Industry leaders examined the trade-offs, technological leaps and competitive pressures that will define the next decade of vehicle engineering in India.

It was on 16 June 2026 that the 3rd edition of the Vehicle Dynamics Conference took place at Chennai Trade Centre, bringing together close to 200 stakeholders from the auto industry across India and internationally and marking another milestone for automotive development.

The event focused on the rapid evolution taking place across vehicle engineering, focusing on safety, performance, ride and handling, efficiency and emerging technology developments.

Opening the conference, Tom Thomas, Conference Chairman, underlined the significant transformation gripping the automotive sector. In his welcome address, Thomas noted, “Advances in software-defined vehicles, simulation technologies, electrification, safety systems, connectivity and vehicle performance are redefining the future of mobility.”

Building upon this perspective, S K P Amarnath, Vice-President of R&D, Apollo Tyres, declared that the event had matured into a vital platform where the entire ecosystem is discussed, status quos are challenged and new ideas are exchanged.

“Multiple transformational forces are converging at the first time in auto industry’s history, creating a defining moment for mobility,” Amarnath stated in his opening address.

He emphasised that the industry stands united in creating safer, smarter, comfortable, and sustainable vehicles, observing, “The disruptions – connected, autonomous, electric and software-defined vehicles (SDVs) – are happening at a speed and scale never experienced before.”

Amarnath further described India’s remarkable rise as a global automotive hub that faces fresh competitive pressures from China and Eastern Europe. “The speed of change is fast and influencing key attributes like vehicle dynamics and energy management. OTAs are becoming common and vehicles are turning into a continuously evolving platform,” Amarnath explained.

Turning attention to hardware, he identified the tyre as the most neglected part of the vehicle despite being the only component in direct contact with the road surface.

Revealing that Renault engineers devoted extensive track time to tyre testing at the Madras Racing Circuit, Dr Vikraman explained, “The slip angle, slip ratio, steering response, ride comfort, cornering stiffness optimisation etc. were achieved on dot through thousands of tuning cycles.”

He outlined that three guiding principles – be clear, be sure and be clever – guided target setting, vehicle character creation, kinematics, simulation and real-world proving ground evaluations. He observed that while precise tuning makes a vehicle exceptional, ADAS has compounded the paradox regarding vehicle dynamics.

Dr Vikraman mentioned that to overcome regional road variations, Renault clever-engineered the Duster’s ADAS technology specifically for local conditions where regulations regarding speed humps and barricades are rarely enforced.

Asserting India’s growing importance, Dr Vikraman concluded, “Engineers are expected to solve complex problems with creative solutions. Indian engineers should be creative and disruptive. They should be also proud.”

In the session focused on software, simulation and NVH, Shiv Sikand, Co-Founder of Drako Tech, spoke on the future of self-driving connected vehicles. “The architecture necessary to deliver AI connectivity, ADAS and OTA has simply been too expensive to put into a mainstream vehicle programme,” Sikand noted.

“Drako architecture – founded specifically to eliminate that barrier – enables the addition of new features through a mere software push,” said Sikand, explaining that traditional vehicle designs are frozen when shipped, leaving engineering cycles four to six years old by the time cars reach consumers.

He mentioned, “Tesla proved what seemed impossible 10 years ago. It proved that a software-first vehicle architecture could deliver a better product at lower long-term cost. Chinese manufacturers took that lesson – specifically BYD – and industrialised it at scale.”

The executive explained that Drako’s DriveOS single-ECU platform replaces kilometres of wiring and dozens of isolated ECUs with a single USB backbone and commodity hardware, cutting cost, weight and carbon footprint.

During the panel discussion titled ‘Engineering in India for the World’, moderated by AutoAscend’s CEO Latha Chembrakalam, industry executives evaluated local development trends.

Manoj Aggarwal, Vice-President of Engineering at Maruti Suzuki India, observed that while central computing was once considered too costly, current focus centre’s entirely on software systems and exporting Indian products to Europe and Japan.

Aggarwal noted, “The ISO 26262 standard has been adopted and work is progressing on digital twins with Japan and Germany to deliver a global product. In vehicle dynamics, much work is taking place on virtualisation.” He added that Maruti Suzuki maintains a dedicated division to collaborate directly with startups.

Piyush Kende, Senior General Manager of Vehicle Integration at Tata Motors, emphasised that changing regulations and multi-fuel options are driving rapid engineering shifts. “SDVs are a new trend and are creating a need to work on them faster from India perspective,” Kende said, noting that Tata develops platforms in-house.

“Young engineers need to be pushed into innovation and IP creation. There is a gap regarding knowledge vis-à-vis real-world understanding,” he added and explained that regulatory frameworks encourage local engineering while global supply chain strategies protect against international disruptions.

Arjun Balasubramanian, Division Head of Product Development (PCR-OE) at Apollo Tyres, shared, “We are tackling geopolitical issues that add a different perspective to the supply chain, resources and engineering opportunities. We are also collaborating with academia regarding engineering, governance etc. We are also making patents and building technology.” He added that evolving tyre emission regulations require active academic and industrial research.

Ankur Sharma, Head of Platform Engineering at JSW MG Motor India, highlighted that vehicle development is no longer purely mechanical, remarking, “There’s AI at work.” Sharma explained that Indian testing includes unique local edge cases, stating, “We have had scenarios with a vehicle hitting a cow or vice versa as a test parameter that is unique to India. This could be applied to markets that face such a challenge.” He added that workforce availability and time-to-market demands make academic collaboration essential.

Addressing computer-aided engineering, Prajakta Khare, Technical Manager of Multibody Dynamics at Dassault Systemes, presented on Simulia Simpack.

L-R: Latha Chembrakalam, CEO, AutoAscend; Manoj Aggarwal, VP – Engineering, Maruti Suzuki India; Piyush Kende, Sr Gen Manager,

Vehicle Integration, Tata Motors; Ankur Sharma, Head – Platform Engineering, JSW MG Motor India and Hitesh Joshi, Head of Technology, Apollo Tyres.Your contribution played a pivotal role in making GTRC 2026 a resounding success. We deeply appreciate your trust and collaboration, and we look forward to welcoming you again as we continue to shape the future of the tyre industry together.

Khare noted, “Simulia Simpack is unique and delivers in terms of accuracy, efficiency, team automation and robustness, among others. In the face of challenges that include market pressure, complexity and diversity, this helps to do CAE led development, including in the area of vehicle dynamics.”

She added that Simulia resolves complex physical factors in software-defined vehicles, including high vehicle mass, regenerative braking, battery placement and tyre properties.

Dr Nagesh Poojary, Managing Director of IPG Automotive India, spoke on virtual validation ecosystems, warning that software recalls could cost the industry USD 30 billion to USD 35 billion in warranty expenses. “Doing real-world tests is not feasible while the need to test more is increasing,” Dr Poojary noted, explaining that continuous virtual validation under ISO 26262 enables manufacturers to handle software complexity efficiently.

In the safety and performance session moderated by Sharad Matade, Executive Editor of Motoring Trends, panellists examined two-wheeler engineering.

Vishwadev Muraleedharan, Head of Vehicle Dynamics at Simple Energy, pointed out that the rider constitutes 50 percent of total vehicle dynamics. “A technology like ABS is mandatory and there should be a clear line between the system intervening and not intruding in a two-wheeler,” Muraleedharan mentioned. He revealed that electric two-wheeler battery compartments form a critical structural part of the chassis and urged ground-up component design. He noted that Simple Energy utilises a mid-drive motor near the swingarm pivot to centralise mass near the centre of gravity.

Prithivi Raj S, Technical Manager of Vehicle Engineering at Raptee HV, agreed that two-wheeler packaging is complicated by high centre-of-gravity requirements. He suggested that Inertial Measurement Units could generate rider safety scores alongside managing ABS lean angles.

“We have engineered a huge battery box to get the Cente of Gravity (CG) right in terms of dynamics. The most underrated factor in ride and handling is tyre pressure. A tyre is not only for grip but also a significant part of the spring damper system,” Prithivi Raj averred, stressing that system interventions must not override driver control unpredictably.

In a panel on smart hardware and software moderated by Nilesh Wadhwa, Assistant Editor of Motoring Trends, Gopal Musale, Cluster Head of Digital Product Engineering at BMW TechWorks India, announced, “The use of software and hardware is at a point where more software will come in hereafter. Vehicle improvement is going to be closely linked to AI in the coming times and software updates will be over the air (OTA).”

Musale explained that BMW utilises digital twins and a six-degree-of-freedom simulator in Munich to evaluate vehicle behaviour virtually before building physical prototypes, saving significant time and testing costs.

Alexander Aydt, Senior Fellow for ADAS/AD Tooling at Vector Informatik, noted that AI accelerates code generation and object detection, such as identifying a child running behind a ball. However, Aydt emphasised, “Humans are still strong at predicting the unimaginable.” He added that software-defined architecture allows engineers to alter intrusive vehicle features with ease compared to rigid mechanical designs.

Darren Jeseritz, Senior Applications Engineer at MTS, presented on hybrid simulation and Model-in-the-Loop (mHiL) testing. Jeseritz explained that MTS hybrid simulation integrates physical hardware with virtual multibody models, enabling steering and suspension certification on virtual tracks before physical prototypes exist. He noted that four-corner systems allow for complete vehicle dynamics simulation in laboratory environments.

The commercial vehicle session, moderated by Bhushan Mhapralkar, Editor of Motoring Trends, addressed decarbonisation and efficiency. Rajaram Kumble, Section Manager at Volvo India, noted that Volvo evaluates safety for both occupants and pedestrians. He shared that systems like predictive cruise control deliver 5 to 7 percent efficiency gains, while Volvo Dynamic Steering reduces steering effort in heavy manoeuvres by up to 70 percent.

Ramakrishna Donakonda, Vice-President and Head of Powertrain and eDrives at Daimler Truck Innovation Centre India, contrasted European staggered regulations with India’s simultaneous regulatory deadlines, such as 2027 ADAS mandates.

Donakonda explained that OEMs prioritise scalable platforms, noting, “Ultimately, what is offered to the customer is what they want and at prices that are acceptable to them.” He added that commercial electric vehicle adoption remains governed by charging infrastructure availability.

M K Jain, Tyre Technologist at JK Tyre, observed that commercial vehicle technology is rapidly adopting passenger car innovations, including Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems and ‘Tyre-as-a-Service’ models. Jain noted that as per-kilometre payment models expand, tyre manufacturers are transitioning into ongoing tyre managers rather than pure hardware suppliers.

Concluding the technical presentations, Dhanasekar Venkatesan, Senior Principal Application Engineer at Cadence, highlighted that compressed launch timelines push teams towards zero-prototype development. Venkatesan explained that Cadence provides the MSC Adams multibody dynamics tool – a 50-year-old software used in space programmes – to accurately predict motion, forces, durability and vibration under complex Indian road conditions.

The third Vehicle Dynamics Conference demonstrated that vehicle engineering has transitioned into an integrated ecosystem where software, virtual simulation and mechanical design converge to shape the future of global mobility.

Around 400 stakeholders from the global tyre and rubber industry converged on Chennai for the third edition of the Global Tyre and Rubber Conference (GTRC), held over two days on 17 and 18 June 2026. Against a backdrop of geopolitical strain, an accelerating shift to electric vehicles and the steady thrust on artificial intelligence into every layer of manufacturing, the gathering offered an unusually candid read on where the sector stands – and how anxious and ambitious it has become about what comes next.

Mike Norman, Chief Commercial Officer of VMI Group, called it a special moment for the industry, pointing to geopolitical disruption, rising competition from China, regulatory upheaval, the EV transition and the arrival of AI as forces reshaping the business. “This is a special event for the tyre and rubber industry. The times are difficult and there are disruptions – geopolitical in nature – that are a matter of concern and underline the changing nature of the business,” he said, adding that “the technological advancements are creating new opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and performance.”

CHANGE OF TYRE MANUFACTURING ERA

The conference’s most sweeping remarks came from Arun Mammen, Chairman of ATMA India and Vice Chairman & Managing Director of MRF, who argued that growth in the sector will not simply arrive – it must be built through bold investment, scientific rigour and the courage to transform, in step with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 ambitions.

Mammen’s central claim was structural: for more than a century, tyre engineering has rested on three pillars – durability, grip and cost. “That era is ending. The convergence of sustainability imperatives and autonomous, shared and electric vehicles megatrends are forcing a complete reimagination of what a tyre must be,” he said.

He argued that electric vehicles demand a fundamentally different tyre – one engineered for ultra-low rolling resistance to preserve range – and that this requirement collides with Indian road realities, where only about three percent of the network qualifies as national highway. That gap, he said, calls for India-specific innovation and a regulatory framework that does not trade away safety in the pursuit of sustainability.

Mammen went further, describing a future in which the tyre itself becomes intelligent. “The tyre of tomorrow will no longer be a passive mechanical component, it will be an intelligent system embedded with sensors, TPMS that will enable real-time tracking of pressure, temperature, wear, road friction, predictive maintenance and optimised fleet performance that saves lives,” he said, adding that unlocking this potential would depend on deep, sustained collaboration between OEMs and tyre manufacturers.

On the factory floor, Mammen said Industry 4.0, AI, IoT and digital twins are transforming tyre manufacturing through process optimisation and predictive quality control. He also highlighted the shift from steam-based curing to electric and induction systems, with green hydrogen emerging as a future option.

On raw materials, Mammen noted the growing need to reduce dependence on petroleum-derived inputs. He highlighted India’s natural rubber expansion, with four major tyre companies helping establish 200,000 hectares of plantations, alongside a broader push towards bio-based materials, recycled content and a circular economy.

Mammen also pointed to renewed interest in retreading and the need for more resilient, localised supply chains, including domestic production of advanced manufacturing equipment. He concluded that India’s tyre industry now has an opportunity to lead the sector’s next phase of transformation.

Peter Haan, Head of Global VM Tire at Siemens AG, a visionary tyre veteran who has played a transformative role in advancing automation, digitalisation and technological innovation in the global tyre industry, received the Tyre Trends Lifetime Contribution award. “I would like to thank my dear friends in the Indian tyre industry, my partners and customers because I learned over the years that it is all about partnership,” he said in accepting it.

SESSION ONE: BUSINESS & EMERGING TRENDS

The opening panel, moderated by Latha Chembrakalam, CEO of AutoAscend, brought together Mammen, Norman and Ian Wilson, CEO of HF Group.

Mammen described a tyre industry facing sustainability pressure, the EV transition and raw-material constraints simultaneously – a convergence upending the economics of a capital-intensive business, since EVs change the game entirely. Building new facilities takes time and heavy capital, he said, arguing for a balance between existing plants and advanced new ones, and realistic targets for green tyres given that EVs demand an entirely new specification, technology and material set. Staying close to markets matters amid geopolitical shifts, he added: global technology matters more than global manufacturing footprint, and sophistication in tyre machinery will require more data analysts, cybersecurity specialists and other skilled talent.

Norman described China as a non-legacy market that has become a major disruptor, forcing costly upgrades to technology and facilities. “We are taking a platform approach for our machines right from the development stage to ensure scalability and retrofitting,” he said. EV adoption, he noted, is outpacing the industry’s ability to keep up, though VMI’s machines already handle the lighter, tougher tyres EVs require; cell-style manufacturing may help, even if it complicates large-scale short runs, making flexibility and modularity essential. He warned that scarce skilled manpower will push more automation and, in turn, more complex machinery, and that legislation – fast-arriving – is being underestimated.

Wilson pointed to Chinese auto OEMs building greenfield facilities in Africa as a signal of changing demand. “Chinese auto OEMs are setting up greenfield facilities in Africa, indicating a demand and change for tyre makers,” he said, adding that “new tech developments like AI are set to enhance tyre development and production.” Replacing steam curing with electric systems, he added, could bring significant improvement, alongside attention to the energy efficiency of recyclability; lower rolling resistance in EV tyres is also reshaping how silica is used in compounding.

Sanjay Chatterjee, Director General of ATMA, used his address – ‘Indian Tyre Industry – Towards a Resilient and Atmanirbhar Tomorrow’ – to cite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark that Indian tyre exports crossed INR 273.12 million in the last fiscal year despite headwinds, reaching more than 172 countries. “Robust tyre production and growth, natural rubber production, ERP regime and other regulations are driving Indian economic growth,” he said.

SESSION TWO: MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE

Chaired by V K Misra, Technical Director of JK Tyre & Industries, this session opened with Dr Gerard Nijman of KraussMaffei Extrusion posing a pointed question in his talk, ‘50 Years Of Tyre Component Extrusion: Did The Piggyback Multiplex Head Reach The End Of Life?’ He explained that multiplex and rollerhead lines use a piggyback configuration to produce roughly seven to eight components, but that drawbacks – limited flexibility, capped head pressure, hydraulic dependence, poor accessibility, an over-engineered locking concept and difficulty swapping heads – mean that “it is therefore necessary to question whether it has reached the end-of-life.”

Nicola Fedele, Managing Director and Board Member at Rodolfo Comerio, described calendering as “the heartbeat of tyre production,” adding: “There are innovations (friction-free lamination) and breakthroughs (less material use and fast change over time) in the global tyre market that is worth USD 256 billion.” He said eliminating the accumulator from the calendering process delivers superior quality control and a basis for automation.

Karsten Jung of Troester GmbH & Co. KG addressed EV mobility as a megatrend driving stiffer, higher-silica compounds. “An acquisition (SC OTOMASYON) made last year is helping push automation, involving an autobook system, truck tyre spraying line and more,” Jung said. Saravana Kumar S, Managing Director of Troester India, described the company’s regional push on extrusion performance. “Much regarding regional integration is being done in terms of extrusion performance, including refurbishment, retrofitting etc.,” the MD of Troester India said.

SESSION THREE: ADVANCEMENTS IN TYRE MANUFACTURING

Chaired by Ravin Kurian, Senior GM of Product Development at MRF, this session started with the presentation of Dr Robert Hula of Vipo a.s. on bead and apex solutions, which he called among the most important components in a tyre since its inception. “Precision manufacture as a new standard is paving way for intelligent bead manufacturing and predictive maintenance process with the use of greener materials,” he said.

Robert Thomas Irwin, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at The Steelastic Company, traced the industry’s evolution from bias to radial to EV to high-performance and premium tyres. “The shift from bias tyre to radial tyre to an EV tyre to a high-performance and premium tyre is creating a need to integrate extrusion tech with conventional calendaring,” he said, citing quicker changeovers, reduced work-in-process, better traceability and labour optimisation as benefits.

SESSION FOUR: GOING GREEN & SUSTAINABLE

This session, chaired by C Harimohan, Head of Corporate R&D (Materials and Compounding) at Yokohama OHT, opened with Colin Clarke of Schill+Seilacher (Struktol), Director – Technical Sales, Schill+Seilacher (Struktol) GmbH, who argued that emerging vehicle concepts, energy-efficiency demands and higher load-bearing requirements are driving major shifts in compounding formulations. “The use of resins is increasing relative to oils in certain applications and products such as Struktol VP 1831 are witnessing growing demand as they provide excellent Silica dispersion and superior metal release,” he said.

Ralph Boehm, Senior Manager, Kuraray Europe GmbH, described the company’s liquid rubber as “a reactive plasticiser that reduces Mooney viscosity while maintaining high quality and performance,” noting two new silane-modified butadiene rubber grades suited to silica-based tread compounds and truck-and-bus radial tyres for summer and winter use.

Dr Roberto Blanco Trillo, Global Business Development Manager, Allnex, discussed sustainable cord adhesion. “The Allnex Alvonol PN870 resin enhances rubber-brass adhesion and enables excellent cord adhesion without cobalt and resorcinol to be a truly sustainable solution,” he informed.

Srikanth Chakravarthy, Managing Director of Eonix, representing China’s Zenith Steel Group, described it as operator of the world’s largest steel-cord facility. “The Zenith Steel Group in China has the biggest steel cord facility in the world with continuous capex. It is highly competitive with strong economies of scale and focusing on efficiency through vertical integration, making steel cords. It is investing in highest level of automation, making steel cords through intelligent manufacturing encompassing six plants.”

DAY TWO, SESSION FIVE: AI INTEGRATION IN THE TYRE INDUSTRY

Dr Sujith S Nair, Vice President of R&D at CEAT’s Centre of Excellence, chaired this session. In his presentation on the subject ‘In the tyre market, evolution never stops’, Marcel Berkers, VP Global Sales Tyre & Rubber, VMI Group, framed technology evolution as fundamentally about smarter machines enabling efficient use of material and energy. “The practical approach of VMI is lowest cost-per-tyre within spec,” Berkers said.

Peter Haan argued that AI in the tyre industry still has considerable distance to travel, with challenges spanning shop-floor integration and scaling across visual quality inspection, anomaly and object detection, automation programming, process optimisation and predictive maintenance – challenges he said Siemens’ shop-floor AI industrial suite is designed to democratise and scale.

Harsh Vardhan, Global Head of Digital Innovation at Apollo Tyres, spoke on industrial AI’s path from automation to autonomy. “Continuous RoIs are being registered as humans and AI collaborate,” he said, adding that “AI is set to be a force multiplier in terms of business value, CFT collaboration process, governance fusion, AI and deep-tech diffusion, and RoI.” He noted Apollo has assembled a dedicated team to integrate and scale AI, with the real competition now centred on scale versus speed – measured in cycle-time reduction and energy savings.

SESSION SIX: THE ART OF TESTING

This session, chaired by Unnikrishnan P K, Global Head of R&D Tyre Testing at Apollo Tyres, featured Dr Shaun Immel of Ametek’s MicroPoise Measurement Systems on autonomous tyre-defect detection through X-ray image analysis. “The processing works in real plants with most X-ray machines using AI and deep learning to find defects and classify a tyre objectively,” he said, citing faster setup for new defect types, clearer colour-coded visualisation of tyre structure and improved air-bubble detection that lowers misclassification and cost.

Informing that his company has over 480 installations and offers offline profile inspection (with high precision for tyre companies using laser sensor), online profile inspection, extrusion (non-contact and high precision inspection suitable for tread) and width sensor for non-contact and high precision width measurement, Lubos Hodal, Head of Sales Department, Micro-Epsilon, said on the subject ‘New technology in tyre inspection’ that they also have mould inspection system for curing, avoiding noise and blind spots; letter completeness inspection during curing; final finishing solutions such as a central marking line, colour marks on sidewall and tread and retrofit programmes for PCR and TBR. Pragnesh Mori, Managing Director of Micro- Epsilon India, said, “We are designing measuring systems and software through our Indian assembly facility in Pune. The application team there works with the European team to develop new solutions.”

Michael Mueller, Senior Sales and Key Account Manager, ZF, addressed high-speed uniformity measurement and its bearing on quality and comfort in R&D and virtual tyre development. “High speed uniformity measurement marks a new trend in terms of comfort that includes typical HSU tests, the properties gained, the effect of speed ramp versus constant speeds, resonant frequency and different road conditions,” he said. He also said that ZF developed an advanced 2026 HSU solution accounting for tyre noise, vehicle weight, road conditions, user expectations and virtual simulation.

SESSION SEVEN: SUSTAINABILITY WAY FORWARD

Chaired by Dr Sarat Ghosh, Vice President of R&D and Technology at Birla Tyres, this session opened with Anil Nair of HF Group on electrical tyre curing. Curing demands are rising alongside tyre size, he said, and EV tyres in particular require low rolling resistance, spurring innovation. “The USP of electric curing is independent control, a key advantage in terms of de-coupling temperature from pressure. The electric curing press promises higher profit,” he said.

Aki Nurminen of Black Donuts spoke on manufacturing costs, describing cost as historically a unit-economics problem, now increasingly shaped by raw materials, maintenance, fixed costs and depreciation. “Boiling down to sustainability, cost and market reality where about 90 percent of the 600 tyre industries globally are over 19 years old, the implications in terms of automation or the lack of it, the lack of efficiency and how the new entrants are taking advantage of better tech that ensure lower costs are beginning to show up in an addressable market for tyres that is growing,” he said, noting Black Donuts’ Nemus bio-based pre-mix filler.

Priyank Potnis of Planex, the Indian partner of Regom, addressed circularity and traceability for end-of-life tyres. “Regom’s technology identifies tyre specs for end-of-life tyres, including automatic evacuation of a good tyre,” he said, adding that the company has developed two machines supporting traceability, circularity and ESG compliance amid the disposal of an estimated three million tonnes of end-of-life tyres under a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

SESSION EIGHT: PROCUREMENT UNDER PRESSURE

The closing panel, moderated by Chakravarthy, brought together Nikhil Puri, Senior Vice President of Direct Procurement at Yokohama, and Ramanan Balasubramanian Venkat, Vice President of Procurement at Ascenso Tyres, to discuss the pressures facing tyre-maker procurement teams.

“Retaining control over the supply chain remains a constant challenge, necessitating a need for pro-active engagement, both internally and externally, with various stakeholders to ensure agility and responsiveness,” Venkat said. AI and data-driven analytics increasingly shape procurement decisions, he added, though the open question is how much reliance those tools warrant given how quickly situations can shift in ways analytics may not anticipate. He described India’s tyre ecosystem as uniquely positioned given the investment underway, arguing the industry needs a long-term perspective, close collaboration and a supplier base both locally rooted and globally capable – while flagging the shortage of natural rubber as reason to accelerate adoption of greener, sustainable alternatives.

“Dividing into pre-Covid and post-Covid eras as supply chains underwent a real litmus test leading to a fundamental shift in mindset, forcing companies to go back to the drawing board and rethink their sourcing strategies, reliance on a sole supplier has been largely abandoned and new relationship built to enhance resilience,” Puri said. The ability to modify supply chains at short notice, he added, became a critical post-pandemic capability, driving regional diversification, stronger risk management and mapping of vendors’ own supply chains, with AI now positioned to take procurement further – including predicting disruptions such as weather events.

Puri also pointed to digital twins as improving understanding of container load capacity and logistics efficiency, and suggested AI combined with augmented reality could further improve warehouse operations. He framed India’s position as a sweet spot, backed by a young population and strong growth potential, pointing to the country’s diversification of crude-oil sourcing as an example of a broader ‘glocal’ strategy – one that includes friend-shoring, or sourcing from trusted, friendly nations to build more resilient supply chains.

Not only the conference delegates but GTRC also witnessed a significant increase in the exhibitors’ participation. The exhibition area consisted of 37 stalls, with some of the participating companies taking multiple booths and some of them sharing them with their overseas principles. The response was overwhelming and marked a surge over the last edition of the conference, cementing the GTRC as a global tyre event.

Conference chairman Tom Thomas closed proceedings by thanking speakers, delegates and stakeholders and acknowledged the event’s sponsors. The next edition of GTRC will be held on 23–24 June 2027 at the Chennai Trade Centre in Chennai, India.  

Toyo Tire Corporation will implement organisational changes and leadership reassignments from 1st  October  2026, as part of efforts to strengthen execution of its medium-term business plan.

The restructuring is designed to reinforce strategy execution under the direct supervision of the president, in line with priorities set out in the company’s Mid-Term ’26 Plan.

Under the changes, the Americas Sales Division will be elevated to the Americas Business Headquarters and placed directly under the president. The division’s sales department will be renamed the Americas Business Development Department and transferred to the new structure.

The company will also move its ESG Promotion Department from the Corporate Infrastructure Division to the Corporate Strategy Division to align sustainability initiatives more closely with business strategy. In addition, the investor relations department will shift to the Corporate Administration Division.

Toyo Tire Corporation confirmed changes to executive responsibilities, including the appointment of Tatsuo Mitsuhata as Senior Corporate Officer And Vice-President of the Americas Business Headquarters. He will also continue to serve as representative Director And Chief Executive of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc. and President And Chief Executive of Toyo Tire North America OE Sales LLC.

Further personnel changes include Kunihiro Matsumoto becoming Deputy Division General Manager of the Corporate Administration Division, while Nobuo Yoshida will serve as General Manager of the Corporate Strategy Division.

Miho Okamoto and Junji Hirose will assume roles within the Corporate Strategy Division, overseeing ESG-related functions, while Hiroshi Ito will take responsibility for the investor relations department under the Corporate Administration Division.

Kenji Kubo has been appointed General Manager of the Americas Business Development Department.

Additional appointments include Misaki Nagao as General Manager of Quality Assurance Department No.1, while Wataru Matsumoto will assume the role of General Manager of the Commercial Tire Technical Service Department from November 1 2026.

At subsidiary level, Keiko Brockel will become President And Chief Executive of Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas Inc., while Angelo Naval will be appointed President And Chief Executive of Nitto Tire U.S.A. Inc.