Bengaluru-headquartered engineering and R&D (ER&D) company L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has been working behind the scenes with a wide-variety of industries globally as well as in India; among them the transportation vertical is a key contributor, which also includes the automotive and tyre industry.

The tyre industry, which for long has been seen working silos, is now increasingly embracing digitalisation and external support for accelerated growth.

In an interaction with Tyre Trends, Shailendra Shrivastava, Chief Segment Officer, Mobility at L&T Technology Services, shared, “The integration of research, development, innovation and technology is set to revolutionise the tyre industry, ushering in an era of digital transformation that extends beyond traditional manufacturing.”

He believes that by leveraging digital tools, tyre makers can gather and analyse data from major fleet owners, which enables them to take more informed manufacturing decisions and strategic production planning.

PARTNERSHIPS PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE

It is no secret that the automotive industry right now is undergoing an evolution, what’s with alternative fuels, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), consumer demand or fast-evolving regulatory framework.

LTTS shared that ER&D companies are increasingly playing a pivotal role in the digital transformation of tyre OEMs, both in India and on a global scale. These partnerships are driven by the relentless advancement in technology and competitive market.

It is not just about development of tyres but also overhauling the manufacturing and other processes.

“Engineering firms provide tyre manufacturers with cutting-edge solutions such as smart manufacturing processes, IoT integrations and predictive analytics. These collaborations help tyre OEMs to enhance their operational efficiency, reduce costs and innovate their product offerings. This alliance is not just about keeping pace with industry trends; it’s about setting the trajectory for future innovation and ensuring that tyre companies are well equipped to meet evolving consumer demands and regulatory requirements,” explained Shrivastava.

KEY TRENDS RESHAPING THE TYRE INDUSTRY

In both automotive and non-automotive industries, such as agriculture, construction and material handling, tyres play a crucial role in ensuring efficiency, safety and performance. According to Shrivastava, one of the biggest shifts in the industry is the integration of technology.

He outlined the key trends witnessed:

Smart tyres: Technology integration in tyres is on the rise. Smart tyres equipped with sensors, monitor tyre pressure, temperature and tread wear provide real-time data to enhance safety and performance. Tyre companies are progressively leveraging this data to enhance customer engagement through their proprietary applications.

Electrification: With the growing focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and their increased weight due to batteries, there is a greater emphasis on designing tyres that reduce rolling resistance, minimise road noise and improve driving distance. EV tyres also need to be more durable to withstand wear and tear.

Safety: As safety becomes a priority, there is a demand for tyres with advanced features, including improved wet-condition grip, better braking performance and superior durability.

Sustainability: The demand for sustainable materials and tyres designed to reduce rolling resistance is growing. This trend improves fuel efficiency and reduces carbon emissions.

Customisation: Consumers are showing interest in customisable tyres with unique tread patterns and sidewall designs that allow for personalisation.

Retreading & recycling: The practice of retreading tyres is gaining popularity as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to complete tyre replacement; this is also particularly significant for commercial fleet operators.

When it comes to demand trends, while there are differences between India customers and other countries, there are trends converging in the tyre industry.

“In India, consumers have traditionally prioritised cost-effectiveness and durability due to challenging road conditions and economic factors. Conversely, in other global markets, emphasis has often been placed on performance, technology integration and environmental sustainability. However, with the rapid globalisation and exposure to international standards, Indian consumers are beginning to demand more sophisticated features. This shift is fostering a convergence of consumer expectations, as companies are now striving to balance affordability with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly options, creating a more universal demand across various regions,” alluded Shrivastava.

Despite some commonalities, there are some key differences in the markets:

Price sensitivity: Indian consumers tend to be more price-sensitive, leading to a higher demand for budget-friendly tyres.

Durability: Due to challenging road conditions, Indian consumers prioritise durable tyres that can withstand Indian roads and rough terrains.

Replacement market dominance: In India, the replacement tyre market dominates, comprising about 56 percent of total volume, unlike developed markets with balanced demand between OEM and replacement tyres.

Fuel-efficient tyres: While globally there is interest in eco-friendly tyres, this trend is more pronounced in developed markets due to stricter environmental regulations.

Brand loyalty: Brand loyalty is stronger in developed markets. In India, consumers prioritise value for money and are open to trying new brands.

While the differences in the trends remain, as the Indian tyre industry becomes more tech-advanced, we will see more convergence between the developed and emerging markets.

TESTING, DESIGNING & VALIDATION

ER&D companies like LTTS mostly work behind the scenes and most of their work revolve around co-creating Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) with their clients.

The company also provides polymer engineering innovation, wherein it enables enhancement of performance, safety and sustainability with lightweight, durable and recyclable materials.

LTTS supports tyre manufacturers worldwide by leveraging advanced composites, 3D printing and high-performance thermoplastics, which helps clients address environmental concerns and cost challenges, driving smarter, more efficient and sustainable transportation solutions.

“We provide AI/ML-based applications, reverse engineering services, embedded sensor solutions and support for advanced manufacturing. Our expertise spans areas like digital twin technology, 3D scanning and IoT integration.

“LTTS focuses on several critical areas, including AI/ML for efficiency, which optimises tyre development and reducing material wastage. Reverse engineering allows for analysing tread patterns and compositions for improvements. Embedded systems & IoT for enabling smart tyres with real-time monitoring capabilities. Manufacturing support to bring efficiency in tyre production plants. Augmented reality and mobile applications to drive digital transformation in the tyre industry.

“By integrating AI, ML and IoT with traditional engineering, we help raise industry standards while prioritising sustainability and efficiency,” said the executive.

SENSOR-BASED TYRE TECH & EMISSIONS

Smart tyres are no longer a work of fiction but a promising technology that is set to see significant uptick in various segments in the coming years. It’s no secret that tyre makers and even start-ups alike are investing heavily to bring smart tyres that not only indicate the tyre pressure but also various parameters to improve vehicle performance, fuel efficiency and safety.

A report by SNS Insider estimates that the automotive smart tyre market size was valued at USD 90.90 billion in 2023 and expected to grow with a CAGR of 8.60 percent from 2024 to 2032. Through the year 2032, it is likely to reach around USD 206.39 billion, promoted by the expanding applications in terms of several automotive segments.

This will also be due to the emergence of more sensors and connected vehicle technology.

Shrivastava said, “Advanced sensors are revolutionising the tyre industry by offering a higher degree of customisation, fundamentally changing how performance and safety are approached. At the forefront of this transformation is enhanced safety: sensors now monitor tyre pressure, temperature and tread wear in real-time, preventing accidents by alerting drivers to potential issues before they escalate. Furthermore, improved performance is achieved as real-time feedback from these sensors optimises the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and traction control, resulting in a smoother driving experience. Predictive maintenance is another benefit, with sensors anticipating maintenance needs, thereby reducing both downtime and costs, which is especially advantageous for commercial fleets. Additionally, from a sustainability perspective, smart technologies support the design of more efficient and longer-lasting tyres, reducing waste and enhancing fuel efficiency.”

Furthermore, electrification and alternative fuels at the forefront for the automotive industry also means tyre makers are expected to further cut down on emissions, especially tyre emissions (particulate matter). This means the industry is looking not only for newer chemistries and eco-friendly materials but also the way tyres are designed, friction and recyclability.

As an ER&D partner for the automotive and tyre industry, LTTS stated that addressing particulate matter emissions and enhancing sustainability requires a comprehensive approach using several key strategies.

Firstly, the use of sustainable materials, such as renewable and bio-based materials like natural rubber and recycled components, becomes essential. Incorporating these materials not only reduces environmental impact but also supports the circular economy. Secondly, designing tyres with reduced rolling resistance improves fuel efficiency and minimises emissions, contributing significantly to sustainability efforts.

“Additionally, advanced manufacturing processes that incorporate energy-efficient production methods and reduce the use of toxic substances are critical in lowering the carbon footprint associated with tyre production. Lastly, the efficient development of tyres through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) optimises overall development efficiency and resource utilisation, thereby enhancing sustainability on multiple fronts. These strategies collectively form a robust framework for advancing tyre sustainability and mitigating environmental impacts. By focusing on these areas, the tyre industry can make significant strides towards sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint,” concluded an optimistic Shrivastava.

ZC Rubber has received the Second Prize of China's State Science and Technology Progress Award for a project focused on high-performance tyre technologies and green intelligent manufacturing, developed jointly with Harbin Institute of Technology. The award recognises the project, titled Key Technologies and Green Intelligent Manufacturing of High-Performance Tires.

According to the company, ZC Rubber is the only Chinese tyre manufacturer to receive the State Science and Technology Progress Award at the Second Prize level or above during the past decade. The award is among China's highest state honours for scientific and technological innovation.

The company said the recognition reflects its investment in research and development and its efforts to integrate tyre development with intelligent manufacturing. In 2025, ZC Rubber invested RMB 1.54 billion in research and development, equivalent to 3.43 percent of annual revenue, according to its annual report.

The award recognises technologies that have moved beyond laboratory research into industrial application, linking high-performance tyre development with green and intelligent manufacturing processes.

Central to the company's research strategy are two proprietary technology platforms: the X-Tech System for truck and bus radial tyres and the Phecda Tech System for passenger car radial tyres. The platforms combine compound formulation, tyre structure design, process engineering, simulation, testing and intelligent manufacturing within a single development framework.

Rather than adapting an existing product architecture, the platforms define performance targets according to vehicle application, operating conditions and customer requirements before developing compounds, structures and manufacturing processes. ZC Rubber said this enables it to develop tyres for different duty cycles, climates, road conditions and regional requirements rather than using a standardised design.

Henry Shen, Senior Vice President of ZC Rubber, said: “Our objective is not simply to develop an individual material, tread pattern or manufacturing process. X-Tech and Phecda are complete development systems that connect user requirements with simulation, materials, tire engineering, manufacturing and validation. This award recognizes the direction we have pursued through sustained R&D investment.”

The company has applied the X-Tech and Phecda platforms across products developed for different regions. In Asia, the X-Tech System underpins the X-Elite truck tyre series. In Europe, it is used in the WESTLAKE Gen II commercial tyre range, while the Phecda Tech System supports passenger car tyres including the WESTLAKE ZuperAce Z-007 and GOODRIDE Solmax 1. Technologies from both platforms have also been applied across ARISUN's truck and passenger car tyre ranges in the Americas.

Shen said: “International markets do not have identical requirements. A tire developed for European highway fleets, Southeast Asian transport operations or passenger vehicles in the Americas must respond to different vehicles, roads, climates and customer priorities. Our technology platforms allow us to address those differences through a consistent and systematic development process.”

The company said the award-winning project incorporates green and intelligent manufacturing technologies intended to improve product consistency, production efficiency and energy performance. It added that the X-Tech and Phecda platforms will continue to support original equipment and replacement market product development across its WESTLAKE, GOODRIDE, ARISUN and other brands.

The Indian Rubber Materials Research Institute (IRMRI) has officially announced the appointment of Professor (Dr) Abhijit Bandyopadhyay as its new Director. This decision marks a significant leadership transition for the institute, as it prepares to welcome a figure with extensive expertise in polymer science and rubber technology.

Professor Bandyopadhyay brings a distinguished academic and technical background to his new position. He currently serves as a full Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Technology at the University of Calcutta and holds the role of Director, Technical at the South Asia Rubber and Polymers Park in West Bengal. His prior experience includes a tenure as Assistant Professor at the Rubber Technology Centre, IIT Kharagpur, and he has recently been appointed as a Technical Consultant for Rubber products at Berzelius Materials Performance Inc. in the United Kingdom.

Stepping into his new role, the new Director is expected to prioritise research advancement, indigenisation of technologies and sustainable development within the rubber sector. The IRMRI leadership and members have expressed confidence in his visionary guidance, anticipating that his leadership will drive the institute toward greater innovation and research excellence in the coming years.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has granted laboratory recognition to M/s D. Banerjee Centre of Excellence (DBCOE), based at the JSS Technical Institutions Campus in Mysuru, Karnataka, for a three-year period from 8 July 2026 to 7 July 2029.

The recognition, issued under the BIS Laboratory Recognition Scheme (LRS), enables the centre to undertake testing activities in accordance with BIS requirements. The laboratory's details have been uploaded to the BIS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), with sample receipt, testing and report generation to be managed through the online platform. The recognition remains subject to compliance with the provisions of the BIS LRS 2020.

Established by the Indian Institute of Rubber (IRI) in collaboration with JSS Technical Institutions, the centre is intended to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in polymer science and rubber technology while supporting research, testing, training and technology development for the tyre and wider rubber industry.

The facility has developed capabilities in material characterisation, wet chemistry and forensic failure analysis. Its laboratories can analyse raw materials including carbon black, rubber chemicals, elastomers, accelerators and antioxidants, while also supporting material specification development, plant audits and quality approvals. Plans are also in place to expand failure analysis services for manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

DBCOE also aims to support manufacturers adapting to changing automotive requirements, including electric vehicles, through research into advanced materials and sustainable alternatives. Its stated focus includes bio-based materials, tyre recycling, steel reuse and low-emission polymers, alongside technical support for regulatory compliance and homologation.

Alongside its testing infrastructure, the centre has established a training ecosystem for the rubber sector. It offers two flagship programmes: a Diploma in Rubber Technology for diploma holders and new recruits, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Rubber Technology for science and engineering graduates. Both programmes combine online theory modules with practical training and laboratory sessions at the Mysuru campus, with final examinations conducted by IIT Kharagpur.

The centre is also developing a series of short-duration industry courses covering mixing, compounding, extrusion, calendering, tyre building, moulding, retreading, footwear, conveyor belts and latex products. These programmes combine classroom instruction with practical demonstrations, testing methodologies and failure analysis.

According to the centre, more than 40 industry experts contribute to its training programmes. Several tyre manufacturers, including Apollo Tyres, Yokohama, BKT and JK Tyre, recognise completion of the diploma programme as part of their employee development initiatives.

The centre primarily serves the tyre industry but also aims to support non-tyre rubber manufacturers, particularly MSMEs that lack access to advanced testing facilities and technical expertise. Through consultancy, training and laboratory services, it seeks to improve technical capability, product quality and compliance across the broader rubber sector.

Elkem ASA, a global leader in advanced silicon-based materials, has announced the appointment of Dag Teigland as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 3 August 2026. The board’s decision coincides with the departure of Helge Aasen, who will step down after leading the company since 2009 to take on the role of Chairman of the Board.

Bringing more than two decades of industrial and investment expertise, Teigland currently serves as executive chairman of Tekna Holding ASA, a firm known for advanced metal powders. His career includes senior executive positions at Tinfos AS and Holta Invest AS, where he managed an active investment platform. Previously, he held multiple leadership roles at Elkem from 1998 to 2002, culminating as Managing Director for the chrome business area, providing him with direct familiarity with the company’s operations.

Marianne E Johnsen, Interim Chair of the Board of Elkem, said, “The Board is pleased to appoint Dag Teigland as CEO of Elkem. He brings deep industrial expertise and a proven track record of driving development and transformation. With his background spanning both international industrial operations and investment environments, Dag is well suited to lead Elkem into its next phase of growth and development.

“At the same time, the Board would like to thank Helge Aasen for his strong leadership and significant contribution to Elkem over many years. During his tenure, Elkem has strengthened its strategic position, expanded its global footprint and developed world-leading positions in silicon, ferrosilicon, foundry alloys and carbon solutions. Helge has also led Elkem through major portfolio and financing measures, including the divestment of the Silicones division. We are very pleased that he will continue to contribute to the company’s development as chairperson of the board.”

Teigland said, “It is a great honour to return to Elkem and take on the role of chief executive officer. Elkem is a company with a strong industrial heritage and a leading position within its respective segments. I look forward to working with the Board, the Elkem leadership team and colleagues worldwide to build on this foundation, accelerate sustainable growth, advance safety and innovation and ensure that Elkem continues to supply the strategic materials needed for a cleaner, smarter and more resilient future.”

Aasen said, “It has been a privilege to lead Elkem as CEO over the past 17 years. I am proud of what the organisation has accomplished during this period and confident that the company is well positioned for long-term, sustainable value creation. I look forward to continuing to support Elkem in my new role as chairperson of the board and to work closely with Dag in the transition.”