The rise of e-commerce has changed the way how consumers access goods including tyres in India. With 196.3 million units sold in 2023 alone, the tyre industry is booming. Tyreplex, a B2B e-commerce platform, is harnessing technology to simplify tyre distribution, empower dealers and overcome logistical barriers, aiming to reshape the sector.

The interconnected world has practically reshaped our approach to acquiring goods online. From flowers and medicine to industrial equipment, modern consumers can easily acquire goods from the farthest corners of the world by just sitting within the four walls of a home or office.

The Indian tyre landscape is also not unknown to such ease of accessibility. According to an estimate by IMARC Group, 196.3 million units of tyres were sold in 2023 and the numbers are rising. And within such a booming market, Tyreplex is leveraging the power of modern-day technology to not only create virtual marketplace but also break the barriers of logistics.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends¸ Chief Executive Officer Puneet Bhaskar said, “The Indian tyre industry is evolving. We are very good at manufacturing and creating products suitable for Indian conditions. But when it comes to distribution, especially at the dealer level, a lot still needs to be done. Around 90 percent of tyre retailers are independent and fall within the unorganised sector. These retailers need to be upgraded and digitised to prepare for the next generation of consumers, who are more digital-savvy and well-informed about products. This is where significant work is needed and it’s something we plan to address.”

He added, “TyrePlex, in essence, is a B2B e-commerce company exclusively for tyre dealers. We focus on helping them enhance margins and sales by leveraging technology. Our platform enables dealers to procure more efficiently, manage stores better and handle customer relationships effectively.”

The New Delhi-based company was established in March 2020 by Bhaskar, Chief Product Officer Nikhil Kalra, Chief Technology Officer Jiveshwar Sharma and Chief Operating Officer Rupendra Pratap Singh. During its first six to twelve months, the focus was on laying the foundation by developing its product and technology. As markets began re-opening in 2021, the company rolled out its offering in Delhi NCR. Soon, the platform had around 6,000–7,000 dealers, with 1,200–1,500 actively utilising its services to some extent.

Since early 2022, the company reported being on a growth trajectory. Operating as a hyperlocal business, it expanded in Bengaluru, where it experienced rapid growth, scaling its topline and revenues by nearly 30 times between 2022 and the last financial year.

The executive also indicated that the company had already surpassed the previous year’s figures in the current financial year. Despite operating in only two cities, it projected revenue growth of 50–60 percent for the current fiscal.

TyrePlex does not have a dedicated app for consumers, relying instead on its website and mobile site due to the infinite purchase model. For dealers, however, there is an app available and both registration and usage are entirely free. All tools provided to dealers are free of charge, a policy that extends to consumers as well. Currently, the platform has over 20,000 registered dealers.

ORDERING ONLINE

TyrePlex was initially launched with a B2C approach, drawing on the team’s extensive experience in consumer-facing businesses. However, it became evident that the low purchase frequency and limited repeat business in the tyre market presented challenges for a purely B2C model. To better understand the dynamics of the market, the team even operated a tyre store for a few months. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the pain points faced by both dealers and customers. It ultimately highlighted the greater potential of a B2B model as it became clear that dealers encountered significant challenges that the company could effectively address.

“While we still maintain a B2C presence to help our dealers attract customers, our primary focus is on the B2B segment. We empower them by offering them a comprehensive platform to procure tyres easily. Dealers can access all major brands and categories, covering cars, bikes, scooters, trucks, buses and tractors on a single platform. Our unique value proposition lies in our efficiency. We fulfil 90 percent of orders on the same day with 50-60 percent delivered within 2-3 hours. Moreover, our model is entirely asset-light. We don’t own inventory or warehouses. Instead, we manage procurement, delivery and payment collection, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for dealers,” said Bhaskar.

The company aggregates supply and demand. When an order is placed, the demand is sent to a network of pre-tagged suppliers integrated into the system. This process is entirely driven by technology and happens within seconds. Once the demand is shared with the suppliers, the technology platform evaluates key factors such as price, margins, delivery costs and logistics costs to determine the most suitable supplier to fulfil the order. The system uses algorithms to decide the optimal procurement source ensuring the decision aligns with margin goals and delivery timelines.

In addition to the technology driving the procurement process, TyrePlex has built robust back-end systems incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency. These technologies continuously improve as more data is gathered, allowing the company to refine its decision-making processes over time.

The company sells around 15,000–16,000 tyres a month and has a modest workforce of 50 people.

DRIVING WITH DATA

Tyreplex’s data-driven approach is helping to reshape the tyre industry in India by providing deep insights into market trends and customer behaviour, which directly impacts distribution strategy. “We collect and triangulate data from various sources including our website, where we monitor customer behaviour such as the areas from which customers are coming, what kind of tyres they’re buying and the preferred brands. This real-time, organic consumer data gives us valuable insights into regional demand, brand preferences and tyre sizes in different parts of India,” averred the executive.

“Additionally, we gather B2B data by tracking tyre sales including pricing and sales patterns. A third layer of data comes from the invoices generated by dealers through our platform, providing us with insights into their actual sales transactions. These insights with macro data help predict demand and optimise our distribution strategies. For instance, we shared these insights with Michelin during their visit to India, and they were so impressed that they partnered with us for B2B distribution in Delhi NCR,” he added.

TyrePlex is exploring opportunities to expand its product offering into other categories. A key area of focus is tyre recycling, particularly in light of the government’s mandate for 100 percent extended producer responsibility in the sector. The reverse supply chain for car and bike tyres remains fragmented wherein the company aims to leverage its existing supply chain to streamline and improve this process.

The company is also exploring opportunities in other categories like accessories, batteries and garage-related products. “Around 15-20 percent of our dealers already sell accessories or batteries and many of them also operate their own garages. While expanding into these categories is projected to be a few years down the line, our immediate priorities are geographical expansion, entering the tyre recycling market and eventually diversifying into additional product categories,” revealed Bhaskar.

UPCOMING LAUNCHES

The company is continually enhancing its technology stack with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). On the dealer side, the company is introducing computer vision to simplify inventory management. Soon, dealers will be able to scan or photograph their invoices, removing the need for manual entry into the system. Additionally, TyrePlex is developing customer relationship management (CRM) tools for dealers to help them provide targeted services such as alignment or balancing, based on customer history.

On the consumer side, TyrePlex is working on products that leverage AI and ML to enhance the customer experience. One such product in development will allow consumers to photograph a tyre to determine how much tread life remains, helping them make informed decisions about when to replace their tyres. These consumer-facing features are expected to be launched within the current financial year.

Moreover, to address the significant knowledge gap within consumers, TyrePlex is focusing on educating and empowering consumers by expanding its content library on the website and introduce more educational tools.

EXPANDING FOOTPRINT

Alluding to the plans to expand footprint, the executive noted, “We are planning to expand into 25 of India’s top cities and the goal is to be present in at least four to five additional cities by the end of FY26. The cities we are targeting for expansion include Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Mumbai. After that, we plan to extend our reach to other cities based on our market analysis.”

“Our strategy is to focus on cities with high vehicle density and a strong concentration of digital-native dealers as these cities offer a conducive environment for our business. Once we are present in these top cities, we will use them as central hubs to fulfil orders for surrounding cities within a 50-100 km radius. This will allow us to streamline our supply chain and make deliveries more efficient,” he added.

He explained that to overcome the unique challenges of each market, the company has developed a playbook based on experience. Acknowledging that the company will face challenges such as regional preferences, local competition and logistical nuances, he noted that the solutions will be based on data accumulated through website and other sources.

On the industry side, he noted the need for improvement of distribution channels and creation of a more accessible supply chain. Building a strong ecosystem that connects dealers, brands and other stakeholders is crucial for fostering growth and ensuring greater efficiency in the tyre market. Looking ahead, the company plans to continue strengthening its ecosystem with dealers, brands and stakeholders. The goal is to position the company for an IPO on the main board within the next five years, setting the stage for long-term growth and continued market leadership.

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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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