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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KraussMaffei has appointed Xinting Ren as Managing Director of its extrusion business, effective 1 September, 2026, combining the role with his existing leadership of the group’s China operations.

Ren succeeds Ralf Benack, who left the company at his own request on 31^st August , ending a tenure of about two years.

The company said the dual appointment is intended to strengthen integration between its extrusion activities and international operations.

Ren has led KraussMaffei China for the past three years, overseeing cross-technology activities in the Chinese market. Before joining the group, he held several management roles in the chemical industry, including Assistant General Manager at KraussMaffei Company Limited, now operating as Sinochem Equipment Technology Qingdao Co., and most recently served as general manager of Shanxi China Coal Pingshuo Energy Chemical Co., Ltd.

Benack took over leadership of KraussMaffei Extrusion in 2024 and was responsible for the group’s global extrusion business. During his tenure, the company focused on operational processes and customer orientation, reducing delivery times and further developing the Technology Center at its Laatzen site.

The facility now offers 26 pilot lines for development and customer projects, and the company said it also expanded its extrusion technology portfolio.

From September, responsibility for the extrusion business and management of the China business will be combined under Ren’s leadership.

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Nokian Tyres plc has introduced a new premium summer tyre, the Powerproof E, designed for Central and Southern European markets, with A-class ratings in all three European Union tyre label categories across its full range.

The company said the tyre achieves top grades for rolling resistance, wet grip and external rolling noise, reflecting a development approach aimed at balancing efficiency, safety and comfort within a single product.

“Whether the priority is maximizing range and efficiency or achieving confidence and comfort in wet conditions, drivers should not have to compromise on safety. The new Nokian Tyres Powerproof E is designed to deliver outstanding performance in the areas that matter most to drivers,” said Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice-President for Passenger Car tyres in Central Europe.

Samu Lepistö, development manager at the company, added: “Achieving A-class ratings in all three EU tire label categories across the entire range is a significant result. These characteristics are all important to today's drivers yet improving one can often affect another. Nokian Tyres Powerproof E was developed to deliver balanced performance across all three areas.”

The tyre incorporates what the company calls Motion Control Technology, combining tread design, compound development and structural engineering to support efficiency and wet-weather performance.

Depending on size, between 40.9 percent and 42.8 percent of the tyre’s material content consists of recycled and renewable inputs, including rice husk ash, recycled carbon black and recycled steel.

Production takes place at the group’s factory in Oradea, Romania, which opened in 2024 and operates with zero direct carbon dioxide emissions, powered by renewable energy.

The Powerproof E is designed for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and crossover vehicles, including electric, hybrid and internal combustion models. It will be available in sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches for the 2027 summer season in Central and Southern Europe.

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Continental Tire Canada has appointed Frank Buntinx as its new Managing Director, effective 17 August 2026. In this executive capacity, he assumes comprehensive oversight of the organisation’s entire Canadian tyre portfolio, which encompasses passenger and light truck vehicles, commercial truck lines and specialised tyre segments. His leadership will guide the strategic direction and operational performance across these diverse business units.

A native of Belgium, Buntinx brings over two decades of tenure with Continental, having commenced his career there in 2003 within logistics and supply chain management. Over the years, he has accumulated a broad commercial skillset through successive roles in marketing, pricing strategy, business analytics, fleet operations and sales. His professional trajectory later elevated him to senior leadership positions in the Benelux region, where he directed marketing efforts and subsequently headed Fleet Solutions and Truck Tires, thereby acquiring multifaceted management expertise.

This transatlantic appointment signifies a pivotal career transition for Buntinx, offering him the chance to infuse the Canadian market with an international vantage point. His arrival is anticipated to bolster Continental’s regional presence, leveraging his extensive cross-functional background to navigate the complexities of the domestic tyre industry and drive organisational growth.

“I am truly excited to join Continental Tire Canada and begin this new chapter. Continental has built a strong business and reputation in the Canadian market, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team to build on that success, strengthening Continental's position while supporting the growth and success of our customers,” said Buntinx.

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Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., which operates the Dunlop brand, will discontinue the supply of karting tyres by the end of 2027 as part of a strategic review of its business and allocation of management resources.

The company said it would continue supplying products to existing customers until December 31, 2027.

Dunlop has produced karting tyres since 1976, supplying products homologated by the Commission Internationale de Karting-FIA (CIK-FIA), under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, as well as tyres accredited by the Japan Automobile Federation.

The company said its products had supported a wide range of users, from recreational drivers to young drivers aiming to compete at higher levels, and had contributed to the development of karting participation.

It added that the decision followed a review of its medium- to long-term management strategy and changes in the business environment.

The group said it would continue to contribute to motorsport activities, while expressing appreciation to customers and organisations that had supported its karting tyre business.

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