Rubbercon 2024, hosted for the first time in Kerala, India, marked a milestone in the global rubber and tyre industry by addressing key sustainability challenges and opportunities. Held in Kochi from 5 to 7 December 2024, the event attracted over 850 delegates from around the world, including MSMEs, machine manufacturers, tyre producers and leading researchers.

On 5 December 2024, the stalwarts of the rubber industry ecosystem gathered in Kochi, Kerala at Rubbercon 2024 to discuss and debate the current and future trends facing the global as well as Indian rubber industry.

This also was the first time that Rubbercon was hosted in Kerala, which also is the base of natural rubber producers in the country. The 3-day event saw participation of over 850 delegates from all across the globe ranging from rubber producers, raw materials suppliers, machine makers, MSMEs, rubber product makers, universities and even tyre manufacturers.

Tyre industry veteran and former Chief of R&D at Apollo Tyres P K Mohamed said, “We have selected Kochi, the Financial capital of Kerala. At present, Kerala accounts for 90 percent of natural rubber production. I am fortunate enough to start my career with a product that is immensely rich in elastomeric materials, commonly known as rubbers, that revolutionised the life of mankind and made them wealthier, happier and more mobile. The mobility the world enjoys today would not be possible without rubber, which is the basic component used to manufacture tyres.”

He highlighted that since the invention of vulcanisation by Charles Goodyear in 1839, the scientific community has been working to improve the rubber goods, performance and failure properties to match the expectations of never-ending customer requirements.

“In recent years, the industry has been tested by numerous challenges, such as the electrification of automobiles, mobility-related issues, sustainability, circularity, carbon neutrality and regulations. The World Institute study published in the year 2015 indicates that coal, crude oil and natural gas, which are the primary materials used for the production of monomers such as isoprene, styrene, butadiene and other critical materials, may disappear by the end of this century. The price of petroleum products and natural rubber is shooting up daily, and the industry is finding it difficult to pass on this price increase to its customers. It is also observed that the industry’s bottom line is shrinking daily, some industries are even sinking into the negative bottom lines. We use approximately 18 kg to 25 kg of natural rubber and petroleum products to 130-140 litres of oil in a truck tyre. These reasons prompted the conference’s organisation to select the theme of sustainable development in the rubber industry – challenges and opportunities to create awareness and impart new knowledge among the rubber community,” added the industry veteran.

Mohamed was also honoured with Hancock Medal in recognition of his contribution to the global and Indian tyre industry.

R Mukhopadhyay, Chairman of the Indian Rubber Institute (IRI), in his address, mentioned that the per capita consumption of rubber in the country was set to double from the current 1.3 kg to 2.5 kg by 2030. This means that in addition to capital investment, the industry will also require human capital to take advantage of the numerous growth opportunity across the natural rubber ecosystem.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of IRI in advancing global expertise in rubber technology from education, research to skill development, aligning with international standards.

Mukhopadhyay shared that to accelerate and support innovations in the rubber industry, IRI is setting up The Centre of Excellence in Polymer Science and Rubber Technology at JSS Science and Technology University Campus, Mysore. Expected to be ready by April 2025, it is estimated that the world-class facility will see an expense of INR 5 billion.

Dr Tessy Thomas, Former Project Director of Agni Missile and Currently Vice-Chancellor of Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Chief Guest at the event, said, “Sustainability is no longer an aspiration – it’s a necessity.”

She outlined concerns such as deforestation, biodiversity loss and emissions tied to rubber production, as well as raw material shortages driven by climate change and geopolitical uncertainties.

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & MD, JK Tyre & Industries, addressed the gathering virtually.

Roopak Karnik, Managing Director, Bekaert India, spoke about ‘Transformational Journey of Bekaert with Steel’ on how the company was developing new advanced products with high degree of dematerialisation in sustainability. “Adding recycled content will only exponentially support the sustainability drive by reducing the emission during life and usage of tyres,” he explained.

Srikanth Chakravarthy, MD, Eonix Management Solutions, gave a brief presentation on the topic of ‘Co-Creating a Sustainable Future’.

MAKING MOBILITY SUSTAINABLE

The topic of sustainability is now a global concern, with each stakeholder expected to do their bit to make tomorrow greener and better.

Rubbercon 2024 saw experts present and share their views on different aspects ranging from sourcing, manufacturing to processes, applications and even recovery & recyclability of rubber.

The speakers, ranging from technocrats to researchers to professors, represented various organisations such as University of Lincoln; Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; Rubber, Chemical, and Petro Chemical Skill Development Council (RCPSDC); Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); Emissions Analytics; Cabot Corporation; Birla Carbon; Coesfeld & Co; Tekna Automazione e Controllo; Xingda International; Balkrishna Industries; Synthos; Silpara Technologies; Solvay and Kumho Petrochemicals, among others, shared their perspectives on a wide variety of topics pertaining to the rubber and tyre industry.

Several topics had a niche focus for the tyre industry ranging from the need for skilled manpower for rubber tapping to recycle of tyre waste rubber and extraction of diesel like oil and pyrolytic carbon black to tyre emissions.

Some interesting presentations also focused on solid tyres, truck/bus tyre applications, to the industry’s commitment towards enabling sustainable mobility and the need to meet strict EU regulations.

Retreading truck tyre test – breakthrough for natural rubber silica/silane systems, green tyre technology, sustainable rubber processes, role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to advance sustainability in tyre industry, moving towards green supply chain strategies & technology were some of the presentations made by industry speakers.

The event also saw over 90 presentations and 18 poster sessions from experts across the rubber and tyre value chain from India, Germany, Sri Lanka, South Korea, China, Italy, France, UK and US, among others.

The conference concluded with a focus on collective action, emphasising the importance of collaboration across the value chain. From sourcing raw materials to recycling end-of-life tyres, stakeholders demonstrated their commitment to sustainable practices.

Rubbercon 2024 reaffirmed its position as a key forum for driving innovation, fostering collaboration and shaping a sustainable future for the global rubber and tyre industry.

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For the second consecutive year, Trelleborg Tires has earned the prestigious title of Best Agriculture Tyre at the 22^nd Visão Agro Brazil Awards. This 2025 accolade, presented during a ceremony in Ribeirão Preto, highlights the company’s dedicated role in advancing Brazilian agribusiness through technological leadership and a commitment to sustainable practices. The award was received on behalf of the company by Fábio Metidieri, Agri Sales Director for Yokohama TWS Brasil.

Central to this achievement is Trelleborg’s ongoing innovation, particularly the expansion of its ProgressiveTraction technology within the TM tyre series. This engineering, featured in models from the row-crop TM600 to the high-horsepower TM1000, utilises a dual-edge lug design. The tread operates progressively on the soil to enhance traction, promote self-cleaning and minimise vibration. The resulting benefits include improved operational efficiency, increased tyre durability and superior soil protection, directly supporting farmers’ goals for greater productivity and environmental stewardship.

The company’s deep roots in Brazil, supported by a specialised local team, rigorous field testing and strong manufacturer partnerships, ensure its solutions are finely tuned to regional demands. This local infrastructure allows for responsive technical service and keeps product development closely connected to the practical challenges faced by the agricultural sector. The Visão Agro Brazil Awards, judged by a panel of industry executives and researchers, serve as a recognised benchmark for innovation and performance, making this recognition a significant testament to Trelleborg Tires’ impact on the country’s farming landscape.

Metidieri said, “Receiving this award at such a prestigious event once again reinforces our commitment to Brazilian agriculture. Our goal is to keep advancing in technology and field performance, ensuring that every Trelleborg tyre delivers real value – helping farmers operate more efficiently, sustainably and profitably. This award reflects the trust placed in our team and our products by professionals throughout the sector. It strengthens our commitment to delivering technologies that address local challenges and help shape the future of Brazilian farming.”

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India’s tyre retail industry is undergoing a dramatic makeover, moving far beyond the cluttered workshops and transactional buying of the past. Fuelled by rising demand for premium vehicles, digital-first customers and stronger export momentum, tyre makers are transforming retail spaces into sleek, immersive experience centres. What was once a routine utility purchase is rapidly evolving into a premium, advisory-led mobility experience designed for a new generation of motorists.

India’s tyre retail scene is shifting gears, leaving behind the era of crowded workshops and impersonal counters. In their place, manufacturers are rolling out sleek, thoughtfully designed, tech-powered spaces that echo the luxury of high-end car showrooms. What started as a few bold pilots in big cities has quickly become the go-to playbook for tyre brands eager to win over a new generation of savvy, comfort-loving, digital-first customers.

From urban to rural areas, this transformation reveals a profound change in how Indians approach mobility. Today’s motorists – especially those behind the wheel of SUVs, luxury sedans and electric cars – want more than just a tyre swap. They crave expert advice, a polished atmosphere and a shopping experience that reflects the elegance of their vehicles. Once a utilitarian afterthought, tyre retail is now emerging as a coveted part of the automotive journey.

Strong OEMs and replacement demand in both domestic and export markets underpin the transition.

In FY 24-25, tyre exports from India surged by nine percent year-on-year to INR 251 billion, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce. With an estimated annual turnover of INR 1 trillion and exports exceeding INR 250 billion, the Indian tyre industry stands out as one of the few manufacturing sectors in the country with a high export-to-turnover ratio.

Though tyre exports have hit a speed bump due to higher US tariffs on select categories of Indian tyres compared to those of competing nations, the long-term prospects for the Indian tyre industry remain strong. According to a joint report by ATMA and PwC India titled ‘Viksit Bharat 2047: Vision and Roadmap for the Indian Tyre Industry’, India’s tyre production volumes are projected to grow nearly fourfold by 2047, while industry revenues are expected to expand almost 12 times to about INR 13 trillion.

Against this backdrop, tyre makers are modernising aggressively to retain customers and build a more profound emotional affinity. The broad shift is visible in how retailers are reinventing their spaces. Lounges with crafted lighting, upholstered seating, minimalist décor and large digital walls are replacing traditional steel racks and dusty counters. Informational murals and heritage display trace decades of tyre innovation, strengthening brand storytelling. Stores increasingly feature curated experience zones where customers can explore tyre technologies, EV-compatible profiles, eco-friendly materials and performance characteristics through visual displays and interactive tools.

A clear sign of this trend is the rise of personalised, advisory-led engagement, replacing the old dependence on technicians. Retailers now profile driving habits, terrain usage, daily distance and vehicle type to recommend tyres customised to each consumer’s pattern. This service-led model is shifting the customer’s mindset from price-first decision-making to long-term value evaluation.

The new premium outlets are designed to deliver a lifestyle-driven, hospitality-grade experience rather than a traditional tyre shop visit. Customers receive personalised mobility recommendations tailored to their vehicle, driving style and needs, supported by smart service innovations like intelligent product selection, quick-fit services and digital scheduling. The space also acts as a community hub for driving enthusiasts, creating a connected ecosystem around the brand. With lounge-style comfort, immersive storytelling and specialised tyre and service packages for luxury and performance vehicles, the outlet blends convenience, premium care and brand-centric offerings into an elevated customer experience.

“Customer experience at the point of sale is another branding exercise poised to change buyer characteristics. Multi-brand outlets often commoditise the tyre-buying experience. That’s why companies are launching exclusive brand outlets with curated customer experiences. Over the next decade, new delivery models will emerge,” said Kavan Mukhtyar, Partner and Leader – Automotive, PwC India.

Apollo Tyres articulates this change as a move towards lifestyle-led retailing. Its new super-premium outlets have been built not as showrooms but as emotionally resonant spaces.

Udyan Ghai, Group Head of Marketing at Apollo Tyres, explained that the company’s new retail architecture is anchored in long-term strategic priorities: “Our move to a lifestyle-led, immersive tyre retail format is driven by our own desire for premiumisation and category leadership. We are looking at elevating tyre retail in India by setting new benchmarks and shifting from commodity selling to a premium, lifestyle-driven experience.”

He said the brand aims to ‘emotionally engage with customers, offer tailored solutions, build a community of driving enthusiasts and tap into premium segments – all while delivering a differentiated, modern retail experience’.

Ghai believes retail ambience plays a decisive role in influencing perception. “A relaxed and well-designed lounge signals comfort, trust and premium value,” he said, adding that such environments elevate tyres from a mundane requirement to a core element of vehicle care and identity.

Digital transparency, he believes, is the second pillar of modern tyre retail. “Digital systems ensure transparency and help demystify tyre selection – tread patterns, speed ratings, durability and fitment. Consumers feel less dependent on a technician’s word and more in control, which boosts their confidence and perceived fairness,” Ghai said.

Customers today are inundated with choices, and digital systems, he said, turn tyre buying into an ‘informed, personalised decision’, comparable to selecting a smartphone, a pair of performance shoes or even a detailed insurance plan. According to Ghai, this new retail model is ‘a strategic investment in the future of mobility retail’, designed to be scalable and to support community-building events, workshops and enthusiast interactions. As India moves towards EVs and connected cars, he said these premium outlets will provide EV-focused tyre expertise, interactive digital tools and personalised recommendations that appeal to younger, digitally savvy motorists.

CEAT shares a similar philosophy. Its national retail revamp focuses heavily on digital immersion, consistent messaging and design-led layouts. Lakshminarayanan B, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, said the modernised CEAT Shoppes are fundamentally reshaping the category.

“The modern layouts and digital integration in CEAT Shoppes are revolutionising the tyre-buying experience, making it more experiential and customer-centric,” he said, adding that these updated outlets elevate the experience, build trust through uniform communication and drive decisions by reducing ambiguity around features and value.

Lakshminarayanan highlighted CEAT’s attempt to harmonise customer experience across demographics: “The approach in urban markets through premium stores, product offerings and services is to create access and aspiration for premium customers. The same is replicated in upcountry markets also.”

The CEAT Executive said the company is building for a future where personalisation will be the defining characteristic of tyre retail. “CEAT is focused to drive the future of tyre retail through end-to-end personalisation,” he said.

As experiential retail takes hold, service portfolios inside tyre stores are expanding faster than ever. Advanced wheel balancing, laser-driven alignment systems, nitrogen inflation, premium alloy wheel installations, EV-oriented tyre consultations, digital appointment scheduling and real-time tyre-health diagnostics are now standard. Many outlets also provide car detailing, interior cleaning, ceramic coating, PPF application, brake checks, battery inspections and multi-point vehicle health reports, making them full-fledged mobility centres.

Global players have pushed the envelope even further. Michelin’s 25,000-square-foot Experience Store in Nashik features a heritage wall and innovation displays showcasing electric mobility, materials science and environmental responsibility. It houses precision wheel-alignment bays, detailing studios, and accessory galleries. “We are proud to unveil Michelin’s first Experience Centre in India. The sole purpose of this store is to go beyond traditional tyre retail and provide customers with an immersive experience of the brand,” said Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director of Michelin India.

Continental Tyres is also strengthening India’s premium retail ecosystem through its CPD outlets, which include ambient lounges, diagnostic equipment, premium alloy wheels and digitally enabled guidance. “With our new CPD store in Indore, we bring Continental’s promise of safety, innovation and comfort closer to Madhya Pradesh’s clients,” said Samir Gupta, Managing Director of Continental Tyres India. He added that the brand’s ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach is central to its retail expansion strategy.

Even in rural markets, tyre retail is becoming more formalised, structured and service-oriented. JK Tyre’s ‘Steel Wheels’ format is targeted at towns with populations under 100,000 and offers standardised layouts, value-added services, best-in-market pricing and instant claim facilities. “Our Rural expansion programme will help us reach the interiors of the real Bharat that is economically vibrant but often underserved. We are not just building retail points; we are also enabling entrepreneurship and access,” said Managing Director Anshuman Singhania.

Together, these developments mark a decisive shift in how tyre brands engage customers. Tyre stores are increasingly functioning as lifestyle environments, designed for comfort, informed decision-making, personalisation, transparency and community. The industry is moving away from a product-first mindset to a customer-experience-led philosophy.

As premium cars, SUVs and EVs become mainstream, and as younger motorists prioritise digital empowerment and ambience, tyre retailers are aligning with these new expectations. India’s tyre makers are building a retail landscape where experiential engagement, technology integration, service breadth and emotional connection define long-term brand success.

For an industry long anchored in grease, metal and functionality, the transformation is profound. Tyre retail in India is no longer just about fitment; it is becoming a premium mobility experience, curated for a generation that demands clarity, comfort and an elevated relationship with every aspect of vehicle ownership.

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Kumho Tire will establish its first European manufacturing plant in Poland’s Opole region as the South Korean company seeks to expand its position in one of the world’s largest tyre markets.

The group said the factory is scheduled to begin initial operations in August 2028, subject to investment approval and licensing. Kumho plans to produce 6m units annually in the first phase and expand capacity in line with demand. Total planned investment is USD 587 million.

Kumho has spent recent years evaluating multiple European locations, including Poland, based on logistics, labour availability, infrastructure, market access and investment incentives. The company said Opole was selected as the optimal site owing to supply-chain stability within the EU and the region’s supportive operating conditions.

Europe accounts for about a quarter of global tyre consumption and is home to several major automotive manufacturers. The region represented roughly 26.6 per cent of Kumho’s sales last year. The company has previously relied on exports to serve European customers, which it said limited its competitiveness in the market.

The new plant is intended to strengthen Kumho’s ability to supply high-value-added products, including high-performance and larger-diameter tyres, to European vehicle makers.

Kumho currently operates eight production sites across South Korea, China, the US and Vietnam, with combined annual output of 65 millionunits. The Polish plant will complete what the company describes as a production network spanning Asia, Europe and North America.

Jung Il-taek, Kumho Tire’s Chief Executive, said: “The European market occupies a very important strategic position in the global tire industry,” adding that “Kumho Tire will go beyond simple exports and dramatically enhance premium brand value by strengthening quality and service competitiveness through local European production and supply.”

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Tyre Stewardship Australia has appointed David Fraser as its new chair, succeeding David Spear after nine years in the role during a period of regulatory and industry change in the country’s tyre-recycling sector.

Spear’s departure closes what the organisation described as a challenging yet incredibly important chapter for its efforts to advance circular outcomes for Australia’s end-of-life tyres. TSA, an industry body backed by government and sector participants, oversees the national stewardship scheme and promotes recycling and re-use pathways for waste tyres, an area facing increasing scrutiny under Australia’s environmental and product-stewardship policies.

In a statement, TSA said it “thank[s] him for his unwavering support and dedication to driving circular outcomes for Australia’s end-of-life tyres”.

Fraser, a TSA director since 2023, brings experience in governance and compliance. He joins at a time when Australian states are tightening environmental standards and seeking to reduce landfill through higher recycling targets. TSA said Fraser has “deep understanding of our strategy, our challenges and the opportunities ahead”.

The organisation added: “We look forward to his leadership as TSA enters its next chapter.”

TSA also expressed appreciation to Spear “for your contribution and support of our mission”, and welcomed Fraser, saying it is “excited and ready for what lies ahead”.

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