The World Health Organization estimates a whopping 1.9 million deaths worldwide each year due of road incidents. Hence, it can be deduced that approximately 3,200 people succumb to road related incidents each day.

It is also true that governments and organisations are trying to curb this menace that dearly costs the global race. UK-based organisation TyreSafe is one of the many players that are caring for people’s lives.

It dedicatedly raises awareness on the importance of correct tyre maintenance and the dangers of defective and illegal tyres to fight safety issues.

Speaking to Tyre Trends, TyreSafe Chairman Stuart Lovatt said, “We take a strategic, risk-based approach. TyreSafe leverages key seasonal themes such as winter driving, summer journeys and harvest-time rural risks while maintaining suites of evergreen assets that can be used year-round.” 

“Priority is given to vulnerable road user groups through targeted campaigns, alongside all road users via our flagship Tyre Safety Month. Partnerships are critical. By integrating tyre safety into partners’ existing calendars and campaigns, we significantly extend our reach without duplicating effort. This collaborative model ensures resources are used efficiently and messages reach the right audiences at the right time,” he added.

TyreSafe works with over 250 organisations to disseminate the message of safety. Each collaboration enables it to reach different regions, sectors or road user groups, whether that is police forces, road safety partnerships, rural safety groups or charities.

“Cross-sector collaboration is essential to delivering the safe system approach. Safe vehicles and tyre safety in particular must be embedded within long-term, joined-up efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate death and serious injury on UK roads,” said Lovatt.

The key lesson is that collaboration requires persistence and clarity of purpose. Strong partnerships are built on shared goals, evidence-led strategy and tangible outputs such as research, campaigns and participation in influential working groups. From there, aligning on tone, timing and messaging becomes much easier.

SAFETY GOALS

Vision Zero is a global road safety approach that aims to eliminate all road traffic deaths and serious injuries. It is based on the belief that human error is inevitable but fatalities are preventable through safer road design, responsible speeds, safer vehicles and stronger shared accountability.

Lovatt noted it as an ambitious but essential goal and one that no single organisation can achieve alone.

However, he explained that TyreSafe measures progress not just through a single metric and more through its contribution to the wider safe system approach, particularly the safe vehicles and safe people pillars.

A significant recent milestone has been the launch of the National Road Safety Strategy, which creates a renewed framework for collaboration between government, charities, enforcement, industry and researchers. After more than a decade without a national strategy, this provides the foundation needed for coordinated, evidence-led action.

Looking ahead to 2030, TyreSafe’s focus is on embedding tyre safety more firmly into national conversations around vehicle safety, fleet responsibility and public behaviour change.

“Success will be measured through stronger cross-sector collaboration, increased visibility of tyre safety within wider road safety initiatives, improved data quality and sustained engagement from both industry and road users, which all lead to a marked reduction in number of serious incidents on our roads,” said Lovatt.

TyreSafe continually reviews its resources to ensure they remain relevant and valuable. “We already include EV tyre safety guidance on our website, and this is an area we expect to develop further. With a small team and a wide range of road users to serve, prioritisation is essential. Each year we expand our resource portfolio carefully, ensuring new content delivers genuine value for stakeholders and does not dilute impact,” added Lovatt.

CHALLENGES AFOOT

Lovatt contended that technology offers clear benefits for data collection and diagnostics. However, it also presents risks if it reduces the active, human element of tyre safety.

Visual and manual checks remain critical in identifying damage, wear and defects that technology may not always capture. There is a risk that increased vehicle automation could lead to complacency, so TyreSafe’s approach will continue to reinforce the importance of driver responsibility alongside technological advances.

On the other hand, scepticism and inertia are imminent challenges that are addressed through clear case-for-action statistics, which consistently resonate with the public, media and stakeholders.

“Culturally, the cost-of-living crisis presents real challenges with drivers delaying tyre replacement or repair for financial reasons. For fleets, education is key. We produce targeted content and resources for fleet and compliance managers that emphasise not only safety but liability, duty of care and reputational risk. By framing tyre safety as both a safety and business-critical issue, we are better able to overcome resistance and influence positive behavioural change,” said Lovatt.

Measuring real-world outcomes also remains one of the biggest challenges in road safety. “Data on tyre-related incidents relies heavily on third-party reporting, which limits our ability to directly attribute impact. To address this, TyreSafe conducts its own research, such as the 2023 national tread depth survey, which we are looking to repeat,” explained Lovatt.

It also runs smaller-scale public surveys to understand not just what behaviours exist but why, allowing the organisation to refine messaging and improve relevance. It also utilises partners data and research with their support to continuously refresh and strengthen the case for action.

“While awareness metrics remain important, our focus is increasingly on insight-led evaluation that informs practical behaviour change,” he said.

BALANCING SCALES

Balancing programme expansion with sustainable funding and supporter engagement remains a challenge for a charity organisation leading national safety efforts.

TyreSafe works closely with its industry supporters, who are its primary income stream. The organisation ensures that it has a voice and that its strategic direction, resource development and investment decisions align with their CSR objectives while avoiding conflict with commercial activity.

This collaborative approach helps maintain long-term trust, financial sustainability and shared ownership of TyreSafe’s mission.

TyreSafe also does not advocate for legislative change and operates strictly within existing regulatory frameworks. However, it works closely with a wide range of organisations and partners who are able to engage more directly in policy advocacy.

“Our priority is engaging stakeholders, industry, enforcement partners and the wider road safety community while using our research, status and channels to reach the public both online and offline. The goal is to drive real, practical behaviour change, rather than focusing solely on awareness,” explained Lovatt.

He added that by ensuring that organisational evidence, campaigns and resources are robust and credible, it supports informed dialogue across the sector and contributes to policy discussions indirectly through collaboration and shared insight.

“International engagement is driven by a desire to support organisations embarking on their own road safety journeys. By sharing TyreSafe’s 20 years of research, campaigning experience and resources, we can help others accelerate progress and reach audiences more quickly. The focus is on enabling and supporting, rather than exporting a one-size-fits-all model,” contended the executive.

TyreSafe’s work highlights that meaningful road safety progress depends on sustained collaboration, credible data and behavioural change. By embedding tyre safety within the wider Vision Zero framework and adapting to emerging technologies and challenges, the organisation continues to influence safer roads, vehicles and users, proving that incremental actions can collectively save lives.

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT) reported record quarterly sales volumes in its core off-highway tyre (OHT) business in the first quarter of FY27, supported by robust demand across India, Europe and the Americas, even as rising raw material costs, freight inflation and geopolitical disruptions squeezed margins.

The company posted 16 percent year-on-year growth in OHT sales volumes to 93,770 metric tonnes, while standalone revenue rose 24 percent to INR 34.09 billion. EBITDA increased to INR 7.03 billion, representing an EBITDA margin of 20.61 percent, while profit after tax reached INR 4.32 billion.

"Q1 started on a positive note for us. We delivered our highest quarterly sales volume in the OHT segment," Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director, said. He noted that the performance came "despite the challenges across many international geographies and end markets, as well as within the supply chain of the world", highlighting the resilience of demand across key markets.

Management said profitability was affected by higher raw material prices stemming from global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, although the impact was partly offset through price increases introduced during the quarter.

BKT accelerates investment programme

BKT continues to advance one of the largest expansion programmes in its history.

The company has already invested approximately INR 38 billion under its broader INR 68 billion capital expenditure programme, with around INR 30 billion yet to be deployed. Of the remaining investment, INR 15-20 billion is expected to be spent during FY27 after capital expenditure of about INR 10 billion in the first quarter.

Completed projects include:

• Commissioning the second phase of its carbon black facility at Bhuj, increasing annual capacity to 360,000 tonnes, with an investment of INR 8 billion.
• Expanding captive power generation capacity from 40 MW to 64 MW, involving an investment of INR 1.25 billion.

"All the balanced CapEx projects, which are amounting to approximately INR 30 billion, are progressing as per schedule,” added Poddar.

On-highway business begins commercial rollout

Beyond its dominant OHT franchise, BKT has formally entered India's truck and bus radial (TBR) and two-wheeler tyre markets.

The company began commercial supplies after establishing its distribution network during the quarter and reported encouraging initial customer response. Although management declined to disclose revenue or volume figures given the early stage of the business, it expects sales to begin ramping up from the second quarter. "Having seeded the business in Q1, we expect a gradual ramp-up starting in Q2," Poddar said.

The long-term target remains INR 50 billion in on-highway tyre revenue by 2030. Satish Sharma, Senior President and Director of Strategy and Business Development, said FY27 would focus on expanding the portfolio before accelerating growth. "The vision statement states that INR 50 billion revenue from on-highway tyres by 2030. We're standing on that figure... FY 2028 onwards will be serious business."

India becomes larger contributor

India accounted for 40 percent of total volumes during the quarter, driven by demand from agriculture, construction, mining and industrial applications. Management said infrastructure investment and market share gains continue to support domestic growth, although margins in India remain marginally below export markets.

BKT estimates its market share at 18-19 percent in India, 7-8 percent in Europe and 3-4 percent in the United States, with inventory levels across key markets remaining normal.

Management also expects the US business to recover to its historical contribution of 15-16 percent of revenue, supported by improved tariff clarity and stronger brand positioning.

Inflation remains the principal challenge

BKT introduced approximately 5 percent price increases during the first quarter, with the full benefit expected to be realised in Q2. "We have taken on a price hike of about 5%, scattered across the various parts of the quarter. You will see the full passthrough coming in this quarter," Poddar said.

However, management said raw material costs have also increased by around 5 percent, potentially reducing margins by roughly 2 percentage points despite the pricing action.

Freight costs currently represent about 5 percent of revenue, with executives warning that continuing geopolitical tensions could lead to further increases.

The company also identified supply chain disruptions, vessel availability, container shortages, weather conditions in Europe and monsoon variability in India among the principal risks for the coming quarters.

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Cabot Corporation has announced a significant leadership transition, with President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Keohane set to retire from his roles and step down from the Board of Directors, effective 30 September 2026. The company has elected Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Head of Corporate Strategy Erica McLaughlin to succeed him. McLaughlin will assume the positions of President and CEO, in addition to joining the Board as a member of the class whose term concludes at the 2029 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, effective 1 October 2026.

To facilitate a seamless handover, Keohane will remain with Cabot in an advisory capacity through the end of the 2026 calendar year. Concurrent with McLaughlin’s elevation, the company has initiated a formal search process to identify her replacement as Chief Financial Officer.

McLaughlin brings over two decades of experience to her new role, having joined Cabot in 2002 and holding various senior leadership posts across finance, strategy and the Reinforcement Materials division. Since assuming her current position in 2018, she has been instrumental in shaping corporate strategy and driving operational discipline. Her prior roles included Vice President of Business Operations for Reinforcement Materials, General Manager of its tire business and Vice President of Investor Relations. Beyond Cabot, she contributes her expertise as a board member for Azenta Life Sciences and as an advisor to FM Global.

Keohane’s distinguished tenure spans nearly 25 years, with his service as President and CEO beginning in 2016. His leadership was marked by significant portfolio refinement, the strengthening of core businesses, and the successful expansion into battery materials. He also advanced the company’s sustainability agenda and commitment to operational excellence, delivering robust performance and sustained shareholder value throughout his career.

Board Chair Michael Morrow said, “Erica brings deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of Cabot’s businesses, markets and global operations. This experience, coupled with her commitment to the company’s long-term strategic priorities, positions her exceptionally well to lead Cabot. Our decision to appoint Erica as the next President and CEO reflects a thoughtful and deliberate succession planning process. Her deep knowledge of the organisation and commitment to the values and culture that have been integral to Cabot’s success will provide continuity as we execute this leadership transition. We believe she brings the leadership, discipline and strategic clarity needed to lead Cabot forward and deliver on our long-term vision.

“The Board is deeply appreciative of Sean’s exceptional leadership and distinguished career at Cabot. We extend our congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. During his tenure as CEO, Sean provided strong, steady and thoughtful leadership, focusing the company’s portfolio around its core businesses and advancing new strategic long-term growth priorities. His collaborative leadership style has strengthened our organisation and leadership team, leaving a strong foundation for continued success in the years ahead.”

McLaughlin said, “I am deeply honoured to succeed Sean as President and CEO and lead Cabot into our next chapter. Having been at Cabot for close to 25 years, I know firsthand the strength of our people and our businesses. I look forward to working with the Board and our global team to build on our success, grow the company by supporting our customers with innovative chemistry solutions to advance their businesses and create value for our stockholders.”

Keohane said, “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead Cabot and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated global team. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and the foundation we have created. I am confident Cabot is in excellent hands under Erica’s leadership. We have worked side by side for almost my entire tenure as CEO and I have seen first-hand her strong leadership, operational discipline and sharp strategic mind. Erica is a trusted and highly capable leader with deep knowledge of our business and a commitment to our people, the culture and the unique heritage of this great company. I look forward to supporting a seamless transition in the months ahead.”

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Robin Wiener, President of the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF). Her appointment recognises her leadership within both the recycled materials and tyre manufacturing sectors. In this new capacity, Wiener will support the Foundation's mission to enhance the tyre recycling supply chain and foster the growth of innovative markets for recycled tyre materials.

TRF, a joint initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association and the Tire Industry Association, aims to drive circularity and sustainability in the US tyre recycling industry. Wiener joins a board of global industry leaders dedicated to securing funding and allocating grants for critical research and demonstration projects.

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Apollo Tyres Chairman Onkar S. Kanwar has said the company remains focused on disciplined execution, sustainability and long-term value creation as it navigates geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade dynamics and a challenging global business environment.

Addressing shareholders at the company's 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), Kanwar said FY26 had been a year that tested businesses worldwide, but Apollo Tyres had continued to strengthen its financial performance while investing for future growth.

"The future is not something we inherit. It is something we create through the choices we make every day," Kanwar told shareholders, quoting Mahatma Gandhi's observation that "The future depends on what we do in the present."

Apollo Tyres reported consolidated revenue of INR 284.71 billion for FY26, crossing the INR 280 billion milestone, while operating profit rose to INR 41.43 billion. Kanwar said the company's focus extended beyond financial performance to improving capital efficiency, operational discipline and profitable growth.

"Every important decision we take is driven by one simple question: Are we building a stronger company for tomorrow?" he said.

Kanwar also highlighted the company's efforts to strengthen the Apollo Tyres brand through its association with the Indian national cricket team, describing the partnership as one that reflected Apollo Tyres' values of resilience, determination and excellence rather than merely serving as a branding exercise.

Sustainability remained central to the company's strategy, he said, noting that Apollo Tyres' greenhouse gas emission reduction targets had been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reinforcing its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The company continued to expand the use of renewable energy while improving responsible sourcing and resource efficiency across its operations, Kanwar said. "Sustainability is no longer a separate agenda for Apollo Tyres; it has become an integral part of how we innovate, manufacture and grow."

Kanwar credited employees for the company's performance, describing their commitment and adaptability as the foundation of Apollo Tyres' continued progress. He also acknowledged the support of governments and institutions across the markets where the company operates.

He singled out Hungary as a key manufacturing base in Europe, saying Apollo Tyres' plant at Gyöngyöshalász reflected the benefits of long-term collaboration with the Hungarian government.

Looking ahead, Kanwar expressed confidence in the company's growth prospects, citing India's expanding market opportunities and Apollo Tyres' international manufacturing and distribution footprint.

"Uncertainty will always be a part of business, but organisations that remain true to their values, continue to innovate and invest responsibly will be best placed to succeed," he said.

Thanking shareholders, customers, dealers, suppliers, financial institutions and government partners for their continued support, Kanwar said Apollo Tyres remained committed to building "a company that is stronger, more resilient and more responsible with every passing year."

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