The tyre industry is navigating a transformative phase, driven by evolving regulations, environmental priorities and advanced vehicle technologies. At the helm of this change in India is the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), which is aiding manufacturers in meeting current standards while preparing them for future global requirements.

The tyre industry is undergoing a dynamic shift, shaped by evolving regulations, sustainability goals and technological advancements. As one of India’s premier automotive testing bodies, the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) aims to play a crucial role in enabling manufacturers to adapt to these changes. It wants to not only meet the current needs but is also investing in ensuring that tyre makers in India are able to keep up with global future trends.

In recent years, tyre testing has seen significant changes, especially with the introduction of new regulations such as AIS 142 in 2024. These regulations have set the benchmark for tyre performance in India, compelling tyre makers to align their products with evolving standards.

“In 2024, the AIS 142 tyre performance regulation was introduced into Indian regulations. As Indian tyre regulations are rapidly evolving, the tyre industry must stay abreast of these changes,” says Saurabh Dalela, Director, ICAT.

At present ICAT is helping tyre makers meet the AIS 142 requirements, including rolling resistance, rolling sound emission and wet grip index measurements. But going forward, it is investing for future testing to cover broader areas such as STAR labelling, worn-out tyre performance and Tyre and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) emissions. This, it says, aligns with global trends, particularly in Europe, where further stringent regulations on tyre emissions are expected by 2029.

Then there is the trend of electric and alternative energy vehicles, which is also influencing testing needs. These vehicles demand tyres that can handle unique challenges, such as higher torque and quieter operations. Although Dalela notes that certification requirements for these vehicles remain unchanged, he acknowledges the growing importance of TRWP emissions, stating, “Tyre and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) may become increasingly significant for these types of vehicles.”

Capabilities and future expansion

ICAT’s tyre testing facilities are extensive, offering services ranging from endurance and load-speed performance tests to rolling resistance and wet grip index measurements. These capabilities support the industry’s diverse needs, including BIS certification and STAR labelling, both of which are crucial for compliance with national and international standards.

Highlighting its current offerings, Dalela explains, “Currently, ICAT has tyre test facilities for the following tests: Endurance Test, Load Speed Performance Test, Plunger Test/Strength Test, Bead Unseating Test, Dynamic Growth Test, Rolling Resistance Test, Rolling Sound Emission Test, Wet Grip Index Measurement Test, Mu-slip Benchmarking Test, Fuel Economy Benchmarking Test, STAR labelling and BIS certification.”

Looking ahead, ICAT is planning significant upgrades and expansions to its facilities. This includes adding two new tyre traction trailers for wet grip and benchmarking tests, establishing a BIS regulatory test facility for cycle tyres and tubes and upgrading endurance and rolling resistance machines.

Furthermore, ICAT aims to achieve ISO 17025 (NABL) accreditation for global regulations, enabling Indian manufacturers to meet international standards. These advancements reflect the agency’s proactive approach to addressing the future needs of the tyre industry.

He further acknowledges the growing importance of environmental concerns, particularly tyre emissions and particulate matter testing. While these capabilities are not currently part of its portfolio, he reveals, “We are exploring opportunities to add such facilities in the future,” signalling ICAT’s commitment to sustainability.

Challenges facing tyre makers

Despite the progress in testing and regulations, tyre manufacturers in India face several challenges. A significant hurdle is aligning with European standards, which often do not account for the unique characteristics of the Indian market. BIAS tyres, for example, initially struggled to meet European-derived performance requirements, prompting adjustments to Indian regulations.

Material costs and availability add another layer of complexity. Natural rubber, a key raw material, is subject to price volatility and high import duties, significantly increasing production costs. As Dalela notes, “The availability and cost of natural rubber, a crucial raw material, pose significant challenges. High import duties on raw materials further increase production costs.”

Additionally, the rising demand for unique tyre sizes, driven by the diverse range of vehicles in the Indian market, presents difficulties in development and testing. Testing facilities for these uncommon sizes are often unavailable, further complicating the process.

The lack of a formal tyre recycling or scrapping mechanism is another pressing issue. With the growing volume of discarded tyres, the absence of environmentally friendly disposal methods poses a significant challenge. Dalela’s insights highlight the need for innovation in this area. “Tyre scrapping also presents a significant challenge, as there is no proper method for scrapping or recycling tyres,” he adds.

It is important to understand that the tyre industry stands at the confluence of regulatory demands, sustainability goals and market challenges. Dalela is optimistic that ICAT’s comprehensive testing services and forward-looking initiatives will be instrumental in enabling manufacturers to navigate this complex landscape. From ensuring compliance with AIS 142 to preparing for emerging trends such as TRWP emissions and tyre labelling, the agency aims to be a leading partner to drive the future of tyre testing in India.

With planned expansions and upgrades, ICAT looks to be well positioned to support the tyre industry’s journey towards excellence and global competitiveness. As the tyre industry continues to adapt to the regulatory and customer needs, Dalela is confident of ICAT’s role as a vital partner in driving progress.

Titan International, a major global manufacturer of wheels and tyres for off-highway equipment, has secured expanded production rights for the Goodyear brand across multiple segments while renewing its existing farm tyre licensing agreement.

The deal extends Titan’s Goodyear brand manufacturing rights to include light construction, industrial, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), lawn and garden and golf tyre categories, significantly broadening the company's market reach.

The Illinois-based firm will continue to produce agricultural tyres under the Goodyear Farm Tyres brand, maintaining its presence in a sector where it manufactures products ranging from small implement tyres to the massive Goodyear Optitrac LSW1400/30R46, which features the company's proprietary Low Sidewall Technology.

"We are excited to expand our rights into new segments, as this positions us to serve our customers better and seize emerging market opportunities. Our research and product development teams are already working on new tyre designs incorporating innovative tyre technologies for the lawn and garden segment," said Paul Reitz, President & CEO of Titan International, Inc. "In addition to our newly acquired rights, we are reaffirming our commitment to the farm tyres segment, a vital part of our business."

Industry analysts note the expansion comes as demand for specialised off-highway tyres remains robust across construction, agriculture and recreational sectors despite broader economic headwinds.

Strategic growth initiative

The licensing expansion aligns with Titan's strategy to offer comprehensive wheel and tyre solutions across forestry, powersports, outdoor power equipment, agricultural, earthmoving, and light construction markets throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

The company did not disclose the financial terms of the licensing agreement with Goodyear.

Titan International has manufactured Goodyear-branded farm tyres since 2005, when it acquired Goodyear's North American farm tyre business. It has gradually expanded these rights to other regions, including Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and Australia.

Targets International Expansion With Robust Fy25 Performance

CEAT Ltd, the RPG Group’s flagship tyre company, reported a capital outlay of INR 9–10 billion  for FY2025–26, keeping with its capacity expansion strategy and global integration. This follows a strong FY25 performance of record revenues and double-digit growth across segments despite headwinds in overseas markets.

The business ended FY25 with consolidated revenue of INR 132.18 billion, up 10.6 percent year on year, and Q4 revenue at INR34.21 billion, up 14.3 percent compared to the corresponding quarter previous year. The standalone full-year EBITDA was INR 15 billion, and the Q4 operating margins improved by more than 100 basis points sequentially at 11.5 percent.

"We incurred capex of INR 9.46 billion in FY25 and expect a similar investment of INR 9–1.0 billion in FY26," said Kumar Subbiah, Chief Financial Officer of CEAT. “Our focus will remain on expanding capacities, particularly at the Ambarnath and Chennai facilities, and funding the integration of the recently acquired Camso compact construction business.”

In FY25, CEAT depreciated assets amounting to INR11.40 billion. Much of its FY26 capex will also fund equipment modernisation and normal maintenance at its Sri Lankan operations under Camso, putting a cost estimate of INR1-1.25 billion a year over the next two years.

The Camso acquisition, which is effective from Q2 FY26, is likely to significantly enhance CEAT's global presence. "Integration work has started in full acceleration," said Arnab Banerjee, Managing Director and CEO. “Initial focus will be on customer retention and business continuity, with consolidation expected to double Camso’s current capacity utilisation over the medium term.”

Despite international uncertainties, CEAT renewed its medium-term global growth forecast. Exports are expected to form 25–26 percent of the revenue post-Camso integration. Turbulence still exists in Latin America and North America due to tariff policies and exchange rate weakness. CEAT, however, has reported consistent performance in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

CEAT also indicated a likely raw material cost stabilisation in Q1 FY26, potentially softening by Q2, to support its margin growth initiatives. The gross margin was 37.5 percent in Q4 FY25, and the target was above 40 percent in the near term.

Banerjee signaled ongoing activity in electrification, premiumisation, and digitalisation. "With our technology outlays and new product introductions, we are hopeful of sustaining 20–25 percent market share in electric vehicle segments," he asserted.

The debt levels of the company are under control. The gross debt as of 31 March 2025 was INR 19.28 billion with a debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.3x and debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44x. Subbiah added that CEAT's strong cash generation will allow it to finance both organic and inorganic growth without materially diluting leverage metrics.

Black Swan Graphene Inc. (Black Swan) has appointed Jobin George as Technical Sales Manager for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region with immediate effect. This significant move, which supports Black Swan's worldwide commercial team as it promotes adoption of its graphene-enhanced products, follows Dan Roadcap’s appointment as Head of Technical Sales and Business Development.

George has an MBA from ICFAI University in India, a Post Graduate Diploma from the Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering and Technology in India and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University, India. He brings with him more than 20 years of global expertise in project management, business development and technical sales. George has had positions at Sands International Plastics and Sojitz Corporation in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Aquapak Polymers and H-Pack Global Ltd.

Simon Marcotte, President and Chief Executive Officer, Black Swan Graphene, said, “The addition of Jobin to our commercial team marks another important milestone in our global expansion strategy. His international experience, particularly in the EMEA region, and his proven ability to translate technical capability into commercial success make him an ideal fit as we continue scaling our graphene business.”

George said, “Black Swan is positioned at the forefront of advanced materials innovation. The opportunity to contribute to the adoption of such a transformative technology across the EMEA region is tremendously exciting. I look forward to engaging with our existing customers and partners, along with exploring opportunities for new clients as well, to showcase the performance and value of Black Swan’s graphene solutions.”

The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has appointed Stephanie Mull as its Executive Director.

Mull will spearhead the organisation's initiatives to promote innovation and invest in the circular tyre economy, expand the market for end-of-life tyres and support studies to fill in the gaps in the sustainability and tyre recycling supply chain in her new role at TRF. Mull brings a wealth of experience in the sustainability field and a broad understanding of fleet management and decarbonisation, including converting fleets to electric and alternative fuel vehicles. In her role as PepsiCo's Sustainability Senior Manager, she oversaw major electrification projects, obtained grant money and spearheaded efforts to lower Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions throughout Pepsi and Frito-Lay's North American fleets. Mull oversaw the local government's efforts to upgrade municipal vehicles to greener technology and volunteered to help the Red Cross electrify its fleet.

Anne Forristall Luke, TRF Board President, said, “Stephanie Mull brings the passion, in-depth expertise and history of excellence that will drive TRF and its partners to achieve critical tyre recycling and reclamation milestones. We are thrilled to have her join the Foundation as we advance tyre sustainability while tackling the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Mull said, “I’m honoured to join the Tire Recycling Foundation and support its sustainability mission to achieve 100 percent end-of-life tyre circularity. TRF is a vital nexus of expertise and leadership, and I look forward to working with all stakeholders in developing tyre recycling solutions that pave the way for a more sustainable future.” 

The Tire Recycling Foundation is dedicated to achieving 100 percent circularity for end-of-life tires by advancing innovation, building partnerships and supporting scalable recycling and reclamation solutions. Consisting of 15 global industry leaders with expertise in the manufacturing, recycling and transportation industries, TRF’s Board primarily focuses on the acceleration and adoption of emerging end-of-life tyre market technologies like rubber-modified asphalt (RMA).