Amongst the various advancements in the automobile sector, the tyre manufacturing industry has also seen major transformations in terms of quality, versatility and efficiency, by swift adaptability to new changes and the adoption of new technologies as per the market requirements. From the cotton carcass to high-performance and durable radial tires, the technological progression has been unprecedented through the years.

With enhanced focus on product quality, production methodologies, growing exports, and acquisition of the new-age technologies, leading tyre manufacturing companies in India are not only giving healthy competition to its global peers but also strengthening the country’s overall economy.

Current scenario

Presently, there are around 40 companies listed in the country’s tyre manufacturing sector, which is mostly organized. The industry is the largest consumer of rubber components, with the natural rubber accounting to 80 per cent of the total consumption and synthetic rubber 20 per cent. Raw materials account for 70 per cent of the total production cost in the rubber industry.

The key factors impacting the demand and supply of high quality rubber in India include the level of overall industry activities, cost and credit availability, transportation costs, conditions of the road network, quality and the volume requirement, vehicle loading rules and regulations, radicalization and retreading and exports.

Most tyre manufacturing companies in India these days deal in six categories of market – original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) (significant for cars and jeeps), foreign exports, replacement market (mostly for tractors, motorcycles and mopeds), central government supplies, state transport undertakings and open retail markets.

Radialization

Radialization in the tyre industry is the transformation from the traditional tyres that uses nylon thread to radial tyres that uses steel wires. It is one of the key aspects in the Indian tyre manufacturing industry, which depicts the up-gradation of technology, the advancement and sophistication in the modern road development, new –age engineering of vehicles and the general growth of the economy.

At the present time, most cars on the Indian road run on radial tyres as it help boost the mileage significantly and save cost on fuel to up to 10 per cent. Other major benefits of radial tyres include flexible sidewall, less rolling resistance, softer rides because of the layout of the tyre’s plies, stable contact with the road surface, and steel belted nature providing tougher overall construction.

However, radialization in India has been taking off in a slower than expected pace due to unsuitability of roads for the bettered plying of radial tires, older vehicles with no suitable fitment geometry, buyers’ reluctance to pay high price and the increasing costs of the raw materials.

Electric vehicle (EV) tyres

Though very much similar to the tyres used in fossil fuel vehicles, the electric vehicle (EV) tyres are slightly different while it comes to the components used for manufacturing. With less rubber and other raw materials used while manufacturing, the EV tyres are generally 20 per cent lighter than their conventional counterpart. They face lesser rolling resistance, giving them longer operational life. The design and manufacturing of the EV tyre are also made differently considering that the EVs are comparatively heavier with the batteries increasing the weight significantly. (TT)

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Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Ltd, has been appointed to another term as Chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA). This industry body represents India's automotive tyre sector at the national level. Meanwhile, Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director of Bridgestone India Private Limited, has assumed the role of Vice Chairman. In a separate leadership transition, Sanjay Chatterjee, formerly Assistant Director General, has been promoted to Director General of ATMA. He takes over from Rajiv Budhraja, who is set to retire on 31 March 2026.

Mammen’s educational background includes graduation from Madras Christian College and an MBA from Ashland University in United States. His professional development was significantly enhanced by extensive training with B F Goodrich Tire & Co. and Uniroyal Goodrich Tire & Co. during his time in US, an experience that proved highly beneficial in his subsequent career. He was appointed Managing Director of MRF Ltd in 2004 and later became Vice Chairman and Managing Director in 2017.

His initial tenure as ATMA Chairman began at a pivotal moment last year, coinciding with the organisation's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Established in 1975, ATMA stands as one of the country's most prominent national industry associations, representing an automotive tyre industry valued at over INR 1 trillion. The association's membership encompasses major Indian and international tyre manufacturers, who collectively account for more than 80 percent of India's total tyre production.

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Giti Tire has secured the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for the second consecutive year, positioning it within the top one percent of companies globally evaluated for sustainability. This ongoing distinction underscores the organisation's dedication to ethical operations, environmental stewardship and the generation of sustainable value throughout its worldwide activities.

The EcoVadis framework appraisals in four principal domains: environmental impact, labour and human rights, ethical conduct and sustainable procurement. This methodology offers a thorough benchmark for corporate sustainability. Earning Platinum recognition for two straight years indicates that Giti's environmental, social and governance efforts are not only effective but are also demonstrating ongoing enhancement.

Complementing this accolade, Giti’s manufacturing sites in Anhui and Fujian, China, recently secured ISCC+ certification. This dual achievement illustrates the company's holistic sustainability strategy. This approach encompasses corporate governance and operational excellence while also ensuring the responsible procurement of materials essential for developing next-generation tyres.

As the worldwide mobility industry moves towards more environmentally friendly solutions, Giti is persistently investing in advancements aimed at minimising ecological impact, all without compromising the safety, durability and performance expected by consumers. These milestones reinforce Giti's goal to emerge as a prominent contributor to sustainable mobility within the international tyre sector, offering conscientious products and methods that support its customers, collaborators and communities.

Francois Petiot, Director, International QA Centre, said, “Reaching the top is difficult – but staying at the top of the mountain is even harder. This achievement shows not only our commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices and continuous improvement but also the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved.”

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Agricultural machinery specialist Emyr Evans marked four decades in business by restoring the first new tractor it ever sold. The Massey Ferguson 3065, originally purchased in late December 1995 for New Year delivery, has been beautifully brought back to life. It now rides on the latest MICHELIN AgriBib 2 tyres, supplied and fitted by Saracens, a trusted partner and part of the Michelin Quality Centre network. The tyres fitted are 340/85 R24 on the front and 420/85 R34 on the rear.

Emyr Evans founded the company with his wife Gwenda in 1986, starting with used tractors before becoming a Massey Ferguson dealer for Anglesey and Gwynedd in 1996 from their base in Gaerwen. By 2002, their territory had expanded to cover all of North Wales to the Cheshire border, prompting the opening of a second depot in Denbigh. Over the years, the business has grown by adding major franchises including JCB, Fendt, McHale, Pottinger and Bailey. Today, their sons Gwynedd and Berwyn manage the two depots.

The restored tractor is a significant piece of the company’s history, representing the last of Massey Ferguson’s 3000 series of versatile mid-range tractors. It was originally sold to a farmer in Anglesey and had worked there ever since. Despite its coastal location near the Irish Sea, it remained in working order but required dedicated care and attention.

The choice of modern Michelin tyres highlights the evolution in agricultural technology. The current AgriBib 2, with its improved tread pattern featuring 45-degree lugs, offers enhanced traction, durability and a higher load index to cope with the increasing weight of modern machinery. Comparing it to the Bib’X M18 from the 1990s illustrates this progress. For example, a 16.9 R34 Bib’X M18 carried a maximum load of 2,060 kg at 40 kmph, while the equivalent AgriBib 2 now carries 3,075 kg, an increase of over a tonne per tyre.

The restored Massey Ferguson 3065 is being showcased along with a collection of vintage tractors at the company’s 40th Anniversary Open Days (11 and 12 March) at their Denbigh depot on the Colomendy Industrial Estate.

Berwyn Evans, Director at the business, said, “The tractor was sold to a farmer in Anglesey and has been working there ever since. Due to the location by the Irish Sea, it needed some TLC but was still in working order. As the tractor is now 30 years old, it’s been a challenge tracking down replacement parts but a worthwhile one. When it came to fitting new tyres to this special tractor, the only choice was Michelin, which is king in the agricultural world.”

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Bridgestone Central Europe has announced leadership changes effective 1 March 2026, with Francesco Landolfo stepping into the role of Business Unit Director Commercial CER. He will oversee operations across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Landolfo takes over from Christoph Frost, who guided the commercial division for eight years and was instrumental in embedding the company’s premium approach throughout the region. Frost transitions to a new capacity as Director of Retread Business for Bridgestone EMEA, where he will manage the Bandag retreading enterprise across Europe.

Christoph Frost, Director Retread Business Bridgestone EMEA.

Waqqas Ahmad, Vice President Commercial Europe, highlighted that these moves are vital for advancing the premium strategy in Central Europe and within the retread sector. He noted that both individuals possess the necessary expertise and forward-thinking mindset to deepen client connections and reinforce the brand’s upmarket standing

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