Around six years ago, JK Tyre joined hands with Pune-based Treel Mobility, which has now been acquired by the tyre company. Today JK Tyre is the only tyre company in India that indigenously manufacturers Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) based on sensor technology. TREEL provides live data on the most important variables: tyre temperature, tyre pressure, tyre positions, locations, distance travelled and expected tyre life through our algorithm thus capture almost full health of the tyres. We provide our TMAS software for tyre management.

JK Tyre offers sensor technologies for both OE and aftermarket.

“The sensors can alert if the air pressure increases and drops by more than one psi. Our sensors are a multi-utility product and come with around five years of life,” Misra said, adding that the company’s sensor technologies are getting good response from the market.

JK Tyre’s manufacturing operations comprise of 12 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. The company has nine modern plants in India (three plants in Mysuru, three plants in Haridwar and one plant each in Banmore (M.P.), Kankroli (Rajasthan) and Chennai and three plants in Mexico – an aggregate production capacity of around 32 million tyres per annum.

The company is engaged in the manufacture and marketing of automotive tyres, tubes and flaps. JK Tyre’s products comprise Truck/Bus Radial & Bias, Passenger car radials, 2/3-wheeler tyres, LCV & SCV Bias & Radial, off-highway tyres (OTR and Farm), as well as speciality tyres for military/ defence, industrial and farm applications besides racing tyres.

Data generated through the sensors is not only helping JK Tyre to develop better products but provides an efficient and cost-effective service to its customers, especially in Truck Radial tyre space. “Service efficiency is what makes the difference to a customer. It is very important factor,” explained Misra.

JK Tyre is also in “Mobility Solutions”, where the company takes complete control of the tyre management and sells tyres by kilometres to the customers.

“Having such solutions availed, fleet owners do not have to worry about the most capital intensive part tyres. They do not have to buy tyres. We provide the right quality of tyres as per their requirements and then we make sure that tyres are optimally used and well maintained. To ensure performance and better life of tyres, we need lots of information and timely data collection which is not humanly possible. But now we can have all the data since tyres are fitted with sensors,” said Misra.

Misra claims that JK Tyres is the first company in India to provide such kind of services to the fleet companies.

“JK Tyre will continuously keep looking into the enhancement of sensor technologies in future,” he said.

With the help of JK Tyre’s service management and support around 3% fuel can be saved with the better pressure, alignment and maintenance of the tyres, whereas the tyre life is improved anywhere between 5% to 10%. “We have also seen big improvement in the downtime of the vehicles as well,” added Misra. The company extended this solution across more than 800 fleet owners. JK Tyre today has over 50 state-of-the-art Truck Wheels centres across the country which provides services enabled by high-quality machinery including computerised wheel alignment, wheel balancing, automated tyre changing, tyre rotation, nitrogen for tyre inflation, all under one roof to provide a 360-degree solution and excellent experience to the customer.

For EV mobility, the company is getting aggressive. JK Tyre has done benchmarking in the markets where the EV is largely being used. “We have tested and kept the tyres ready for EV cars. We have developed special tyres and have also done benchmarking with tyres which are being used by cars like Tesla / Kona,” said Misra. We intend offering special tyres for EV application backed with sensor technology.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is planning to introduce star rating, like electric appliances, for tyres based on their rolling resistance, wet grip and rolling noise. In Europe also, the labelling is provided on tyres for rolling resistance, braking on wet surfaces and external noise.

However, India did not have facilities to test wet grip in India till recent times. For the export purpose, the Indian tyre companies used to get their tyres tested for wet grip from outside India.

“In India, the star ratings have been principally agreed and accepted. The levels from 1 to 5 for RR and wet grip have also been finalised for all type of tyres. The star rating will come soon in India,” said Misra. However, the data for wet grip & rolling noise is yet to be generated to confirm the specs so far considered.

Initially, the star rating will be voluntarily for the first two years and then it will become mandatory. “It will be interesting to see how star rating will influence customers’ buying behaviour,” he added.

The company is also establishing its wet grip testing capability. JK Tyre has become the first tyre company in India to buy a traction trailer to test wet grip. The traction trailer has been installed at NATRiP, Indore. International Centre for Automotive Technology and Automotive Research Association of India are in also in the process of certifying complete infrastructure for testing for Indian Tyre Industry for all category of tyres under review.

“Based on the readiness at ICAT and later at ARAI, the tyre industry will generate data on wet grip,” and approach certification body to align the specifications.

The company is currently using the traction trailer for its own purpose and will explore possibilities to provide wet grip testing service to other players in the Indian market.

For the commercial tyre business, the company’s recent breakthrough is Fuel Saver Technology, which saves up to 8% to 10% fuel. The company introduced its fuel-saving technology for its TBR tyres and now it will be brought for tubeless tyres which has also been extended to Tubeless Truck Tyres. The company has also successfully launched a radial mining tyre in the country.

As for as the passenger vehicle tyres, JK Tyre will launch an ultra-high-performance tyre, being developed in Europe. “We have tested our ultra-high-performance tyre up to 300 km/h on one of the best tracks available in Germany by test experts against best in class- tyres. We also picked up an Indian brand which declared their tyre as UHP tyre. Our tyre is far superior in terms of overall- handling, performance, control, wet grip and noise. We will launch this product soon,” said Misra.

In the auto industry, traditional rivals are coming together to meet future demand and tackle various challenges. For instance, BMW and Daimler have come together for autonomous cars. According to reports, the agreement to develop automated driving technology will focus on assisted driving systems, automated driving on highways, and automated parking. However, regarding this Misra does not see possibility of such collaborations on new technology sharing or development in the Indian tyre industry.

“Being a member of various committees in the industry, we had jointly mooted an idea of having a common research and development centre with the support of the Government of India where we have every possible capability for technology development. Even if we get into that, it will not be technology sharing but yes a great platform can get created for Technology development.

For JK Tyre, fuel economy, longevity and safety is paramount for its products. “Safety is expected to be inbuilt, though customers awareness needs to be enhanced. Now fuel efficiency and rolling resistance are gaining traction, particularly from OE perspective. For the aftermarket, longevity continues to be the top priority,” said Misra.

JK Tyre is also building capabilities in various fronts. JK Tyre’s new Research and Development (R&D) facility - Raghupati Singhania Centre of Excellence (RPSCOE) at Mysore has capabilities for all aspects right from testing the raw rubber sourced to creating simulations and predictive techniques for future offerings. Along with the installation of the traction trailer, the company was the first to have the Semi-Anechoic Chamber that uses specialised software for noise, vibration and harshness and data analysis. The company also has a centre of excellence at IIT Madras which is a joint venture between the company and IIT Madras. “We have developed many predictive technologies and other solution at the Centre. The virtual proving ground has been setup where you can establish the actual performance for the tyres on a vehicle without having actual tyres or vehicle. This is a very advanced concept. We are developing lot of techniques to master and get the full benefit in this virtual proving ground. Various data for the vehicles and a tyre is fed into the software and you can put data of any test track and drive the car with different speeds. You can feel the real performance. With this virtual proving ground capacity, we can generate data for tyres and determine what kind of tyres are best suited for a particular car.”

The company also uses a steering robot to collect data to have accurate and objective information.

For two-wheeler tyres, JK Tyre is focusing on tubeless tyres. The company plans to expand its two-wheeler tyre production from the current capacity of 650000 tyres per month. “We are in the process of expanding the range for high-end bikes. We are also planning to penetrate deeper into the OE space,” said Misra. The company is already OE supplier of two-wheeler tyres for Hero and Bajaj.

The biggest challenge for a technical person in the tyre industry is to anticipate the customer requirement stated as well as unstated and develop the right tyre. “The main challenge is to keep improving the performance and keep the cost low,” added Misra.

The Indian customer is very aware and knowledgeable hence continuous upgradation of technology and products is the key to success.

The order book for Curemaster is strong with a surge in orders during the first two months of the year. The executive anticipates continued momentum throughout the year, driven by increasing global demand for advanced, sustainable curing solutions.

FORWARD INTEGRATION

According to Rudman, digitalisation is playing a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of curing presses. “Digitalisation provides real-time visibility into production processes, allowing manufacturers to monitor efficiency and product quality continuously. With a clear overview of operations, manufacturers can identify inefficiencies and ensure production targets are met. The HF XPLORE digital portal offers access to critical data at all times. It provides insights into machine health, predictive maintenance alerts and production performance. The system helps track efficiency, detect potential failures and optimise operations by identifying areas for improvement,” he said.

Artificial intelligence is also slated to play a key role in electrical heating, ensuring stable temperature control within the platens. Machine learning is being developed for predictive maintenance, helping to forecast bladder life and detect potential failures before they occur. These technologies are part of the company’s development roadmap, focusing on improving reliability and efficiency in curing press operations.

He also noted that as tyre compounds evolve, curing requirements will change, making electrical curing a more suitable solution. Unlike steam-based systems, where temperature is directly linked to pressure, electrical curing allows independent control of both factors. This flexibility is crucial for processing new materials that may not tolerate traditional curing conditions.

“In steam curing, the relationship between pressure and temperature is fixed. For example, achieving a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius requires increasing the pressure to 20 bar. With electrical curing, temperature and pressure are completely separate, enabling curing at lower temperatures while maintaining the necessary pressure levels. This capability is particularly significant for future materials, which may require curing at 160 degrees Celsius but at much higher pressures,” explained Rudman.

The shift towards electrical curing is expected to gain momentum, particularly for high-end and specialised tyres that demand more advanced curing strategies. While steam curing will continue to be used for lower-segment applications, the upper range of the market, especially where sustainability and material innovations are key factors, will require the precision and adaptability that electrical curing provides.

OVERLAPPING TECHNOLOGIES

There is a clear trend in the market where customers are seeking more customised solutions rather than standard off-the-shelf curing presses. Manufacturers now have unique requirements including features like electrical curing, digitalisation, automated loading and unloading and seamless integration with factory infrastructure and tyre transportation systems. As a result, the demand for tailored solutions is increasing, making flexibility a key factor in the adoption of new curing technologies.

“Curemaster is designed with upgradeability in mind, ensuring that tyre manufacturers do not have to replace entire presses when looking to modernise operations. Even older HF curing presses that have been in service for more than 20 years can be upgraded to electrical curing without altering the mechanical structure. This allows manufacturers to transition to more efficient curing technology while retaining the existing equipment. At the same time, the new Curemaster is available as a fully electric system from the outset, offering a ready-made solution for greenfield projects,” averred Rudman.

Nonetheless, the biggest business potential currently lies in retrofitting existing curing presses rather than selling entirely new equipment. “Many customers prefer upgrade kits that allow them to transition to electrical curing while maintaining current production setup. While greenfield projects present a significant opportunity for new fully electric presses, the greater demand at present is for retrofit solutions, as it provides a cost-effective way to improve efficiency and sustainability without major infrastructure changes,” he added.

PROCESS OVERVIEW

Most curing press suppliers have introduced electrical curing solutions. There are two main approaches to electrical heating, which are electromagnetic (induction) heating and resistive heating.

Electromagnetic heating method involves placing a coil outside the tyre to generate heat. However, there are concerns about how this method interacts with the tyre’s internal bead wire and breaker package. Since the long-term impact of electromagnetic fields on tyre integrity has not been fully tested or verified, there are still some uncertainties regarding its effects on tyre quality.

In contrast, resistive heating, which the company employs, places coils directly inside the plate, ensuring controlled and targeted heating. This method eliminates any risk associated with electromagnetic interference and allows precise temperature application only where needed. While both technologies are viable, resistive heating offers greater reliability and consistency in maintaining tyre quality.

“One of the key advantages of electrical curing is its rapid heating and cooling capabilities. The nitrogen used in the process can be heated from 20 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius in less than 20 seconds and cooled back down in the same time frame. This is achieved through continuous nitrogen circulation, where the system directs the flow through either the heater or the cooler as needed. In terms of curing time, electrical heating currently matches steam curing with a typical cycle of 10 minutes per tyre. However, there is significant potential to reduce curing time by 10 to 15 percent as electrical systems can operate at higher temperatures and offer more precise control over the process,” informed Rudman.

Nonetheless, steam curing has a predominant risk of mishaps in the bladder, which could lead to an explosion. The Curemaster is designed with a fully encapsulated dome, ensuring that any pressure build-up remains contained. If a failure occurs, the pressure is released downward instead of sideways, reducing the risk of injury.

The locking system is also unique. Even if there is a total power or hydraulic pressure loss, the press cannot open unintentionally. This containment and locking mechanism ensure a high level of safety during operation.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

According to the executive, the biggest challenge in the curing press business comes from cost competition as lower-cost manufacturers pose a significant pricing challenge. However, from a technological standpoint, the company offers unique features that set it apart from competitors. While competitors may have cost advantages, HF’s focus on advanced technology, automation and digitalisation allows it to capture market share by offering superior functionality and efficiency.

The passenger car and truck segments remain the company’s primary focus owing to the highest growth potential. Additionally, the company sees an emerging opportunity in motorcycle and bicycle tyre curing, particularly with electric heating technology. HF is among the first to introduce electrical curing for these segments, positioning itself as an industry leader.

While HF is active in the passenger and truck segments, it has opted not to enter the off-the-road tyre market due to its relatively small size and intense competition. The segment still relies heavily on traditional mechanical presses, making it less attractive for innovation-driven solutions.

The company continues to refine the Curemaster lineup by introducing new materials, insulation techniques and design concepts. The company is particularly focused on increasing automation to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Beontag, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of self-adhesives and smart tags such as RFID, NFC and BLE, has entered into a collaboration with Kumho Tire to develop RFID-enabled tyres for commercial and passenger vehicles.

The partnership will see new Kumho tyres use Beontag's TyreTag RFID technology. Traceability will be possible with the RFID-enabled tyres from the point of origin to recycling and disposal. Following years of research and development, according to both the companies, the new RFID-enabled tyre is very robust and dependable, able to survive high temperatures and pressures over the course of years of intensive use. The new TyreTag-enabled tyres' traceability will also adhere to the forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulations (ESPR), which will need Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and be in force for tyres starting in 2028–2030.

Thiago Horta, Global VP of Digital Transformation, Beontag, said, “We are extremely proud to share what we have achieved in our partnership with Kumho Tire. Through rigorous testing, we have worked hard to develop the necessary technology and durability capabilities in these RFID-enabled tyres; I look forward to continuing this journey with Kumho Tire for years to come”

Jihon Park, Assistant Manager with Kumho Tire, said, “Kumho Tire has been producing RFID-enabled tyres since 2013. Beontag’s technical expertise and collaborative approach were instrumental in helping us meet our rigorous standards and enhance our technology. We look forward to delivering even greater quality and reliability to our customers around the world.”

Goodyear has launched the Value Simulator, an online tool designed to assist fleet operators in visualising the possible financial and environmental advantages of upgrading their mobility and tyre solutions. The simulator is now available on the company's truck tyre website and is a component of Goodyear Total Mobility, the company's end-to-end solution for commercial fleets.

According to Goodyear, the tool takes into account typical fuel consumption and cost, fleet size and breakdown frequency, vehicle mileage and maintenance trends and the kind of transportation and route profile. After data is entered, the simulator instantly estimates the potential decrease of CO2 emissions, maintenance and fuel costs, and annual breakdown-related cost savings. Additionally, customers can customise simulations according to their own fleet characteristics.

The CO₂ reductions are based on theoretical fuel usage using EU tyre label values as a baseline; real savings may vary depending on factors including driver behaviour, vehicle condition and road conditions. Additionally, based on user interaction, the simulator suggests appropriate Goodyear goods and services. These recommendations can be used as a springboard for talks with Goodyear's staff in order to do a more thorough study and develop a customised fleet plan.

Maciej Szymański, Marketing Director Commercial at Goodyear EMEA, said, “At Goodyear, we are committed to supporting transport fleets in maximising efficiency, increasing competitiveness and promoting sustainability. The Goodyear Value Simulator confirms our dedication to customer-centric solutions and helps fleet managers to make informed decisions that aim to drive tangible benefits for their operations. With the Goodyear Value Simulator, fleets can visualise the potential financial and environmental impact of adopting Goodyear Total Mobility. From reducing breakdown costs to enhancing fuel efficiency, our solutions are designed to deliver real value to our customers.”

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, has launched its new flagship Driver Terminal, the PRO X, designed specifically for truck and van fleets.

By providing direct tablet access to Webfleet fleet management services, the PRO X links drivers and companies to streamline work administration. Fleets can utilise a variety of sophisticated Webfleet features, such as workflow management, electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD) and two-way communication between drivers and fleet managers thanks to the pre-installed Webfleet Work App. They can also access other Webfleet services, such as Cold Chain, Remaining Drive Times and OptiDrive ranking, which allows drivers to view peer performance.

Van and truck fleets may enjoy the best-in-class professional navigation with the newest technology, like smart warnings for traffic or low-emission zones, major points of interest for trucks and EVs and live ETA reporting, with easy access to TomTom GO Fleet.  Additionally, when paired with OptiDrive, the motorist gets immediate feedback to help them drive better. Pre-installing maps is now simple, and they are updated automatically every month. With its wide anti-glare screen, sturdy construction, detachable battery and user-friendly controls for instant access to essential programmes, the new high-performance Driver Terminal helps professional drivers both in-cabin and on-site.

With an integrated Mobile Device Management (MDM) system that enables fully remote management of the devices' home screen, app auto-start and other features, it is configured for a quick roll-out in the field and can be tailored to fit various corporate demands. Because it is Android Enterprise Recommended and integrates Webfleet's and TomTom's expertise in sophisticated navigation, devices may be more rapidly customised to meet user demands. Beginning in March 2025, the PRO X will be sold in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with other territories to follow later this year.

Annick Renoux, Vice President, Webfleet Europe, said, “At Webfleet, we are always committed to delivering smart solutions that enhance the working conditions and safety of our customers and their drivers, powered by the latest technology. That’s why we are proud to introduce the new PRO X – now with even more functionality to help fleet managers streamline their operations, boost efficiency and strengthen their connection with field teams like never before.”