Off-Road Revolution
India, armed with a growing domestic market, technological innovation, and global trade tailwinds, is poised not only to meet internal demand but also to become a hub for exports. From domestic pioneers to emerging innovators, the OTR tyre ecosystem is evolving into a high-value, high-performance arena — one that promises significant returns for those who can match performance with adaptability.
Market momentum
At the heart of India’s OTR tyre surge is an aggressive infrastructure agenda. With the Indian government’s continued focus on building highways, ports, airports, and mining corridors under initiatives like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, and PM Gati Shakti, the requirement for construction and mining machinery has skyrocketed. And every machine — from dumpers and dozers to wheel loaders and cranes — needs reliable, terrain-ready tyres.
Ashok P Chhajer, Sr. General Manager – OE Sales (Domestic) at BKT, observes, “The OTR tyre industry in India is benefiting from increasing infrastructural developments and the government's focus on expanding and modernising the transportation and logistics sectors. This has led to a surge in demand for high-performance OTR tyres.”
Beyond roads and ports, the mining sector — particularly coal, iron ore, and limestone — continues to fuel OTR tyre growth. With India targeting self-sufficiency in coal and boosting mineral production, high-tonnage equipment usage has increased, pushing the tyre industry to innovate for extreme conditions.
Changing landscape
The OTR tyre market has evolved dramatically. Earlier, OTR tyres were typically part of larger portfolios of generalist tyre manufacturers, producing a limited range of basic products. That is no longer the case.
Shyam Gyanani, Co-founder and Executive Director, Trident International, says: “Earlier the OTR tyres were made by manufacturers that produced all types of tyres. Today, it is the specialist OTR tyre manufacturers both home-grown and Indian subsidiaries of international players who cater to both the domestic and overseas market.”
Machines have also changed. Modern construction and mining machines demand tyres that are not only durable but also application-specific — different tread patterns, compounds, and casing strengths. This change in customer demand is driving a wider portfolio, with multiple SKUs needed even for a single sector.
Radial vs Bias
A significant evolution within OTR tyres is the gradual but decisive shift from bias to radial construction. Radial tyres offer multiple advantages — longer tread life, lower rolling resistance, improved fuel economy, and better heat dissipation. These benefits are increasingly attractive to fleet operators looking to reduce operational costs and downtime.
“The growth trend of radial tyres in OTR has been steadily increasing,” notes Chhajer. “While bias tyres still hold a significant share due to their robustness and cost-effectiveness in certain applications, we are expanding our range of radial tyres to meet growing demand.”
Still, the adoption of radials is uneven. High-speed applications such as long-haul dump trucks and cranes have embraced radialisation more quickly, whereas segments like forklifts, backhoes, and port equipment continue to favour bias tyres for their rugged simplicity and lower cost of ownership.
Innovation at the core
The future of OTR tyres is not just stronger rubber — it’s smarter rubber. One of the most noteworthy developments in recent years has been the integration of smart technology into tyre systems. JK Tyre is leading this charge with its Treel system, a smart tyre pressure and temperature monitoring solution (TPMS) tailored for OTR applications. This technology allows real-time monitoring, improving safety, reducing downtime, and significantly enhancing fleet productivity.
“Our latest OTR tyres are engineered to excel in the most challenging terrains,” says Anuj Kathuria, President, JK Tyre. “We are committed to setting new standards in tyre technology and enhancing productivity in OTR industry.”
Trident has also introduced its SMARTIRE system, a patented solid tyre performance monitoring technology that tracks wear, usage, and pressure data, helping operators plan proactive maintenance and reduce risk. Additionally, Trident’s use of non-directional tread patterns (patented in the US) and reinforced foam compounds (that lower carbon footprint by 35 per cent) show how Indian manufacturers are using product innovation to create differentiation.
New launches across the board
Recent product launches across India reflect the industry’s renewed focus on performance, application fit, and durability.
JK Tyre unveiled a wide range of OTR tyres at Bauma Conexpo India 2024, including the VEM 63 L5, VEM 99D E3, VEM SMOOTH L5S, JET LIFT, and MPT 117. These tyres cater to loaders, wide body dumpers, haulage trucks, forklifts, and self-loading mixers, offering features like extra-deep tread, sidewall protectors, silica-based compounds, and high load capacity. CEAT Specialty launched the Minemax X3, a mining tyre designed for extreme load and terrain conditions. ZC Rubber debuted its new OTR range at international expos, while Triangle presented an expanded portfolio featuring its new TPMS system.
Bridgestone showcased products with its Enliten Technology in India, focusing on fuel efficiency and extended life, indicating growing R&D localisation even by international players.
Export acceleration
India’s OTR tyre market is not just about meeting domestic needs — it is becoming a global exporter.
“Global anti-China sentiment and the ‘China Plus One’ factor have greatly helped Indian players,” says Rajiv Budhraja, Director General, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA). “With passenger car radial (PCR) tyres providing better returns in the European and North American markets, companies like Michelin and Pirelli are focusing on the West. This has opened avenues for local innovation to be scaled for exports.”
Indeed, Indian OTR tyre manufacturers are ramping up exports, especially as trade restrictions and tariffs hit Chinese suppliers. The US has imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese tyre imports, while several global buyers are looking to de-risk from a single source supplier — offering a perfect opening for Indian firms with strong quality and cost propositions.
Add to this the closure or divestment of OTR units by global majors — like Goodyear’s sale of its OTR business to Yokohama — and it’s evident that India has a real chance to become a global supply chain hub for OTR tyres.
Challenges in the path
Despite the positives, the OTR tyre industry must navigate its share of hurdles. Chief among them is the volatile cost of raw materials. Natural rubber, carbon black, steel cords, and petroleum derivatives are all essential inputs — and their global prices remain unpredictable.
“There are challenges due to fluctuation in raw material prices and supply chain disruptions, particularly from geopolitical events,” says Chhajer. These pressures, combined with increasing input costs due to environmental regulations and logistical issues, make price control difficult. Moreover, the need to maintain low total cost of ownership (TCO) is forcing tyre makers to strike a fine balance between performance and affordability.
Sustainability and recycling
Sustainability has become a core tenet of product development and branding. While recycling large OTR tyres remains a challenge due to their size and composition, progress is being made.
Companies like Tyrecycle have opened dedicated recycling plants overseas, and in India, solutions like retreading, foam-filling, and alternative compounds are gaining attention. Trident’s low-carbon-footprint compounds and solid tyre solutions offer long-term value with minimal maintenance and waste. However, policy support and end-of-life tyre (ELT) infrastructure are still in early stages in India — representing an area ripe for investment and innovation.
Emerging opportunities
Electrification of construction and mining equipment is emerging as a disruptive force. EVs bring different weight distributions, torque characteristics, and thermal demands — all of which impact tyre design.
“Electrification will present both challenges and opportunities,” notes Gyanani. “The ability to innovate and rapidly prototype new compounds and tread structures will be key to success.” While EV penetration in heavy equipment is still nascent, early movers in tyre innovation will benefit from partnerships with OEMs and early adopters.
Poised for takeoff
India’s OTR tyre sector is no longer an ancillary or support industry — it is becoming a key driver of industrial performance, both at home and abroad. With a potent combination of domestic demand, global opportunities, and technological innovation, Indian manufacturers are not just catching up — they are setting benchmarks.
“Innovation is no longer optional,” says Gyanani. “It’s the only way to survive and thrive in this rapidly evolving sector.”
As the sector prepares for the next phase of growth — driven by exports, electrification, and smart mobility — India is well-positioned to become a global leader in OTR tyres.
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