Amit Tolani, Chief Executive, CEAT Specialty Tyres

How has your experience been at EXCON 2025 after returning to the show?

This is our first participation since 2018, after skipping editions due to the pandemic and post-Covid uncertainty. Based on what we observed in 2024, we felt it was the right time to return. The response this year has been extremely encouraging, with strong footfalls, wide OEM participation and a diverse range of new machines on display. It ranks among the best exhibitions we have seen in recent years.

How do you see demand for off-the-road (OTR) tyres evolving in India?

India remains a developing economy with significant construction still underway across roads, cities, mining and infrastructure. This directly translates into sustained demand for excavation, earthmoving and mining equipment, and consequently for OTR tyres.

In addition, India is emerging as a global manufacturing hub, with many OEMs producing here for exports to Europe, the US and other markets. This combination of domestic consumption and export-oriented manufacturing creates a strong long-term demand environment.

What product segments are you focusing on to meet this evolving demand?

Our portfolio spans tyres for forklifts, loaders, graders and mining equipment. As construction equipment horsepower continues to increase, tyre performance requirements are also rising. It is therefore essential to continuously update products to handle heavier applications and more demanding operating conditions.

How are investments in R&D supporting this transition?

To remain aligned with customer requirements, we have significantly increased our investment in research and development. This year, we opened a new R&D facility in Mumbai with an investment of close to $40 million. The facility focuses on testing and developing tyres suited to next-generation equipment and Indian operating conditions. Many of the products being introduced are upgrades of existing ranges, refined to meet higher performance expectations.