Our approach revolves around catering to the astute preferences of Indian customers who seek both quality and value.

Debasis Khuntia, Head OTR, JK Tyre

How do you describe the current state of the OTR market in India?

The industry’s expansion is on an upward trajectory, buoyed by government investments, particularly in infrastructure. This heightened focus has propelled substantial growth. Our performance this year surpasses that of the previous year significantly. The pace of our advancement has accelerated compared to our past growth journey. Looking ahead, we anticipate continued alignment with the government’s vision for infrastructure development, fostering ongoing progress in the industry.

How is JK tyre different from its competitors?

We are not solely focused on products; our approach revolves around delivering holistic solutions to our customers. Take, for instance, our position as a tyre manufacturer. While creating top-quality tyres remains a key forte, our emphasis is equally on ensuring tyre availability and custom designing to meet specific customer needs. Additionally, we deeply analyze the challenges and pain points our customers encounter. This led to the development of “TREEL TPMS”—a revolutionary technological solution. It is a game-changer, marking a significant departure from our traditional product line. Our dedicated investments and efforts have resulted in pioneering this technology domestically, a first of its kind from India. Previously, mining customers had limited options, often sourcing similar solutions from the US, Europe, or China. Now, however, these solutions are locally accessible in India, offering not just technological advancement but also cost efficiency, a huge benefit for our customers. Our presence in various exhibitions has garnered substantial recognition. The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, showcasing a strong preference for these innovative products.

India is a very cost centric market. How do you balance between cost and quality of your product?

Our approach revolves around catering to the astute preferences of Indian customers who seek both quality and value. Being an Indian company, we deeply comprehend the discerning nature of the Indian consumer. Consequently, our engineering and design processes are meticulously crafted with this understanding at the forefront. Our R&D center, located in Mysuru, serves as the hub where our designs and tyre development initiatives are meticulously shaped and brought to life.

Raw material prices have been fluctuating. How would you react to that when it comes to raw materials of tyres?

Procuring raw materials presented significant challenges for us. We weathered an incredibly tough period recently, especially post-Covid, when many suppliers were apprehensive about sourcing. However, the situation has improved, and processes have begun to streamline. Nonetheless, we remain vigilant due to ongoing geopolitical concerns. We will continue monitoring and adapting to see how the situation unfolds.

General elections are schedule for next year. How do you think that will impact the market?

Usually, around election time—several months before and after—the pace of investments tends to decelerate, which is something we anticipate. The current upward momentum in growth might taper off slightly during this period. However, after the elections, we hold a strong belief that our pursuit of achieving a USD five trillion economy necessitates our optimism. In alignment with this objective, we remain enthusiastic and focused on developing new products while strategizing for the future.

Government is focusing on environmental concerns. How is your manufacturing facility helping the government?

JK Tyre stands out as a leading tyre manufacturer in India, with 80% of materials sourced sustainably. Our production methods prioritize environmental responsibility, avoiding excessive industrialization. We’ve demonstrated deep commitment through widespread adoption of zero liquid discharge in nearly all plants. Over the last five years, our dedication to sustainability is detailed in annual reports, emphasizing ongoing efforts. Moving forward, we remain resolute in our promise to produce eco-friendly tyres, showcasing unwavering dedication to sustainability and highlighting significant progress in this crucial journey.

How do you foresee the market for the next coming year? Are there plans for more products?

We’re really excited about the Off-Highway Tyre market in India, especially considering the government’s strong emphasis on infrastructure development. Our team is actively exploring specific areas to concentrate on and is working on introducing innovative products and solutions to meet the future needs of the market. While we can’t provide specific details now, we’re confident that there will be exciting new introductions in the coming times. Stay tuned for updates!

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