Meeting Prerequisites And Expectations

Q. How are you participating in the global right-to-repair movement for the aftermarket?

A. At JK Tyre, we acknowledge the significance of the global right-torepair movement and are aware of the need for customers to maintain and repair the used product. As a brand, we have consistently prioritised the needs of our customers while developing new products and have provided them with valuable options. Over the years, we have offered products with cutting-edge technology that is favourable for customers in the aftermarket. Moreover, we also have over 50 Re-tread centres in the country with state-of-the-art technology, machinery and trained manpower. The centre helps identify and recommend relevant repair and retread procedures to the fleet owners that can bring down and reduce operational costs. These centres help in avoiding scrap, ensuring a second and third life for tyres.

Additionally, our ‘Smart Tyres’ range has a tyre pressure monitoring system based on sensor technology, enabling real-time smartphone application-based alerts for inflation and temperature breaches. It will help offer better fuel efficiency and lower breakdowns. Also, our ‘Puncture Guard’ tyres for cars and twowheelers have special sealants producing a protective layer that instantly cures punctures, ensuring a hassle-free and secure drive. Our continual goal has been to create and provide customers with solutions that provide the most possible benefits while also being affordable.

Q A word on commodity pricing and operating margin pressures?

A. The commodity prices were quite volatile till the second quarter of FY23 (Q2-FY 23). However, during the last couple of quarters, the prices have been stable. The unprecedented increase of 40 per cent plus over the last two years had a huge impact on the entire tyre industry. We have been taking price increases at regular intervals to offset the adverse impact of the Raw Material (RM) price increases. Despite these increases, we have not been able to pass on the entire impact. Parallelly we have also undertaken programs to improve our efficiencies and reduce the operating cost. With some softening in the commodity prices during the fourth quarter of FY23 (Q4-FY 23), the industry may see some improvement in the operating margins which were earlier impacted adversely.

Q. With the RDE rollout, how is the tyre industry

“We have been taking price increases at regular intervals to offset the adverse impact of the Raw Material (RM) price increases. Despite these increases, we have not been able to pass on the entire impact.” significantly contribute to conserving the environment.

“The industry is taking steps to contribute to minimising on-road emissions in line with the Bharat Stage VI Phase II (BS6.2) emission standards also known as Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms. This includes developing energy-efficient tyres, promoting sustainable materials and production processes, educating consumers on proper tyre maintenance, and exploring the use of smart tyre technologies.” contributing to minimising on-road emissions?

A. The industry is taking steps to contribute to minimising on-road emissions in line with the Bharat Stage VI Phase II (BS6.2) emission standards also known as Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms. This includes developing energy-efficient tyres, promoting sustainable materials and production processes, educating consumers on proper tyre maintenance, and exploring the use of smart tyre technologies.

On the product innovation front, we have recently introduced the XF range of tyres that are extra fuel efficient and are built with ultra-low Rolling Resistance Coefficient (RRC) using next-generation compounds which helps in saving up to 10 per cent of fuel cost. These tyres are not only extremely effective in reducing operating costs, but they also