TREADING THE WORLD

Tyre manufacturers are rolling out new ambitions and products to meet the surge in demand

- Molly R

Off-the-road (OTR) tires refer to the deeply treaded tires that provide high traction over uneven sur-faces, including rock, mud, loose dirt, or gravel. These tires are widely installed in numerous ve-hicles, including cranes, wheel loaders, telescopic handlers, tractors, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), military trucks, specialized purpose vehicles, etc.

OTR tires provide high heat and rolling resistance, better durability, enhanced vehicular performance, optimum stability, easy mobility, and reduced contact patch area. As a result, they are widely adopted across various sectors, including construction, mining, recreation, agriculture, etc.

In India, a significant growth in the construction industry has led to increasing infrastructural development activities across diverse geographic locations. Owing to this, there is a growing demand for heavy-duty construction vehicles which is further catalyzing the market for OTR tires.

Additionally, the Indian government is heavily investing in the development of various commercial infrastructures across the country, such as highways, power supply grids, bridges, dams, etc., thereby augmenting the demand for OTR tires. In line with this, the elevating levels of urbanization are also driving the adoption of OTR-based cranes, lorries, trucks, etc., in the construction of modern housing complexes, corporate offices, educational facilities, retail centres, etc.

Moreover, the expanding agriculture industry in the country has led to the increasing penetration of automated machinery and farm mechanization solutions. The growing adoption of OTR tire-based tractors and loaders in agricultural farms is positively influencing the market in India.