1 Essential Tires & Rubber Stories for Industry Leaders

According to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications, Michelin India has begun local production of the Primacy 5 — its first passenger car tyre manufactured in India. This print media monitoring review covers the most consequential news on tires and rubber from today's Indian print editions.

1. Michelin Primacy 5 Tyre Local Production

A front-page report in Financial Express says Michelin expects India's premium tyre market to expand sharply over the next few years, driven by the shift towards larger SUVs, better roads and rising consumer expectations. Shantanu Deshpande, managing director of Michelin India, said the company sees significant opportunity in premium SUV and passenger vehicle tyres, particularly in the 16-inch-and-above segment. The company recently began local production of the Michelin Primacy 5, its first passenger car tyre manufactured in India, with production aligned to Michelin's global local-to-local manufacturing strategy.

Michelin has started local production of the Primacy 5, marking a significant milestone for the tyre industry. Shantanu Deshpande, managing director of Michelin India, said the company sees significant opportunity in premium SUV and passenger vehicle tyres, particularly in the 16-inch-and-above segment. The move aligns with Michelin's global local-to-local manufacturing strategy and reflects the broader shift towards larger SUVs, better roads, and rising consumer expectations in India.

Why it matters: Local production reduces import dependency and positions India as a hub for premium tyre manufacturing. For media monitoring professionals tracking the automotive supply chain, this signals deeper foreign investment commitment.

Key detail: The Primacy 5 is the first passenger car tyre manufactured locally by Michelin in India, targeting the premium SUV and passenger vehicle segment.

Source: Financial Express, Delhi, September 8, by AKBAR MERCHANT

Next step: Watch for follow-up announcements on production capacity and export plans from the Chennai facility.

What do you think — will local manufacturing reshape India's tyre market dynamics? Share your view.