BKT Enters Consumer Tyre Space with New On-Road Strategy
Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT), best known for its off-highway tyres, is now steering into the consumer tyre segment, launching plans for passenger-car (PCR) and truck & bus radial (TBR) products. European Rubber Journal
As part of its five-year strategic roadmap, BKT is investing INR 3,500 crore (~USD 400 million) to expand its manufacturing capabilities. The company has earmarked pilot production for TBR tyres by Q4 of FY 2025–26 and for PCR tyres by Q3 of FY 2026–27.
BKT’s ambitions are not limited to tyres alone; it’s also scaling up its carbon black capacity from 200,000 to 360,000 MT/year, which will support both its traditional off-highway tyre business and its new consumer segments.
To support this on-road tyre push, BKT has opened a Vehicle Dynamics & Testing facility at NATRAX (Indore), which will be used for testing ride comfort, braking, durability, and other critical parameters.
Financially, BKT is aiming for INR 23,000 crore in revenue by 2030, with its new PCR and TBR lines expected to contribute about 20% of total sales once scaled.
Editor’s View
BKT’s move into the passenger and commercial radial tyre segments is a major pivot, and a smart one. For years, it has dominated the off-highway space (agriculture, mining, construction). Now, by entering consumer-focused segments, it’s widening its addressable market and reducing its dependence on cyclical OHT demand.
The NATRAX testing facility is a strong signal: BKT is serious about getting product quality right for road users. That’s not just about launching tyres, it’s about building trust, and by increasing its carbon black capacity in parallel, the company is ensuring it has the raw-material muscle to back its expansion.
If BKT executes this strategy well, it could emerge as a serious contender in India’s replacement tyre market, especially among customers who value a high-performance, reliable product backed by strong engineering. For tyre retailers and OEMs, BKT’s entry could mean more options, better value, and a stronger home-grown challenger in radial segments.
