Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli and India’s Balkrishna Industries (BKT) have announced a strategic partnership to manufacture Pirelli-branded tyres in India, marking a new development in the country’s passenger car tyre market.
Under the agreement announced on October 22, 2026, the companies plan to produce up to 800,000 Pirelli-branded tyres annually by 2030. The partnership will be implemented in phases, with an additional plan to establish a 50:50 joint venture for a manufacturing plant focused on high-value car tyres.
Partnership to Expand Local Manufacturing
The agreement will allow Pirelli to strengthen its presence in India through local production. The company currently has a commercial presence in the country, while the partnership offers a route to expand its manufacturing footprint.
For Balkrishna Industries, known for its BKT tyre brand and off-highway products, the deal supports its expansion into the passenger car tyre segment.
Joint Venture Planned for Premium Car Tyres
The second phase involves creating an equally owned joint venture to develop a production facility dedicated to high-value passenger car tyres. The companies see opportunities in India’s expanding automotive market and growing demand for premium vehicles.
The partnership is expected to combine Pirelli’s passenger car tyre expertise with BKT’s manufacturing capabilities.
India’s Tyre Market in Focus
The companies estimate that car registrations in India could grow by 5% to 7% annually through 2030. They also expect the premium car tyre segment to expand significantly over the same period.
The agreement highlights the growing importance of India as a manufacturing base for international tyre companies and provides BKT with an opportunity to broaden its product portfolio.
The companies’ plans will now progress through the stages outlined in their agreement, including the proposed joint venture and expansion of local production.