By Lennard Kwek

Over the last century, the world population has more than quadrupled. [1] Most of this growth is centred around the Asia-Pacific region, which is estimated to drive 40 per cent of the world’s consumption of goods and services by 2040. [2] In the last 30 years alone, countries such as China and Vietnam have experienced rapid urbanisation, fuelling economic growth and opening doors to infrastructure and public services to address the needs of the ever-rising middle-class population.

As people move up the economic ladder, their desire to lead a more comfortable life has a significant impact on many industries, including the automotive sector. The region’s economic potential and growing appetite for luxury and environmentally friendly products have led to innovations in the areas of Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric (CASE).

Vehicles, which play a huge role in the mobility of people and goods in this part of the world. And as critical components of automobiles, the tyre industry must keep pace with the changes brought about by CASE. The future of tyre will need to bring continued reliability, safety, and enhanced performance yet have the ability to integrate emerging technologies such as sensors, smart diagnostics and advanced safety systems. Such changes are also driving tire companies to innovate and develop diversified products and solutions as we move towards the concept of Mobilityas-a-Service (MaaS). 

EV tyres 
For instance, electric vehicles tend to be heavier due to the extra weight of the battery pack. Tyres for electric cars thus need to be structurally reinforced to withstand this increased load while maintaining low rolling resistance to maximise fuel efficiency. Conscious of consumer’s changing preferences and the associated environmental benefits of electric vehicles, Bridgestone specially designed custom-built tyres i.e. the ECOPIA ologic series for the BMW i3 electric vehicles. The tyres feature narrow tyre width to realise low rolling resistance and to reduce aero-dynamic resistance which are important factors in the improvement of a vehicle’s fuel efficiency and the reduction of carbon emissions.
 Another trend in the automotive industry that has influenced the design of tyre is the rise of “shared mobility” services, such as ride-sharing. In the last few years, we have witnessed the massive popularity of ride-sharing platforms, and this growth is only projected to increase. A recent report by Bizwit Research estimates that the ride-sharing industry will grow by more than 20% between the years 2019 to 2025 [3].

 Run-Flat Technology 
On this front, Bridgestone’s tyres are engineered to offer enhanced performance and durability as the road-life of the tyres need to withstand the high-frequency usage demand of these vehicles. Solutions such as the recently launched DriveGuard RunFlat Technology (RFT) enable drivers to remain in control and continue driving up to a maximum distance of 80 kilometres at a maximum speed of 80 kilometres per hour after a puncture or complete loss of pressure. In addition to this, Bridgestone’s automatic sealant technology called B-Seal also guarantees air retention when nails, stones or other objects are embedded at up to 5mm in diameter in the tyre tread. These tyre solutions focus on extending tyre endurance and mobility - ideal for vehicles used very frequently in the ride sharing scenario. The rise of IoT and AI technologies is also powering the evolution of connected and autonomous selfdriving vehicles. Selfdriving opens up a world of possibilities - from increased personal safety to time efficiency and mobility for non drivers. In Asia, China seems to be taking the lead in readying self-driving vehicles for production, expecting fully autonomous vehicles to account for 10 per cent of car sales by 2030.[4] This accelerating transformation towards autonomous operations has a significant impact on the tyre industry. Tyre manufacturers will need to work towards creating tyres that can communicate with these autonomous vehicles, involving the integration of advanced sensor technologies, smart diagnostics and data analytics. 
Having identified these needs at an early stage, Bridgestone is transforming its business operations to focus on solutions and integrating these technologies to meet the needs and expectations of the next generation of drivers. At its foundation is the newly introduced global mobility solutions strategy called Bridgestone Tires & Diversified Products as a Solution (Bridgestone T&DPaaS). The strategy is a combination of products, services such as Bridgestone’s Global Service Network and digital technologies.

Smart Strain Sensor
Under the digital techniques branch, Bridgestone has developed a new type of tyre sensor, called the Smart Strain Sensor. A first-of-its-kind, the Smart Strain Sensor technology incorporates Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to help measure the strain that occurs when a tire makes contact with the road while in motion. Furthermore, unlike accelerometer sensors, the Smart Strain Sensor can record data even at low speeds, which makes it an important differentiator for autonomous vehicles which are expected to operate at lower speeds for enhanced safety. Last year, Bridgestone also acquired TomTom Telematics, now renamed as Webfleet Solutions, which offers 
data-based solutions that make fleet operations more effective and efficient. Through this, Bridgestone gains valuable insights into vehicle and tire operating conditions from a user base of 860,000 vehicles communicating 200 million data points per day, thus accelerating its tire solutions offerings and paving the road towards autonomous driving. As the automotive industry continues to transform with the ongoing implementation of CASE, it is evident that tires will continue to play a key role in this revolution. However, in order to overcome the challenges and benefit from the opportunities arising from these trends, the tire industry will need to “reinvent the wheel” to stay on track and meet the evolving needs of the wider automotive industry. 

REF: [1] https://hbr.org/2016/04/globaldemand-for-food-is-rising-can-we-meetit
 [2] https://www.mckinsey.com/featuredinsights/asia-pacific/asias-future-is-now
 [3] https://www.reuters.com/ brandfeatures/venture-capital/ article?id=83120
[4] https://publicaffairsasia.com/drivinggrowth-the-mechanics-of-auto

Lennard Kwek is Head of Marketing at Bridgestone China & Asia Pacific.

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Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH has commenced the supply of FALKEN AZENIS FK520 (NG0) tyres as original equipment for the new Porsche Cayenne Electric. This marks a significant expansion of the longstanding partnership between Falken and the German sports car manufacturer within the high-performance vehicle segment.

The bespoke tyre package carries the exclusive NG0 designation, a hallmark reserved for rubber compounds that have undergone rigorous development, homologation and approval processes to satisfy Porsche’s stringent technical benchmarks. The fitment involves a staggered setup, with 255/55 R20 110Y XL tyres mounted on the front axle and larger 305/45 R20 116Y XL tyres on the rear axle, available through Porsche’s official configurator in conjunction with selected wheel designs.

Engineered specifically for the demands of an all-electric performance sport utility vehicle, this ultra-high-performance tyre features an optimised rubber formulation aimed at lowering rolling resistance to potentially enhance driving range. The architecture is fine-tuned to deliver precise steering feedback, stable high-speed handling and a Y speed rating that certifies capability up to 300 kilometres per hour while also supporting strong traction and efficient torque transfer to manage the vehicle’s substantial power and weight.

The collaboration extends beyond road applications, as Falken has competed in the ADAC RAVENOL Nürburgring Endurance Series and the Nürburgring 24 Hours with a Porsche 911 GT3 R since 2011. Away from the racetrack, the partnership previously yielded original equipment approval for FALKEN AZENIS FK510A SUV tyres on the Porsche Macan, a relationship that commenced in 2018 and has now been reinforced with this latest electric vehicle development.

Christian Stolting, OE Sales Director at Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, home to the FALKEN tyre brand, said, "With the AZENIS FK520 (NG0), FALKEN underlines its expertise in developing innovative tyre technologies for the next generation of premium electric vehicles. This is the latest development in our long-term partnership with Porsche, and means we continue to strategically positioning ourselves as the first choice in the high-performance battery-electric SUV segment."

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India is losing more than 425.7 million litres of petrol worth over INR 45 billion each year because of underinflated tyres, according to a survey by the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA), which warned that poor tyre maintenance is also increasing road safety risks.

The findings come as higher crude oil prices and the continuing West Asia conflict put additional pressure on fuel costs, making fuel efficiency an increasingly important concern for motorists.

The tyre health survey, conducted by the Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee (ITTAC), ATMA's technical arm, found that a significant proportion of passenger vehicles on Indian roads are operating with tyre pressures below manufacturers' recommended levels.

More than 130,000 passenger vehicle tyres, including those fitted to two-wheelers, have been inspected across India over the past few years, including nearly 100,000 during the past year. The survey found that 32 percent of tyres had air pressure more than 20 percent below the recommended level, while a further 21 percent were between 10 percent and 20 percent below the recommended pressure.

According to international studies cited by ATMA, every one PSI reduction in tyre pressure reduces fuel efficiency by about 0.2 percent. Based on the survey findings, the association estimates that underinflated tyres account for fuel efficiency losses equivalent to around 0.75 percent of India's total fuel consumption by vehicles.

With India's annual petrol consumption estimated at 56.77 billion litres, almost all of which is used by passenger vehicles, including two-wheelers, this equates to an annual loss of around 425.7m litres of petrol. At current retail fuel prices, the value of the wasted fuel exceeds INR 45 billion annually.

ATMA said the estimate covers only petrol consumption and excludes diesel-, CNG- and LPG-powered passenger vehicles, suggesting that the overall national fuel loss is likely to be even higher.

The association said the fuel loss assumes greater significance because India imports more than 80 percent of its crude oil requirements. Avoidable fuel consumption not only increases costs for consumers but also adds to the country's oil import bill and foreign exchange outgo.

Renji Issac, chairman of ITTAC, said: "The survey highlights a hidden but significant drain on both household budgets and the national economy. At a time when fuel prices have gone up owing to West Asia conflict, maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve fuel efficiency and reduce fuel expenses. The low inflation pressure also increases the emissions resulting in more atmospheric pollution."

Apart from the economic impact, the association said underinflated tyres generate excessive heat, reduce vehicle handling and braking performance, increase stopping distances and make tyres more susceptible to damage or sudden failure, particularly during high-speed driving. Low tyre pressure also accelerates uneven tyre wear, shortening tyre life and increasing replacement costs.

Sudershan S Gusain, chairman of ATMA's Safety Awareness Group, said: "Apart from the economic cost, low tyre pressure also has serious safety implications. Tyres operating below the recommended pressure generate excessive heat, adversely affect vehicle handling and braking performance, increase stopping distances and are more susceptible to tyre damage or sudden failure, particularly during high-speed travel. Low tyre pressure also accelerates uneven tyre wear, reducing tyre life and increasing replacement costs."

ATMA said a tyre pressure check takes only a few minutes but can improve fuel efficiency, extend tyre life, reduce emissions and enhance road safety. The association advised motorists to check tyre pressure every fortnight, preferably when tyres are cold, and to maintain the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

The association also urged electric vehicle owners to pay attention to tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts. While most EVs display tyre pressure on the dashboard, these warnings are often ignored because drivers make fewer visits to fuel stations. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure improves vehicle range, tyre life, safety and environmental performance, ATMA said.

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Bridgestone has confirmed its role as the original equipment tyre supplier for Yamaha Motor’s newly unveiled Supersport model, the YZF-R7. The partnership will see the Japanese tyre giant provide its premium BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23 tyres for the motorcycle, which has been extensively refined to balance racetrack-inspired performance with daily usability. This collaboration underscores a shared engineering focus between the two companies.

The latest iteration of the YZF-R7 features a comprehensively reworked chassis designed to deliver agile handling and precise cornering, allowing riders to fully exploit the motorcycle’s sporty character. Enhancements to stability and road feedback have been prioritised, resulting in a machine that offers both increased rider confidence and an exhilarating experience. The model retains the stylistic DNA of Yamaha’s racing heritage while incorporating practical features for everyday use.

Central to the tyre specification is the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, which has been engineered with an optimised shoulder groove ratio and revised pattern rigidity to elevate road contact sensation and overall performance. These improvements ensure high dry grip and responsive manoeuvrability essential for dynamic riding. Furthermore, the rear tyre incorporates a Pulse Groove pattern, a design that significantly boosts water drainage and maintains superior wet-weather performance, ensuring rider security and enjoyment even under sudden rainfall.

The selection of the Bridgestone tyres resulted from intensive joint development between the two manufacturers from the project’s inception. Yamaha’s evaluation team acknowledged the advanced capabilities of the BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S23, leading to its integration into the final vehicle. Through this supply agreement and its broader premium BATTLAX strategy, Bridgestone reaffirms its dedication to fostering a safe and vibrant motorcycling culture. The company continues to align its efforts with its corporate commitment to inspire excitement and deliver lasting joy to the mobility sector.

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Continental has been selected as an original equipment supplier for Nissan’s new all-electric Nissan N7, with the vehicle to be equipped with the EcoContact 7 tyre in a 19-inch size.

The tyre, in the 235/45 R19 99Y XL FR specification, achieved top ratings in the European Union tyre label categories for energy efficiency and rolling noise.

Continental said the EcoContact 7’s energy efficiency is supported by a new rubber compound and its Smart Energy Casing technology. Materials used in the tyre’s carcass, inner liner and sidewall are designed to reduce internal friction, lowering rolling resistance.

The tyre also incorporates an aerodynamically optimised sidewall design intended to improve efficiency. Continental uses what it describes as an “aerodimple” structure, inspired by the surface of golf balls, to reduce air turbulence behind the tyre and lower vehicle energy consumption.

The company said the tyre’s Silent Pattern tread design reduces rolling noise by optimising the spacing and angles of tread blocks. The design targets noise frequencies commonly generated during urban driving.

According to Continental, the result is lower noise levels both inside the vehicle and in the surrounding environment.

The EcoContact 7 approved for the Nissan N7 is available in the following specification:

• EcoContact 7, 235/45 R19 99Y XL FR

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