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.
_page-0001.jpg)
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.
Nexen Tire Opens Flagship Store in Bangkok as Part of Southeast Asia Expansion Drive
- By TT News
- June 25, 2025
South Korean tyre manufacturer Nexen Tire has opened a new flagship brand shop in Bangkok, marking a key milestone in the company’s strategic expansion across Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing automotive market.
The newly renovated store was developed in partnership with a leading Thai tyre distributor that has maintained a decade-long relationship with Nexen Tire and operates more than 800 retail outlets throughout Thailand. The flagship location features a modernised environment designed to showcase Nexen Tire’s global brand identity, with every aspect from layout to customer service aligned with the company’s visual standards and brand philosophy.
The move comes as Southeast Asia’s tyre market shows robust growth potential, with annual demand reaching approximately 90 million units for passenger car radial (PCR) and light truck radial (LTR) tyres and projected annual growth of 3.7%.
Nexen Tire is responding to this opportunity by accelerating its regional investment, particularly in high-growth markets such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The company plans to renew over 80 key retail locations across Southeast Asia by the end of 2025, creating a unified brand presence to support localised sales campaigns.
Recognising the region’s high digital engagement levels, Nexen Tire is also utilising influencer partnerships and digital media to reach younger, mobile-first consumers.
The company’s regional product strategy emphasises high-performance summer tyres and all-terrain models specifically designed for Southeast Asia’s hot, humid, and challenging driving conditions. Key products, including the N’FERA SU4 and ROADIAN ATX, are gaining traction among local motorists seeking durability and performance.
“Our expansion in Southeast Asia represents a pivotal step in NEXEN TIRE’s global growth journey,” said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, chief executive of Nexen Tire. “While we’ve followed a carefully phased strategy aligned with production capacity and long-term vision, we are now entering a phase of acceleration. Our goal is to solidify our premium brand position not only in Europe and North America but across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Australia through strong local partnerships and a unified brand experience.”
The investment demonstrates Nexen Tire’s long-term confidence in Southeast Asia as the company works towards becoming one of the world’s most recognised and trusted tyre brands.
Pirelli Marks 40 Years of P Zero with Limited-Edition Reissue for Lancia Delta S4
- By TT News
- June 19, 2025
Pirelli has unveiled a limited-edition reissue of its first-ever P Zero tyre to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic brand. Originally launched in 1985 for the Lancia Delta S4 Stradale, the tyre has now been faithfully recreated in a run of just 40 sets.
The re-edition mirrors the original 205/55 R16 specification developed for the road-going version of the Group B rally car. It forms part of the Pirelli Collezione line, which caters to classic vehicles from 1930 to 2000. While the tyre retains its period-correct design, it incorporates modern materials and technology to enhance safety and performance.
Derived from Pirelli’s motorsport expertise, the original P Zero was notable for its asymmetric tread pattern—a distinctive mix of features for wet, dry, and mixed conditions. “The inner shoulder, with grooves like wet-weather tyres, ensured grip on wet roads. The outer shoulder, inspired by slick tyres, provided traction in dry conditions. The central part of the tread adopted some of the hallmarks of intermediate tyres, balancing the two extremes,” Pirelli noted.
In parallel with the anniversary edition, Pirelli also highlighted the launch of the fifth-generation P Zero, tailored to meet the demands of modern high-performance and electric vehicles. Developed using artificial intelligence and virtual modelling, the latest iteration boasts improved handling and shorter braking distances.
Available in sizes ranging from 18 to 23 inches, the fifth-generation P Zero already includes over 50 variants and continues to serve as a benchmark across the premium and prestige automotive segments.
The P Zero brand has evolved into a cornerstone of Pirelli’s high-performance offering over the past four decades, adapting to key industry trends including electrification and digital integration, while maintaining its commitment to performance and safety.
Toyo Tire has created a new corporate film featuring the key message “Blaze BLUE” to capture the world perspective and values the company’s TOYO TIRES brand seeks to convey.
The film showcases a Ford F-150 Raptor equipped with the company’s OPEN COUNTRY R/T Pro tyres for pickup trucks and SUVs driving across rugged terrain in the United States, Toyo Tire’s core market.
The message “Blaze BLUE” evokes the image of fearless challengers taking on daunting terrain, roads and new endeavours with determination, the company said. The film incorporates Toyo Tire’s blue corporate colour throughout its aesthetic.
The dynamic footage of the truck crossing dramatic landscapes aims to capture what Toyo Tire describes as the frontier spirit at the heart of the company, embodied in the group’s brand statement, “Open Roads Await.”
The new corporate film will be featured on a special Blaze BLUE page on Toyo Tire’s corporate website and the company’s official social media channels.
Toyo Tire, based in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture, is led by president and chief executive Takashi Shimizu. The company said it will continue to support those who pursue their chosen path while developing innovative tyres.
FIA Appoints Pirelli As Exclusive Tyre Supplier For All Formula Regional Championships From 2026
- By TT News
- June 10, 2025
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed that Pirelli will serve as the exclusive tyre supplier for all FIA-certified Formula Regional championships from 2026, aligning the series under a unified technical and sporting framework as it introduces a new generation of race cars.
Already the sole tyre supplier for Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, Pirelli’s expanded remit underscores its pivotal role across the FIA’s global single-seater development ladder. The Italian tyre manufacturer will also provide tyres for both the Formula Regional and the inaugural Formula 4 World Cups at the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, further cementing its presence in top-tier motorsport events.
“We are delighted to have been appointed sole tyre supplier for the FIA-certified Formula Regional championships,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director. “It is a significant endorsement of the worth of our technology, and the quality and reliability of our tyres... It recognises our ability to deliver specific products for every level of driver development.”
Pirelli has supplied Formula Regional tyres since the series debut in 2019. The competition evolved into the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) following a merger with Formula Renault in 2021. From 2026, the championship will see a significant transformation with the introduction of a new car featuring bespoke 15-inch tyres developed by Pirelli to ensure improved performance and parity across all global championships.
“With Pirelli on board as an exclusive tyre partner, Formula Regional is set to thrive and deliver incredible racing and greater sporting parity across our different championships so that we offer young drivers an equal opportunity to show their skill,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “This next phase... reflects our ambition to create a truly modern, competitive, and accessible platform for developing drivers.”
At the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, Pirelli will also supply tyres to the FIA GT World Cup, continuing a long-standing relationship with the prestigious street circuit event, which has served as a proving ground for numerous future Formula 1 stars.
Pirelli’s commitment to developing tailored products for all levels of single-seater racing reinforces its role as a key stakeholder in shaping the future of global motorsport.
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT