However, the huge effort to support the automotive and tyre sectors could not prevent a dramatic 20% drop in demand for consumer tyres, which of course had an impact on retail. The repeated closures, coupled with the economic crisis and the closure of some factories due to mobility restrictions have had a major impact on the tyre industry in terms of sales and job losses.

The lockdown has changed shopping habits and the number of trips has declined in all countries. Driving less means fewer new tyres sold. This means that the industry's revenue growth is expected to stagnate over the period 2020-2022 as the pandemic effect continues to dampen the flow of motor vehicles lowering demand. In fact, weaker demand for tyres is expected to bankrupt some small tyre dealers, with small non-employer businesses being the most vulnerable.

Changes in the way tyres are distributed also affect the tyre dealer. Gas stations and auto repair shops are becoming less and less important in terms of sales. This trend is expected to continue. Differences in wholesale, price, service, warranty and performance are no longer essential keys to staying competitive.

During lockdowns, small businesses in particular found themselves in unpredictable circumstances and many had to close their doors. However, the pandemic has created more than just disruption and uncertainty. It sparked a new spirit of persistent creativity.

The pandemic effect has actually changed the way business is done. The market value of e-commerce will be four or five times that of any country in the coming years.

Some tyre retail authorities are confident that it will not be out of reach for the industry to return to 2019 levels in 2021. If possible, how will this be achieved, as habits and opportunities purchasing have changed dramatically. They assume that in 2021 it will only be a question of achieving a “return to normal.” In fact, defining “normal” is the hardest part, although 30% of Western tyre replacement markets are still covered by Southeast Asian tyre manufacturers.

The pandemic effect has actually changed the way business is done. First, consumers have chosen to shop online more than ever. The future of retail emphasises the digitalisation of the world. Cashless and digital payment is becoming consumer behaviour and increasingly relies on digital payment. We are seeing a recovery in the e-commerce sector.

We know that the number of “buy now, pay later” platforms has increased dramatically in some countries. Consumers can visit and compare online e-commerce stores in seconds. Marketing a product has never seen such great competition. The market value of e-commerce will be four or five times that of any country in the coming years.

E-commerce service solutions are gaining importance as online tyre sales offerings become available.

The five largest tyre manufacturers offer motorists online shopping experiences. Customers can buy the products and reserve the assembly through their selected local dealer. Customers can therefore buy tyres directly online, either on a computer or on a mobile phone. The online store provides the tyre options available as well as clear information needed in the selection process to guide consumers to the specific tyre that meets their needs.

At the same time, the fitting network is directly connected to the store via the online planner and allows the consumer to directly make an appointment for the fitting of tyres. Another benefit for consumers is that all tyre and installation costs are paid online and in advance so they can easily show up at the scheduled installation time. This may enrich the activity of some tyre dealers as a member of the e-commerce solution partner network.

Most customers, however, want the approval and perspective of a qualified tyre professional. There is a common belief that tyres are sold, not bought! This nuance focuses on our view that consumers ultimately want to consult with someone who knows how these tyres fit, how they react and most importantly their quality, before making the purchasing decision. Conversely, how will this aspect of customer habits affect the e-commerce tyre network?

On the other hand, it takes huge finished product SKUs and huge warehouses for e-commerce operations to handle thousands of orders every day. Therefore, we are usually talking about a high amount of logistics costs, which represent about 6 to 10 percent of total sales. E-commerce service solutions are gaining in importance as online tyre sales offerings become available.

2020 has been an interesting year for e-commerce in general. Large companies have improved their skills in this regard. Overall, more and more consumers are turning to online sellers, as many tyre manufacturers have seen. However, careful analysis of consumer transactions and changes in customer behaviour must also be done in the everyday environment, including other brands, and the huge data centre entrances must be analyzed very well. Rigorous processes and close cooperation are the best ways to ensure the integrity and quality of sensitive and valuable products.

Therefore, agility and adaptability will be of crucial importance in the global supply chain for mobility in the years to come. Remaining flexible is the effective response to this growing complexity by optimizing current operations while remaining sufficiently adaptable and scalable to meet future demand peaks. To do this, tyre manufacturers need to work closely with their logistics service provider to present and implement powerful new approaches to tyre logistics.

For small and medium-sized enterprises, the message of the past few months is clear: bold strategies are required to survive and thrive in the current economic downturn, and those strategies should include a robust e-commerce plan with a strong cross-component.

It is certain that “online sales” will become more popular in the years to come. Therefore, innovative e-commerce solutions will never stop. In any case, nothing is immune from fierce competition. Businesses of all sizes need smart recovery strategies. Those who are more diligent and see future opportunities are better prepared to survive.

So, it is certain that “Online Tyre Sales” will become more popular in the years to come. Whoever has a robust e-commerce plan is diligent and agile will win in the market. (TT)

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”