Representation Photo

French tyre maker cites changes in the passenger car and light truck market in the decision to shut the Querétaro facility by the end of 2025

Michelin Group plans to close its tyre manufacturing plant in Querétaro, Mexico, by the end of 2025, citing shifts in the passenger car and light truck tyre market as the primary driver behind the decision.

The French tyre manufacturer said it would halt production at the facility, which currently produces fewer than 0.5 million BFGoodrich brand tyres annually for passenger cars and light trucks. The plant also operates a retreading belt production line for truck tyres.

The closure marks the latest example of automotive suppliers adjusting their manufacturing footprints as global vehicle demand patterns shift. Michelin said the decision was made “as a last resort” after evaluating market conditions.

“It is a decision made as a last resort, driven by changes in the passenger car and light truck tyre market,” the company said in a statement.

Michelin said it remains “fully committed to Mexico” despite the plant closure. The company operates multiple facilities nationwide and continues to view the Mexican market as strategically important.

The Querétaro plant closure will affect approximately 480 employees, according to the company. Michelin said it would provide individual support to each worker, including financial severance packages, benefits, job search assistance, and external training opportunities to help employees develop new skills.

The company stated that it would also collaborate with local and state officials to provide additional support during the transition, including securing a fund for sustainable community development activities.

Michelin has committed to giving plant management time this week to engage in collective discussions with employees. Plant workers participated in an initial briefing, where preliminary information about the next steps was shared.

In a move to promote rubber cultivation, the Rubber Board of India has announced a new financial aid scheme for 2025. Growers in non-traditional regions are now eligible to apply for subsidies supporting both new planting and re-planting initiatives. The application process is exclusively online through the ‘service plus’ portal on the Board’s official website, with a submission deadline of 31 October 2025.

To complete their application, growers must provide digital copies of essential documents. These include land ownership certificates, a rough sketch of the planted area, a copy of their Aadhaar-linked bank passbook and proof of purchasing planting materials from recognised nurseries. Successful applicants will receive financial assistance of INR 50,000 per hectare. For additional information, growers are advised to consult the Rubber Board’s website or contact their nearest regional office, field station, or the Board’s call centre.

The global tyre recycling market is forecast to grow to USD 8.92 billion by 2029 from USD 7.44 billion in 2024, driven by mounting volumes of end-of-life tyres (ELTs), tighter environmental regulations and rising demand for sustainable materials, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets.

The market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7 percent over the period, the report said.

According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, one passenger tyre per person is discarded annually in the developed world, contributing to about 1 billion ELTs globally each year. A 2022 study in ScienceDirect estimated some 4 billion ELTs are already stockpiled worldwide, a figure expected to reach 5 billion by 2030.

“The mass piling of 1 billion ELTs per year to be expected to reach 5 billion by 2030 calls for an ever-increasing process of recycling tyes in a more sustainable means of waste management,” the report noted.

MarketsandMarkets said demand is being spurred by both environmental concerns and industry adoption of new recycling technologies aimed at reducing landfill volumes while maximising material reuse.

Rubber is set to remain the most dominant recycled by-product, with applications in crumb rubber, rubberised asphalt, playground surfaces and sports fields. Mechanical shredding, described as the most cost-effective and scalable method, will continue to lead recycling processes due to its wide applicability in construction, energy and automotive sectors.

Construction is expected to be the largest end-use industry, as recycled materials such as crumb rubber are increasingly used in road building and green infrastructure projects.

Asia-Pacific is projected to remain the biggest consumer of recycled tye products during the forecast period.

Key players in the sector include Liberty Tye Recycling (US), GENAN HOLDING A/S (Denmark), ResourceCo (Australia), GRP Ltd (India), Lehigh Technologies (US), Entech Inc (US), Emanuel Tye (US), BDS Tye Recycling (US), Contec (Poland) and CRM (US).

The global market for Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) is projected to grow modestly over the next five years, with volumes rising from an estimated 68.9 million units in 2025 to 71.4 million units by 2030, according to a report published.

The “Sector Innovation Report: Tyres and Wheels Q2 2025”, released by Research and Markets, forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.7 percent for the TPMS market.

The study synthesises data from multiple sources and provides an overview of the tyres and wheels sector, highlighting recent developments, patent activity, job trends and regional growth prospects.

The report identifies opportunities for auto manufacturers and suppliers to refine sales and marketing strategies, noting growing demand for detailed, region-specific data.

Key sections include an analysis of patent filings by region and country, sector forecasts across five geographies – Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, North America and South America – as well as profiles of leading component suppliers.

The report also tracks job listings and advertising activity in the sector, broken down by geography, occupational category and level of seniority.

Companies covered in the report include Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and Hankook.

Truck driver Adam Medley of Omro, Wisconsin, has been named the winner of the 41st Goodyear Highway Hero Award. The professional driver for J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. was recognised for a courageous act performed on 28 July 2024 while driving on County Rd A in Green Lake, WI.

While navigating a familiar route, Medley initially steered to avoid what he assumed was road debris. As he drew closer, he realised a person was lying directly in the roadway. Medley promptly and safely pulled over, rushed to assist the individual and moved them to safety before contacting the police.

Established in 1983, the Goodyear Highway Hero Award honours commercial drivers in the U.S. and Canada who perform extraordinary acts of courage. Winners are selected by an independent panel of industry judges from nominations submitted each year. As this year’s honouree, Medley will receive a cash prize and a commemorative ride on the Goodyear blimp.

Goodyear presents the award to acknowledge the vital role of the commercial trucking industry. The program’s stories of heroism inspire the company to continuously enhance its commercial tire products and support services, like its Fleet HQ network, to ensure drivers have reliable assistance on the road.

Nick Hobbs, Chief Operating Officer at J.B. Hunt, said, "In a moment where every second counted, Adam put the safety and well-being of others first. His actions exemplified integrity and selflessness, and we are excited that Goodyear has recognised him with this year's Highway Hero Award."

Joe Burke, Vice President, Goodyear North America Commercial, said, "Adam's story continues to remind us that professional truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our roads. His quick and professional response to this unexpected situation demonstrates the integrity, dedication and compassion that define what's the best of our industry."