Therefore, transitioning to a green economy has sound economic and social justification. For governments, this transition would involve levelling the playing field for greener products by replacing harmful subsidies, reforming policies and redirecting public investment among others. In the private sector, this transition would involve responding to these policy reforms and incentives through increased financing and investment, skill building and innovation capacities to realise the opportunities arising from a green economy.
Automobile industry is one of the key sectors for economic growth, where sustainability is critical to ensure access to clean and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Particularly for the rubber industry, which is largely perceived as non-environmentally friendly, it is imperative to work towards adapting the green economy; largely through development of green technology and introduction of green manufacturing practices including resource decoupling - using less land, water, energy and materials to maintain economic growth and to reduce environmental impact.
Technology innovation remains a key priority. Some of the trends for automotive and tyre industries include, sustainable tyre through introduction of green material technology with further improvement in fuel efficiency (Rolling Resistance) Safety (Dry and Wet Traction), Durability (mileage) and Comfort (Noise, Vibration, Ride & Handling). Besides above, obtaining rubber material from biomass and recyclable avenues, greater use of modelling in performance prediction and tyre design, change in tyre design to tall and thin tires, especially to suit electric vehicles are of paramount importance towards the making of a green economy. In addition, technologies that include real time simulation, virtual proving ground, self-inflation technology, electrified rubber, sensor-based tyres for health assessment and fleet management can help save fuel, reduce operating cost including increased tyre life.
Use of simulation and predictive technology - Finite Element Analysis (FEA), service life prediction, etc. – are expected to contribute towards determining the reliability aspect of tyres. With the advent of high-end software, FEA tools are now extensively used for prediction of structural durability, aquaplaning, heat generation, process simulation and Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH). Advanced research is underway to understand the microscopic behaviour of polymer-filler interaction using new generation simulation techniques. This in turn would help to develop ultra-high-performance tyres with reduced hysteresis, improved safety and durability.
In line with the automobile industry, tyre Industry is also looking into possibilities of implementing smart manufacturing practices, which include Big Data-driven quality control, robot assisted production, self-driving logistics vehicles, production line simulation, smart supply network, predictive maintenance, machine as a service, self-organising production, additive manufacturing of complex parts and augmented work among others.
As vehicles directly impact the environment (air quality, noise levels etc.,) and tyres are integral to its functioning, a collaborative effort is required to bring about a change of thinking and a change of culture on pursuing green economy in the rubber industry.
Citira Rolls Out Nationwide 24/7 Tyre Breakdown Service For Swedish Fleets
- By TT News
- January 31, 2026
Citira, a circular tyre management provider, is introducing a nationwide emergency tyre service in Sweden for commercial fleets, a strategic move to become a comprehensive tyre management partner. Named Citira 24/7 Däckjour, it provides a dedicated contact point for heavy vehicle operators needing immediate assistance, day or night.
This service connects customers to an established, quality-assured network of professional tyre workshops across the country. By utilising pre-assembled replacement wheels ready for immediate deployment, the system ensures rapid on-site repairs to maximise vehicle uptime and minimise operational disruptions.
Clients also benefit from predictable, agreed-upon pricing and consolidated billing, which simplifies administration and enhances budget control. This integrated offering is designed to streamline daily operations, reduce downtime and deliver a more seamless support experience for truck and bus companies.
Göran Bengtsson, Head of Sales at Citira Sweden, said, “This is an important milestone for us to be to able offer our Swedish heavy vehicle fleet customers. This has been frequently requested to us, and we are happy to be able meet the demand, providing a new level of reliability and convenience for our customers.”
Michelin Unveils X-Ice Snow+ Tyre For Unpredictable Winters
- By TT News
- January 30, 2026
Michelin has unveiled the X-Ice Snow+ tyre, a premier winter product designed to meet the heightened demands of modern, unpredictable winter weather. This new offering provides increased performance and durability over its predecessor, specifically engineered to tackle severe seasonal challenges. Its advanced FLEX-ICE 3.0 tread compound optimises braking performance across a spectrum of conditions, including ice, snow and both wet and dry roads, ensuring reliable control during freezing rain or on treacherous black ice.
The tyre's proven tread design delivers superior start-up traction in deep snow compared to three leading competitors and offers strong lateral grip for stability on slick, icy corners. Beyond immediate safety, the X-Ice Snow+ is built for long-term value and efficiency. It achieves an extended tread life, lasting more than 26 percent longer than key rival tyres. Furthermore, through a specialised low-energy-loss compound that minimises rolling resistance, it delivers up to 34 percent better efficiency, which supports fuel savings and extends electric vehicle range without sacrificing winter traction. Passenger comfort is enhanced by proprietary Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology, a system engineered to reduce road noise for a quieter ride.
Available for dealer order starting in May 2026 for the winter selling season, the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ tyre will be produced in 15- to 23-inch sizes to accommodate a broad range of vehicles, including sedans, CUVs, SUVs, pickups and both hybrid and electric models.
Omer Waysman, Vice President – B2C Marketing, Michelin North America, Inc, said, “For more than 130 years, Michelin has continued to push the boundaries of innovation by improving our technologies to meet the needs of mobility across the globe. With the new Michelin X-Ice Snow+ tyre, we have taken everything drivers loved about the previous generation tyre and improved key areas. This new tyre delivers excellent winter performance, longer-lasting durability and greater efficiency, giving drivers a dependable advantage when the weather is at its worst.”
Apollo Tyres Unveils New TBB Range To Cut Fleet Operating Costs
- By TT News
- January 29, 2026
Apollo Tyres has introduced a new series of truck and bus bias (TBB) tyres, marking a significant expansion of its commercial vehicle portfolio. This launch centres on three distinct models within the popular 10.00-20 size category, each engineered to address specific operational needs while contributing to a lower total cost of ownership for fleet operators. The development process involved rigorous collaboration between global research and plant teams, ensuring the tyres deliver enhanced durability, reliability and extended mileage through advanced technological features.
The new range includes the XT 1x and XT 2x, both designed as drive pattern tyres. The XT 1x focuses on profitability through a robust lug design that resists cuts and chips, along with a durable carcass structure. For operations demanding extra strength, the XT 2x incorporates an extra-deep tread and a reinforced casing to improve load capacity and longevity. Complementing these is the XR 1x, a steer pattern tyre built for an extended service life. It utilises a specialised tread matrix to minimise wear and incorporates design elements for improved heat dissipation and overall durability.
Collectively, these tyres are engineered to maximise vehicle uptime and operational efficiency. The drive patterns are constructed to provide superior traction across diverse conditions, while the steer pattern prioritises stability, even wear and responsive handling. This balanced approach offers a comprehensive solution for transport businesses. Through this strategic product introduction, Apollo Tyres reaffirms its dedication to innovation and developing solutions that support more efficient, profitable and dependable mobility for its customers.
Rajesh Dahiya, Vice President – Commercial (India, SAARC and Southeast Asia), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This new TBB tyre range is a strong step forward in our journey to deliver superior performance and value. By combining advanced design, robust construction and application-focused patterns, we aim to help our customers achieve lower operating costs while meeting the demands of newer and growing vehicle segments.”
Goodyear And TIP Group Cement Two-Decade Alliance With Five-Year Renewal
- By TT News
- January 29, 2026
Goodyear and TIP Group, a prominent European equipment solutions provider, have renewed their longstanding partnership for another five-year term. This extension coincides with a significant milestone, celebrating two decades of joint efforts supporting fleet operations across the continent. Throughout this period, Goodyear has provided TIP's fleets with tailored, high-performance commercial tyre solutions designed to meet specific operational demands.
A central pillar of the renewed alliance is a shared commitment to sustainability. By integrating Goodyear's latest product innovations, such as the KMAX GEN-3 range, TIP can now offer its customers truck tyres constructed with a minimum of 40 percent sustainable materials. These products are engineered to deliver the expected durability while also featuring B-label rolling resistance to enhance fuel efficiency. Further supporting sustainable operations, Goodyear’s retreading services aid TIP in prolonging tyre life cycles, which helps reduce waste, conserve resources and manage operational expenses.
Complementing the supply of tyres, TIP’s clients gain access to extensive service support through Goodyear’s expansive TruckForce Network of over 2,000 locations. This network is critical for minimising vehicle downtime, optimising tyre performance and ensuring fleet reliability. These combined efforts actively contribute to TIP Group’s broader environmental, social and governance objectives, enabling more sustainable fleet management without sacrificing efficiency or customer value.
Concurrently, TIP continues to advance its own modernisation initiatives, investing in sustainable fleet solutions, advanced telematics and refurbishment capabilities. These investments help customers extend asset lifecycles, improve regulatory compliance and lessen their environmental impact. The enduring partnership with Goodyear thus serves as a key component in TIP’s comprehensive strategy to navigate evolving market and regulatory landscapes.
Piotr Czyżyk, Vice President – Commercial Sales EMEA, Goodyear, said, “This partnership is built on trust, long-term thinking and a deep understanding of the transport fleet market. For 20 years, we have worked closely with TIP Group to deliver reliable products, innovative fleet solutions and retreading services that help keep their customers moving. Extending our agreement for another five years reflects our shared commitment to performance, efficiency and sustainability – and to continuously evolving together as market expectations change.”
Paul Beadle, COO, TIP Group, said, “Our collaboration with Goodyear is a strong example of how strategic partnerships can create real value for fleet operators. Managing more than 90,000 trucks, trailers and specialised assets across Europe means reliability is critical, which is why we value long-term partners like Goodyear. By combining high-performance tyres and mobility solutions with our operational experience, we deliver more efficient and more sustainable fleet solutions and ultimately more value for our customers.”
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