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.
Sumitomo Rubber to Rebrand Overseas Units Under Dunlop Name as Global Strategy Shifts
- By TT News
- December 03, 2025
Sumitomo Rubber Industries will rename a number of its overseas subsidiaries to carry the Dunlop brand as the company moves to unify its global tyre business and strengthen brand value across key markets.
The changes, approved by the board on 27 November, follow Sumitomo Rubber’s acquisition earlier this year of the Dunlop trademark and related rights for four-wheel tyres in Europe, North America and Oceania. The company said the rebranding supports its long-term strategy, “R.I.S.E. 2035,” which places Dunlop at the centre of its global operations. The move is still subject to approval at each subsidiary’s extraordinary shareholders’ meeting.
With the new rights in place, the firm aims to present a consistent brand message to customers around the world. It said Dunlop’s value should be reflected not only in products but also in services, user experience and corporate identity. Subsidiaries across Europe, the US, Australia, Latin America, the Middle East and Taiwan will adopt new Dunlop-branded names from January 2026, with one change planned for February.
In Europe, Falken Tyre Europe GmbH in Germany will become Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, while Srixon Sports Europe Ltd. in the UK will be renamed Dunlop Golf Europe Ltd. In the US, Sumitomo Rubber North America, Inc. will become Dunlop Tires North America, Inc., and in Australia, Sumitomo Rubber Australia Pty. Ltd. will take the name Dunlop Tyre Australia Pty. Ltd. Subsidiaries in Chile, Taiwan and the Middle East will also adopt the Dunlop identity.
Sumitomo Rubber said the rebranding is expected to strengthen customer recognition and help build Dunlop into a brand “chosen by customers” across regions. The company is also seeking to reinforce brand management as it expands globally, particularly in the competitive replacement tyre market.
The firm clarified that use of the Dunlop brand continues to carry certain regional exclusions, such as India and parts of Southeast Asia for four-wheel tyres, and India, Europe and Oceania for motorcycle tyres. Nevertheless, the company said it intends to apply a unified brand approach wherever possible to support long-term growth.
Bridgestone Launches Next-Gen Potenza RE-71RZ For Grassroots Racers
- By TT News
- December 02, 2025
Bridgestone has introduced a new addition to its Potenza ultra-high-performance line: the RE-71RZ extreme summer tyre. Designed specifically for grassroots racing, this tyre succeeds the acclaimed RE-71RS model. It aims to deliver quicker lap times and sharp, responsive handling, empowering drivers to maximise their performance on the circuit. A cornerstone of its design is the incorporation of ENLITEN technology, Bridgestone's next-generation platform focused on enhancing durability and advancing sustainable product design.
The tyre's development directly targets key performance metrics. On-track testing at Japan's Tsukuba Circuit demonstrated significant improvements, with the RE-71RZ achieving lap times approximately three-quarters of a second faster than its predecessor in both dry and wet conditions. This gain is attributed to several advanced engineering features. A new high-grip rubber compound, developed using insights from motorsports and proprietary NanoPro-Tech, enhances traction at a molecular level. The tread pattern has been redesigned with a stiffer construction and a larger outside shoulder to improve grip and stability, while a strategically placed main groove on the inside edge helps suppress uneven wear for longer track life. Furthermore, Bridgestone utilised its unique ULTIMAT EYE digital modelling tool to optimise the tyre's structure, creating a more uniform contact area for superior cornering grip.
Professional drivers Masahiro Sasaki and Yuji Tachikawa provided critical feedback during development, their expertise helping to refine the tyre's track-focused characteristics. The Potenza RE-71RZ builds upon a legacy that began in 1979, crafted for enthusiasts who demand competition-ready performance that transitions from daily driving to weekend motorsports. It has been approved for competition use by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and will be eligible for Solo and Time Trials events starting in 2026. The tyre will be offered in 45 sizes and is scheduled to launch in the North American market on 31 December 2025.
Sasaki said, “As its strong point, the Potenza RE-71RZ achieves a high level of performance in both grip and controllability. It delivers improved dry and wet performance for street use while also achieving faster lap times and better wear resistance on the track. This tyre delivers high performance in various situations, making it enjoyable and easy to handle for both everyday driving and track use.”
Tachikawa said, “This tyre is designed for easy handling, allowing anyone to experience precise control along with excellent grip. The tyre is focused on quick warm-up for immediate, high-grip performance as well as reliable wet grip, resulting in a well-balanced tyre suitable for various driving conditions.”
Prometeon in Talks With Egypt on $400 Million Expansion to Boost Tyre Output
- By TT News
- December 01, 2025
Prometeon Tyre Manufacturing is in discussions with Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade over a planned US$400 million expansion, as the company moves to scale up production and strengthen its position in one of its key regional hubs.
A senior delegation from parent company China National Tire & Rubber Company met Minister Hassan Al-Khatib in Cairo to outline Prometeon’s growth plans for its Amreya factory in Alexandria. The group included chairman Wang Jian Jun, vice president Sun Deng, Prometeon Egypt chairman Omar Mehna, deputy general manager Yuan Liang, Africa–Middle East CEO Stefano Ziliani and CFO Hisham Abdel-Hadi.
During the meeting, Al-Khatib commended the pace of Prometeon’s development efforts, saying the ministry “will spare no effort to meet the company's requirements, in the context of preparing a conducive climate for investment and to protect the competition”. He also said Prometeon would receive continued backing through the China Unit at the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones to ensure the company has “all the necessary information and required data”.
Prometeon executives told the minister that the planned investment aims to increase its investments by $400 million, which is in production of 1 1 one million additional car tires and upskill the existing factory efficiency.
Prometeon’s Alexandria complex currently produces about 5.2 million tyres annually, and the expansion would introduce new manufacturing technologies to raise output and improve capability.
As part of its proposal, the company is seeking an additional 200,000 square metres of land adjacent to its current site to support the enlarged facility. Prometeon is also exploring the establishment of a dedicated free zone to serve its export-focused operations.
For Prometeon, the investment aligns with its strategy to reinforce Egypt as a central platform for supplying markets across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The company views the country’s manufacturing base and export access as key strengths as global demand patterns shift.
The talks signal the company’s intention to deepen its long-term commitment in Egypt, subject to final approvals and land allocation.
Yokohama Rubber Opens New PCR Plant in China, Beating One-Year Construction Goal
- By TT News
- December 01, 2025
Yokohama Rubber Co. has opened a new passenger-car tyre plant in Hangzhou, completing the project one month ahead of schedule and marking the first major milestone under its fast-build manufacturing strategy in China.
The company held an opening ceremony recently, attended by local government officials and community representatives. Yokohama Rubber was represented by President and COO Shinji Seimiya, who praised the speed of construction and stressed the plant’s role in the group’s long-term ambitions.
In his remarks, Seimiya said he was grateful for the support that allowed the project to finish ahead of plan. He also noted that the new plant is a very important project for Yokohama Rubber's sustainable growth in the future and that every effort will be made to quickly achieve mass production and deliver high-quality, high-value-added products to the Chinese market as soon as possible.
The Hangzhou facility is the first plant built under the company’s “1-year plant” challenge, a core initiative in its medium-term strategy, Yokohama Transformation 2026. The programme aims to speed up factory construction while lowering production costs and improving efficiency. Work on the new plant began in December 2024, with operations now starting in November 2025.
The project also fulfils a request from the Hangzhou government to relocate an older plant as part of the city’s environmental plans. The new factory will have an annual capacity of 9 million tyres—about 3 million more than the site it replaces—positioning Yokohama to meet rising demand for passenger-car tyres in China. Full-scale production is expected by the second quarter of 2026.
The expansion strengthens the company’s supply of high-value tyres for China’s fast-growing new energy vehicle market, including EV-focused designs and larger rim sizes.
Alongside the rapid-build initiative, Yokohama is pushing to raise the share of premium products in its consumer tyre business by expanding sales of its ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands, winter tyres, and 18-inch and larger tyres. The company is also rolling out regional product strategies to tailor development and sales to market-specific trends.
The opening of the Hangzhou plant underscores how Yokohama Rubber is trying to sharpen its competitive position in Asia’s largest tyre market while keeping pace with shifts in vehicle technology and local regulations.
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