As I speak with industry members, regulators and legislators I continue to be stunned by the lack of appreciation of the very critical role that tyres play in our societies.

Governments bleat about fuel security “investing” precious currency to prop up petroleum fuel storage and production in the face of the ever-expanding development of electric vehicles and more recently the advent of hydrogen as a viable fuel with thanks to the PV (solar) industry advancements. Tyres? What do you mean tyres? Without tyres our societies would grind to a halt in the near term. How are they not a strategic consideration?

Our industries (tyre, road freight transport, mining, public transport and leisure) are facing sufficient difficulties with COVID as well as international shipping challenges to be faced with continued ignorance and negligence by our legislators and regulators.

Please review your countries legislative requirements in regards tyre inflation for light vehicles (say <4,500 kgs) and then the same requirement for heavy vehicles (>4,500 kgs). What do you find?

Mostly I think you will find that tyre inflation pressures are regulated for light vehicles via the vehicle manufacturers tyre placard. For heavy vehicles there is little, if any, such requirement. To illustrate the yawning gap between reality and regulation one peak heavy transport regulatory body published a procedure for roller brake testing for heavy vehicles. The procedure details in minute detail the requirements of the pneumatic system on the truck under test yet merely stated “tyres should be inflated.” As everyone in the tyre industry understands a tyre can be inflated at low pressures totally unrelated to actual operating pressures. What connects the brakes to the pavement? Tyres!

I’ve spoken at length about the absolute requirement for a tyre to be appropriately inflated. This is basic physics, the air molecules captured within the tyre’s air chamber actually support the applied loads. If there are insufficient molecules of air the tyre will be overworked so overheat and so enter a failure phase. There are other requirements for the inflation being the actual shaping of the tyre to interface with the pavement at the optimum level, read traction. A wide based tyre requires special construction to maintain the tread platform shape. If the inflation pressure is not at the manufacturer’s specified level will this critical shape be maintained? Then it is not only the performance of the tyre in question but also the safety of the vehicle and that of the general public in the areas this vehicle operates in.

The extensive report produced by the TNO Organisation (TNO 2013 R10986) detailed not only the exhaust emissions as a result of inappropriately inflated tyres but also the road safety outcomes. This paper is now just over eight years old but the situation with real time pressure monitoring for heavy vehicles remains as it was, 50 years or more ago. WHY? Are our regulators asleep at the wheel (or tyre some may say) through entrenched inaction and ignorance? Or is it that there are just “no votes” in tyres and everyone just ASSuMes their tyres are “ok”?

EV tyres

With the advent of electric vehicles, the ramifications for tyres are huge. In the past internal combustion engines (ICE) built up torque over a rev range, drivelines multiplied the torque developed and for heavy vehicles there is a sweet spot for torque. The multi speed gearboxes assisted the driver to maintain forward motion within this torque sweet spot. Electric motors apply maximum torque over most of their operating range. From the instant the power is applied by the driver (be that human or robotic) the tyres are under peak stress. Any deficiency within the tyre will be magnified with detrimental results. Such a deficiency may be of a manufacturing nature but this is largely controllable by the manufacturer. What is not currently controllable is the human maintenance factor, the applied inflation pressure.

Tyre manufacturers have for as long as they have been manufacturing tyres been informative about the criticality of appropriate tyre inflation. There are untold charts and pictorials showing how a tyre is influenced by under or over inflation yet our regulators and legislators continue to keep their heads buried deep out of the light. WHY when tyres are such a critical component of our modern-day motor vehicle? I would charge ignorance and negligence on one hand but then on the other suggest that because tyres work as well as they do, are as forgiving (by nature of their fundamental flexible design) our “guiding powers” can focus on other trendy and glamorous aspects such as stability control or autonomous braking. An important question for these people to consider and respond to; “what item on the vehicle transfers the power (and so directly influence these vehicle control systems) from the vehicle to the pavement (be that power tractive or retardation)? Yes of course, the humble tyre.

So, when a government sponsored or publicly funded body involved in road safety ignores tyres (for whatever reason, ignorance or negligence) are they really serving the interests of our communities and societies or are they just -- I should stop there but you know where I’m going!

The technology to monitor tyre pressures in real time is and has now been available for decades. The TREAD Act (USA) mandated tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS) for light vehicles in the USA in the year 2000. This year TPMS gets a key for its birthday, yes well and truly a mature product (some may say adult) and industry yet, our regulators and legislators continue to ignore the humble tyre.

The upsides of maintaining tyres at an appropriate pressure I’ve discussed previously, all positive. The same detail has been published in many papers (such as the TNO paper!) but we as an industry continue to live in the past whilst adopting hi-tech solutions for other aspects of our industries, e.g., GPS tracking, fatigue monitoring, reefer monitoring and control, real time video surveillance of the drivers and the surrounding traffic conditions. Why? To me there is little respect paid to the critical role the tyre provides for us. So many users do not consider how the tyre works for them and why the simplest of tasks will enhance the performance, yes, I speak of inflation maintenance. Without respect the tyre will never be recognised for the contribution it has made and continues to make.

I publicly and openly challenge our tyre manufacturers as a collective to mount an education campaign to enhance the level of respect the general public has about tyres. The TIA (US) and USTMA have local campaigns on behalf of their members but I consider that until the tyre manufacturers as a collective industry actual improve the level of respect for the humble tyre we will be chasing our tails on a race to the bottom. Our tyres deserve better!

What about Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, BKT, Dunlop, ZC Rubber, Hankook, Pirelli, Toyo, Sumitomo, Yokohama, Kumho, MRF, Apollo, Nokian, JKTyres, Cooper, Titan, Linglong, Triangle et al?

Remember success does not reward a lack of action. (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

VMI has opened a new service facility in León, Mexico, as the company expands its local support for customers and its growing installed base.

The facility was officially opened on 8^th October , with a ceremony attended by Fonseca, the State’s Subsecretary; Rodriguez, Deputy Mayor Of León; and Harm Voortman, Chief Executive of VMI Group. Customers and local employees also attended the event, which included a tree-planting ceremony.

The company said the new facility had been designed with a focus on sustainability, including waste management and energy use. The tree planting highlighted VMI’s environmental commitments, following its recent achievement of EcoVadis Platinum status.

The opening follows VMI’s recent launch of a sales and support office in Yokohama, Japan, reflecting the importance of the Japanese market to the group.

Alongside the León opening, VMI held a customer seminar showcasing its latest innovations in tyre-building and tyre-component preparation solutions.

“This state-of-the-art facility in León, the drum workshop and our local presence, will help us support customers in Mexico more efficiently with faster response times and enhanced levels of service,” said Voortman.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Michelin has prepared a six-part documentary series chronicling its 11-season tenure in MotoGP as its current stint as the championship’s sole tyre supplier nears its conclusion. Titled ‘Racing on Trust – A Decade of Michelin in MotoGP’, the production examines the manufacturer’s return to the premier class in 2016 through the perspectives of those directly involved, rather than focusing solely on results and statistical milestones. The first two episodes premiered on 8 October 2026, via the Michelin Motorsport and Michelin Group YouTube channels, with the remaining four instalments arriving weekly on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.

The project assembles 25 figures from across the paddock who agreed to recount their experiences without editorial constraint. World champions, current and former riders, team principals, championship executives, journalists and Michelin Motorsport personnel contribute previously untold accounts spanning the 11 seasons. Among them, Valentino Rossi revisits the closing chapter of his career, Marc Márquez addresses his injury and subsequent recovery and Johann Zarco describes the circumstances surrounding his landmark victory at Le Mans. Their recollections, alongside those of peers and officials, trace both the evolution of the sport and the individuals who shaped it.

Contributors include riders Marc Márquez, Valentino Rossi, Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín, Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Viñales, Cal Crutchlow, Jack Miller and Johann Zarco. Team and organisational figures comprise Lucio Cecchinello of LCR, Ducati Corse’s Gigi Dall’Igna, Alberto Puig of Honda HRC, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, Loris Capirossi of race direction and Hervé Poncharal of Tech3. Media representatives include Sylvain Guintoli, Manuel Pecino, Simon Patterson, Guido Meda and Michel Turco, while Michelin Motorsport is represented by Piero Taramasso, Jean-Claude Catalano, Jean-Philippe Cappelle and Nicolas Goubert, with additional input from Maria Herrera.

The opening episode, ‘2016: The Comeback’, documents Michelin’s return and the formidable task of replacing the championship’s previous sole supplier at motorcycling’s highest level. The second, ‘Regain Trust’, examines how setbacks and difficulties ultimately reinforced confidence between the manufacturer, riders and teams, deliberately avoiding a narrative built exclusively around success.

‘Listen to the Bike’, scheduled for 15 October, begins on a wet circuit with limited grip before delving into rider sensation and feedback, illustrating a development cycle driven by continuous exchange among riders, engineers, teams and Michelin technicians. Breaking Point’, releasing on 22 October, covers the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, when the pandemic, Márquez’s injury and the arrival of a new generation reshaped the competitive hierarchy, a transition symbolically concluded by Rossi’s farewell after more than two decades.

‘A New Era’, arriving on 29 October, follows MotoGP into a fresh phase marked by increasingly capable machines and emerging talent, with Michelin advancing its tyres to extend performance boundaries. The concluding episode, ‘Final Sprint’, releasing on 5 November, reflects on 11 seasons of profound technological change and an exceptional human undertaking.

Throughout the six films, technology remains a constant presence, yet trust emerges as the defining thread, binding riders to their tyres, engineers to teams and, above all, people working together under the extreme pressures of competition.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

FALKEN has unveiled the EUROALL SEASON AS220, a new all-season tyre joining its expanded 2026-27 winter and all-weather portfolio. The AS220 is designed for compact cars, mid-size vehicles and SUVs – the most popular segments in Europe – and extends the brand’s EUROALL SEASON family. It reflects FALKEN’s push to advance modern all-weather tyre technology while addressing a wider range of cars, powertrains, driving styles and applications.

The AS220’s Snow Compaction Grooves retain snow within the tread to improve traction on snow-covered roads, while Hydro Grooves evacuate water to support stability and braking in wet conditions. An advanced temperature-stabilised rubber compound is engineered for consistent performance across climates. These features aim to deliver safety, comfort, efficiency and performance for drivers facing mild winters, wet roads or snow.

The tyre is the first to feature FALKEN’s new VARIO CORE technology. Its VARIO CORE essence combines measures that can improve rolling resistance, wear and drive-by noise. Crucially, it reflects today’s more diverse car parc by focusing on efficiency, durability and a safe driving experience for petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles alike.

Alongside the AS220, FALKEN offers the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO for high-performance passenger cars. It targets dynamic handling and dependable performance in varied weather, with precise handling, stability and control at speeds up to 167 mph (270 kmph). Advanced 4D-NANO Design technology and a modern lightweight construction contribute to wet grip, efficiency and extended tyre life, combining premium all-season performance with year-round usability.

FALKEN’s winter lineup also includes the EUROWINTER HS02 and HS02 PRO, developed for confident handling in challenging winter conditions. The HS02 uses a directional V-shaped tread for water evacuation and stable wet handling, while Miura-Ori 3D sipes can enhance traction and braking on cold, icy or snowy roads. The HS02 PRO targets higher performance, with an optimised tread design supporting snow and wet capabilities, precise handling and stability. Its groove design aids traction on snow and slush while maintaining a sporty character. Both benefit from Advanced 4D-NANO Design technology for wet grip, rolling resistance and wear, with significantly reduced weight versus previous generations.

For SUV and 4x4 drivers, the FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA all-terrain tyre combines off-road capability with on-road comfort as a genuine year-round solution. Its tread pattern features a zig-zag centre rib, ribbed shoulder grooves, rigid tread blocks and offset shoulder blocks, improving on- and off-road traction and braking on loose surfaces, mud and snow. These also support self-cleaning, while a robust tread block and reinforced sidewall with gripping edges enhance stability, durability and off-road traction. 4D-NANO Design technology further supports fuel efficiency and performance across a broad range of weather conditions.

Marcus Schulz, Assistant Manager – Product Planning, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, said, "Winter road conditions present unique challenges for tyres with drivers expecting a tailored tyre for their vehicle. With our current winter portfolio, we combine innovative technologies with everyday practicality, offering solutions for a broad range of vehicles and applications. In doing so, FALKEN ensures motorists can rely on balanced and dependable tyre performance, even in changing weather conditions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The AZuR project group on chemical recycling convened its annual in-person meeting on 1 October 2026, bringing together more than 20 network partners at Pyrum Innovations AG in Dillingen/Saar. The gathering centred on recent scientific findings, the recovery of raw materials from end-of-life tyres, the European Tyre-to-Tyre initiative and collaborative projects planned for 2027. Participants examined how recovered carbon black and tyre thermolysis oil can be more effectively integrated into industrial production processes.

A scientific highlight came from Dr -Ing Sebastian Bogdahn, who presented his dissertation on the production and ecological assessment of high-quality carbonizates derived from used tyre thermolysis. His research combined experimental investigations, process modelling and life cycle assessment, with particular attention to recovered carbon black produced during thermolysis and subsequently processed. The findings indicated that the modelled system could potentially lower global warming potential relative to fossil-based carbon black production while underscoring the significance of process control, product quality and energy supply for environmental performance.

The European Tyre-to-Tyre initiative, launched in July 2026 by Pirelli, Pyrum, Synthos and BASF, illustrated how chemical recycling processes can be embedded within industrial value chains. Pyrum converts used and rejected tyres into recovered carbon black and tyre thermolysis oil through thermolysis. The processed carbon black is then used in Pirelli's tyre manufacturing, partially substituting fossil-based industrial carbon black.

At BASF, thermolysis oil is combined with fossil raw materials to produce chemical products including butadiene and styrene. Synthos utilises corresponding feedstocks to manufacture synthetic rubbers, which are subsequently employed in Pirelli's tyre production. According to the project partners, the entire value chain remains traceable via ISCC PLUS certification.

A notable feature of the meeting was a tour of Pyrum's thermolysis plants. Divided into three groups, attendees gained insights into the technical processes and engaged directly with on-site experts. The tour clarified the technical steps required for recovering and further processing raw materials, from the handling of used tyres through to the resulting product streams.

Management emphasised the value of regular AZuR in-person meetings, which combine exchange among companies, technology providers and research institutions with exposure to real industrial applications. The gathering demonstrated the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain, with research, technology development, industrial processing and tyre production considered together to transform recovered materials into high-quality raw materials for new products. The project group will continue this exchange in 2027 through concrete projects and information initiatives.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!