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)

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Nexen Tire reported record first-quarter revenue and higher profitability, supported by stronger sales in Europe and North America and a shift towards higher-value products.

The company said revenue rose to KRW 838.3 billion in the three months to March, while operating profit reached KRW 54.2 billion. The increase came despite a “hostile business environment” marked by slowing global demand and geopolitical risks.

Sales were driven by solid performance in key markets, notably Europe and North America. A recent plant expansion in Europe improved production stability, enabling higher volumes from existing customers and new client wins.

Original equipment (OE) sales remained stable, supported by a diversified product portfolio, even as global automotive demand weakened.

Profitability improved on the back of a more favourable product mix and cost controls. The share of high-value products — including premium OE tyres and those for sport utility vehicles and electric vehicles — continued to rise. High-inch tyres, defined as 18 inches and above, accounted for 40 percent of total sales.

The company also said efforts to offset higher raw material and ocean freight costs contributed to margin gains.

Alongside its results, Nexen outlined measures to strengthen its global position, including expanding region-specific product offerings. In South Korea, it launched the high-performance N’FERA Sport and the all-weather N’BLUE 4SEASON 2, following earlier introductions in Europe and the US.

In Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, Nexen introduced the N’BLUE S summer tyre and pursued partnerships with local distributors to bolster retail competitiveness.

With external uncertainties expected to persist into the second quarter, the company said it would accelerate diversification of its global sales structure while maintaining growth in strategic markets such as Australia and Japan.

Nexen also plans to expand regional distribution centres and advance its AI-based virtual development process using a high dynamic driving simulator introduced last year.

A Nexen Tire official said: “We achieved solid results despite the uncertain business environment. We will continue to respond proactively to market changes while strengthening product competitiveness and operational efficiency to sustain quality growth.”

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Hankook Tyre UK has confirmed it will continue as a key partner for the 2026 London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally, building on the success of the 2025 event. The premium tyre manufacturer reaffirmed its dedication to innovation, sustainability and the future of electric mobility. Scheduled for 20 June 2026, the rally will again bring together industry leaders, electric vehicle enthusiasts and the public for a major celebration of electric transport.

The event will commence in Westminster, with an electric vehicle convoy travelling through central London before finishing along Brighton’s seafront. More than 100 vehicles will take part, with drivers challenged to complete the route using minimal energy. This format highlights the critical importance of efficiency in advancing sustainable mobility. Upon arrival in Brighton, up to 35,000 spectators are expected to welcome participants at the seafront e-village.

Hankook will showcase its iON range, the world’s first complete tyre lineup developed specifically for electric vehicles. The company will also serve as the official sponsor of the awards ceremony, a highly anticipated after-party at the Malmaison, bringing together industry figures and participants for an evening celebrating energy efficiency and EV innovation. The event programme includes an electric stunt show, live music, interactive experiences and test drive opportunities.

Hankook’s iON range includes the iON evo for summer, the iON i*cept for winter, the all-weather iON FlexClimate and the iON GT for compact EVs, all available for SUVs. These tyres feature reduced rolling resistance, low noise levels and high load‑bearing capacity to handle instant torque and increased vehicle weight, thereby extending driving range and comfort. As the exclusive tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Hankook will also display a Formula E car and its racing tyre at its stand.

Harrison Hughes, Director of the London to Brighton EV Rally, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Hankook Tyre UK back as a key partner of the London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally. Their continued support plays an important role in helping us deliver and grow the event year on year, and we’re especially pleased to have them sponsoring the evening awards, which are a real highlight of the event.”

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Goodyear has reinforced its position as an all‑season tyre pioneer on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the world’s first all‑season tyre. The company introduced the Vector All Season 4, an engineering milestone shaped by decades of expertise and an award‑winning portfolio. With a new high‑contrast sidewall design and rim diameter coverage now reaching 23 inches, the tyre unlocks premium year‑round capability for vehicle segments that previously lacked any all‑season solution.

The Vector All Season 4 delivers optimised performance on dry roads, in rain and on light snow, carrying the European Three‑Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. Developed with Goodyear’s latest technologies and dedicated materials, the tyre balances capabilities without compromising any single performance area, allowing it to adapt to changing temperatures, road conditions and driving styles.

Independent testing by TÜV SÜD, commissioned by Goodyear, confirmed the tyre as a well‑rounded product with consistently strong performance across all evaluated criteria, while AutoBild awarded it an ‘Exemplary’ rating. The tyre’s WeatherReady Technology, combining Dry Contact Plus, a 3D Blade Sipe System and a new compound formula, supports confident grip, effortless dry and wet control, improved tread wear and reduced rolling resistance – making it well suited for electric vehicles.

Designed for today’s heavier, more powerful and increasingly electrified vehicles, the Vector All Season 4 responds to evolving market demands with broader fitment. By 2026, the lineup will include 96 SKUs across 16‑ to 23‑inch rim diameters, with 66 percent of the range in 19 inches and above. For the first time, models such as the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Porsche Panamera and Macan, as well as the Audi A6 e‑tron, Q7 and SQ7, can combine confident all‑season performance with year‑round convenience. Fitments of 19 inches and above feature an exclusive laser‑engraved sidewall.

Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director Product Development Consumer EMEA, said, “Goodyear has played a defining role in shaping the all-season category since its very beginnings, starting with the launch of Goodyear Tiempo in 1977 – the world’s first all-season tyre. As we approach the 50-year anniversary of that milestone next year, Vector All Season 4 represents the next step in how we continue to redefine the all-season category. By raising all‑season performance and expanding the range to meet the demands of today’s premium and electric vehicles, we are making it easier than ever for more drivers to rely on a single tyre solution throughout the year.

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Bridgestone is broadening its premium agricultural tyre portfolio for next-generation high-horsepower tractors. The company has added six extra-large sizes to its VT-TRACTOR range, covering 38-to-46-inch rims. These XXL tyres deliver superior traction, extended wear life and enhanced durability. An optimised rolling circumference ensures ideal lead percentage between front and rear tyre combinations, which is critical for maintaining proper driveline synchronisation and preventing mechanical stress under heavy field loads.

Advanced design features enable these performance gains. Developed using virtual three-dimensional simulation and robust Bridgestone design criteria, the tyres incorporate deeper and wider tread profiles that balance traction with even wear distribution. A patented involute lug design provides up to 12 percent more lug volume than competitors, maximising grip while minimising energy loss. This design maintains consistent performance over extended working seasons, reducing the need for premature replacements and lowering operating costs for farmers.

Durability comes from Bridgestone’s unique S-LINE bead profile, offering greater flexibility at lower pressures to reduce soil compaction and prevent rim slip. The high durability casing ensures even pressure distribution across the soil footprint, preventing both circumferential and shoulder cracks while improving tyre longevity. The tyres are fully compatible with Central Tyre Inflation Systems, allowing operators to adjust pressure on the move for different applications. Additional benefits include improved fuel efficiency and stable steering precision even under challenging field conditions.

Production takes place at Bridgestone’s Puente San Miguel plant in Spain, following significant upgrades to manufacturing capabilities including advanced production technology and specialised equipment for large-diameter tyres. These investments enable expansion into the 44- and 46-inch segment. The new XXL sizes will launch progressively from April 2026, expanding compatibility with a wider range of modern high-horsepower agricultural machinery across global markets.

Andrea Marconcini, Director Agriculture at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “Today, farmers operate larger, more powerful tractors and need tyres that can keep up – doing more and going further in demanding conditions. Our updated VT-TRACTOR range is engineered to enable faster, more efficient work in the field, together with a longer service life that reduces long-term costs.” 

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