The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) projects total tyre shipments will reach a historic high of 340.2 million units in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 337.3 million set in 2024. This represents a 0.9 percent year-over-year increase and a 2.3 percent gain compared to 2019 levels (332.7 million), signalling continued recovery and growth in the tyre industry.

The forecast reveals diverging trends between original equipment (OE) and replacement markets. OE shipments are expected to decline across all categories, with passenger tyres dropping 2.0 percent (42.3 million units), light truck tyres down 1.4 percent (6.6 million) and truck tyres falling 8.0 percent (5.2 million) compared to 2024. This 1.4-million-unit overall reduction reflects softening demand from vehicle manufacturers.

In contrast, the replacement market shows robust growth, particularly in light truck (37.7 million units, +2.5 percent) and truck tyres (24.3 million, +3.7 percent), which have surged 15.7 percent and 28.2 percent, respectively, since 2019. Passenger replacement tyres (224.2 million) maintain steady demand with a 1.2 percent annual increase. Combined, replacement shipments are projected to grow by 4.4 million units in 2025.

These trends highlight shifting dynamics in the tyre industry, with aftermarket demand driving overall growth even as OE shipments contract. The data suggests consumers are prioritising tyre replacements and upgrades, potentially influenced by extended vehicle ownership cycles and evolving fleet needs.

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Messe Frankfurt UK, the British subsidiary of the globally prominent B2B trade fair organiser, has relocated its headquarters to London’s Blue Fin Building on the South Bank. This strategic relocation underscores the company’s intent to foster closer ties within the UK exhibition industry by situating itself near key partners, clients and venues.

The company first entered the UK market in 2016 with the launch of Automechanika Birmingham, an event that has since garnered multiple awards. The success of this show led to the formal creation of the UK subsidiary in 2018. Its current portfolio is centred on the automotive aftermarket, featuring the flagship Automechanika Birmingham trade show, which spans 11,000 square metres and attracts thousands of visitors. The portfolio also includes The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, launched in 2022 and a digital directory named auto:resource. Beyond organising its own events, the UK team promotes Messe Frankfurt’s extensive worldwide portfolio of over 150 trade fairs to British businesses.

With a team of 15, Messe Frankfurt UK views the move to London as a catalyst for its next phase of expansion. The company plans to drive future growth through strategic acquisitions, the launch of new events and industry partnerships. This ambitious strategy is founded upon a culture that prioritises its people, agility and a commitment to innovation.

Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, said, “The move to London underscores our ambition to be a major player in the UK market. We’re evolving from a one-show operation into a fully-fledged, multi-faceted exhibition business.”

Simon Albert, Managing Director, Messe Frankfurt UK, said, “This is a pivotal moment for our UK business. A company of our size and reputation belongs in the capital. The move has energised our team, they’re more creative, more collaborative, and most importantly, they’re having fun.”

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TyreSafe, the UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has launched a new national campaign alerting young drivers that having just two illegal tyres could result in the immediate loss of their driving licence. The flagship initiative, Young Driver Campaign, is timed to coincide with a major police enforcement drive, Operation Spotlight, which focuses on road safety among new drivers.

The campaign’s critical message highlights the severe consequences of neglecting tyre maintenance. Motorists caught with illegal or unsafe tyres face a maximum fine of GBP 2,500 and three penalty points for each faulty tyre. This poses a particular threat to drivers who have passed their test within the last two years, as accumulating six or more points leads to an automatic licence revocation. Therefore, just two defective tyres are enough for a new driver to be banned from the road.

This warning is especially urgent given a significant knowledge gap identified by TyreSafe’s research. The study found that more than half of drivers aged 17 to 24 are unaware that they are legally responsible for the condition of the tyres on any car they drive, regardless of whether they own the vehicle. To address this, the campaign promotes a simple, memorable checklist known as ACT, which encourages young drivers to regularly check their tyres’ Air pressure, Condition and Tread depth. This practical advice aims to prevent breakdowns, collisions and legal penalties.

For the first time, this campaign is running in support of the government’s THINK! initiative, amplifying its reach with backing from major organisations like the DVSA and leading driver training associations. The resources, including videos and guides, are being distributed through TyreSafe’s channels, and police forces, instructors and colleges are being urged to participate by promoting tyre safety within their local communities.

TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt said, “Young and new drivers are a vulnerable road user group, not only due to inexperience, but also because of the tighter restrictions on their licence. By empowering young drivers with the correct knowledge, and encouraging them to undertake regular tyre inspections and maintenance, we can help to mitigate the risk of a tyre related incident or conviction. By launching this campaign alongside the NPCC’s Operation Spotlight, and in support of THINK!, the government’s road safety campaign, we can reach more young people than ever with practical advice. If that advice is implemented, it could ensure that not only they are safer on the roads, but they reduce their risk of receiving penalty points and fines that could cost them their licence.”

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The European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has expressed significant concern over a proposed one-year postponement of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by the European Commission. The association warns that a simple delay is an inadequate solution unless it is used to implement meaningful simplifications.

ETRMA advocates for a fundamental change where due diligence obligations would be fulfilled by the initial marketer of a product, with that compliance remaining valid for its entire commercial lifespan. This adjustment would prevent unnecessary administrative burdens on downstream companies. The association believes that such a streamlined approach would also help alleviate the IT system challenges currently being cited as justification for the delay.

Adam McCarthy, Secretary General, ETRMA, said, “The European tyre and rubber industry, together with millions of natural rubber producers, is upstream-ready. A further delay risks prolonging uncertainty for operators who have prepared in good faith and are looking forward to demonstrating their commitment. The objective of halting deforestation is right and urgent. But endless transition periods without simplification will not deliver results. ETRMA calls on EU institutions to ensure that, if more time is granted, it is used to fix the regulation – not to stall it.”

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CEAT has announced that Jayasankar Kuruppal, its Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, has received the prestigious ABK-AOTS Regional Monozukuri Spirit Award for Outstanding Leadership. Instituted by ABK-AOTS DOSOKAI, Tamil Nadu Centre in 2017, these awards honour eminent leaders from the manufacturing and service sectors whose organisations demonstrate world-class excellence.

This individual accolade reflects CEAT's strong organisational commitment to embedding Total Quality Management (TQM) practices throughout its operations. This company-wide dedication to quality and continuous improvement was a key factor in CEAT achieving the historic distinction of becoming the first tyre brand globally to be awarded the prestigious Deming Grand Prize.

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