Last year, Oxford Dictionaries declared that “Unprecedented” is the word of year that chosen by the famous English language experts to sum up the preceding 12 months. It’s been more than a year since the pandemic changed the way we live and work, and nothing feels more important than staying connected to our communities. Tyre industry is no exception.

As we all know, the automotive society is changing at rapid pace world-wide due to various factors such as new customer trends, growth of middle class and new mobility concepts. The performance requirements of tyres continue to rise ever higher, meaning that even further advancement in tyre technology as well as fighting with complex issues are now our new normal. The requirements of tyre performance parameters are much greater than past therefore now we work with “octagon,” instead of historically used “triangle.”

Today, we are talking about “Desired performance” instead of “Prioritised performance” which covers all required factors as well as sustainable green product concept. As we all know, many tyre manufacturers have announced their aggressive plans to have “carbon-neutral” products and aimed to adopt renewable materials and sustainable solutions.

As noted earlier, there are also additional challenges facing mobility and there are many new topics. In this article as TIC, we focused some of the hot topics to be involved by tyre companies. The below topics will force fundamental changes and our industry is going to be more complex. We need to understand those which would affect market dynamics, breakthrough developments and mobility revolutions.

We believe that a holistic approach is needed to see the future as well as new opportunities and treats. TIC-Tire Industry Consulting’s recommendations are given for some of the important areas, which should be involved by tyre manufacturers in order to continue their business.

Air-Free tyres

The airless concept tyre is one of the initiatives aimed towards many tyre manufacture’s long-term vision of the use of sustainable materials. Many of tyre manufacturers revealed their second or third generation air free technologies by featuring improved load-bearing capabilities, driving performance and environmental design. However, there are a lot of works to be made before air free tyres available for customers. Anyone looking for the future of tyre industry needs to involve Air Free tyre technology. Although it is very hard to estimate, we believe CAGR would be reached 3-4% within ten years globally.

Sustainable solutions

This is one of the most popular topics for automotive industry since many years by aiming CO₂ emission reduction. The motivations are: increasing pressure from legislation to move to zero CO_2, EV sales booming in many countries and consumers are increasingly seeking to buy from environmentally responsible companies. Main players have announced very challenging targets to use all-sustainable materials by 2030 and 2050. Tyre industry has to follow this path and needs to do fundamental changes regarding all processes such as R&D, supply chain and others. We believe that tyre industry should implement multiple technological innovations for sustainable solutions by working with their suppliers. In order to keep the competition, tyre manufacturers should: have a Science Based Target (SBT) for sustainability, engage with suppliers for joint activities and improve R&D activities regarding new materials, new designs and higher the usage of recycled materials.

EV tyres

Global automotive sector is responsible for 15% of global GHG emission and Paris agreement targeted to have “zero” GHG emission by 2050 to limit global warming. This is a very challenging target ever seen that committed by all countries. Private sector is co-responsible for implementation and rapid fleet electrification is one of the on-going solution items. OEMs have set the pace for CO₂ reduction and tyre manufacturers should have the EV tyre that meets “desired performance” as a sustainable green product.

The best example would be Germany , that aims to have 14M electric cars in 2030 by having almost 30% share of total car and electric passenger car new sales would reach to 75-80%  of total cars sale in 2030. Those figures show how big opportunity is exist for EV tyre manufacturers for OE and replacement markets. In that respect, we should continue to improve New Product Development (NPD) process even harder by expanding R&D efforts.

Artificial Intelligence

One of the important breakthrough innovations is AI and now widely use in all industries. We have seen many new applications by using AI in tyre industry too. Some of the areas would be sensor adoptions, prediction of compound physical properties, data mining in production processes and performance predictions during service time such a wear life and others. As TIC, we see AI as a “white space” for tyre manufactures that needs special skills as well as knowledge to adapt AI to existing systems.

Dynamic Testing

This has been performed by many tyre manufacturers using different test methodologies  such as component level, Hil (Hardware-in-the-Loop), ViL (Vehicle-in-the-Loop) test during the development and test & verification states of the product. In addition to those currently available test technologies, there are new developments in testing, such as dynamic driving simulators, in other words DiL (Driver-in-the-Loop). This technology enables tyre manufacturer to test and verify their next-generation tyre designs in virtual environment using the vehicle digital twin, which replicates the actual vehicle including vehicle driving dynamics, with real driver interaction. The DiL will improve the development process and create new opportunities for tyre manufacturers as preferred one. TIC believes in “Speed to market with right solutions and innovation,” and ready to support you. Design & development process duration is getting more and more crucial and all manufacturers are trying to reduce it by using modern simulation and testing technics. We recommend adopting Virtual technology in order to provide the best service to your customers.

As a conclusion, tyre industry is facing a lot of challenges and having very dynamic competition, in that respect the tyre technology and tyre knowledge will be extremely important to compete in the future, more than at any time in the past.

TIC Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) have vast hands-on experiences for above topics and ready to support your activities. We provide specialised technical solutions for challenges and TIC guarantees a high standard of professional-ethical principles that we have kept and developed for years. (TT)

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has announced two significant achievements underscoring its dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices. The company secured an improved EcoVadis Gold Rating, reaching the 98th percentile in FY26. Additionally, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially validated Apollo Tyres’ near-term and net-zero emissions reduction targets, marking a major step in its environmental journey.

These accomplishments highlight how Apollo Tyres continues to embed sustainability throughout its value chain while advancing its environmental, social and governance performance. The recognitions are not isolated but reflect steady, organisation-wide progress in aligning with global standards for responsible growth and climate action.

In its latest EcoVadis assessment for 2026, Apollo Tyres raised its overall score from 76 in 2025 to 84 in 2026, firmly staying within the Gold category. This improvement reflects intensified efforts in environmental stewardship, ethical governance, human rights practices and responsible sourcing across global operations. The company’s consistent benchmarking against international peers reinforces its position among leading organisations committed to continuous improvement and climate responsibility.

On climate targets, the SBTi validation confirms that Apollo Tyres’ greenhouse gas emission goals align with climate science. The company commits to net-zero emissions across its value chain by FY2050. Near-term, it aims to cut absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 58.8 percent by FY2035 from a FY2025 baseline, while reducing scope 3 emissions from key categories by 37.5 percent. Long-term, Apollo Tyres targets a 90 percent reduction in both scope 1, 2 and specified scope 3 emissions by FY2050.

Rajeev Kumar Sinha, Chief Manufacturing and Sustainability Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Achieving an improved EcoVadis Gold Rating and securing SBTi validation for our climate targets are significant milestones in our sustainability journey. These recognitions reflect our unwavering commitment to responsible growth and our determination to align with global climate goals. We remain focused on driving meaningful impact across our operations and value chain while collaborating with our partners and stakeholders to build a more sustainable and resilient future.”

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Magna Tyres is set to participate in two major industry events in May 2026: IFAT 2026 in Munich from 4 to 7 May and TOC Europe 2026 in Hamburg from 19 to 21 May. The company will present its specialised tyre solutions at both gatherings, which serve as key platforms for their respective sectors in Europe.

IFAT 2026, held in Munich, is the world’s leading trade fair for environmental technologies and recycling. Global visitors attend to explore innovations in waste management and sustainable solutions. At this event, Magna Tyres will highlight its tyre products designed specifically for recycling and waste management equipment, with the company stationed at Hall C5, Stand 146 to engage with current and prospective partners.

Later in the month, Magna Tyres will head to Hamburg for TOC Europe 2026, the premier European conference and exhibition for the port and shipping industry. The event gathers port operators, shipping lines, equipment suppliers and industry experts to discuss emerging trends and technologies shaping logistics and terminal operations.

At TOC Europe, Magna Tyres will showcase its tyre solutions for port handling and terminal equipment, aiming to connect with existing and potential collaborators. The company invites industry professionals to visit Stand C26 to explore partnership opportunities and discuss how its products support efficient and sustainable operations.

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has joined forces with Towing Solutions, the nation’s leading provider of towing industry training. This new collaboration aims to improve public understanding and education regarding secure towing methods across the country. By combining their expertise, both organisations intend to address common risks associated with towing caravans, trailers and horseboxes.

Towing Solutions, a trusted family-run business based in Macclesfield, offers professional training courses for both private individuals and companies throughout UK. This alliance expands upon TyreSafe’s existing efforts as a founding member of the UK Towing Safety Alliance. It also follows the recent introduction of the charity’s TLC campaign, which focuses on tyres, load and connectivity to help drivers tow with greater confidence and safety.

Through this partnership, TyreSafe and Towing Solutions will jointly highlight the importance of routine tyre inspections, correct weight distribution and proper electrical hookups. The collaboration guarantees that TyreSafe’s educational resources on towing tyre safety become part of Towing Solutions’ training curriculum, reaching more drivers with essential safety steps. This milestone furthers TyreSafe’s mission to work across the towing and transport sectors, reducing accidents caused by neglected or unsafe tyres.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Towing Solutions as an official TyreSafe partner. Their expertise and reputation in training and education make them the perfect ally in helping us reach more drivers who tow. The TLC campaign – Tyres, Load, Connectivity – is all about preventing avoidable incidents, protecting people and promoting confidence when towing. By joining forces with Towing Solutions, we’re ensuring these vital messages are built into practical training that saves lives and reduces risk on our roads.”

Raessa Lea, Managing Director, Towing Solutions, said, “At Towing Solutions, safety is at the heart of everything we do, and tyres play a huge part in that. We’re proud to be partnering with TyreSafe to reinforce key safety messages through our training programmes. Together, we can help ensure that everyone towing – whether for work, leisure or travel – understands the importance of tyre safety, proper loading and connectivity. It’s about giving people the knowledge and confidence to tow safely every time.”

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MAXAM Tire has further expanded its off‑the‑road tyre portfolio by adding a new 45/65R45 size to the MS406 E4/L4 series. This larger variant is specifically engineered for heavy loader applications, offering operators an additional high‑performance solution that prioritises strength, longevity and cost efficiency over the long term.

The tyre’s deep E4/L4 tread pattern is designed to deliver strong traction while resisting wear and cuts, even in severe working conditions. This aggressive yet durable design helps loader fleets boost productivity, as the tyre maintains grip and reduces downtime. Over its service life, users can expect a lower cost per operating hour.

To withstand harsh job sites, the MS406 incorporates a thick undertread that provides enhanced puncture protection. Its robust casing not only endures heavy use but also supports excellent retreadability, further extending the tyre’s usable life and improving overall return on investment. A wide, flat footprint contributes to superior stability, ensuring dependable performance and operator confidence when the vehicle is under substantial loads.

With this new size addition, MAXAM Tire continues to strengthen its off‑the‑road product line, giving customers another valuable option that balances durability, traction and long‑term operating efficiency in demanding loader environments.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire North America, said, “With the addition of the 45/54R45 size, we’re continuing to respond directly to market needs while expanding access to a proven loader tyre. Our focus is always on delivering market-leading value and tyres that perform in real-world conditions while helping customers control operating costs.”

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