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 CO2, 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)
Titan International Announces Official Partnership With NASCAR Driver Ross Chastain
- By TT News
- December 19, 2025
Titan International Inc. is embarking on an official partnership with NASCAR competitor Ross Chastain, who is also an eighth-generation watermelon farmer. This alliance extends far beyond traditional sponsorship, focusing instead on direct agricultural support. Titan is integrating its expertise into the daily operations of the Chastain family farm, where company specialists are collaborating alongside Melon 1 to address the distinct challenges of watermelon cultivation.
The farm’s diverse fleet, which includes everything from primary tractors to specialised sprayers and utility vehicles, requires a wide array of tyre specifications. Titan is supplying a comprehensive portfolio of products and tailored support for this entire equipment lineup, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and minimise potential downtime.
Chastain’s national profile uniquely bridges the worlds of high-speed racing and foundational farming. Leveraging his platform as NASCAR’s prominent ‘agriculture guy’, this partnership is designed to generate meaningful awareness for the broader farming community. The initiative underscores a shared mission to recognise the critical innovations and relentless effort of agricultural professionals who support global supply chains. Ultimately, it represents a functional fusion of motorsport visibility and tangible, on-farm problem-solving.
Chastain said, “I grew up farming watermelons with my family, and that will always be a part of who I am. What excites me about working with Titan is that they’re actually on the farm, looking at our equipment and helping us find real solutions. I trust Goodyear tyres on the track, and now I trust Titan and Goodyear Farm Tires on our farm. That’s what 'Ag to Asphalt' means to me.”
Scott Sloan, Global Ag/LSW Product Manager, Titan, said, “Watermelon farming has unique demands across a wide range of equipment. Our goal is to make each machine perform at its best. If Ross trusts Titan on his farm, that tells other farmers they can trust us too.”
Kim Boccardi, VP – Marketing, Titan, said, “For Titan, this partnership represents exactly what we stand for. We’re here to listen, to learn and to provide the service, support and expertise farmers want and need. Ross and his family welcomed us onto their farm, and together we’re showing the industry that if a machine needs tyres, whether it's tractors, trailers, ATVs or UTVs, we’ve got it handled.”
Radar Tyres Appoints Cricket Icon Michael Clarke As Global Brand Ambassador
- By TT News
- December 19, 2025
Radar Tyres has entered a strategic global partnership with celebrated Australian cricketer Michael Clarke, appointing him as the company's new brand ambassador. This alliance represents a significant step in the brand's ongoing development, aimed at bolstering support for its international network of distributors and retailers. Clarke’s worldwide recognition and respected legacy are intended to elevate Radar’s visibility and deepen its connection with consumers across key markets.
The brand emphasises that Clarke's professional attributes – encompassing peak performance, resilience and leadership – perfectly mirror its own core mission of delivering high-quality, premium performance tyres to everyday drivers globally. His celebrated career, which includes captaining Australia to a 2015 Cricket World Cup victory and achieving an iconic Test score of 329 not out, has cemented his status as a sporting legend. Beyond the field, his influence extends through media engagements, business ventures, and a substantial digital footprint, allowing him to connect authentically with diverse, worldwide audiences.
This collaboration is a cornerstone of Radar Tyres' long-term strategy to invest in meaningful brand elevation. By partnering with influential figures like Clarke, the company seeks to authentically amplify its message and mission. The initiative will be supported by a comprehensive series of online and on-ground activities, all designed to actively engage consumers and drive the brand’s presence into households worldwide, thereby providing substantive support to its retail partners.
Clarke said, “I’m thrilled to join the Radar Tyres family. Radar Tyres is a dynamic, fast-growing brand whose mission to make high-quality, high-performance tyres accessible to everyday drivers around the world, truly resonates with me. They deliver premium products at an affordable price, and I’m excited to be part of their journey in bringing this mission to even more drivers globally.”
G S Sareen, President and CEO, Omni United, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Michael Clarke to the Radar family. Michael is a household name whose passion, accomplishments and global appeal make him an ideal ambassador to elevate our brand. His association will help us connect more meaningfully with everyday drivers who seek reliable, premium performance but at an accessible price. This partnership will expand our reach, strengthen our presence in key markets and further reinforce Radar Tyres as a trusted and fast-growing global brand.”
Bridgestone Recalls Select Firestone Tyres Over Potential Belt Separation Risk
- By TT News
- December 19, 2025
Bridgestone Americas is voluntarily recalling 1,742 Firestone Destination LE3 all-season tyres produced for the US market. The affected tyres, size 265/70R17, were manufactured at the company's Wilson, North Carolina, facility between 26 October 2025 and 8 November 2025. An internal review identified a production error that could lead to an increased risk of belt separation over the tyre's life, reducing its expected durability. As a result, these tyres may not meet the endurance specifications of the relevant U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. The recall is being undertaken as a precautionary measure, and Bridgestone confirms it is not aware of any related accidents or injuries.
The company is contacting all known customers, distributors and dealers. Owners can bring their vehicles to any authorised Bridgestone or Firestone retail outlet for a complimentary inspection. If a tyre is confirmed to be part of the recall, it will be replaced at no cost with a comparable Bridgestone or Firestone tyre, or another suitable alternative. Bridgestone has formally notified the appropriate US regulatory agency in compliance with legal requirements. The recall pertains exclusively to replacement tyres used on light trucks, crossovers and SUVs.
The details are given below:
- Firestone Destination LE3 tyres in size 265/70R17
- Plant ID: 1W2
- Size Code: 1Y
- Optional Code: LE31
- Beginning Date Code: 4325
- Ending Date Code: 4425
Anyline Surpasses 100 Million Digital Tyre Inspections Globally
- By TT News
- December 19, 2025
Anyline, a prominent provider of AI-driven mobile tyre inspection technology, achieved a significant landmark in 2025 by completing over 100 million digital tyre inspections globally in a single year. This milestone underscores the widespread integration of its software within automotive service environments, where dealerships, tyre retailers and repair shops rely on its precise and rapid performance under real workshop conditions.
The practical benefits of this technology are substantial for service technicians. It enhances operational consistency on the shop floor, leading to greater overall efficiency and increased customer satisfaction while also creating avenues for additional revenue. Its proven effectiveness at an enterprise level is demonstrated through its adoption by major aftermarket players like Discount Tire and partners such as Tire Storage Solutions.
On a practical level, digital tyre inspection standardises procedures and record-keeping in the service bay. This contributes directly to safety by facilitating the early detection of worn treads and potential hazards. It also improves regulatory compliance through the consistent digital capture of tyre details, including identification numbers. Furthermore, the technology provides valuable performance insights by tracking wear patterns over time, builds customer trust with clear visual documentation and drastically cuts down on manual labour. Cumulatively, these millions of inspections represent immense time savings, helping businesses address ongoing workforce challenges and operational demands.
To further broaden its reach, Anyline has expanded its offerings beyond the ready-made TireBuddy App that it released earlier this year. The company now provides the TireBuddy ToolKit, a highly customisable software development kit. This toolkit allows enterprise and platform partners to embed sophisticated tyre inspection functionalities – including tread depth measurement, tyre identification and condition assessment – directly into their own existing mobile applications on both iOS and Android. Designed for seamless integration and real-world use, it features intuitive guidance to help technicians achieve reliable, uniform results across various locations.
Lukas Kinigadner, Co-CEO, Anyline, said, “Surpassing 100 million tyre inspections in a single year is a defining moment for Anyline and the industry. Tyre inspection isn’t a nice to have; it’s a safety-critical process that depends on consistency and accuracy at scale. We’re on a mission to transform that process with fast, accurate and dependable digital assessments that make technicians’ work easier and keep the customer experience at the centre. This milestone is a strong signal that we’re on the right track.”
Simon Brooks, Vice President – Product, Anyline, said, “With our TireBuddy ToolKit, our goal is to make advanced tyre inspection as easy as adding an SDK into an existing app. We’re excited to see how our customers customise it for their workflows, and we look forward to TireBuddy powering even more safe, consistent tyre inspections in 2026.”
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