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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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) has secured Platinum recognition from EcoVadis, the highest distinction awarded by the sustainability ratings provider, placing the natural rubber leader among the top one percent of assessed companies globally. The accolade reflects STA's exceptional management standards and its dedication to pursuing business growth alongside environmental and social responsibility across its entire value chain.

The recognition was addressed by Chief Executive Officer Veerasith Sinchareonkul, who characterised Platinum as a significant milestone in STA's drive to embed sustainable practices throughout its operations. He noted that the company's efforts span continuous improvements in corporate governance, ethical conduct, environmental stewardship, respect for labour and human rights and responsible procurement and supply chain development, all aimed at creating shared value and fostering long-term stakeholder confidence.

EcoVadis, an internationally recognised provider of business sustainability assessments, evaluates management performance across four themes: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. STA's top-tier result underscores its progress in integrating sustainability into operations and reinforces its role as a responsible business partner, while the company remains focused on raising operational standards, strengthening its value chain, supporting quality of life and safeguarding natural resources to build a foundation for lasting growth and a sustainable future for the natural rubber industry.

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Pirelli has entered a three-year agreement with Netcompany INEOS, beginning in 2027, that will make the Milan-based manufacturer the Official Tyre Partner of one of professional cycling’s most prestigious teams. The partnership rests on a shared commitment to performance through innovation, technological progress and close attention to details capable of influencing final results.

Ahead of the collaboration, two Pirelli tyres underwent technical assessment. The PZERO RACE SL-R is a road tyre focused on aerodynamics and rolling efficiency, engineered to reduce aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance in fast racing and high-speed conditions. The PZERO RACE RS was developed to balance rolling efficiency, grip, protection and predictable cornering, giving riders confidence and stability across varied road surfaces, racing situations and weather.

The team’s bike, fitted with Pirelli tyres, is being displayed at the Pirelli stand during Rouleur Live in London from today until Saturday 14 November. The partnership will centre on developing and evaluating technical solutions suited to WorldTour cycling, where efficiency, reliability and performance must work together across conditions ranging from Grand Tours to the five Monuments.

Netcompany INEOS riders’ technical feedback will support product development and validation, with Pirelli technicians working alongside the team’s engineers and research and development management and integrating road data into outdoor testing protocols. The collaboration also reflects both organisations’ focus on marginal gains, with the tyre treated as a key part of the rider-and-bike system. Pirelli’s patented PAAS technologies are cited as helping address trade-offs such as rolling resistance versus grip. Pirelli tyres are due to race on the team’s Pinarello bikes at the Santos Tour Down Under from 16 January 2027.

Aldo Nicotera, Head of Moto & Cycling Business, Pirelli, said, “At the highest level of sport, success depends on a constant search for technological solutions that can deliver ever-greater performance. This is an approach we know well and one we are now bringing to our collaboration with Netcompany INEOS. We share the belief that optimising every detail can make a difference and contribute to outstanding results, together with an unwavering focus on innovation, quality and precision. We will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class technical staff and athletes, making the most of this exchange and gathering valuable insights to drive the ongoing development of increasingly advanced tyres that meet the needs of both professional riders and cycling enthusiasts.”

Geraint Thomas, Director of Racing, said, “Pirelli bring a huge amount of technical expertise and a real commitment to innovation, so it's exciting to have them working closely with our riders and performance team. It's not just about the equipment we race on, but how we can work together to keep developing. So, we're really looking forward to building that relationship and seeing what we can achieve together.”

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Plaza Tire Service, a prominent tyre and automotive service provider across the Midwest and a member of the Sun Auto Network, has expanded its footprint in central Missouri with a newly opened store in St. Robert. The location sits along the historic Route 66 corridor, offering local motorists a dependable option for tyres, preventive maintenance and vehicle repair.

The St. Robert facility stocks a broad selection of leading tyre brands and provides a comprehensive range of services, from oil changes and brake work to batteries, alignments, steering and suspension repair and other routine maintenance. Customers also benefit from the company's Price Match Guarantee and its signature 4 Tires in 1 Hour Guarantee, with same-day installation available on many purchases, allowing drivers to minimise downtime and get back on the road quickly.

Founded in Missouri in 1963, Plaza Tire Service has become one of the Midwest's largest tyre and automotive service providers, operating locations in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas and Indiana. The company pairs its regional heritage with the resources and scale of the more than 600-location Sun Auto Network, reinforcing its presence in central Missouri through the new St. Robert store.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "For more than 60 years, Plaza Tire Service has focused on making tyre and automotive care easy for our customers. We're proud to bring that commitment to St. Robert and support drivers with fast service, trusted expertise and a team dedicated to keeping vehicles road-ready."

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TyreSafe has entered an official partnership with BLT Driver Training, the driver training division of the Blue Lamp Trust. The UK charity, which works to raise awareness of tyre safety, said the collaboration reflects a joint commitment to road safety and to helping motorists make better-informed decisions. The tie-up connects BLT Driver Training's work with TyreSafe's broader mission and impact.

The new partner delivers professional driver education, training and assessments intended to raise driving standards and protect passengers, drivers and other road users. Its services span taxi and private hire training, fleet driver development, safeguarding and disability awareness courses and a Mature Drivers Confidence Builder Course. It works with licensing authorities, businesses, fleet operators and individual drivers; as a not-for-profit, it supports the Blue Lamp Trust's charitable work helping older and vulnerable people stay safe.

Collaboration will initially concentrate on three areas: taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs), mature drivers and fleet safety. Drivers in the taxi and PHV sector cover high mileages on demanding schedules, and the partners will examine ways to embed TyreSafe's taxi-focused campaign materials into training and communications so that pressures, condition and tread depth receive greater attention. For mature motorists and their families, the organisations hope to develop accessible, practical resources that prompt regular tyre checks and informed choices supporting safe driving and independence. Fleet safety will be pursued through TyreSafe's November campaign, with both parties looking at how to share guidance on maintenance, inspection procedures and safety-conscious fleet management.

Bringing together BLT Driver Training's educational expertise and TyreSafe's specialist tyre knowledge, the partnership aims to put practical road safety advice within reach of more people and build safer habits across a range of road users. The two organisations believe the collaboration will help drivers and operators treat vehicle safety as a routine priority while supporting the Blue Lamp Trust's wider charitable mission.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We warmly welcome BLT Driver Training as a TyreSafe partner. Improving road safety requires a joined-up approach, combining driver skills and awareness with the condition and maintenance of the vehicles they use every day. By working with an organisation that shares our commitment to practical education and safer journeys, we have a real opportunity to reach more drivers, support fleet operators and help people understand the simple checks that can make a difference. We’re particularly excited about exploring resources for mature drivers and their families, as well as working together to promote tyre safety among taxi and private hire drivers and across the wider fleet sector.”

Emma Burt, CEO, Blue Lamp Trust, said, “We’re delighted to be working with TyreSafe to help improve road safety and driving standards. At BLT Driver Training, we believe that effective education gives drivers the knowledge, skills and confidence to make safer decisions, and vehicle maintenance is an essential part of that picture. This partnership offers exciting opportunities to bring practical tyre safety advice into our training and communications, from supporting taxi and private hire drivers to helping mature motorists and their families have constructive conversations about vehicle safety and maintenance. We look forward to working with TyreSafe to develop useful resources and initiatives that help protect drivers, passengers and the wider community.”

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