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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Prinx Chengshan has introduced its latest ultra-high-performance tyre, the Austone Meijie, through a charity test-drive event held in Kunming on 26 and 27 April. Centred on the theme ‘Cherish Every Moment with Love’, the initiative brought together dealers and store representatives to blend cutting-edge tyre technology with social responsibility. The new tyre was highlighted throughout as the group embarked on a mountainous journey focused on rural education support.

The charity effort targeted left-behind children, addressing both educational and daily needs as part of Prinx Chengshan’s broader corporate social responsibility commitments. Volunteers travelled to Jibi Primary School in Zhongshu Town, Luxi County, where 80 percent of students are boarders and nearly half of all families come from poverty-registered or low-income households. The convoy delivered stationery kits, sports equipment and backpacks to fill resource gaps at the campus.

Beyond material aid, the event fostered personal connections and emotional warmth, with the Austone brand philosophy of cherishing every moment put into practice. The new tyre played a key role in safeguarding the journey across city streets, highways and winding mountain roads. Participants gained direct experience of the Austone Meijie’s handling, durability and comfort throughout the convoy’s travels.

Professional test-drive sessions at Kunming Yujia Auto & Motor Sports Park further demonstrated the new tyre’s capabilities. In dry braking tests, the Austone Meijie delivered confident control and immediate response. The tyre’s high-grip tread compound and wide longitudinal grooves tackled wet surfaces by ensuring stable lane changes even through standing water. The new tyre provided unwavering lateral support and precise steering throughout the journey.

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The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) has officially announced the finalists for its first-ever Circle of Change Awards, a national programme designed to honour individuals, organisations and teams advancing tyre recycling and circular economy leadership. The winners are scheduled to be revealed on 14 May 2026, during the Tire Recycling Conference Awards Luncheon in Denver, Colorado. This year’s conference carries the theme ‘Tread Boldly: Advancing Tire Recycling Through Collective Innovation’.

The pool of finalists spans state-led programmes that have developed scalable and self-sustaining markets for recycled tyres, as well as engineering breakthroughs integrating tyre-derived materials into roads, stormwater systems and urban redevelopment projects. Collectively, these nine initiatives illustrate the expanding innovation and rising demand for tire-derived products across United States.

The awards are structured into four distinct categories, each addressing a critical component of tyre circularity. These include tyre recycling processes, the design and manufacturing of recycled materials, market development for those materials and the complete end-of-life tyre value chain. Together, the finalist projects underscore the creativity and positive momentum shaping the domestic recycled tyre industry.

In the Circular Economy Trailblazer Award category, Colorado and North Carolina were recognised. Colorado has utilised a waste tyre rebate programme and market-development grants to reduce stockpiles and illegal dumping while boosting demand for tyre-derived fuel and moulded products. North Carolina implemented a legislative model that stabilises upstream recycling reimbursements for counties and expands incentives for rubber-modified asphalt applications.

The Innovation in End-Use Technology Award features three honourees. Bolten & Menk constructed a stormwater best management practice system using 210,000 recycled tyres for the city of Woodbury, Minnesota. LHB Engineering and the St. Paul Port Authority applied 30,000 cubic yards of tyre-derived aggregate in underground stormwater retention to redevelop the former Midway Stadium brownfield site. Liberty Tire Recycling, partnering with Atlanta DOT, the University of Georgia, and The Ray, launched an asphalt heat-island pilot to improve pavement durability and study climate and equity benefits in an urban corridor.

For Market Development Excellence, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources leveraged rubber-modified asphalt to resurface park roads and parking areas, creating consistent material demand. A Michigan multi-partner effort led by EGLE has scaled recycled tyre applications from pilot projects to hundreds of lane-miles through advanced specifications and coordinated research.

The Value Chain Collaboration Award recognised Bolder Industries and Pirelli Tire LLC for a traceable closed-loop system converting scrap tyres into certified recovered carbon black for new tyre production, alongside Phibro rCB for restarting an idle pyrolysis facility and qualifying recycled materials for tyre manufacturing. An independent panel of industry experts scores all entries based on innovation, measurable impact, scalability and category alignment, with honouree mentions possible at the judges’ discretion.

Stephanie Mull, Executive Director, Tire Recycling Foundation, said, “At the heart of tyre recycling is a simple but powerful challenge: reframe waste from an endpoint into a catalyst for societal value. This year’s nominees show how far we’ve come in turning end‑of‑life tyres into valuable materials that strengthen infrastructure, support communities and protect the environment and remind us that important work still lies ahead.”

Dick Gust, President, Tire Recycling Foundation Board, said, "The Circle of Change Awards recognise bold action and innovation. We honour the innovators, state leaders and collaborators demonstrating that tyre recycling unlocks real solutions and transformation. Each finalist exemplifies what’s possible when visionary action aligns with smart policy and sustained commitment.”

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company reported a net loss of USD 249 million for the first quarter of 2026, as weaker consumer demand and higher raw material costs weighed on performance across key markets.

The US tyre manufacturer posted net sales of USD 3.9 billion for the quarter, down from USD 4.3 billion a year earlier, while tyre unit volumes fell to 34 million from 38.5 million.

Goodyear reported a loss of USD 0.86 per share, compared with net income of USD 115 million, or USD 0.40 per share, in the same period last year. Adjusted net loss widened to USD 112 million from USD 11 million a year earlier.

“The first quarter reflected a challenging environment, marked by weak consumer industry demand in both OE and replacement across the majority of our key geographies,” said Mark Stewart, Chief Executive and President of Goodyear.

“Despite a weak environment, our first quarter results were in line with our expectations and reflect our commitment to drive value for our brands in the marketplace, where we offer world-class differentiated products and services.”

Stewart said rising raw material costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East and continued pressure on industry demand would require further action to strengthen the company’s cost structure.

Segment operating income fell to USD 95 million from USD 195 million a year earlier. The decline reflected lower volumes and inflationary pressures, partly offset by benefits from the company’s Goodyear Forward restructuring programme, favourable price and raw material mix, and a tariff-related adjustment.

The Americas business reported first-quarter sales of USD 2.1 billion, down 17.5 percent from the previous year. Replacement tyre volumes declined 23.2 percent amid weak market conditions in North America, increased promotional activity and the planned rationalisation of lower-tier products.

Segment operating income in the Americas fell to USD 37 million from USD 155 million a year earlier.

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, net sales rose 6.7 percent to USD 1.4 billion, supported by currency movements and price mix, despite lower tyre volumes and the sale of the Dunlop brand. Segment operating income improved to USD 1 million from a loss of USD 5 million in the prior year.

Asia Pacific reported sales of USD 455 million, down 4 percent from a year earlier due to weaker original equipment demand in China. However, segment operating income rose to USD 57 million from USD 45 million, supported by pricing and restructuring benefits.

Goodyear said its Goodyear Forward transformation programme delivered USD 107 million in benefits during the quarter.

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Continental has released a new White Paper titled ‘Enhancing Fleet Reliability Through Digital Tire Management – Safety by Continental’, which addresses how logistics companies across the European Union can reduce operational risks amid persistently high fuel costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. For fleets operating cross-border and long-haul routes, volatile energy prices and tight delivery schedules leave little room for unexpected disruptions, prompting a closer look at tyre safety as a critical but often overlooked factor.

Under growing cost pressure, many logistics operators are reassessing areas where risks can still be actively managed. Vehicle safety, particularly the condition of tyres, is no longer seen solely as a compliance issue but as a direct influence on efficiency, uptime and cost control. Tyres affect stability, braking and fuel consumption, yet issues like pressure deviations and heat buildup can go unnoticed between manual inspections. When tyre problems arise on the road, they often result in breakdowns, delivery delays and expensive roadside repairs, which are especially damaging to EU-wide logistics operations.

The White Paper notes a significant shift among European fleets towards continuous, data-driven tyre safety strategies instead of reactive fixes. Digital monitoring systems are being adopted to detect risks early and integrate tyre condition into planned maintenance. Continental’s ContiConnect system is highlighted as a practical example, using in-tyre sensors to continuously track pressure and temperature. The system provides fleet-wide visibility and automated alerts when values exceed set thresholds, enabling timely intervention before tyre issues cause route incidents.

Real-world fleet experience cited in the White Paper shows that continuous tyre monitoring delivers measurable gains, including fewer tyre-related breakdowns, better fuel efficiency from optimised pressure and longer tyre life. For logistics operators working across multiple EU countries, these improvements lead to more predictable routes, fewer unplanned stops and greater delivery reliability. While fleets cannot control fuel prices or geopolitical events, the paper emphasises that safety-critical asset management remains within their control, making tyre safety a core part of operational risk management in a challenging environment.

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