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)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire has further solidified its global reputation for innovative product design after securing three Winner awards in the Product Design category at the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2026. The recognition from the internationally acclaimed competition underscores the company’s commitment to advancing tire technology through aesthetic and functional excellence.

The honoured products include the ultra-high-performance Ventus evo, the all-terrain iON AT developed for electric SUVs and pickup trucks and Laufenn’s summer performance tyre, the S FIT2. Each design was evaluated for its innovation, aesthetics, functionality and overall quality, with Hankook Tire standing out among global contenders in this year’s selection.

The Ventus evo was distinguished by its sharply defined centre wheel groove that enhances steering precision and reduces road noise, while a chamfer design and an AI-powered sustainable compound improve mileage by up to 32 percent. Its sidewall also features a Vanta Velvet graphic with an ultra-fine texture, combining visual appeal with practical performance. Meanwhile, the upcoming iON AT integrates key electric vehicle attributes such as energy efficiency, extended mileage and low noise into an off-road focused structure, with an optimised tread pattern and compound that minimise energy loss, heat generation and wear.

The S FIT2 from Laufenn earned recognition for its Numeric Sidewall design, which aligns with the brand’s minimalist philosophy while strengthening visual identity. Its asymmetric tread pattern ensures precise handling and effective drainage, while added features like the Alignment Indicator and EV Mark enhance user convenience. Environmentally conscious technologies also extend tread life and reduce noise. Organised by Germany’s Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the Red Dot award is one of three major international design accolades – alongside the iF Design Award and the IDEA – where Hankook Tire continues to earn consistent recognition, reinforcing its premium brand image through innovation-driven design.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

HS HYOSUNG Group has officially released its inaugural Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone since the conglomerate’s establishment. The comprehensive document provides a transparent overview of the organisation’s Environmental, Social and Governance management activities, detailing both ongoing initiatives and notable accomplishments across its operations.

The publication consolidates ESG data from the holding entity, HS HYOSUNG Corporation, and extends to major subsidiaries such as HS HYOSUNG USA, Inc., HS HYOSUNG TOYOTA Co., Ltd. and HS HYOSUNG GLOBAL LOGISTICS VINA CO., Ltd. Furthermore, the report incorporates the ESG performance of key affiliates, including HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS Corporation and HS HYOSUNG INFORMATION SYSTEMS Corporation, ensuring a holistic representation of the group’s sustainability efforts.

Central to the report is the introduction of the group’s sustainability vision, ‘Rooted in Value, Growing Together’, which is supported by three strategic pillars: Growth Value, Shared Value and Trusted Value. To guide its strategy, the group synthesised double materiality assessments from various units, identifying five Group-wide priorities: customer satisfaction, occupational health and safety, compliance, eco-friendly portfolio and climate change response. The report systematically details the management frameworks, current progress, key achievements and forward-looking plans for each of these critical areas.

An HS HYOSUNG official said, "Publishing our first Sustainability Report as we celebrate the second anniversary of HS HYOSUNG makes this milestone especially meaningful. Going forward, we will continue to respond proactively to a changing business environment while creating greater value and building stronger trust with our stakeholders."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an environmental awareness session at Edison School ‘Novatsia’, drawing the participation of approximately 60 students. The gathering was designed to illuminate the core tenets of the green economy, renewable energy and circular economic models, aiming to instil a robust sense of environmental stewardship among the younger generation.

The initiative sought to cultivate a collective sense of duty regarding the preservation of natural resources and the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Attendees were briefed on the deployment of modern technologies and innovative strategies to mitigate ecological footprints while also exploring the corporate sector's role in fostering a sustainable future. The discourse underscored that sustainable development transcends mere environmental conservation, integrating economic vitality and social equity.

Tegeta Green Planet’s representatives delved into the specifics of the Extended Producer Responsibility system and the intricacies of managing particular waste streams, alongside the foundational principles of the circular economy. Concurrently, Shine Energy’s team elaborated on the pivotal function of renewable sources in the ongoing energy transition, highlighting the societal and ecological advantages of solar power and other clean energy alternatives. The session was notably enriched by the proactive engagement of 10th-grade students.

These students delivered presentations on Earth Day, tracing its historical origins, its evolution into a global movement and the critical importance of individual action in resource preservation. The dialogue reinforced that every societal member contributes to this balanced vision. Tegeta Green Planet and Shine Energy remain committed to expanding such educational projects across various institutions, viewing them as essential to nurturing an environmental culture and responsible behaviours that are fundamental for the well-being of future generations.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has launched National Tire Safety Week 2026, a public education campaign running from 29 June through 4 July. This year’s initiative, themed ‘Driving Safety, Full Circle’, introduces a new storytelling platform called Full Circle, which emphasises the essential role of tyres in everyday American life. The campaign underscores the critical importance of regular tyre maintenance for overall vehicle safety.

To illustrate this message, the association has released Full Circle Moments, a series of short videos depicting common scenarios where tire performance is paramount. The series features five distinct vignettes, including an infant’s secure journey home from the hospital, a parent’s lesson in driving for a teenager, the durability required for a family road trip, the traction needed during a heavy rainstorm and the stopping power necessary for sudden braking. These videos are being distributed via USTMA’s official website and social media channels.

The campaign also provides motorists with a practical maintenance guide, urging them to remember the acronym ‘P.A.R.T.’, which stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. Drivers are advised to conduct these checks at least monthly and prior to embarking on extended summer road trips. According to the association, investing a few minutes in these simple inspections can significantly reduce the risk of highway incidents.

Furthermore, National Tire Safety Week marks the official launch of the Full Circle digital platform, which is structured around five core pillars: safety, sustainability, innovation, economic impact and advocacy. The site offers evidence-based narratives about the tyre industry’s dedication to reliable mobility and environmental stewardship, including efforts to repurpose tyres. The initiative is supported by all major USTMA member companies, including Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and several other leading tyre manufacturers.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Every drive home, every family road trip, every race to an emergency by a first responder happens on tyres. Proper tyre maintenance plays a critical role in safety on the road, and we must all do our part to protect the people and moments we value most. National Tire Safety Week is our reminder that caring for our tyres is simple and essential, and that behind every safe mile is an industry working to make mobility safer, smarter and more dependable.

“Tyres are essential to nearly every part of modern life, yet they’re easy to take for granted. Full Circle embodies the depth of our industry’s commitment to the communities we serve. It’s a story of an industry committed to continuous progress with safety at the forefront, and we’re proud to keep driving it forward.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!