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)
Michelin Launches Anakee Adventure 2 Tyre For Trail Motorcycle Segment
- By TT News
- January 12, 2026
Michelin has launched the new Anakee Adventure 2, a tyre aimed at the Trail motorcycle segment and engineered to deliver safety, pleasure and freedom for the modern rider. This product is a strategic pillar in the company's global vision for the Trail category, designed for those who navigate daily commutes but live for the spirit of exploration.
The MICHELIN Anakee Adventure 2 is developed for predominantly road-based use while retaining confident off-road capability. It meets the needs of discerning riders who demand safety in everyday conditions alongside the ability to spontaneously explore beyond paved surfaces. The tyre promises enhanced wet grip through advanced silica-based compounds and offers improved longevity, with significant increases in mileage over its predecessor. It also provides superior riding comfort through reduced noise perception, leading to less fatigue. Its versatility is confirmed by an M+S marking and a tread pattern optimised for effective traction on varied terrain.
These benefits are achieved through Michelin's latest technologies, including a dual-compound construction for durability and grip, reinforced casing architecture for stability and comfort, and a new tread design that balances on-road refinement with loose-surface traction. The tyre also features a premium sidewall design to complement the aesthetic of modern adventure motorcycles. It is available for a comprehensive range of flagship models from manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, Ducati, Triumph and KTM.
This launch completes Michelin's strategic Trail portfolio, which ranges from purely road-focused tyres to those with off-road bias. The introduction of the Anakee Adventure 2 is a key component of Michelin's broader ambition to become a leading force in the Trail segment by 2030. This strategy is built upon strengthening brand image through motorsport heritage, fostering a dedicated rider community via engagement initiatives, and expanding original equipment partnerships with major motorcycle manufacturers. The MICHELIN Anakee Adventure 2 is available globally through authorised dealers.
Michelin Returns To Elite Cycling With Team Picnic PostNL
- By TT News
- January 12, 2026
Michelin will join Team Picnic PostNL as an official technical partner from 2026 onwards, signalling the tyre manufacturer's high-profile return to elite road racing. This alliance is founded on a shared drive to expand performance boundaries through dedicated innovation. Rather than a mere supply agreement, the collaboration entails a deep technical union between the brand’s engineers and the team’s performance specialists. The primary goal is to validate Michelin tyre capabilities under the most demanding race conditions and to jointly pioneer next-generation technologies.
Team Picnic PostNL, a leading World Tour squad with men’s, women’s and development rosters, will exclusively race on state-of-the-art tyres co-developed with Michelin, set to debut in competition this coming February. This partnership embodies a modern and ambitious sporting vision, uniting both entities under core values of elite performance and innovation. Data and feedback gathered across all racing programmes will fuel a continuous cycle of optimisation, aimed at propelling the team to the podium while simultaneously accelerating the development of future consumer tyre products.
For Michelin, this venture integrates competition directly into its global innovation strategy, using the rigours of world-class cycling as a dynamic proving ground and beacon for technological advancement.
Vincent Ledieu, Director – Cycling Programme, Michelin, said, “By partnering with Team Picnic PostNL, Michelin is showing its support for the world of top-level road cycling. Working closely with the riders and the whole team allows us to better understand the demands of competing at the highest level. This partnership allows us to continue to develop innovative tire technologies while supporting Team Picnic PostNL's ambitions in World Tour competition.”
Piet Rooijakkers, Team Picnic PostNL's R&D expert, said, “Our partnership with Michelin allows us to have very high-quality equipment that is perfectly suited to the demands of the World Tour. By working closely with their engineers, we quickly turn user feedback and performance data into actionable improvements. This process of continuous learning and optimisation is essential for Team Picnic PostNL, and we see this collaboration as an important step in pushing performance to the next level.”
Toyo Tires Secures CDP ‘A List’ Recognition For Actions Against Climate Change
- By TT News
- January 10, 2026
Toyo Tires has made its way to the annual A-List of CDP for its climate change mitigation efforts. This premier recognition, awarded for the first time to the company in the 2025 evaluation, reflects the company’s comprehensive decarbonisation efforts, which include validated science-based targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and a shift towards renewable energy at its production sites. CDP’s annual assessment is a key benchmark for corporate sustainability across climate, water and forests.
The assessment also highlighted Toyo Tires' commitment to transparency, as verified by independent third-party data reviews. Viewing its business activities as intrinsically connected to society and the future, the Toyo Tires Group treats reducing environmental impact as a top operational priority.
Moving forward, the company is dedicated to advancing decarbonization across all its manufacturing processes and broader supply chain, aiming to support a sustainable global society.
Apollo Tyres Expands Vredestein Gravel Tyre Range With Aventura Core Series
- By TT News
- January 10, 2026
Apollo Tyres Ltd has introduced a new and more affordable range of gravel tyres under the Vredestein Aventura Core Series. This new-generation family consists of three distinct models: the Aventura Seta Core, Aventura Core and Aventura Grezzo Core. Engineered in Europe, these tyres are built for enhanced durability and dependable performance across diverse surfaces, offering riders a cost-effective upgrade for adventure biking.
The series is constructed around a streamlined Core platform, which incorporates a robust 60 TPI casing for increased puncture resistance and stable handling on uneven terrain. While utilising the proven tread patterns of existing Vredestein gravel tyres, this refined construction delivers high-end capability at a more accessible price point.
Each model is tailored for specific riding conditions. The Aventura Seta Core is designed for speed, with a race-optimised tread for fast rolling on asphalt and high-speed gravel, complemented by shoulder knobs for technical cornering. For versatile, everyday use, the Aventura Core offers a balanced blend of rolling efficiency and predictable grip across tarmac, hardpack and gravel roads. Finally, the Aventura Grezzo Core provides confidence on loose and rugged terrain, featuring an aggressive tread for enhanced traction in sand and soft surfaces, while its chained centre tread maintains efficiency on harder ground.
The Aventura Core Series will be available starting 1 February 2026. The Aventura Seta Core comes in 40, 45 and 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Core is offered in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. The Aventura Grezzo Core is available in 50-584 and 40, 45, 50-622 sizes. Colour options include black/black and black/transparent sidewalls.
Nic Knippers, Division Head – Vredestein Two Wheel Tyres, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Aventura Core Series marks an important expansion of our gravel offering within the Vredestein range. By introducing three purpose-designed tyres built on a shared durable foundation, we can better support riders across the full spectrum of gravel terrain – from high-speed racing to off-road exploration and everyday mixed-surface riding.”
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