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), the world's largest fully integrated natural rubber enterprise and a leading Thai rubber glove manufacturer, has announced a significant strategic diversification through its subsidiary, Sri Trang Rubber and Plantation Company Limited. The new initiative, named the ‘Sri Trang Palm Growing a Sustainable Future’ project, represents a major step in bolstering the group's long-term business resilience and expanding its operational portfolio.

The project entails a substantial investment exceeding THB 60 million (approximately USD 1.80 million) to pilot oil palm cultivation across a total of 1,461 rai of land, which will accommodate approximately 28,072 trees. These planting areas are strategically located across five key provinces, including Chonburi, Rayong, Sa Kaeo, Surat Thani and Songkhla. The group is implementing its Asset Optimisation strategy, integrating modern agricultural technologies and adhering to its core ESG principles to guide the project's development, with the first harvest anticipated to commence by 2029.

This foray into the palm oil sector is designed to strengthen the Sri Trang Group’s overall business capabilities and enhance portfolio resilience, laying a robust foundation for sustainable long-term expansion. The initiative seeks to maximise the use of existing resources and operational networks while capitalising on new business opportunities, all while maintaining a strong commitment to community, social and environmental responsibility.

A formal kick-off event was held on 19 June 2026, in Sadao District, Songkhla Province, to mark the project's official commencement. The ceremony saw the active participation of company executives and employees, who together planted the first palm tree, symbolising the group's dedication to building a sustainable new venture and generating lasting value for both society and the environment.

Veerasith Sinchareonkul, Chief Executive Officer, Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited, said, “The ‘Sri Trang Palm Growing a Sustainable Future’ project reflects the Group’s commitment to leveraging organisational potential and optimising the use of the Group’s resources, based on the Asset Optimisation concept. This involves developing the Group’s land to create long-term added value while growing responsibly alongside our communities and creating lasting value for society and the environment. For Sri Trang, this project is not just about expanding into a new cash crop but a significant step in creating shared value for all sectors. It promotes employment, creates jobs, supports the local economy and lays the foundation for stable and sustainable growth in the future. The palm trees planted through this initiative symbolise the Group’s intention to grow alongside the community and pass on a sustainable future to society in the long term.”

Udom Pruksanusak, Chief Executive Officer (Plantation), Sri Trang Rubber & Plantation Company Limited, said, “Sri Trang prioritises a systematic approach to developing its palm oil business, from site selection and the use of quality seedlings to plantation planning and modern agricultural management. In the first phase of planting, the largest proportion of the initial investment has been allocated to Songkhla Province, accounting for 43 percent of the total planting area, as it is suitable in terms of climate conditions, rainfall patterns, infrastructure readiness and connection to the Group's operational and logistics network, which will help maximise the efficiency of plantation management.

“In addition, the project operates under the ESG principles, focusing on sustainable land management, soil and water conservation and the application of technology and innovation, such as geographic information system (GIS), drone technology for agricultural operations, digital field monitoring systems and data-driven decision-making, to maximise operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and support the sustainable development of surrounding communities. The Group expects to begin commercial harvesting within approximately three years, or around 2029, and will closely monitor the growth trends of the palm trees, the productivity of the selected palm varieties and the overall performance in order to consider development guidelines and opportunities for further expansion of planting areas.”

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Maxion Wheels has graduated the first Indian cohort of its Formare vocational education programme and launched a second intake, marking the expansion of the initiative into Asia.

The programme, introduced in India in 2024 through a partnership between the Iochpe Foundation of Brazil and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), combines classroom education with practical manufacturing training for students from underprivileged communities.

Twenty-six students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, with 23 completing the programme and receiving a diploma in Manufacturing Technology. Those who continue for a third year at SPPU will be eligible for a university graduation certificate.

According to Maxion Wheels, 87 percent of the graduates will begin their professional careers at the company's Pune operations.

"The graduation of our first Formare class in India is a proud and meaningful achievement, both for our students and for Maxion Wheels," said Sutheep Ratnabhas, President of Maxion Wheels' Asia Business Unit. "This programme reflects our belief that investing in education and skills development can transform lives while strengthening our communities and our business. We are especially encouraged and fortunate to see these young professionals beginning their careers with us."

The company also inaugurated the programme's second cohort, comprising 27 students, including six women, who account for 22 percent of the intake.

The ceremony at SPPU was attended by Mark Sinar, Vice President, Global Human Resources and Safety & Sustainability at Maxion Wheels, Rahul Vaidya, Managing Director of Kalyani Maxion Wheels, university representatives and the families of graduating and incoming students.

Graduates described the programme's impact on their personal and professional development.

"Formare has given me the confidence, skills, and opportunity to build a better future for myself and my family," said Aman Mulla. "I am proud to start my career with Maxion Wheels and excited for what lies ahead."

Abha Kamble said: "This programme opened doors I never thought possible. The combination of learning and hands-on experience has prepared us for real-world challenges."

Originally established by Brazil's Iochpe Foundation, the Formare programme has operated for more than three decades and has trained more than 28,000 young people. Maxion Wheels said it plans to introduce the programme in Türkiye later this year.

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Continental has transformed its European Roadshow into a long-term customer engagement platform, scheduled to traverse the continent through 2027. The initiative delivers the company’s newest commercial vehicle tyre technologies, trailer solutions and digital services directly to fleet operators. Following successful kick-off events in the Czech Republic and Denmark, the mobile tour is set to visit Norway and Finland, with further destinations to be announced.

This expanded programme underscores Continental’s strategic commitment to deepening customer ties through direct interaction. The initiative directly addresses critical fleet management concerns, including total cost of ownership, operational efficiency and the ongoing digitalisation of transport logistics. The company aims to position itself as a partner in solving real-world operational challenges.

Central to the roadshow is the Showtruck, a mobile consultation and demonstration hub that allows fleets to experience Continental’s portfolio within their local markets. Attendees navigate themed stations that link product innovations to practical fleet applications and everyday operational hurdles. A primary focus is the Generation 5 tyre portfolio, engineered for enhanced mileage, reduced rolling resistance and superior durability, alongside trailer tyre options and a preview of the upcoming Conti Efficient Pro HT 5.

The roadshow also highlights ContiConnect, a digital tyre monitoring system that supplies real-time data and actionable intelligence to support predictive maintenance and increase operational transparency. Traveling thousands of kilometres across Europe through 2027, the platform engages fleet operators, logistics firms, dealers and industry partners. By merging products, digital services and technical expertise, Continental reinforces its dedication to efficient, digitally connected transport solutions, with additional tour dates to be revealed.

Ivonne Bierwirth, Head of Marketing Communications – EMEA, Continental, said, "Fleet operators are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, control operating costs and meet evolving industry requirements. The Roadshow allows us to engage directly with customers and demonstrate how our tyre technologies, digital solutions and expertise can help them address these challenges in their daily operations."

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Tyres Europe and the Association of Synthetic Amorphous Silica Producers (ASASP) have released a joint position paper on synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) in tyre manufacturing. The document highlights SAS as a critical component that improves wet grip, reduces rolling resistance and supports durability, thereby enhancing vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, electric vehicle range and lowering use-phase emissions.

A proposed harmonised classification for SAS is under consideration. Though not an outright ban, the industry warns it would likely compel manufacturers to phase out SAS during design rather than manage exposure, effectively bypassing practical risk controls.

Tyres Europe and ASASP urge regulators to base any action on robust evaluation of SAS properties, exposure conditions, established industrial uses and broader socio-economic impacts on European value chains. Policy measures must reflect these factors to avoid unintended disruptions.

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