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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Sun Auto Tire & Service has reached a major milestone with its new Plaza Tire Service outlet in Bowling Green, Kentucky, officially marking the company's 600th store. Since 2017, the organisation has surged from roughly three dozen locations to a dominant force within the independent tyre and automotive service sector.

The Bowling Green facility offers premium tyre products alongside skilled mounting, alignment, balancing, puncture repair and full mechanical work. Patrons benefit from digital booking and electronic vehicle health reports, all under the firm's philosophy emphasizing transparency and attentive treatment. This launch coincides with the group securing Better Business Bureau (BBB) recognition across its entire portfolio.

Beyond retail, the company is supporting local academic and athletic pursuits. Partnering with the Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Foundation, it has funded two student scholarships. A Drive With Purpose initiative partners with the high school cheerleading squad, with a share of oil change revenue directed to the programme over the coming month.

BBB accreditation denotes adherence to honest dealings and clear communication, offering consumers a reliable benchmark. As Sun Auto celebrates this landmark, its customer pledge and accredited standards demonstrate a sustained commitment to responsible service across its nationwide footprint.

Tony Puckett, Chief Executive Officer, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "This milestone represents far more than a store count. Reaching 600 locations is a testament to the thousands of teammates who deliver exceptional service every day and the customers and communities who trust us with their vehicles. As we continue to grow, our focus remains unchanged: providing clear communication, trusted guidance and expert care through the local brands our customers know and rely on."

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe and Avon Tyres are set to showcase their combined expertise in cruiser, touring and custom motorcycle tyres at the upcoming European Bike Week, one of the continent’s largest gatherings for riders. The event unfolds along the shores of Austria’s Faaker See and routinely draws tens of thousands of enthusiasts with its mix of live entertainment, custom bike displays, demo rides and a broad spectrum of industry exhibitors.

Reinforcing its deep-rooted ties with Harley-Davidson, Dunlop will again sponsor the event’s signature Harley-Davidson Parade. Both tyre manufacturers will occupy separate exhibition spaces, continuing a joint presence at major trade fairs that began after Avon became part of the Goodyear family in 2022. Their stands will feature Dunlop’s co-branded Harley-Davidson tyres and Avon’s expanded Cobra Chrome line for custom cruisers, while Dunlop additionally offers a hospitality bus and the returning Ape Hanger Challenge, where daily winners earn a free set of co-branded tyres.

Earlier this year, Dunlop was named exclusive tyre supplier for the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup, providing racing tyres for the MotoGP-supporting series. Attendees may combine the festival with the 2026 Bagger World Cup finale, scheduled for 19–20 September at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

The 2026 European Bike Week runs from 8–13 September at Faaker See. The Dunlop-sponsored Harley-Davidson Parade is set for 12 September, departing at noon from Rosental Street near the Pogöriacher roundabout and Harley-Davidson sculpture.

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager Motorcycle Europe, Goodyear, said, “Dunlop and Avon have a proud heritage in the cruiser and touring motorcycle segment, and European Bike Week is a fantastic opportunity to meet thousands of passionate riders from across Europe. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stands, where they can discover our biggest ever range of Dunlop and Avon tyres for cruiser, custom and touring bikes, as well as take part in some fun challenges.”

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Kumho Tire USA has introduced the all-new Crugen GT Pro, a premium all-season touring tyre engineered for larger crossovers and SUVs. The latest addition delivers superior ride comfort and confident year-round capability while featuring one of the most robust treadwear warranties in its class. The launch responds to shifting consumer preferences towards larger vehicle platforms.

To commemorate the release, Kumho is offering a promotional incentive through October 31. Customers purchasing a set of four qualifying tyres will receive a USD 80 prepaid Mastercard, applicable to the new Crugen GT Pro and Road Venture HT, AT52 and RT models.

The Crugen GT Pro utilises K-Maxmile technology and a next-generation tread compound to achieve a 20 percent improvement in wear resistance over its predecessor. An optimised contact patch promotes even treadwear, backed by warranties up to 75,000 miles for H- and V-speed rated versions. K-Noise Defender technology and rounded tread block edges reduce resonance and road impacts, lowering interior noise by up to 0.8 decibels.

Reinforced shoulder blocks and a zigzag tread pattern enhance stability and high-speed handling for heavy SUVs and electric vehicles. K-Sipe Control technology and wider lateral grooves improve wet braking and light-snow traction, while Dual Performance Block Technology resists hydroplaning. Available now in 85 sizes from 16 to 22 inches, the Crugen GT Pro covers over 85 percent of the current crossover and SUV market.

Shawn Denlein, President – Sales and Marketing, Kumho Tire USA, said, “As crossovers and SUVs continue to dominate new vehicle sales, today’s drivers expect replacement tyres that combine long tread life, ride comfort and confident all-weather capability. Crugen GT Pro was engineered to deliver the premium performance today's drivers demand at an exceptional value that Kumho is known for.”

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TyreSafe has entered into a formal partnership with Knowsley Council to advance tyre safety awareness among motorists throughout the borough. This collaboration bolsters the council’s broader dedication to enhancing road safety and aligns with its strategic objective of reducing traffic-related harm on local highways.

Under this agreement, TyreSafe will supply practical educational materials that clarify driver responsibilities and guide proper tyre inspection procedures. The initiative is designed to empower road users to detect early warning signs of wear, incorrect pressure or damage, thereby preventing minor issues from escalating into hazardous failures. This educational push complements Knowsley’s existing road safety programmes, which integrate engineering improvements, public information campaigns and enforcement measures.

The urgency of this effort is underscored by recent collision data. Over the five-year period concluding in 2025, Knowsley recorded 945 police-attended road incidents, resulting in 262 casualties classified as killed or seriously injured, including 12 fatalities. With more than one billion vehicle miles travelled across the borough annually, proper vehicle maintenance is critical for safeguarding drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike. Tyres, being the sole contact point between a vehicle and the road surface, are fundamental to effective braking, steering and overall handling.

Regular condition checks are therefore essential, particularly given that regional enforcement operations frequently uncover illegal or defective tyres, which carry severe penalties and elevate accident risks. The TyreSafe-Knowsley partnership will facilitate joint campaigns, community engagement and educational events, ensuring clear tyre safety guidance reaches a wide audience. This initiative forms part of TyreSafe’s broader UK-wide strategy to foster multi-sector collaboration, recognising that lasting reductions in road deaths and serious injuries demand coordinated action across education, enforcement, engineering and vehicle safety standards.

Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said, “Keeping people safe on our roads requires everyone to play their part, and our Vision Zero approach is focused on reducing the risk of people being killed or seriously injured. Making sure vehicles are safe and properly maintained, including their tyres, is an important part of protecting drivers, passengers and other road users. Tyres can have a significant impact on braking, steering and vehicle control, so ensuring they are legal and in good condition should be part of every motorist’s routine. We’re pleased to be partnering with TyreSafe to provide motorists with clear, practical information that supports our wider road safety work and helps people make safer choices on Knowsley’s roads.”

Stuart Lovatt, Chair at TyreSafe, said, “Tyre safety has an important role to play in keeping everyone using Knowsley’s roads safe. Whether someone is making a short local journey or covering significant distances, ensuring their tyres are legal, correctly inflated and in good condition is essential. Simple, regular checks can help motorists identify problems before they become a risk. We’re delighted to partner with Knowsley Council. Their commitment to Vision Zero and their work to improve safety across the borough makes this a particularly valuable partnership. By working together, we can raise awareness of tyre safety among road users and support the council’s wider efforts to make Knowsley’s roads safer.”

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