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)
Discount Tire's Treadwell Data Spotlights Longest-Lasting Truck And SUV Tyres
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Discount Tire has released a new list of the longest-lasting light truck and SUV tyres, drawing on tyre life data from Treadwell, the company's tyre recommendation tool available to all consumers. Treadwell is powered by millions of real-world tyre mileage and tread depth readings along with independent testing at Treadwell Research Park.
The list identifies 10 tyre models for light truck and SUV drivers that exceed a 70,000-mile median lifespan under normal driving conditions. Every tyre carrying a listed limited treadwear warranty also surpasses its manufacturer warranty by more than 10,000 miles.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, American drivers average 13,400 miles per year. On top-performing tyres, a light truck or SUV owner could gain an extra year or more before needing a tyre change. Treadwell's aggregated lifespan figures reflect drivers who properly maintain their tyres, including regular rotations and wheel alignments, with median values collected to 2/32-inch tread – generally considered, and in some states legally mandated as, the minimum viable tread depth. Actual results may vary based on driving location and habits, such as regular highway or all-terrain use.
Discount Tire developed Treadwell using decades of data and independent testing to deliver a hassle-free tool offering personalised tyre recommendations based on where, what and how drivers drive. More than 20 million people used Treadwell online and in stores in the past year.
Dr John Baldwin, Chief Product and Technical Strategist, Discount Tire, said, "If you're driving a light truck or SUV and prioritise getting additional miles of safe driving out of your tyres, Treadwell can be a source of unbiased advice. Our goal is always to be there for our customers when and where they need tyres, which is why Treadwell is available online and used each day in our stores to empower drivers to find the best tyres for their vehicle."
Plaza Tire Service Adds Mattoon Store To Growing Illinois Footprint
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Plaza Tire Service, a prominent tyre and automotive service provider in the Midwest and member of the Sun Auto Network, has expanded its footprint with a new store in Mattoon, Illinois. The addition strengthens the company's presence in the state and offers drivers throughout Central Illinois improved access to trusted tyre and vehicle maintenance services.
The Mattoon location provides motorists with a convenient destination for tyres, preventive maintenance and automotive repair. Customers can choose from an extensive inventory of leading tyre brands while accessing a full range of services, including oil changes, brake service, batteries, alignments, steering and suspension repair and other routine maintenance.
Plaza Tire Service emphasises selection, convenience and value through its Price Match Guarantee and signature 4 Tires in 1 Hour Guarantee, with broad in-stock inventory available for same-day installation. Founded in Missouri in 1963, the company has become one of the Midwest's largest tyre and automotive service providers, operating across five states while combining regional heritage with the resources of the more than 600-location Sun Auto Network.
Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, Sun Auto Tire & Service, said, "We're excited to bring Plaza Tire Service to Mattoon and introduce more drivers to the convenience, value and trusted service that have defined our brand for more than 60 years. This location allows us to serve the community with the tyre expertise, same-day service and comprehensive automotive care that customers have come to expect from Plaza Tire Service."
Bridgestone Unveils BATTLAX ADVENTURE A42 Motorcycle Tyre
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Bridgestone has unveiled the BATTLAX ADVENTURE A42, an adventure motorcycle tyre slated for sequential release across global markets beginning 1 January 2027. Conceptualised as the answer to road-going adventurers, the tyre targets riders who predominantly stay on pavement, aiming to blend peace of mind, economy and comfort. Whether navigating city streets, expressways or winding roads, it seeks to harmonise wet performance and wear life while curbing ride noise to support comfortable long-distance touring.
Adventure motorcycles are prized for their versatility, spanning urban commuting to extended travel. In Europe, demand for tyres in this segment has climbed 45 percent over the past decade. Bridgestone originally addressed this growing category with the BATTLAX ADVENTURE A41 in December 2017, responding to rider priorities such as wet-weather grip during sudden downpours, wear resistance and long-haul comfort.
The new A42 builds on that foundation with measurable gains in three areas. Under straight-line acceleration, tyre slip ratio drops 14 percent versus the prior model, aiding stability in rain. Wear life extends by 18 percent at the front and 25 percent at the rear. A larger contact patch enhances stability and comfort, and internal testing showed a 15 percent reduction in tyre noise.
These improvements stem from new tread compounds, an adventure-inspired tread pattern and optimised construction that carries forward core BATTLAX lineage details with materials tailored to road-oriented adventure bikes. The front compound employs a flexible polymer for road grip, while the rear uses a polymer boosting wear resistance and mileage – both feature tuned silica and carbon content. The aggressive yet refined pattern, inheriting the latest BATTLAX design language, incorporates Pulse Groove water drainage technology and a revised groove layout that raises pattern stiffness, balancing wet performance, wear life and quietness.
Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 And Quatrac Excel In Three German All-Season Tyre Tests
- By TT News
- October 23, 2026
Apollo Tyres Ltd's premium Vredestein brand has reinforced its all-season reputation after the Quatrac Pro 2 and Quatrac delivered strong results across three German group tests by Auto Bild, Auto Bild Allrad and Auto Motor und Sport, with the Quatrac Pro 2 earning Exemplary ratings in both Auto Bild evaluations and the Quatrac securing a Very good rating and a Price Performance recommendation from Auto Motor und Sport.
Auto Bild placed the Quatrac Pro 2 joint second in size 225/45 R 17. Thirty tyres entered wet and dry braking qualification, with 15 advancing to full testing in a Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI. The tyre produced the best snow performance, with the shortest snow braking distance at 25 metres from 50 kmph, the fastest snow handling at 55.6 kmph and the highest snow slalom lateral acceleration at 2.51 m/s². It recorded the second shortest wet braking distance at 42.8 metres from 100 kmph and the lowest pass-by noise at 69.6 dB(A).
In Auto Bild Allrad's SUV test, the Quatrac Pro 2 finished joint second among 12 products in size 225/55 R 18 on a MINI Countryman, recording the shortest wet braking distance at 51.8 metres from 100 kmph and strong aquaplaning results, sharing second in the snow slalom at 4.70 m/s², recording joint third snow braking at 25.9 metres from 50 kmph, ranking fourth in dry braking at 39.4 metres from 100 kmph and achieving the lowest pass-by noise at 68.2 dB. Launched this year, the Quatrac Pro 2 covers 17- to 24-inch rims, with widths up to 355mm, speed ratings up to 300 kmph and high-load options, while its longitudinal and directional groove tread supports an A wet grip rating.
Auto Motor und Sport tested the Quatrac in size 195/55 R 16 on a Hyundai i20, where it stopped in 30.4 metres from 80 kmph on wet roads, recorded the second fastest wet handling at 88.5 kmph and ranked third in the wet circle at 7.71 m/s². On dry roads the Quatrac recorded the second fastest handling at 115.9 kmph, with testers noting agile steering and stability in avoidance manoeuvres, while it showed balanced snow handling at 88 kmph. Vredestein has been recognised for all-season tyres since the 1990s and now offers one of the market's most comprehensive portfolios.
Yves Pouliquen, Vice President, Commercial EMEA at Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Drivers choosing all-season tyres want confidence that they can cope with changing conditions throughout the year. These independent test results demonstrate the strength of our all-season range, from the Quatrac for mid-sized family cars and SUVs, to the Quatrac Pro 2 optimised for high-performance vehicles of all types. These products are the result of enduring commitment to the all-season category, as well as our focus on designing and developing tyres in Europe to meet the needs of European drivers.”
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT